Advantages of Hiking and Camping in the Winter

For those of you living far north or south of the equator, you know just how bitter cold the winters can get. This cold and other challenges you may face during the winter deter a lot of people from being outside for anything but run between their car and a building. So let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to head outside when the mercury drops low.

1. No bugs- leave that DEET and mosquito netting at home. You can finally walk in peace without swatting at buzzing black dots, and go to bed at night without itchy welts

2. Comfort- if it’s hot out, you can only take off so many clothes before it becomes illegal. But there are no laws defining the amount of layers you can put on

3. Solitude- if this is what you’re after, there is no better time to find it then the winter. Like I said above, most people don’t care to go for a tromp through the woods when it’s cold enough for the white stuff to stick around

4. Higher visibility- the trees have lost their leaves, so if your favorite hiking spot happens to be overgrown with green in the summer, you will he able to see better and further in the winter. You may even discover some new things you hadn’t noticed before

5. New activities- there are so many things you can do in the winter that just aren’t possible in the summer. Throw a pair of snowshoes on, hit the ski slopes, or outfit your bike with some new snow tires and go explore

6. More access- if you’re really into exploring, keep in mind lakes and streams will be frozen. That means some of them will be crossable, opening new routes and more places to explore. Watch for animal tracks to- they are easier to spot and follow in the snow, and may lead you to something cool

7. Sleeping weather- if you’re into the overnight camping, the cold air makes for very comfortable and refreshing nights. Provided you have a warm sleeping bag, of course

8. Under the stars- its much easier to get a true “under the stars” experience in the winter. The ground isn’t wet, and any precipitation coming down will be snow. If you have a proper sleeping bag, the snow will stay frozen on top until you shake it off in the morning. just be sure to protect yourself from the bitter winds

9. Hot coca- c’mon guys, who doesn’t like sitting down to a cup of hot chocolate after an evening of being outdoors

-The Urban Outdoorsman

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