Thoughtful layering of clothing, well-chosen routes, and energizing food and drink in your backpack are all key to making hiking in the great outdoors a joyful experience in the winter months. With practical advice from Fjällräven and tips from brand ambassador and outdoor expert Miklós Schnitzer, winter hikes can be just as enjoyable as summer adventures with the right preparation and equipment.
Layering
Layering is one of the most important secrets to successful winter hiking, as it ensures that the hiker is comfortable whatever the weather. To ensure that clothing can be adapted to different activities in the cold months, it is recommended to wear a minimum of three layers: an underlayer, a midlayer, and an outer layer.
Underwear is designed to wick moisture away from the body, keeping the skin dry. Wool, for example, is an excellent choice because it keeps you warm in damp conditions and doesn’t become unpleasant smelling when worn for long periods. The perfect base layer is a short or long-sleeved T-shirt with good insulation but the ability to wick away perspiration - such as the Abisko Wool LS in Merino wool, available in both men’s and women’s versions - a thinner zip-up sweater or a pair of trousers that fit snugly. It’s vital that all pieces are comfortable, so they shouldn’t be too tight or too baggy. The mid-layer wicks moisture away from the underwear but also plays a big role in insulating. In addition to lightweight down jackets, this includes thicker fleece, knit, or polar sweaters such as the Keb Fleece Hoodie. The hoodie, made from recycled polyester and a traceable wool blend, is not only warm but also extremely durable thanks to the G-1000 fabric reinforcement of the tactical points.
In addition to providing thermal insulation, the outer layer also keeps out wind and precipitation, which is particularly important during hikes in inclement weather. A well-chosen winter jacket will have a major impact on how enjoyable your winter hiking experience will be. It’s a good idea to choose a lightweight, yet extremely warm piece made from durable materials - no one wants to feel cold or stressed about tears from branches. The Expedition Pack Down Hoodie is the perfect choice for both occasional and regular hiking, as it’s slim, giving the wearer a great deal of freedom of movement while its down layer provides excellent cold-keeping. Miklós Schnitzer, Fjällräven’s ambassador in Hungary, doesn’t hang up his hiking hoodie in winter, because nature is his second home. In cold weather, he also makes a point of dressing in layers, highlighting two important things: “When hiking in winter, choose a sweater with a zip as a mid-layer - so you can easily avoid getting sweaty - and never leave your raincoat at home.”
Warming Drinks and Food
It is recommended that you are prepared for winter hiking not only with warm and versatile clothing but also with the right food and drinks, as these all contribute to the hiker’s energy and comfort levels. Hydration is particularly important, as thirst is less noticeable in the cold, even though dehydration can quickly catch up with the adventurer. During winter trekking, a minimum of 2-3 liters of fluids per day is recommended, including hot tea and lukewarm water - which is not too cold by any chance - as well as isotonic drinks to ensure adequate electrolyte replenishment. In terms of food, it is a good idea to include in your rucksack foods that are easy to digest and provide immediate energy. Since energy replenishment helps maintain body temperature and prevent fatigue, which can occur more quickly in cold weather, easily packed energy-rich snacks such as oilseeds, energy bars, or dried fruit are the best choice. For those who are going on a longer hike, it’s also a good idea to take hot snacks with you, such as a thermos of soup, which is an excellent way to warm up.
Exploring Nature in Winter
Hungary has plenty of beautiful hiking trails for nature lovers even in winter. The snow-covered peaks of the Börzsöny, the quiet forests of the Pilis, or the snow-capped slopes of the Mátra are all places where hikers can enjoy a special winter experience. “The Balaton highlands also show their magnificent face at this time of year; the paths leading along the Badacsony side offer an unparalleled view of the winter lake, which takes on a whole new dimension,” says Miklós Schnitzer, an experienced hiker who also cites the Alps and the Tatras as destinations within easy reach of Hungary, where the white-clad peaks and pine forests are particularly enchanting in the winter months.
When hiking in winter, it is particularly important to plan your route carefully, as getting lost in the cold is an increased risk. However, planning is not enough: before setting off, it is advisable to find out in detail about the weather conditions and, if the situation warrants, to postpone the hike. It is only safe to set off when visibility is good and weather conditions are stable, thus minimizing unexpected dangers and inconveniences.
One of the biggest advantages of winter hiking is that you get to experience a whole new side of nature. The quiet, snowy landscapes and fresh, icy air offer experiences that you can’t find in the hustle and bustle of the city. Outdoor adventures are not seasonal, and with the right equipment and preparation, you don’t have to miss out on nature’s experiences in the cold months, whether you’re hiking in the mountains or on a more leisurely excursion.
