How to Stay Warm on Winter Adventures – Gadgets & Gear
How to Stay Warm on Winter Adventures – Gadgets & Gear | AD
We are about halfway through winter now. Have you been out much this winter? It’s definitely harder to get out when the weather is wet and cold but nature can be so beautiful in the winter too. As long as you are dressed right for the weather and head out prepared with any cold weather gear that you might need, you can still have an amazing time hiking during the winter months.
Here in the UK, winter weather can vary from quite mild to slightly below zero. It can be rainy, it can be windy, it can snow, or you might even get lucky with some blue skies and winter sunshine. Before you head out, check the forecast and pick your gear accordingly. In this blog post, I will share gadgets and gear that I find essential on winter oudoor adventures.
Warmer Clothing
Naturally, you need warmer clothing in winter. A warm hat, winter hiking gloves, a warmer hiking jacket, midlayers that can be adjusted easily, and warm socks are some of my essentials. If it’s going to be windy, very cold, or you’re heading up a mountain, then a fleece balaclava or a snood is a great way to keep your face warm too.
I wear the same hiking boots all year round no matter what the weather as they are suitable for all seasons and all weathers. Make sure yours are warm enough and waterproof! It’s always wise to re-waterproof your boots before any outings in wet or snowy weather. I do opt for thicker merino wool socks in wintery conditions though.
If it’s very cold and or wet, it’s a good idea to wear waterpoof hiking trousers or rain trousers over your regular trousers or leggings. I often wear fleece-lined winter leggings but if it’s really cold, I add an extra layer. Ensure any extra layers are easy to remove or add and that your backpack is large enough to store everything.
Rechargable Hand Warmers
A new addition to my winter hiking set up is the OCOOPA UT4 Extreme rechargable hand warmer. This is a great hand warmer but it’s more than that too. It’s a durable gadget designed for extreme conditions. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof – ideal for hikers, campers, and adventurers.
To warm your hands up, activate the heat mode. The dual-sided heating elements warm up instantly! There are three different main heating levels and an extra heat mode for very cold conditions.
The OCOOPA UT4 Extreme has a 10,000mAh battery which offers up to 16 hours of continuous warmth, or 6 hours on the extra heat mode. It also has a built-in SOS torch and can be used as a power bank to charge your phone or other devices. It also comes with a nylon strap for easy portability.
OCOOPA have lots of other reusable handwarmers too, such as the OCOOPA UT2S Magnetic Hand Warmers. They come in a set of two so that you can warm both hands at the same time more easily.
Warm Breaks
When you are walking and moving around, it’s not that hard to stay warm but when you stop for a bit, you quickly cool down. When you stop for a little break, do what you can to stay warm. Use your handwarmers, sit down on a waterproof insulated seat pad if you want a rest, add a layer, and warm up from the inside with a warm drink or soup. For cold weather adventures, a Thermos flask can make a huge difference. Fill it with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soup or whatever you like.
Warming up from the inside is a great trick for warming up properly. A good quality flask should keep warm drinks warm for anything from 6 to 24 hours. It depends on the type of bottle, how big it is, how often you open it, and so on. You can also help it retain heat for longer by pre-heating the flask with hot water before adding your drink, filling it fully, and keeping the lid on as much as possible.
The above items area great winter additions to your regular day hiking set-up and will help you stay warm on your adventures in cold weather.
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