does anyone have any tips for hiking in winter? and most importantly, walking on frozen rivers? like, how do you tell if ice is safe to walk on and other things like that.
I know that if the ice has that kind of frosty look to it, it means there is air in it and it isn't very safe to cross. Other than that I don't know about crossing ice, maybe get a walking stick and poke it hard in front of you and see if it breaks and if not take a step? Another good tip is don't sweat or you'll get extra cold, just adjust how many layers you have on when you start sweating.
I'm a pretty big guy so I tend not to walk on ice unless its absolutely necessary. Another important thing I would suggest on the sweating thing mentioned by badmilk is avoid cotton clothing and use wool insted. It breathes better nd doesn't trap the moisture against your skin.
Vital Equipment:Goggles,Crampons,Snowshoes,Ice Ax,Ski Poles. Cross-country skis are most efficient on deep powder snow where walking is not possible.Pulks save actually having to carry weight, and slide well across ice and crusted snow.Snowmobiles have replaced dog sleds for both sport and everday living.
I'd suggest a partner. Alone in winter woods is risky. as for traversing ice: frozen lake is much safer than moving water. It doesnt get cold enough here for rivers to freeze solid
if you use a butane lighter to light a stove or cooking fire, keep it close to your body as possible. Colder temps reduce the pressure of a lighter as well and the ignition point. Nothing worse than hiking all day and then not begin able to light your cooking fire as soon as you stop for the day.
