Choose Your Hiking Gear with Care

When you’re going out hiking or jogging in the winter, it’s really important to make sure you have the right gear. One of the biggest risks for hikers is that they might leave themselves open to suffering from exposure in extreme weather.

Probably the most important thing to remember is that you’ll need to wear a number of layers. The science behind wearing layers is simple. The base layer keeps your skin dry, so makes you comfortable. The mid layer is sometimes called the insulating layer, and does just that. It keeps you warm. Finally, the shell layer - or outer layer, protects you from the wind and rain.

It’s important to adapt the layers you wear to the exercise you are doing. For example, if you’re jogging and the weather is dry, then it’s usually not necessary to wear a shell layer. As you build up a sweat, the shell layer would only serve to trap the moisture and you won’t be able to feel dry. Instead, you can adjust the warm layers so that you remain warm enough.

During the winter, you might want to ensure that your layers include thermals, as they help to provide insulation while allowing any moisture to escape. It’s important to make sure that your muscles are kept warm enough when you’re exercising.

If you’re hiking in a remote place, there are also some safety rules to bear in mind. Make sure that you tell someone where you’re going and the route you’ve planned, so that if you do get lost, people will know where and when to look for you. Check the weather forecast before you set out, and don’t head out unless weather conditions are good. In any case, make sure that you have emergency supplies of high energy snacks and drinks with you, just in case you get stranded for any length of time.

See also this men's thermal underwear page at LowPrices.co.uk.