PRACTICAL HIKING and BIKING TIPS
Watch the Weather
Before you leave home, check the day's forecast. If rain or wet snow
is a possibility, consider calling off the trip. Even the best rain
gear won't keep its wearer entirely dry. Wet combined with cold spells
real danger. If you're on the trail in chilly weather and rain clouds
gather, or if a steady drizzle starts, turn around.
Exercise similar respect for wind. The temperature may be a balmy
40°F, but a mere 10 mph wind can effectively turn that 40 degrees into
a frigid 28 degrees on exposed skin.
Keep Your Trips Short
In winter, and especially in snow, everything takes longer. A foot of
snow can more than double the time and energy it takes to hike a given
distance. Add kids and a few of winter's distractions—animal tracks,
snowball fights, icicles, etc.—and you may as well double the time
again. A tired child (or adult) loses body heat faster and can become
hypothermic more easily.
Also, if someone becomes injured or ill or overly chilled, or if
unexpected harsh weather breaks, you won't want to be more than an
hour's walk to help and shelter. This holds true for bikers,
cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers, too. Never assume that the
transportation that carries you into the winter landscape will be
functioning long enough to carry you out. Always measure your
emergency return path in leg miles.
Follow the Trail
Easier said than done when the trail is obscured by leaves or snow.
Keep an extra-careful eye out in cold weather for trail signs and
blazes. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Winter is
the worst of times to wander from the trail.
Always Bring Matches or a Lighter
Better yet, put a full-blown commercial survival kit in your day pack
just in case. But never leave home without at least a flame source for
starting an emergency fire. A few paraffin- soaked firestarter sticks,
such as those sold for charcoal grills, can be a big help too.
Use Extra Caution Around Water
In cold air, even a single soaked foot or pant leg from an accidental
plunge at a small stream or creek crossing can be trouble. Don't
assume that ice is thick enough to walk on. Don't assume that stepping
stones aren't slick or won't shift. Don't assume that little legs will
be able to jump all the way across the creek.
Remember, water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than
air. This makes a good case for carrying spare socks, at the least. If
you can't replace soaked shoes or clothing with dry, head for home.