A
Anonymous12/21/25, 04:40No.2854662Winter Hiking
Is there anything I should know to deal with winter conditions hiking? I've never been hiking with a significant amount of snow or ice, but am planning to do some in January in the Appalachians around VA, WV, MD, and/or PA.
70
Replies
A
Anon12/21/25, 04:45No.2854663
you will need yak trax or micro spikes for your boots
recommend a balaclava
I guess snowshoes if its deep snow but that's not super likely but you are gonna go really slowly if there's more than a few inches of snow or you are meandering around iceelleber knob is open until the end of Feb (gate) and you can drive right to the top if you have proper tires and 4wd
A
Anon12/21/25, 05:06No.2854666
Microspikes are fantastic. I've heard that Hillsounds have a more aggressive treat but they're also prone to balling more than Kahtoolas, I've only used Kahtoola so I can't speak on other brands from personal experience. Snowshoes are also extremely helpful, and it's considerate to other hikers to wear them instead of cratering the trail with postholes. Modern snowshoes aren't very heavy either, just make sure you get ones with the heel lifter bar for going uphill. I think some parts of the Appalachians require snowshoes if there's more than a few inches of snow on the ground.
>Is there anything I should know to deal with winter conditions hiking?
It's paradise. The stakes are somewhat higher than summer hiking, so use your better judgement and if the weather is hairy stay below the treeline. Days are much shorter, you absolutely need to have a light source and start earlier than in the summer. It's important to stay dry, don't overdress and sweat; bring an extra base and mid layer in case though.
A
Anon12/21/25, 13:04No.2854699
>for trails with icy sections or hard packed-down snow
Yaktrax are more suitable for flat paths (think icy sidewalks or bike paths).
Microspikes are the way to go on icy/packed hiking trails with easy-to-moderate slopes. Katoolah is the standard brand.
Trail crampons are preferable for steeper slopes (an example in your region is some of the more hardcore routes in Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania). Hillsound is the standard brand for these.
Proper crampons with frontpoints probably won't be needed in that region unless you're ice climbing up waterfalls in Northern PA or adjacent parts of NY (Catskills, Finger Lakes).>for areas with snow on the ground
I'll usually put snowshoes on if there's over a half-foot of snow on the ground. You can see "current" snow depth levels here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r05/publication/R5_SnowDepth_Map.html
I put "current" in quotes because this map is usually 24-48 hours behind. I always cross-reference with radar maps to see if any weather systems have passed through recently.
Always carry snowshoes if you think you *may* need them. Better to carry the extra weight and not need them than wish you had them in the middle of your hike.
You probably won't be doing any backcountry winter hiking right away, but if you find yourself doing that in the future, it would be worth investing in a mini handsaw for self-rescue in case you fall into a spruce trap and get your snowshoes caught in branches. You don't want to be stuck in place on a frigid day, in a backcountry area with no cell service. Don't ask me how I know this.Speaking of cell service, Caltopo has a cell coverage layer that will tell you if service will be unavailable in the area you're hiking. The large national forest where I got stuck had no cell coverage so calling for rescue wasn't an option.(continued)
A
Anon12/22/25, 07:24No.2854842
2854662 (OP) #
WARM, waterproof boots are a must. If you plan to hike on a mountain, microspikes are a must (they can be handy on any frozen terrain).
If you expect snow deeper than your boots go, get gaiters. Snow WILL otherwise get into your waterproof boots, turn to water and ruin your day.
A
Anon12/22/25, 13:10No.2854871
I don't trust yaktrax at all, they're probably fine for urban stuff like shoveling out an icy driveway but I want proper spikes for backcountry. Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons for shoulder season (late fall and early spring) and Kahtoola K-10's for the dead of winter. Always carry snowshoes and poles, they aren't that heavy and if you need them you really need them. Feeling your spikes crunch into the ice and take is a great sense of security.
A
Anon12/22/25, 15:27No.2854895
you need proper shoes. Always take a way to make fire, whistle, and multiple light sources, at least one with signaling. you should be prepared for temps around 30 degrees lower than you plan to see which usually means one extra layer.know where you're going. be careful ice is slick. not required but most of us who do real winter hiking take a gps tracker with the ability to SOS. You slip and break a leg, you're in real trouble if a storm rolls in 8 hours later and you're buried.
A
Anon12/23/25, 04:02No.2854993
The only thing I’m going to add that some of you queers haven’t covered yet is you need to pack a good amount of food. More than you think, and food that doesn’t become a brick when cold. That’s a no for cliff bars. Peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches, pop tarts, leftover pizza have all worked for me in the past. Your body works as a furnace and needs calories to help you stay warm. When I did winter climbs of Katahdin and Mt Washington I probably went through 20 pop tarts and 3 PB sandwiches. You need more than you think
A
Anon12/25/25, 01:43No.2855183
>am planning to do some in January in the Appalachians around VA, WV, MD, and/or PA.
yeahyou're cooked buddy
A
Anon01/03/26, 16:34No.2856301
I constantly have cold feet. They do not only feel cold but are cold to the touch. I suspect it is a circulation or nerve issue.
My shoes are rated per mfg for - 14C, I get cold feet at around 0C while moving. I have insulating insoles.
What, except for health related stuff, can be done to improve the situation? Is it any use slapping more insulation? Would padded gaiters improve the situation or is the bulk of the heat lost through the soles?
A
Anon01/16/26, 18:43No.2857855
I see you just mentioned hiking. Be careful in the winter time though. Understand that it gets very cold at night and often windy. If you decide to camp overnight you need a very good inflatable pad to keep you off of the frozen ground. The ground will wick all of the heat away from your body because your body weight will crush the insulating material you are laying on.
- quality inflatable sleeping pad
- quality sleeping bag
- quality tent
- suitable layers of clothing. Seems easy enough until you get caught in a rain shower on a 35 degree day with wind.
- food
- water