Gear Must-Haves for the Freezing Rain

[@tullochgorum6323]

Half a century of walking in the Scottish hills, so lots of experience in the freezing rain. I think that there are better options for the trunk. I learned from the Scandinavians that the best base layer is technical mesh capped by a thin, tight-fitting, fast-drying, fast-wicking half-zipped base-layer top. The original mesh is Brynje - as used by Hillary on Everest, and by Norwegian and UK special forces amongst many others. The concept has also become popular with cyclists at all levels, so most cycling brands have mesh offerings. The mesh fabric forms an insulating air cushion next to your body. It also transports moisture better and dries faster. And if you get too warm and sweaty, you can open your zips and dump heat instantly. It creates a consistent layer of comfort against the skin and prevents flash freezing when you stop. Far superior to everything else I've tried. For the mid layer, you can't go wrong with a good wicking fleece. Even better is the new Polartec Alpha Direct 120 fabric, which wicks and dries faster, and gives better warmth for weight. If you get caught out in extreme conditions, you will also need some active insulation. Down is hopeless for this, as it will get too damp in the humid environment under your shell. In my experience the best synthetic for warmth and longevity is Climashield Apex with a breathable shell, but it's hard to find good jackets. Cottage producers Enlightened Equipment and Nunatak Equipment have offerings, or they're quite easy to make for yourself. Finally the shell. The cooling effect mentioned by Dixie is caused by the DWR layer wetting out. An increasing number of experienced hikers feel that modern fabrics are overhyped, and are going back to non-breathable jackets made of high quality silnylon or silpoly. The advantage is that the water simply beads off rather than soaking in, so you don't get the cooling effect. You minimise condensation by maximising venting with pit zips, etc, or you use a shaped full-coverage, well vented poncho like the Packa. The jackets are very light - the Packa a bit heavier. You still get damp, but the moisture is warm sweat rather than cold rain. You can keep the condensation off your mid-layer by wearing a feather-light windshirt under the jacket - and this adds a bit of warmth as well. Again, you're limited to cottage suppliers like Lightheart Gear or Antigravity Gear - google for "silnylon silpoly rain jacket". For almost everyone, picking up on at least a few of these ideas should leave you warmer and safer. Finally, for hands consider overmitts. Gloves have a lot of surface area which lose heat around the fingers. Overmitts trap that heat, and you can whip them off quickly if you need more dexterity for photos, map reading etc. Something like the Yama Pogies are even more convenient.

[@Labroidas]

This is a really good comment, thank you for taking the time to write everything out like this in detail. I know first hand how tough the conditions in Scotland usually are, and I'm there mostly only in the summer, so I'll trust a Scotsman's advice any day. As the temperatures drop, and precipitation and wind become stronger, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay warm for unlimited periods of time while still keeping your gear as light as possible. As far as I know the mesh next to the body under the base layer is really something that only the Scandinavian's figured out, I only know this from Fjällräven videos on youtube. It is apparently especially useful for physical activity in extremely low temperatures. I think after reading your comment i will invest in something like that.

[@defeater5497]

Another comment under a Dixie video that I need to save. Thanks for this info, its potentially lifesaving

[@DB-xo6xh]

Thank you for your service in these comments sir 👏

[@willb48207]

Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom and experience.

[@alleechance]

I use goretex mitten shells and then a fleece glove or mitten underneath. At 30 degrees I need a fleece under-mitten to be warm

[@BrandonCase]

I always appreciate that Dixie inserts timestamps into the description-and for some reason, absolutely love that she linked specifically to the “See Y’all Next Time.”

[@elcrackodiablo473]

The plastic bags on the feet are something we up here in the north have been doing forever. The reason it works is the bag is a vapor barrier which keeps the heat from escaping around your feet. Since it’s a vapor barrier it also is water proof which won’t allow outside moisture in. However your socks my still get damp from sweat because the moisture can’t escape either. But I have never had cold feet using bags on my feet it’s the best way I know to keep your feet warm. I used it on a daily basis in winter being a construction worker and working in extreme conditions all winter long

[@musingsatmidlife5278]

Yeah, growing up in MN, we had a lot of bread bags used as liners over the years. :)

[@Nynke_K]

So how long does the average plastic bag hold up if you work in it all day?

