Cold hands are not just uncomfortable but also dangerous, especially in wilderness settings. Keeping your hands warm is as challenging as keeping your feet warm. While we've already discussed the importance of good socks, good gloves are no less critical in freezing weather.
The best option for warmth is mittens. However, they are inconvenient for tasks requiring finger dexterity, which is inevitable on a trail. The perfect solution is to wear a pair of thin gloves underneath your mittens. This allows you to remove the outer layer for detailed work without exposing your hands to frostbite.
A common problem on the trail is losing a glove. To prevent this, use an old, proven trick: attach them to a cord and thread it through your jacket sleeves. This "old-school" hack still saves modern climbers: dropping a glove during a cold-weather ascent could mean an abrupt end to the entire trip. It also doesn't hurt to carry a spare pair—unforeseen situations can happen to anyone in your group.
Head Protection: From Frost to Heat
A hat is essential year-round. It protects you not only from the cold but also from the scorching sun. In cold weather, an uncovered head loses a tremendous amount of body heat—at just +4°C (39°F), it can be up to half of your body's total heat production.In cold weather, a woolen balaclava is an excellent choice. In severe frost, it can cover your entire head, and in milder weather, it can be rolled up into a regular wool hat. It is not waterproof, but as mentioned in other lessons, this function is compensated for by the hood of your waterproof jacket.
In hot weather, going without a head covering risks overheating, dehydration, and sunstroke. A wide-brimmed hat reliably protects against these dangers. On the trail, practicality should trump aesthetics—don't hesitate to wear one.
Additionally, for protection against wind and sun, you can use:
► Multi-functional buffs or neck gaiters.
► Scarves and windproof masks.
► Balaclavas.
► Homemade double-layer mittens.
These accessories weigh very little but offer significant benefits.
Gaiters: An Indispensable Accessory
Gaiters might seem like a relic of the past, but their convenience is undeniable. Made from waterproof canvas, they protect your ankles and cover the gap between your boots and pants.When secured to your boots, gaiters prevent snow, small stones, twigs, and dirt from getting inside your footwear. They become absolutely indispensable when trekking through snowdrifts, tall wet grass, or swampy terrain.
Mountaineering gaiters are the modern version, an essential piece of equipment for high-altitude climbs. But even if you're not summiting peaks, having a pair in your pack is very useful. They take up almost no space in your backpack, and we highly recommend adding them to your hiking checklist.
Next guide: How to Choose a Backpack for Hiking and Pack It Correctly Previous guide: How to Choose Hiking Clothing
You can view the full list here: Survival Guides for the Mountains
