How to Keep Warm on Winter Walks
Although we might be celebrating the nights slowly getting shorter and the weather gradually getting warmer and warmer, there is still a lot of cold weather ahead of us, especially here in the England. However, this is no excuse to hibernate, there are still plenty of fun outdoor activities you can partake in during the colder months, you just have to be prepared for the challenges the weather brings.
A walk through a park or a hike up a mountain is an amazing opportunity to not only work on your physical and mental health, but the cold weather also brings a whole different range if wildlife, plants and animals that aren’t as common or as visible during the summer. A walk that you have taken 100 times in the summer will look completely different this time of year, so it is well worth facing the cold to go out and see some sights. Not to mention, there is not a more rewarding feeling than returning home or reaching your destination of a café or a pub after a walk in the cold.
However, as previously stated, taking a walk in January or February isn’t going to be fun if you aren’t prepared, so here are our top tricks and tips on how to keep warm on your winter walks.
Layering
Wearing multiple layers of clothes is very important, not only because it is the most efficient way of keeping warm, but also because it makes temperature regulation a lot easier. Once you have been walking for a bit and you have built up a bit of a sweat, you might want to take off one or two layers.
It is recommended to wear three layers, each with different functions.
Base Layer-
Your base layer should be a tight fitting under shirt, preferably something water resistant that doesn’t absorb any sweat and keeps you feeling dry and cool.
Mid Layer-
Your mid layer should be something that traps body heat, a fleece, a hoodie or jumper is a good mid layer.
Outer layer-
Also known as the shell layer, this layer is meant to keep the wind and rain from getting to your other layers. A light-weight waterproof jacket works well. and on your bottom half, specialised weather-proof walking trousers are preferable to jeans or jogging bottoms.
Look after your extremities
Your head, fingers and feet are where you lose the most heat, so it is vital you keep them warm and toasty.
A woolly hat or a hood is the best way to keep your head warm. Something that keeps your ears covered is also a bonus, this is the first accessory that you want to take off if you start to feel too warm and want to regulate your body temperature, as you can quickly loose a lot of heat through your head.
Covering your hands is important too, so invest in a good pair of gloves, just remember that If you are planning on taking photographs or using a digital map on your phone then you should opt for fingerless gloves or look into specialist touch-screen-compatible gloves.
Investing in a good pair of walking boots or trainers will be one of the best ways to make walking in all weather a lot more comfortable. For winter you want to make sure you have opted for something with a lot of tread so that you aren’t at risk of slipping on ice or snow, and waterproof, as walking with wet feet in the cold can lead to blisters and even infections such as trench foot and athlete’s foot.
Socks are a vital part of bundling up warm for a winter walk. It is important to make sure that your sock are of a high quality material and are not only warm but also comfortable for all-day wear.
The Peper Harow boot socks are built with this in mind. The length is design to work with any length of boot, they are made with 39% ThermoCool Wool and feature a cushioned sole for comfort during long walks.
For the more casual or beginner walker, it is still important to have warm pair of socks. If you are simply trying to get a few extra steps in this winter but have found your feet getting cold, then you might want to try cashmere. The Peper Harow cotton and cashmere blend was designed to bring together luxury, comfort and warmth for any weather.
Keep warm from the inside out
Especially on a longer hike, its is vital that you keep up your energy and stamina, and for this your body needs fuel.
Having a hot drink is an amazing way to keep you feeling warm, so packing a thermos of tea, coffee or hot coco is a very smart idea.
You may also wish to bring along food with you if you are planning on being out for more than a few hours. Slow-release carbohydrates are the best food to keep you feeling full and energised for a long period of time, this includes foods such as oats, grains, nuts as well as fruit and vegetables.
In conclusion
There is no reason to miss out on all of the fun and health benefits that walking brings, even when it’s cold out, if you plan ahead and dress correctly you will soon be wondering why you ever used to dislike the cold in the first place.