[@musingsatmidlife5278]

@@Nynke_K , I can't speak to that one, since I haven't done it since I was a kid. Hopefully someone here will know, though! :)

[@elcrackodiablo473]

Nynke K 4 or 5 days for bread bags recently I been using grocery bags hiking 6 miles a day and getting a week out of them no problem

[@MrChillameno]

you can buy a breathable and water proof sock called seal-skins.

[@porterwinston4896]

Here's a handy hand warmer trick. I put them inside my glove on the back of my hand. They don't get in my way as they warm my blood in the veins which are closer to the skin as it flows into my fingers. This also allows the packet to access more oxygen which aids in the chemical warming reaction. Even better, get the toe warmers as they have a peal and stick face that keeps them in place adhered to the inside of the glove. I don't enjoy having those warmers under my feet so I put the warmer inside my sock so that it rests in the hollow behind the inside of my ankles. There is a major artery right there that transfers some heat into the blood on its way to my toes. Thanks for all your good tips! Love this channel!

[@ghillieglas7379]

The veins on the back of your hand deliver blood up your arm back to your heart. The arteries supplying blood to your fingers are on the palmar/volar side of your hand. Hand warmers work by heating all tissue directly. Put them either side of your hand, it doesn't matter unless you have to grip ski poles, trekking poles or a weapon, in which case put them on the back of the hand [dorsum]. But how many days worth of hand warmers will you honestly be carrying? And put the toe warmers on the top surface of your toes [dorsal surface]. If there is no room in your toe box to do that then you are wearing boots that are too small.

[@s.jamessavell6995]

I found the pad and air mattress combo an excellent choice. Reason fixing holes on an air mattress is very time-consuming . With the combo, no worries about punctures. With an air mattress alone, there is always a possibility of punctures . Trying to repair or replace an expensive air mattress is not fun.

[@Lizzybeth1973]

I wore Sealskinz socks (the tall ones) over Injinjis while hiking in Teva sandals on the Camino. It rained, sleeted, and snowed and I never had cold or wet feet. I made a few shallow (ankle deep) water crossings with no issues. YMMV. Buen Camino.

[@TheDataDispatch]

This is my go to setup as well with Altras. Works great (but I'm usually only out for a long weekend)

[@manfredseidler1531]

I ride a big motorcycle in Seattle and I've found mittens outperform any gloves any time. In the rain and sleet, I slide on rainproof mittens over my regular riding gear and they remain dry all day at 70 mph. Be sure they are long enough to tuck inside your sleeves so they don't collect water running down your sleeves. When it's not wet or raining, convertible mittens have done well with me.

[@rhondahanley5927]

Seattle and 70 mph definitely don't co-exist. ;)

[@manfredseidler1531]

@@rhondahanley5927 I-5 North and South as well as I-90 going East... for sure

[@cjmills88]

I have never done a thru hike, but I use waterproof socks with trail runners for snowy or cold & wet backpacking. I usually wear a thin wool sock & the waterproof socks over and my feet have stayed warm even while breaking trail in a foot of snow. Similar to the neoprene socks, even if you do get water inside the sock while fording streams, feet stay warm because it keeps the water next to your skin & warm. Got them on Amazon for $20 and they are well worth it.

[@michelekay1115]

What brand waterproof socks do you use? Very helpful comment!

[@cjmills88]

@@michelekay1115 the brand is Randy Sun! I have a knee high pair for snowboarding & crew length for hiking.

[@dorkthe3rd]

Waterproof socks can be a bad idea for long term hikes. Feet sweat and this can lead to fungal issues and other problems related to dampness.

[@nobodynoone2500]

@@dorkthe3rd Wool base socks mitigate that a bit, and are easy to clean. If it's a long hike, you aren't likely to wear them every day. I can attest a full day with them is quite pleasant. Just avoid cotton which sucks if wet at all, and I personally would be sparing with the polyester which stinks and breed bacteria once sweaty. Polyester is about only good for a fleece midlayer or an outer shell, unless delving into meshes and a couple of the better tech fabrics, but polyproplene is better near your body imho.

