Cold weather hiking.

[SkeeterPee]

Today is fairly cold for where I live so I thought I would try some hiking. Its 18F and windy. Windchill is -5f so I could definitely see some issues. Tried with just 2 long sleeve shirts. Seemed pretty cool so tried a puffy vest. Kept the body warm, but arms still cold. Puffy Jacket was too much and I was sweating after 2 miles (with pack).

My felt mittens were not warm enough in the wind, but I used some bread bags and that kept them warm.

The other problem was the face. I was wearing some clear safety glasses to keep out the wind. I had a felt cap and half buff to cover the face. I could pretty much cover everything, but it was not quite warm enough. Also I was fogging up my glasses so much it would have been difficult to hike. It was hard enough seeing to walk on the streets.

What recommendation do you have for these issues? How do you keep from fogging up glasses but fully cover your face?

[Weather-man]

As a younger man I spent quite a bit of time in Northern Norway during the winter, about 2-3 months a year for over 5 years. Some tips...as you know dress down to the point that you're not sweating. What used to work nicely for me was heavy poly pro and heavy gore-tex pants and jacket when moving even in 10-15 degree weather with wind. Colder than that I'd layer in a wool sweater (look for a Norwegian military sweater....great piece of gear). Select gear that has pit zips and the ability to adjust venting.

Take a break about every hour for 10-15 min. Get out of the wind, have a puffy available and a stove to make a quick warm drink. I can't emphasize this enough....staying hydrated through disciplined breaks and getting something warm in your belly makes for a safer and nicer winter experience. For the glasses try moving them a bit farther from your face but the fogging is sort of normal as your body is warm and moist and the environment is ice cold.

I used a neoprene face mask when it was windy cold as well as a wool cap and the hood on the gortex. Thin gloves, Ragg mittens and mitten shells worked well and allowed for dexterity if needed. Use a non water based cream to keep you hands, face and lips from cracking.

Finally, unless you spend a lot of time in the cold it's hard to get used to it. Feeling cold in your arms isn't necessarily a bad or dangerous, particularly if your core, neck and head are covered and you're dry. The reality is that in the weather you described you'll never be perfectly warm unless you're snuggled up in a tent or snow hole in an appropriate bag. When you're out moving around you'll always be a little cold because if not you'll be warm and then sweat, which isn't good.

[Hikingjim]

You just need a lot of layers. If there's elevation change, I will be wearing something quite different climbing than on the way down

For winter day hikes I tend to have a baselayer, middle layer and a windproof/water resistant type layer. How thick each of those are depends on temp

I like my mid layer and outer layer to be full zip so that i can open up/vent as needed. As soon as you get a little bit hot you should vent your jacket. If that doesn't fix it, then your layers are a bit much.

A good hood is important to keep wind back off of you and to take on/off to moderate temperature

I use ski goggles and/or balaclava when it's harsh out.

I disagree that you can't be comfortable in those temps. I enjoy and take my time in all weather, because I have enough gear to stay warm sitting around, and the appropriate gear to not overheat

I wear glasses, but I haven't figured out the fogging issue in certain climates. not a big issue for me in the winter though. I wear contacts when I need to

I do some winter hikes pulling sled, etc, and the group members who have the right clothes love it, and the ones who don't retire to their tent pretty early!

[SkeeterPee]

Thanks for the comments. Forgot to mention I hike in my contacts so I like to wear some sort of eye protection if windy.

[Hikingjim]

Thanks for the comments. Forgot to mention I hike in my contacts so I like to wear some sort of eye protection if windy.

I have never worn eye protection specifically because of contacts and wind. Have you had issues before?

[rocketsocks]

"Cat Crap" anti fog lense cleaner works good for me in the winter keeping glasses clear.

https://www.amazon.com/EK-10003C-Cat-Crap/dp/B002ZNA488

[SkeeterPee]

I have never worn eye protection specifically because of contacts and wind. Have you had issues before?

Yes, I have hard contacts, so perhaps they dry out quicker. Soft are not an option with my prescription. Nor is Lasik.

[egilbe]

I wear otg goggles. They will fog up if im too warm. I try not to get to that point. Balaclava can keep your face warm, as well as growing a beard. A snorkle hood up over your head will give you a warmer microclimate.

[ScareBear]

"Cat Crap" anti fog lense cleaner works good for me in the winter keeping glasses clear.

https://www.amazon.com/EK-10003C-Cat-Crap/dp/B002ZNA488

+1 Cat Crap.

Look into some cheap ski goggles or safety goggles for wind pro. Or, go with some Julbo Glacier Glasses with side curtains...
https://www.zoro.com/dewalt-impct-rs...11/i/G3045734/

[nsherry61]

The first things that came to mind when reading the OP:

1) You needed a wind shell instead of the puffy vest, and may have been fine with just one of those long-sleeved shirts if it had been covered with a wind shell. I am not a fan of water-proof breathable shells as they hold too much moisture when I'm actively working/hiking/skiing. However you look at it, blocking the wind is crucial. Then, you carry your warm puffy in you pack to put on immediately when you stop so maintain your warmth. Then take off the puffy before you start moving again to avoid overheating.

