Sooner or later we’ll have winter. It might not look like it outdoors now, but it’s a pretty sure bet that snow lovers will get their chance to ski, snowshoe trails and climb Maine’s mountains under cold winter skies. There are still three months of winter coming and that’s time enough to review those skills and techniques to make your journey outdoors a comfortable, safe trip.

It starts with clothing. Humans are really poorly adapted to deal with cold temperatures. Our skin, lacking fur, needs protection. Most hikers are familiar with layering. But, some know enough to be dangerous, mainly to themselves. In case you’re not aware of how to layer your outerwear, here’s a primer. Layering works on the principle that it’s easier to stay warm and dry than to get warm and dry.

It’s not so much what you put on, it’s when. When you leave the car for the start of your hike, begin by wearing the least amount of thermal layers you can. Start with a base polypropylene wicking layer for insulation and a fleece vest on top and a pair of fleece pants. Whenever you stop for more than a few minutes, put on a down parka or wind shell. Then before you start off again, take it off.

If you start off on your hike with every layer that’s in your pack, soon you’ll be sweating buckets of perspiration. Then, all your layers will be soaked. When you stop you won’t have anything warm and dry to put on to keep the heat from being drawn off your body by the perspiration soaked clothes.

Never wear cotton jeans or socks. Once cotton is soaked it has virtually no insulating properties and it’s heavy, causing you to sweat more. Leave the cotton home.

Keep a dry hat in your pack. Nothing makes you feel warmer than putting on a dry hat.

For traveling on snow and ice, it’s hard to beat modern snowshoes with built-in crampon spikes.

On icy slopes with no snow you may need something more aggressive than snowshoes. There are also a number of other products that provide traction on slippery surfaces. Among them are instep spikes, outer soles with screws in the bottom and conventional crampon spikes. On ice-covered rock, not covered by snow, the best choice is conventional crampons, partly because the bindings are better. The others usually either just shred by grinding across exposed rock or you twist your way out of the binding after a few solid foot plants. Also, using ski poles for balance makes crossing icy surfaces a lot easier.

When hiking in winter you need to stay just as hydrated as you do in summer. Carry water in an insulated water bottle parka to keep it from freezing. Drink before you get thirsty. If you’re doing an overnight trip, fill the bottle with hot water and put it in your sleeping bag for some added warmth. It should be fine until morning. If not, it may be time to upgrade your bag.

Never drink alcohol to try to get warm. It’s actually counter productive. Alcohol is dehydrating and restricts blood flow. With less blood flowing to your limbs you become colder. Leave it home for your celebratory toast. Chemical warmer packs can re-warm hands and toes if they get cold. Also, if you don’t have warmers, try swinging your arms and legs to get the blood flowing outward to your limbs.

Leave a plan with someone at home, in case trouble finds you on your trip. Write a note telling them where you are going, with as much detail as you know. Include what trail you’ll be on, what times you’ll be leaving for your hike and returning and a brief description of yourself and members of your group. Tell the people you leave the info with not to call out the searchers unless you’re more than an hour or two late in returning. Don’t forget to call in when you arrive home. That way the rescuers won’t be going out just as you pull in to the driveway.

I have a friend who swears that it’s actually easier to hike in winter than in summer. He claims that it’s because the rocks and ledges that make for uneven footing are buried in snow, making a more level walkway. There are no bugs and no crowds of people, so you usually have the landscape to yourself and a few other winter hikers.

Finally, pick a good weather day, load up a pack with gloves, hats, outerwear, lunch, flashlight or headlamp, water and a trail map and you’re ready to go.

You may need to take a bit bigger pack than in summer to hold everything, but winter outdoors is truly spectacular. The clear, brisk air, with the snow turning the landscape into a white world, all make for an adventure that can’t really be compared to summer. With proper preparation winter travel can be a great experience. Is it easier than hiking in summer? I’m not so sure, but it sure is fun getting out and exploring.

Brad Viles is an avid hiker who has logged some 8,000 lifetime miles, including the Appalachian Trail. A trail maintainer for the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, he has climbed Mount Katahdin more than 85 times. He can be reached at sball1@ prexar. com