[@robertforester7938]

Those hand warmers could be a literal life saver (of course with other gear too) if the temperature drops dramatically and you are far from help by keeping hypothermia away. I was on a winter camp and woke up in the night freezing and was So glad my mom had insisted on giving me hand warmers for the trip! Gotta Love Mom! 😁

[@craiglenhard-rvrguyd]

As a motorcycle rider I sometimes use a similar waterproof glove set up. All you need is a fleece or wool base glove with a pair of L or XL dish gloves or chemical gloves. Neoprene gloves also can help keep fingers warm when wet and I use them for winter car washing and cold water whitewater paddling.

[@Tacticalredneckequipment]

When I was in the Marine Corps, we used to take the MRE Heaters and shove them in between our uniform and our flack jacket. It would help keep your core temp up and if you kept it over your heart, it would help warm your blood up two. I'm sure you could find a way to do that with Hand Warmers as well.

[@boosterhikes1841]

Dixie - "They look like" -- Me---*In my head* " like you're about to scrub a toilet." Dixie-"They look like you killed someone and are trying to hide the body." me - .........

[@maryb1686]

hahaha. I had the same reaction

[@leofromla]

Hahaha. Same here, I was like: uuuhhhh..............

[@kd5you1]

I was thinking "you're about to wash dishes." lol Actually I sweat in those dish washing gloves so they would be pointless to wear in freezing weather.

[@erinhwang6389]

same...well for me more like you're about to attack some dirty dishes

[@janetstarr9554]

Ditto.... ROFL

[@rjfayne2640]

For a New England-style ice storm I would get a hotel reservation! True freezing rain can accumulate well past 1/4 inch and once you get enough ice huge branches and even entire trees can come crashing down. It would be pretty dangerous to be in a wooded area in that type of conditions and it could easily tear up a tent if you were in the open. A bad ice storm can also knock out power in an entire area for a week or longer.

[@arkmodeusoutdoors7911]

Water proof socks are usually used to keep the sweat in during winter hikes, that way your boots do not get wet from the sweat and freeze. Change socks each day sort of thing. I have a pair, its kind of a reverse thinking.

[@brocklastname6682]

I avoid freezing rain by living in Arizona. Here it's literally impossible to get hypothermia. Literally. Impossible. I kid. We get winter and early spring rain (and snow at higher elevations). I also recall from my old Scout manual that a large chunk of hypothermia cases occur in wet weather between 30-50F. So stay safe, and don't get a false sense of security because it's "only" 40F. Good video as always.

[@veronikobayerova]

I am so jealous! Hi from (cold) Czech republic

[@julianne2saw]

what about when you go into an overly air conditioned place? huh? My local college computer room and my local library, well, I have to wear a puffy after a while. Sitting still at all can make me so cold.

[@brocklastname6682]

@I8DBBQ yep, my joke didn't age very well. :D

[@johncouch5648]

2 or 3 mm neoprene socks like divers wear as part of a wetsuit are so much better than traditional socks. Your feet get wet from perspiration, but not so much that they become macerated and they stay warm. I’ve used these in deep snow in the 20’s. Care has to be taken to turn them inside out and to allow feet to air out and dry at night, so warm sleeping socks are a must.

[@Reepicheep-1]

So, the warmest, nicest glovea you can find, and then dish gloves on the cleaning aisle at grocery/hardware/Walmart.

[@gregparrott]

You recommend fleece, and I agree. But I encountered one exception in the Sierra. During very light snowfall, I wore fleece as the outer layer on a strenuous hike, in light wind. I could see vapor steam off fleece, condense, freeze and build up on the outermost strands of the fleece until it became cold and clammy. I switched to a rain shell. While keeping pace, it was (too) warm, but a little less clammy.

