Saturday, March 10, 2012

What type of clothes for hiking?

I'm going on an expedition in Utah in order to census wildlife and map game trails this January. So what clothes will I need since I will be hiking in cold, unpredictable weather and steep, slippery paths for 5-6 hours a day? What type of clothes for hiking?
Utah has a variety climates and terrains. If you are going be in mountain country covered by snow, you might dress like a snowmobiler. Snow pants, wool socks, layers of clothing, warm hat and thermo gloves. Insulated snow boots keep your feet warm. It is important to avoid cotton clothing, which once it gets wet you'll lose all your body heat. It is important to have good sunglasses or you'll get snow blindness. If you are going in snow country; bring a pair of snowshoes %26amp; poles. Also, a small snow shovel.

You might even consider an avalanche beacon.



In Utah deserts, you might dress lighter for more mobility.

Make sure you stay dry. You might use your hiking shoes if they have good traction on sandstone and mud. It might be good to bring a good pair of hiking poles, to keep you from slipping. If you use regular hiking boots you may need to double up wickdry or wool socks. A wickdry base layer, will keep you dryer from you sweat.



A wet down jacket loses body heat. A good coat made with a wool liner will keep you warmer.



A one burner stove can provide instant heat without matches, even in stormy weather.














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