I used to assume hiking was from Spring to Fall. When Winter would hit, my hiking boots and tent would go away and my winter toys would come out. Not only did I not think hiking in the Winter would not be great for myself, but I was thinking of my dog, Bella. I figured her little paws and body couldn’t handle long hikes in the Winter.
However, this past year I learned I was way off. Not only can myself and my pup hike in the Winter, but we can thrive and enjoy it as well. However, there are some additional precautions and preparations that you should account for when hiking in the winter. Not only for yourself and other human friends, but for your fur babies as well. The biggest thing to remember too is that your dog can’t tell you what they need. YOU need to be the one taking care of them and making sure they are safe, healthy, and happy out on the trails!
Tips for Hiking in the Winter
- Stay nourished and hydrated. You don’t think of needing to drink as much water in the Winter vs Summer, but you actually need more. You burn more calories and use more energy doing physical activities outside in the Winter.
- Pay extra attention to trail maps. Snow can hide the trails and trail markers many times.
- Bring a warm drink in a thermos. There are many insulated cups out there that will keep your drink warm for hours. This will help heat your body up when cold.
- Wear layers. Have multiple layers on that you can add or take off, to keep your body at a safe and comfortable temperature.
- Wear gloves and hats. Keeping your extremities and head warm are super important in keeping your body temperature controlled.
- Hit the trails earlier and hike with the Sun. Since it gets dark so much earlier in the Winter, it is important to try and beat the dark. It is also important to try and hike in the Sun as much as you can, obviously keeping you much warmer!
- Choose the right gear for the right trail. Some trails in the Winter require good boots. However, some trails will require (at least highly recommend) either micro spikes, snowshoes, or ice trekkers.
- Make sure someone knows where you are going. This is a good idea for any time of year. However, in the Winter when there are more dangers, less people, and added precautions, it is especially important for someone to know where you are. (It is even safer to go with someone else, but as a solo hiker I can’t give that as an actual tip lol)
- Use other clothing materials besides cotton. Cotton takes much longer to dry, which leaves you wet and cold for significantly longer. This is NOT ideal in the Winter. Synthetic and wool layers dry much faster!
- Wear goggles or sunglasses. This is essential to protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and sun reflecting off the snow. (Some of the worst sun burns I’ve ever had were while snowboarding or hiking in the snow.)
Additional Tips for Hiking in Winter with Dogs
Besides hiking with my own dog (and cat) in the winter, I actually hike dogs full time for work. This means I have hiked (in Colorado) over 60 different dogs in the winter. I have seen dogs of different breeds, fur styles, sizes, temperaments, physical abilities, and much more!
Additional Tips for Hiking in Winter With Dogs
- Protect their paws. Depending on the length of the hike, the terrain involved, and the weather you are hiking through, will determine what you should use to protect their paws. Many times dog booties are highly recommended. Other times you can use different types of wax for their pads and paws.
- Mushers Secret for Snowballs. This is not an issue with every breed, but for the ones it does effect it makes it very uncomfortable for them! You usually see this with doodles, and other dogs with curly or long fur. When they hike through snow they will get HUGE snowballs made in their fur. There are other homemade paw wax recipes you can make, and I’m sure there are other brands of premade ones. We use Mushers at work, so I am recommending it because I know it works well!
- Bring extra water for your pups. Same with humans, our dogs need to be kept extra hydrated while hiking in the winter. They won’t feel hot, so they won’t feel the need to drink as much as their body is requiring. The snow is NOT enough to hydrate them! Bring extra water and also make sure it doesn’t freeze. This is actually an issue people run into in the Winter is having their drinking water freeze while out there.
- Know your dog. There are breeds that their body is more suited for being outside in the Winter, and there are breeds that are not as capable. Know what your dog is capable of before bringing them on an outdoor adventure that is too much for them. Start small. Start with shorter, warmer hikes before taking on long, freezing hikes.
- Recognize the signs when your dog is too cold. Some indications that your dog is too cold is constantly wanting to stop, shivering , picking up their paws, whining, laying down, and so much more! This goes along again with knowing your dog and what their personal signs are.
- Be extra careful of your terrain. In the Winter you can come across frozen lakes or rivers covered with snow, avalanches ready to happen, and so many other dangerous situations! Once again, your dog doesn’t know these dangers. YOU have to be aware enough for the both of you.
- Get them a jacket. Jackets for your dog are not only ADORABLE, but they are extremely useful in keeping them warm outside in the winter. Think about how many layers you have on, and compare that to your dog being in their bare skin.
I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable and confident hiking in the Winter with your fur babies. There are activities for every human and dog to enjoy in every season, you just need to find what works for you!
Comment any additional tips you have for hiking in the Winter! Would love to share ideas! 🙂