[@GMiller75]

interesting tips. I would suggest large marigold gloves as a cheap waterproof alternative if you are wearing thinsulate gloves underneath them and a cheap plastic/pvc poncho over your rain gear instead of a brolly as you are adding an extra waterproof layer without having to expend as much energy heating yourself up. the balaclava definitely would be ideal for keeping the ears and nose warm.

[@davidtennyson4908]

Love the Piggly Wiggly bags. That's a southern thang! Planning a section hike on AT for spring 2019. 55 years OLD AND having heart issues, and still scheduling around work, that's a big deal for me. Keep the info coming. Really enjoy your info vids. Followed you through your triple crown. Thanks for sharing.

[@HikingFeral]

Base layer, a thin and a medium weight fleece, soft shell windbreaker and hardshell bottoms and top. That's what I use because it stays warm when wet, infinitely interchangeable, fast wicking and extremely quick to dry. Wind proof, water proof. Cool and warm. I'd take a million layers over the best thick jacket in the world.

[@shoshinman]

I have two life-changing words for anyone looking to keep hands and feet warm when wet...boiled wool. Seriously, I’m from New England and boiled wool socks and mittens are an every day must-have for many commercial fisherman year round.

[@pygmygiant]

shoshinman ooh, thanks for this. I’ve never even heard of it but I hike a lot in the cold and rain of Scotland so I’m definitely going to do some googling

[@YT-MikeL]

Dachstein boiled wool is absolutely excellent.

[@texmexia49]

Where can I get some?

[@shoshinman]

@@texmexia49 www.amazon.com/Dachstein-Woolwear-Extreme-Austrian-Mittens/dp/B0152EHMJ0

[@KP-jp9gv]

I run 8-12 hrs on mountains, hundreds of miles. Sometimes in heavy storms, down pours, and in winter. I use waterproof socks. They work 100% and very warm. I use Randy Sun socks from Amazon.

[@Cherijo78]

I live in WA on the West side, and do the Cascades a lot. The rain here can indeed be insidious and cold to boot. For the fall semester here I find myself switching to my boots (Hi-Tec Altitude IVs; mostly waterproof leather) because of the rain; these are super flexible from day one, and I'm usually a boot avoider. I also use a Marmot Limelight 3p tent (I bought it years ago before the Duplex was a thing). We get this nasty misty rain that just soaks everything. So, yes my tent is way heavier than my summer tent, but it stays dry and about 10 degrees warmer inside than out. I know people harp on gear weight a lot, but until you've spent as much time as I have out here, you really can't appreciate the value of a few extra pounds of gear for staying dry and warm. I've learned to trust the local hiker circuits a lot about gear in their area.

[@andredeketeleastutecomplex]

- keep mylar away from your body, it will reflect the heat better - don't use waterproof gloves when you can avoid, use the air dry variety that isolates even when wet, with maybe thin waterproof mittens over them - never leave that umbrella behind, it's a hiking rain fly, a multipurpose windscreen and can be used for an emergency shelter. About the multilayer clothing system. It's better to have 6 layers instead of 3, but much thinner, after all it's the air trapped in between that keeps you warm. I use 2 very thin body warmer in between long sleeved layers, to keep arms and shoulders more free and wick moist quicker. My set for winter is like this: merino t shirt, fleece body warmer, long sleeved fleece, windstopper isolated bodywarmer (water resistant), windstopper jacket with hood (not officially water resistant, but extremely fine woven so not much water gets trough), waterproof membrane jacket with mummy hood. For my legs I have 2 layers and gaiters to bridge the gap between my pants and shoes. Some buffs, a cap and a beanie for my head, and I'm snug as a bug. No down. It's not safe for me since I'm homeless. Unfortunately that means I have to use synthetics :(

[@kristedsherman9762]

I used Always Outside waterproof socks last year on my AT thru. I really only used them in the snow at the beginning to keep my feet warm, then sent them home once temperatures rose. They worked great for that, but I couldn’t see hiking in them in warm wet weather.