2) Regarding your hands, your bread bags make the point. Blocking the wind is crucial to be able to take advantage of your mid-layer insulation. Having a shell mitt allows you to remove the shell and increase airflow to your hands if you start to overheat.

3) Glasses, cat-crap and all, will pretty much always fog up as soon as you cover your nose with your buff or balaclava or whatever mask you choose. Enough breath escapes up the sides of your nose, not matter what, to do the dirty work. Goggles that fit well and seal well along your cheeks and nose are the only solution I have found to control fogging after my nose is covered. BUT, goggles suck for visibility and comfort and can fog up on their own if you are overexerting yourself, so, until you are forced to cover your nose with some form of mask, use your glasses of choice (some are more prone to fogging than others - catcrap does help a lot). But, as soon as you need to cover up your nose, pull out your goggles and add them to your system. The only other time I wear my goggles is when the wind and snow is blowing so hard that fogging is NOT an issue, just seeing through the snow being blown into my eyes behind my glasses IS the issue.

4) And regarding masks. There are many types out there and everyone has their favorite. You won't know what works best for you until you play around with them. By far, my favorite in all but the most extreme conditions is my merino wool buff. Actually, even in the most extreme conditions, I use my buff, but supplement it. It takes practice to figure out how to get it to work well in all your desired configurations, but its versatility is fantastic.

A standard merino buff is very thin wool, so you can cover yourself without it being too much, or you can double or triple the layers to make it much warmer when conditions are more extreme. For me, with my ninja buff skills, I find my merino wool buff to be the best option until I get into double digit negative temperatures where I may supplement it with a balaclava. I haven't tried the heaver weight fleece/microfiber double thickness buffs yet. But, the more sculpted contours of my balaclava face hole are useful when I can't have even a square cm of skin showing, so I'm not too motivated to change my system at this point.

Whatever you end up with, you are doing it right. You're picking extreme'ish weather to go out and play and practice in. Having your system dialed makes being outside a lot more fun, safe, and easy.

[Engine]

The first things that came to mind when reading the OP:

...Regarding your hands, your bread bags make the point. Blocking the wind is crucial to be able to take advantage of your mid-layer insulation. Having a shell mitt allows you to remove the shell and increase airflow to your hands if you start to overheat.

...A standard merino buff is very thin wool, so you can cover yourself without it being too much, or you can double or triple the layers to make it much warmer when conditions are more extreme. For me, with my ninja buff skills, I find my merino wool buff to be the best option until I get into double digit negative temperatures where I may supplement it with a balaclava. I haven't tried the heaver weight fleece/microfiber double thickness buffs yet. But, the more sculpted contours of my balaclava face hole are useful when I can't have even a square cm of skin showing, so I'm not too motivated to change my system at this point...

True shell mitts are getting VERY hard to find anymore, only a few companies seem to make them. Additionally, they are often labeled as shell mitts, but still have an insulating layer. Many of those that aren't insulated still require seam sealing prior to use, which I was trying to avoid. I had a pair of old OR shell mitts that I loved and somehow one got lost last year. I thought it would be easy to find a replacement, but in the end, I bought a pair of Marmot Precip shell mitts on sale and cut the insulation out of them so they provided just a rain and wind barrier over my fleece gloves.

It's almost silly how much I like my merino Buff, those things are a tremendous piece of gear.

[ScareBear]

True shell mitts are getting VERY hard to find anymore, only a few companies seem to make them. Additionally, they are often labeled as shell mitts, but still have an insulating layer. Many of those that aren't insulated still require seam sealing prior to use, which I was trying to avoid. I had a pair of old OR shell mitts that I loved and somehow one got lost last year. I thought it would be easy to find a replacement, but in the end, I bought a pair of Marmot Precip shell mitts on sale and cut the insulation out of them so they provided just a rain and wind barrier over my fleece gloves.

It's almost silly how much I like my merino Buff, those things are a tremendous piece of gear.

OR still makes a full line of mitts. I used to use Lowe Alpine overmitts, but alas...Lowe sucks these days...

https://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/r...702064013.html

[Ktaadn]

It is just walking. If you are cold, walk faster.

[nsherry61]

True shell mitts are getting VERY hard to find anymore. . .

I was gleeful when I saw these become available this year!!
And, these have been around pretty consistently for a while and look like they may be being either redesigned or discontinued since they are on closeout everywhere.
And, of course, if you're really serious, these continue to be available also.

Of course, if it's really cold, being water proof is not a real need, just wind protection. Heck, you could probably even use a paper bag with a rubber band around your wrist instead of a plastic bag if you could keep it from tearing. Home-made Tyvek mittens anyone?

[FlyPaper]

I avoid cold. I don't even like to watch movies where the characters are cold.

[Engine]

I was gleeful when I saw these become available this year!!
And, these have been around pretty consistently for a while and look like they may be being either redesigned or discontinued since they are on closeout everywhere.
And, of course, if you're really serious, these continue to be available also.

