Step Into Winter: Tips for Cold-Weather Walking

Grouper Social Ambassador
Portland, Oregon

December 2024

Clothing is all about layering. Three layers work best. The base layer is closest to your skin and acts to wick away moisture like sweat. The middle layer is for insulation. The outer layer keeps you dry and protected from the wind. An example would be a warm inner top (base) and then the middle layer. Fleece or merino wool blends with an outer shell that is windproof and waterproof.

The same layering goes for the lower body too. Long underwear or warm lightweight tights inside a pair of pants. There are also fleece and flannel-lined pants. If it is raining or windy, rain and wind pants help keep you dry. I prefer my outer pants to have pockets and zippers along the lower leg to help put them on over a pair of boots.

Layering your upper body with three layers is usually the standard. A warm inner top and then the middle layer. Fleece or merino wool blends with an outer shell that is windproof and waterproof.

There are also gloves. Gloves are challenging. It is hard to find a pair of gloves that really keep my fingers warm in cold weather. There are the hot handwarmers that slide into gloves and give up to 8 hours of warmth. I would recommend finding a pair of gloves that best fit your needs. Be sure to consider a waterproof shell or a pair of waterproof gloves if you’re going to be in the rain or snow.

The remaining clothing to consider are hats, rain hats, wool beanies, neck warmers, facial coverings to protect against frostbite or cold wind and ear coverings. Again, Shop around and buy what works well for your needs.

Some people also like umbrellas. The ones that shed rain and don’t go inside out in the wind are preferable. Umbrellas are good for city walking. On trails in forested areas the trees tend to lessen the intensity of the rain. Sometimes it is difficult to maneuver an umbrella along narrow trails with a lot of trees and undergrowth.

November 2024

It is that time of year again to be thinking about fall/winter walking and the switch from warmer or hotter walking conditions to walking in rain, icy sidewalks and slippery trails and snow. My goal is to get you on the right foot towards winter walking – so you stay safe and warm in the outdoors during winter. 

The balance during winter walking is to stay warm and dry without being bundled up like a mummy and overheating. Use this blog as a guide to discover practical tips and insights that can help you enjoy a comfortable and rewarding winter walking experience.

I do a lot of walking in Altra trail running shoes. They have a Vibram sole but the shoe model I buy is not waterproof. The thing about walking in trail-type running shoes is they do not last; the expectation is anywhere from 300 to 500 miles. The newer materials provide many advantages but they also break down. From March through September, I usually buy two to three pairs of Altra’s.

In winter, I prefer Keen shoes as they have a wider toe box. I have a pair of waterproof Keen boots and a pair of waterproof Keen hiking shoes for the winter season. These shoes will last for a few seasons of wear and tear. There are many brands of quality hiking shoes. Take the time to find shoes that are comfortable for you.

If you walk longer walks or walk three-to-five times a week you’ll want to buy a slightly larger shoe as your feet swell as you walk. It’s best to go to a shoe store or someplace like REI and talk to the shoe salesperson. 

My view on shoes is they are like tires for my feet. When it comes to shoes I do invest in quality and thus a more expensive shoe. Don’t overlook sales and clearances. REI will sell lightly used shoes at a discount. That is a great way to test out different styles of shoes.

Some people prefer to wear two pairs of socks – a liner and a heavier sock. There are rechargeable heated socks with batteries. There are Insole foot warmers. I usually wear a thicker, warmer hiking sock. 

There are also waterproof socks. Sealskinz and Showers Pass make a great waterproof sock but a Google search will bring up different brands. I have a pair of Showers Pass waterproof socks. While I am walking in heavy rain and not wearing a waterproof shoe my feet feel soggy, but at home when I remove my socks my feet are dry.  

On days when sidewalks are icy, a pair of ice grips like Yaktrax work well to prevent slipping and falling. Microspikes work better for hiking and there are crampons for real winter exploring in the backcountry. There are many brands. The Yaktrax are great as they have rubber straps and slip over your regular shoes. Easy on and off. 

Hiking or trekking poles are also useful. They take pressure off of your knees and give your arms a workout. 

Finally, here’s a great reminder of how to walk on the ice. https://youtu.be/lW1pTrzMo4Q?si=zItCccmaZrD3oL1u 

Follow Pat on Instagram: zigzag_walker