[@gumwap1]

If you want serious neoprene socks, look at Argos. The make 3-4mm neoprene socks that are fully sealed and very warm. You can wade in near freezing water and not feel the cold. Seal skins and Dexshell also make awesome waterproof socks. As for hands, pogies with a light glove underneath are the way to go.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I used seal-skinz socks working a 5 day week, covering 8-12 miles per day for the entire winter. Results are warm dry feet, no sweating and little wear. My first pair are now 6 years old....

[@trailmagic8724]

Great info. Gotta embrace the suck to figure out what works and what doesn’t!!! I wear waterproof socks mountain biking in the winter and they work pretty well at keeping my feet dry but not so much at keeping them warm. Vapor barrier liners with Smart Wool socks are my go to winter choice for hiking if it is going to be wet or snowy. Gore-Tex shoes are a must for me in the winter.

[@gravijta936]

A lightweight, inexpensive way to keep your sleeping bag dry while you're using it is to put it in a bivy version of the survival blanket, although they can be quite noisy. I use a tarp shelter, so condensation is always an issue. Also, if you get a survival blanket, make sure it is the type that stretches rather than tears.

[@JC.Ceramics]

Hey, probably too late to mention. I swear by goretex socks for intermittent use. I use a pair when I need to heal my feet. If your feet aren't drying out from rain or being constantly submerged I use a pair to let my feet begin to dry whilst my boots can stay wet. I also use them as sleeping socks when they are required for those particularly cold nights. I have had the same pair survive for 6 years of being in the army as well as hiking trips. Long term day in day out use they are awful and will wear out quickly though.

[@TheDataDispatch]

For me, at the end of a long, cold day in my sleeping bag, it's my down booties. Weigh just a couple of ounces and make such a big difference for how comfortable I am when the temps really start dropping!

[@jlkartvideos9887]

From my experience based on Finland's cold weather. 1) Gloves must have water proof material and with some kind of warm insulation which takes also condension water in. 2) Shoes: Use rubber boots. You have to prevent feet getting wet in cold conditions. Rubber boots are underrated but those works very well. You can also have rubber boots which are very light and comfort to walk. You can increase comfort level by putting good insoles. Water proof shocks will stay dry for a while but those will get wet by time and after that it takes forever to get them dry and they don't prevent feeling cold. 3) Use always under layer under 100 % water proof layer. That takes condensation water away from your skin and make sure that you are not wearing too much clothes so that you won't sweating too much. 4) Use warm hat (beanie) and protect that getting wet by using water proof hood. 5) Do not use down jacket and down pants because those will get wet from condensation water, humidity from sweating etc. 6) One more time: do not wear too much. You have to prevent sweating!

[@BonesyTucson]

I have to strongly recommend the Snugpak Enhanced Patrol Poncho. It has a huuuuuuge hump in the back (extra material) to accommodate backpacks. And you don't have to take your pack off to put it on. I found that was key - I dislike having to take everything off to don or doff gear.

[@bmcquiston1]

I used Sealskinz waterproof socks during my 2018 thru-hike of the AT which I started in Feb and finished in July (so in both cold and hot weather). They turned out to be one of my favorite pieces of gear. Absolute lifesavers during cooold wet weather. Even kept my feet dry during stream crossings. Mine were just below the knee and I wore injinji 5-toed sock liners underneath (ALWAYS, no matter what other socks I was wearing - not one single blister in 2200 miles!). I will say that they will lose their wp effectiveness after numerous wash & dry cycles so it would've beeen best to replace them when I got to New England but I didn't. Hope this helps, I can't tell you how much your videos helped me in planning a successful thru-hike, so I'll just say Thanks Dixie!

[@robertjeffery3237]

Another excellent, informative video! Thank you. Hint: the space blanket belongs under the sleeping pad, or in the case of a hammock, between the underquilt and the hammock. If in direct contact with the body it serves to conduct heat away rather than to reflect it toward you.