Of course, if it's really cold, being water proof is not a real need, just wind protection. Heck, you could probably even use a paper bag with a rubber band around your wrist instead of a plastic bag if you could keep it from tearing. Home-made Tyvek mittens anyone?

I have pretty serious gout in my hands and keeping them warm is more important to maintaining function than the average hiker. When they get wet and cold, it's profoundly worse, so I view this piece of gear as critical.


Have you tried the REI overmitts? I tried on a pair at the REI store a few months ago and wasn't in love with them. I like a cuff that extends up the wrist. I also looked into the options from some of the cottage manufacturers, but the whole seam sealing thing was common to all of them. I did see that OR still makes them, but they are proud of those things. After removing the insulation I really like the Marmot Precip mitts, they come in at just over 2 ounces for the pair in size large once the lining is gone.

I guess I should have said finding a pair of shell mitts that meet my personal criteria is tough.

[Dogwood]

assuming it's a day hike 18* -5* windchill

it's not wet and I don't want to be wet. I'm not carrying much wt so getting all hardcore itsy bitsy SUL/UL would not be my prioritized aim. If I was in the northeast as the OP is the hike would be about getting out for the day. It'd likely involve a 2 mph or more pace. I'd be generating heat and not taking long breaks. My layering would not likely be static. Adjustments, off, on, zip up, zip down, jacket on, jacket off, hat on, hat off, gloves on, gloves off, ho0d up, hood down chest unzipped all the way, zipped back up....etc

no need for WP shell mitts or bagtex. it's wind and cold that need to be addressed. Windstopper Gloves would be my choice in a med wt. Not any stand alone fleece glove.

before I went anywhere I would define the wind direction. If possible I'd have an itinerary walking with my back to the prevailing wind. It would makes a difference in how I gear up.

No large backpack to help shield from wind and offer a layer of warmth to the backside. Also equals greater venting.

Torso - LS 200-250 wt merino 1.2 zip or Capilene 2 1/2 zip base layer(zip gives venting option), RAB Microlight 820 FP down vest(consideration of wt of the vest is important to address conditions and the base layer choice, also has warm hand pockets should this be my outermost layer, the collar is sealing to wind gusts and comes up to my adam's apple), Arc Teryx Incendo wind jacket(has hood that's another wind cutting head warming option, very good wind protection and better in that regard then the Marmot Dri Clime(old version) or Patagonia Houdini, also since no large backpack additional area of exposed fabric on the back breathability is acceptionally agreeable, it's made for high output activities, I prefer but not critical double zips on wind and rain jackets for venting variety).

Unless I'm hiking into a fierce colder wind I prefer the BUFF and merino beanie combo for the face over a face mask. I find this combo w/ the hood of a wind jacket option like on the Incendo offers far greater versatility then the neoprene face mask. The beanie has to be able to cover my ears and stay there. If not overcast I'd likely have lanyard sunglasses offering the bank robber look.

Instead of insulated pants I'd choose simpler cheaper pants that have some windstopper ability like Columbia Rugged Pass or TNF Motion. If I used a less wind proof pants I may throw on silk wt bottoms underneath. I;d also consider a mid wt stretchy running tights to hike in if I'm looking to go at a quicker pace.

I'd be using crew or ankle ht merino mid wt socks and non WP low cut trail runners.

I'd have in the day pack or on my person some chemical heat packs.

[Dogwood]

mitt shells are an approach I'm not so fond of in windy cold non wet conditions. sometimes people forget that windstopper ability and additional warmth for their hands can be had simply by placing hands into shell pockets or pants pockets. I'm not fond of non permeable bagtex for ft or hands although they cheaply can function impromptu that way on the fly because they trap heat and can lead to damp or wet extremities in the cold something I typically seek to avoid

[nsherry61]

. . . Have you tried the REI overmitts? I tried on a pair at the REI store a few months ago and wasn't in love with them. I like a cuff that extends up the wrist. I also looked into the options from some of the cottage manufacturers, but the whole seam sealing thing was common to all of them. I did see that OR still makes them, but they are proud of those things. . .

I have only tried them on, not used them. I actually have a pair of the OR mitts that I've had for several years and like well enough. But, being a big fan of wearing lighter gloves with over-mitts when needed, and how few of these type pieces are on the market, especially at affordable prices, I tend to keep my eye out for them. I like the simplicity, weight, and price of the REI mitts relative to my OR mitts. I do prefer the fit of my OR mitts, and they are less money than the Arcteryx ones. ;-)

[nsherry61]

. . . no need for WP shell mitts or bagtex. it's wind and cold that need to be addressed. Windstopper Gloves would be my choice in a med wt. Not any stand alone fleece glove. . .

I use wind-stopper gloves on my bicycle. They work great.

But, Windstopper is bulky and less flexible for the same amount of insulation. For hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter, where I am not traveling at 20 mph like on my bike, I like the increased breathability of the mid-weight fleece (love the powerstretch) with the ability to put a shell over them on the occations that I need more warmth and/or wind protection, and then the fleece plus shell is much, much warmer than the windstopper alone.