Winter clothing essentials for hiking kids

The following article was originally written for and appeared in Seattle Backpackers Magazine.

Winter’s arrival doesn’t mean you have to put away the hiking boots and trekking pole and bust out the video games and Blu-ray until spring returns. Many trails in northern and mountainous climates remain open – and if you dress properly for them, you won’t get chilled or wet at all.

More clothes alone won’t be enough for a winter hike, however. To ensure your children stay comfortable and safe from the elements, you instead have to dress smart.

Dress in layers
You and your children should wear multiple layers of clothing that provide various levels of protection against sweat, heat loss, wind and potentially snow. Layering works because the type of clothing you select for each stratum serves a different function, such as wicking moisture or shielding against wind. In addition, trapped air between each layer of clothing is warmed by body heat. Layers also can be added or taken off as needed.

Generally, both you and your children need four layers in winter.

Closest to your skin is the wicking layer, which pulls perspiration away from the body and into the next layer, where it evaporates. Exertion from walking means you will sweat and generate heat, even if the weather is cold. Long johns and a long-sleeved short, made of a moisture-wicking synthetic material like polypropylene, works best. Wear wool socks that will better wick moisture from the feet.

The second layer is for insulation to help keep you warm. This layer probably should also cover the neck, which often is exposed to the elements. A turtleneck works fine, but preferably not one made of cotton, as this won’t wick moisture from the skin when you sweat.

The next layer also provides insulation. Depending on the temperature, it could be a wool sweater, a half-zippered long sleeved fleece jacket, or a fleece vest.

A fourth layer would be a hooded parka with pockets and snow pants, both made of material that can block wind and resist water, which in winter can come in the form of rain, wind, snow and sleet. Ensure boots also are waterproof so snow and moisture can’t get inside them. Getting wet lowers the body temperature, raising the risk of hypothermia, so waterproof material is a necessity.

Why pockets in that parka? It’s a great place to store some extra tissue paper and lip balm. And should you need to take off a mitten or a glove, you can stuff it in the pocket rather than under the arm, where it likely will fall into the snow and get wet.

Don’t forget accessories
Stocking caps, mittens and scarves all are needed, even on sunny days, as winter air largely is dry and holds warmth poorly. Mittens work better than gloves because fingers remain next to one another so there is less of a “shoreline” along a hand for the cold to erode the body’s heat.

In addition, sunglasses are a must when snow covers the ground. Without it, children risk suffering from snow blindness, especially on sunny days.

Stay preventative
Always put on clothes before kids start shivering. Once cold and wet, no amount of clothing can reverse that condition.

Keep change of clothes in vehicle
Kids being kids, some will find a way on a hike to get wet despite your best efforts. Dry clothes they can change into in a warm vehicle after the hike will make the drive home comfortable.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

How to pack for your very first hike with kids

Error on the side of going light when day hiking.
Photo courtesy of Petr Kratochvil. 

If you’re new to day hiking with kids (or hiking at all), you’ll probably find that the most difficult hike to pack for is the first one. As you’re not quite certain what to bring, your tendency is to either way overpack or way underpack.

Go seek advice from a hiking guidebook, and you’ll find each author has a slightly different take on what to pack. That’s because everyone has somewhat different needs and creature comforts. What is a throwaway for one hiking parent may be an absolute necessity for you and your children.

Don’t worry: The first couple of hikes are an opportunity to figure out what you need and what you don’t.

Begin by going through the lists of what to pack in three or four hiking books. Write down what all lists have in common; these items probably include a backpack, trekking pole, canteens, walking shoes, layered clothing, first-aid kit, map, and compass, to name a few objects.

Make a second list for the items that aren’t recommended in every hiking book – these items probably include binoculars, head lamps, cords, emergency blankets – and decide if you want to carry them or not. Error on the side of going light, especially if you haven’t gone hiking in a while (or maybe never at all, shame on you!).

Then adjust on the second trip, adding items that you need. But don’t subtract anything!

After going on three or four hikes, review the list of items that not every hiking book recommended. If you haven’t used those items, seriously consider removing them from your load to help lighten it.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

How to prevent, treat hypothermia in kids

Avoid hypothermia by not getting wet.
Photo courtesy of kangotraveler / Photoree.

The opposite of heat exhaustion, when a child has hypothermia, the body can’t maintain its normal temperature. Our normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees; when it falls just 1.6 degrees, we can start to feel negative effects. If the body drops just 3.6 degrees, it can cease to function.Hypothermia happens because heat loss from the body occurs faster than the body can keep up, usually when a person is in wet, cold air or clothes.

You can avoid hypothermia by ensuring your children wear adequate clothing and then layered clothing, including a hat, which can decrease heat loss from body. For infants, change diapers immediately, as the wetness can be a source of chill. Also, eat high energy foods on the hike and drink plenty of fluids. When taking rest stops on cooler days, have kids immediately put on their hats and an extra layer of clothing before they get cold, as it will be difficult for their chilled bodies to play catch up.

If a trip into a lake or stream is part of the hike, carry a bathing suit or swimming trunks. Going into water with jeans will mean wet pants, and hypothermia is possible even on a warm day.

Signs of hypothermia include a loss of normal level of consciousness, loss of normal coordination, uncontrollable shivering, and a slow, weak pulse. Victims usually deny they are cold and even become combative about it. That’s because their body is confused, so they think they are hot.

To treat for hypothermia, change the victim into dry clothing and snuggle to warm them up. You might cover them with a space blanket. Always seek immediate medical assistance. Handle a victim gently as movement increases the heart rate.

Finally, don’t make the error of believing that children can simply keep warm by continuing to walk. By walking, they’re actually expending energy needed to keep warm.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.