[@jacmay4497]

Hi. Yes, here in cold rainy UK, we're used to the need to keep extremities dry. Hands, feet, and head, can all risk hypothermia, or worse frostbite. Here, for hiking, or doing winter watersports, the "Sealskinz" range seems to offer popular solutions, albeit for a price. Alternatively. Sturdy plastic bags for feet, and tough rubber gloves over wool ones, are a cheep alternative. For my long hair, which once wet, take ages to dry, I sometimes improvise with a simple clear plastic shower hat, or silicon swim cap. Both can be slipped beneath a beanie hat, to provide effective waterproofing. Happy hiking!

[@jimpflugrath6220]

What a great video! Thanks! I'm happy to report that I've used all the ideas that you presented, except I have those convertible mittens instead of gloves which can be flipped open to reveal one's fingers for camera work and using a lighter for a stove. The finger pouch holds a hand warmer nicely, too. But one needs a waterproof mitten shell to go with them.

[@SacWildlife]

RAIN SKIRT! I discovered the wonders of a good rain skirt last year. I will never go without one again. Nice comprehensive video...

[@clwhite1127]

Could one use a tyvek footprint as a skirt? :)

[@SacWildlife]

@@clwhite1127 you could try, but I don't think it would work well

[@28105wsking]

Dixie, I pick up my neighborhood road trash on Saturdays with RubberMaid kitchen gloves over my knit gloves. It works great! Even in snow and rain, my hands do sweat, but stay pretty dry otherwise.

[@peterjohnson6273]

Being in central Canada, and outdoors doing everything year round, I have tried a lot of different types of hand gear. Leather overmitts mitts have always been the most versatile. Add an insulating layer inside to match the conditions. Love watching your videos, Dixie. :)

[@slythenavigator1131]

Drinking too much of a hot beverage can trick your body into thinking it's too warm, then you start sweating a bit and you actually lose body heat... and then you have to get up during the night, as warming your full bladder takes a lot of body heat also. If you are cold in your sleeping bag, a few sit-ups to make the blood flowing works well, but don't break a sweat. Many thanks from Canada Dixie,

[@richardross7219]

Thanks for another enjoyable and informative visit. I was a Boy Scout when the Space Blankets first came out in the late 1960s. I had to have one for campouts but never used it. Later, in the Army I carried one and fortunately never used it either. Fifteen years ago as an Assitant Scout Master I used one in a demonstration for my wilderness survival class. It was noisy and easily fell apart. I searched around for something better. I found the AMK Heatsheet Emergency Blanket. It is tougher and quieter than the Space Blankets. The originals are also much bigger. I learned to use them inside of sleeping bags when it got colder then expected or to use one as a reflector behind a camp fire to make everyone warmer. It is big enough to protect two people sitting next to each other. As a Civil Engineer(to the bone), I always had to experiment with anything that made me curious. A Heatsheet is a much better product than a Space Blanket. To save weight, you might look at reusable hand warmers. You warm them by a fire to reverse the chemical process and you can then use them again. I have not tried them, only saw another Scout Leader with them. We just carried Nalgene bottles and filled them with hot water to warm our sleeping bags for a few hours. 57 years ago I was taught to warm baseball size rocks by the fire and use them to warm the sleeping bag, socks, and shoes. Everything was cotton, canvass, leather or wool in those days so they were less likely to be damaged by warm rocks. I'm sure that you will be a big hit when you talk to the college students. I am looking forward to that video. Good Luck, Rick

[@renza481]

Tip: eat a warm harty meal for breakfast. Drink warm liquids. In the netherlands we use a baby warmer when camping. If you keep it clean. It will keep you warm in bed and is still warm to make breakfast in the morning. Only a bit heavy on a hike maybe its made off steel.

[@jodooxq]

Waterproof socks tend to not hold up so well. The liner breaks from wear and tear when hiking in them and the sock will then start to leak. But they are good for camp. They will keep your feet warm and dry even if you have to use your wet shoes to do camp chores. So good but a bit delicate in my experience!

[@3nertia]

I hadn't considered an umbrella in combination with rain gear to keep the rain from continually robbing body heat - good stuff; thank you!

[@Stormphraxx]

I used Sealskinz Waterproof socks on my AT thru-hike and they work very well. Kept my feet completely dry when i was hiking through Grayson Highlands in 40 degree weather and pouring down rain. That being said, you MUST follow the cleaning instructions (Let them air-dry, dont use a dryer), otherwise they start leaking water.

