Continuing the discussion from Winter Support Your Parks Weekend 2026:
It starts tomorrow. For me, we’ve had a large winter storm with high winds and blinding snow move through, but it is supposed to taper off tonight. Negative temps in the morning with upper single digits by afternoon. Sooo…no Pack Mule.
But for those that are in warmer elevations, but it’s still brisk outside, some pointers.
Still watch your fluid intake while hiking. You can get dehydrated even in cooler temps. I experienced this some years back when it was 25 degrees F, mostly being my tube to my Camelback froze. I still had bottles in my pack, and it helped me (plus a hiking buddy).
Layer down under moderate to heavy exertion. This is to keep you from sweating too much (its best not to sweat at all). Wet cloths when stopped can create hypothermia issues. granted, when stopped to operate, layer up.
Mind your feet, and really mind your sox. Frost bite and trench foot are the devils. If your sox are wet or really damp, switch them out. If you have a belt, you can weave your wet sox through them and let them dry while you hike.
And of course, mind your body and listen to it. Some cold we can tolerate and get through. But if you start feeling the shakes coming, might want to wrap it up and get moving, or find warmth.
If you are running Lithium Ion batteries, keep them warm. The cold can zap their power levels down. (I’ve had mine tucked inside under my jacket close to my body to keep them warm. Uncomfortable, but I had juice).
Just quick suggestions to be safe this weekend if your on foot.
As for me…I’m staying my running, Pull-Me-Over-Red F-150.