SKILLS,TIPS,&TRACKS TO GET YOU HIKEKING LIKE PRO
[HOW TO]
DO check the weather forecastsfor your intended area and prepare appropriately. Winter in the UK can vary from summer-like conditions with no risk of snow (in which case, winter tools are probably an unnecessary load), to near arctic (when they’re vital). layer.
DOSweat cools you down rapidly and this can be more of an issue in winter when you can easily overheat as you power uphill, only to step into a sharp, cold wind when you reach the top. Make sure you can adjust your layering system to stay at a comfortable temperature throughout.
DO load up on food. Low temperatures, increased concentration and the more taxing or complex work of moving over snow and ice mean you will plough through the calories. Ensure you bring plenty of food along, with some easily digestible, high energy snacks like Jelly Babies.
DO bring a flask and putsomething tasty in it. A big glug of cold water on a freezing day isn’t very appealing and makes dehydration that much more likely, so bring something that you’ll look forward to drinking, like hot blackcurrant or honey and lemon, or something else sweet and hydrating.
DO check your crampons are in good nick when getting them out for the first time. If needed, sharpen the points with a medium flat file, filing in the direction of the points, and carry them in a padded case to prevent the spikes shredding the rest of your kit.
DO check your ice axecarefully for damage, particularly fine cracks which can be a point of weakness. File the point with a medium flat file if needed and strap it securely to
DO the outside of your pack.layer your gloves, with a lightweight device-friendly pair underneath a thicker, waterproof set.
DO ensure your dry-bags ares till in good condition. Check the taping on the inside and either patch any points of weakness or replace the bags if they’re past repair. In winter, a spare, dry, insulated layer can be a literal lifesaver.
DON’T forget to charge all your devices fully before you leave. Power can drain quickly in the cold, so bring extra batteries or a fully charged.
DON’T forget the sun lotion. Sunlight reflects off snow on a bright day, putting you at double risk of sunburn.