[@berniesbend]

I bought the Showa 282 and like them. If you get them purchase a pair two sizes larger than your possum down gloves as I only bought one size larger and even though they fit over the possum down they are very tight and restrict blood flow causing my fingers to feel cold. I'll eventually get another larger pair for use over my gloves, however the lined ones are exceptionally warm all by themselves it would take some serious weather to need anything other than these lined Showa 282's.

[@backpacker3421]

I get the idea of the hand/foot warmers, but I don't like disposables in general, especially chemical disposables. But I do absolutely agree with cocoa or hot apple cider - after breaking camp and getting into my warm dry sleeping clothes, I'll definitely heat up a cup or two to put in me right before tucking in. Makes a huge difference! I'll also try to make sure I'm somewhat physically active right up until I get tucked in. Keeping the blood flowing and getting into your bag/under your quilt still warm is important. I also will sometimes heat up a liter of water and put that in the footbox. Smartwater bottles aren't great for this, but if you use a Nalgene bottle or something like the Bot cook pot that seals, it works great. Don't boil the water all the way, just get it steaming and then put it in the bottle and into the footbox.

[@trakyboy5128]

When I got into canyoneering, I had to go for a search on ways to keep my feet warm in the water. After trying many different methods I found that 'Sealskinz' makes water socks that are excellent. However the first pair wore out around the top elastic top because of pulling them off and on constantly after a couple seasons. then I found by putting a thin dress sock or a liner on they've slipped on easier and lasted longer and when they are new actually keep the water out completely but over time the top starts to stretch out a little bit and then water gets in there. but at least your feet are still warm. The issue is you can't wear other socks with them of any thickness because the 'socks' are already thick enough that it just leaves no room for other socks, so I don't know how that would work for hiking trail shoes in snow. just a thought. My current pair are worn out at the top so I'm going to try wrapping a Ace wrap around the top.i also use 'gaitors' for protection from hard brush. Never tried them in freezing rain/snow however. As a desrt dweller I don't do well with snow. But water is the place to be, so we loaded up the truck and moved to.........lol

[@yvemarybmusic]

Re foot bags. My granma taught us as wee nippers to pop over some bag in de rain. Tried and tested different plastics n some keep warmer some less slip privvy and some make feet cold if not wearing right socks with em lol. I cant remember which get up worked best together except i like the old style asda bags. Feet bit sweaty but still good.

[@backpacker3421]

Can't speak for how they'd hold up to a thru hike, but here's how I use neoprene socks (and it works - for me): I do the water crossing without any socks. Doesn't matter how cold, you're not going to be in it long enough to do any damage, just embrace the suck. On the other side, I dry off my feet and put dry injinji liners on with the neoprene socks over them and hike until the shoes dry out. Then my feet are only wet during the crossing. If I run into another crossing before the shoes dry, off come the socks and across I go. The neoprene also goes on during rain showers, so in the worst conditions, I'll wear them all day with liners - or occasionally over my wool hiking socks. They do add a bit of thickness, so you want to avoid making your shoes or boots too tight as that will block circulation from keeping your feet warm.

[@HikingWithShawn]

Being warm in the cold is something that I've really taken an effort for here lately. I'm mainly a day hiker, I'd love to thru-hike one day when time allows for it but even during a day hike, you need to protect yourself because who knows, you might have to spend longer outside than you had planned to. I make it a habit to carry extra layers. Insulated running gear was been my best friend - spandex tights and compression shirts but insulated, and lightweight too! I think the feet are the most important thing to protect though because we rely on them so much. Waterproof shoes/boots and smart wool socks is a must for me. Great video as always :)

[@nobodynoone2500]

Try a merino wool base layer instead of poly/spandex. Thank me later.

[@shanedutenhoffer6275]

One thing I use for late season hunting is seal skin socks. They are not real seal skin but they have kept my feet dry for 20 day plus hunts crossing rivers and creeks multiple times daily. Look them up lots of Alaskan guides believe in them. They are not cheap.

