Accessories for Winter Warmth

Dressed to Chill

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Now that the mercury in the thermometer is starting to shrink, many hikers and backpackers head indoors and content themselves with looking at last summer's slides. But winter hiking can be magic and peaceful, especially after a frenetic holiday season. The key is staying warm. Here are a few tips:

First and foremost is a hat. You lose more body heat through your head than anywhere else. Use your hat as a thermostat: If you get too hot, take it off, and your whole body will cool. Put it on if you feel a chill.

The layering principle works on your head as well as your body: Two hats are warmer than one. For the bottom layer, use a lightweight balaclava that also covers your neck.

Take plenty of socks. Battery-charged socks have mixed reputations: When they work, they're wonderful, but they don't always. So bring extra socks—and change into them at the end of the day.

Chemical hand warmers. Available at outdoor stores, chemical warmers give off heat after they are activated. They are fairly heavy, so you won't want to pack too many of them. But take a long a couple just in case: They can help prevent frostbite.

Bottle warmers. Thick insulating bottle warmers are available from outdoor stores (OR—that's short for Outdoor Research—makes them.) They help keep hot drinks hot—or cold water from freezing.

Mitten systems. Also available are systems of an insulating inner mitten and an outer, waterproof mitten. You can wear them separately or together.

Ski gloves are good if you have to handle an ice ax: They give your hands more flexibility so you can hold the ice ax in different positions.

Lightweight gloves. A thin layer of gloves means that your hands will be protected even when you're fiddling with your camera or stove.

Booties. Down or synthetically insulated booties make it possible to walk around your campsite to do chores without having to put your boots back on.

Pile socks. The ultimate luxury for your feet: Thick pile socks will keep your toes warm at night.

Facemask. In really bitter cold, a ski mask or neoprene facemask can help keep the chill off your nose and cheeks, which are prime targets for frostbite.