During these chilly winter months, and with the tease of several 60 degree beautiful days, it is difficult to not miss summer.
Shorts, tan skin and the beach are gone and won’t be back for at least another four months. So, one question remains: how do we preoccupy these next four months?
Well, believe it or not, there are plenty of activities to keep you adventuring outdoors — sledding and skiing, ice skating and ice fishing. Seriously, the list is super long.
Unfortunately, we have the East Tennessee weather, affectionately known as a sporadic system of unpredictable temperatures. On the bright side, we live in one of the most sought out places to adventure in the nation. The Great Smoky Mountains provide the only reason you need to not stay idle.
Kayaking, biking and hiking are all popular year-round activities that adventurers love just as much in the winter as in the summer. Hiking, in particular, is easily transformed into a winter sport.
Bill Tribble, sales specialist at REI, is an advocate for hiking in the winter. With many years of experience, he knows the ropes when it comes to enjoying the cold weather. Tribble explained wintertime provides an unparalleled opportunity to see clearer views of the mountains while on the trail. Without the foliage to clutter views, you can see a much more vivid image.
Tribble also stressed the importance of staying warm.
“There is an old saying that cotton kills,” Tribble explained, “so, when you hike it is extremely important to stay warm.”
Because cotton retains moisture, it is critical to dress appropriately. Tribble laid out a three-layer guide to dressing yourself for the chilly weather:
First Layer: The base layer that pulls moisture away from the body. Look for a wicking material like a long sleeve t-shirt with a short sleeve t-shirt over it.
Second Layer: The warming layer. Look for a fleece or down jacket/sweater to hold the warmth to your torso. If you are particularly hot blooded, look for a vest that can serve the same purpose.
Third Layer: The final layer that protects you from wind and water. It should resemble a shell like an outdoor parka..
Tribble also stressed the importance changing into dry clothes to sleep in.
“Moisture will kill by itself,” Tribble said, “so, always take something to change into.”
Elizabeth Kenny, freshman in nursing, agreed with Tribble’s advice; however, she explained winter adventurers don’t need anything fancy.
“I just bought a Marmot synthetic 15 degree sleeping bag that I love,” Kenny said. “But up until that, I was using my parents’ old North Face down bags from before I was born, and they worked great too.”
Kenny also stressed wearing warm, dry socks and solid boots, such as her Merrels that she loves. Yet, Kenny said her best advice for winter sports is to just get out there.
“The cold may be a little intimidating,” Kenny said, “but I’ve never regretted a trip, even if I did get a little cold.”