[@robmarquis7532]

This is such a great channel. You give excellent, real world advice. Thank you!

[@backpacker3421]

Sleeping pads: Most of the major companies make a winter version of their inflatable (NeoAir's is the XTherm) with R values up around 6. Or you can double up and put your inflatable 3-season on top of a closed cell pad to get pretty close to a 6 overall. You can also use the Mylar, yes, or you can use Reflectix. It's noisy as all get out (you're basically sleeping on bubble wrap) but it's an incredibly effective heat barrier and it's super lightweight (though not super packable).

[@bereantrb]

11:15 The SOL Space Blanket is quiet, light, cheap and re-usable. Always in my bag when temps get cooler.

[@allencrider]

I went to my local hardware megastore looking for Showa 282 gloves and there weren't any of those but there were Showa 451 Thermo Grip Insulated Gloves. They are waterproof in the palms only, but insulated all over. Great for hiking when it isn't raining and gave me an opportunity to test out Showa gloves. AND, they were less than $5 and are grey instead of weird blue.

[@daverow4505]

For freezing rain, my must have list includes a pot of coffee, a TV remote with fresh batteries, and a fully charged laptop so I can watch Dixie videos :)

[@TheDenisedrake]

A big bowl of hot buttered popcorn helps too. :P

[@robopecha]

dont forget to pack a sofa.

[@doghouse416]

Amen brother!!

[@julianne2saw]

for freezing rain, inside my local library they have a way to watch DVD's. That's nice.

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

@Dan Ryan 😂😂😂

[@aikirunner]

Always pleasant listening to this young lady. She’s got a good presenting style and really has done her homework.

[@kellycarlen9605]

Another warm drink I’ve tried and like is regular Jello in hot water. Heat up your water and add the Jello to your taste preference. One package makes several drinks depending how sweet you make it. Lots of flavors to choose from too! The yellow Playtex dishwashing gloves work similar to the Showas. I think your blue ones are probably tougher though since they’re designed as work gloves.

[@williamwazere]

Sealskinz gloves are superb. They have a model with index fingers and thumbs that can open up sort of. You fold the fabric of the back and there are magnets that retain them so you can have dexterity without removing the gloves. For shooting or using your phone, accesses kit, using gps, etc.

[@wspmjw]

Greetings Southern Thru Hiker. A suggestion for keeping your hands warm/dry in freezing rain, check out Glacier Gloves. There are several different thicknesses and they're made of neoprene. Kind of like a wet suit for your hands. Have ridden my bicycle in sub freezing temps and they kept my hands warm and dry (except for the bit of moisture caused by hands perspiring a bit). This is how they function and the lighter weight ones provide pretty good dexterity too.Hike On!

[@Mtnsunshine]

What a treat on a cold Sunday morning. Thank you for all the good tips. Years ago, while hiking in Ohio in December, my clothing became pretty wet from the snow/rain mixture that was falling. After I set up my tarp tent (yeah, I was young and foolish back then) I heated up my aluminum cook pan and ‘ironed’ the clothes while they were still on me. It dried them out and brought me back from the hypothermia that was beginning to hit. This might not work with the more modern fleeces today or any titanium pan, but it worked great then! We are so lucky to have the fabrics and equipment that exists today and the wisdom that Dixie is able to share with all of us via the internet. Wonderful!

[@georgeclark7208]

I hope I never have to use this, but I really, really appreciate you sharing this.

[@nobodynoone2500]

Funny after spending hundreds on new "tech fabrics" which are almost all just polyester, I have tossed it all in the donation pile and wear almost exclusively merino wool base and mid layers. Polyproplyne based ones seem a bit better near the skin, but i still prefer wool, for the feel, warmpth, and the lack of stink, which both polys seem to amplify. As a bonus, wool is very fire retardant, so your pan trick would work fine. I will warn thick wool can trap water, but thinner wools seem to convect it decently without cooling the skin.

[@idrissamorehouse5776]

Great vid - im more of a hobbyist hiker but i like to hike through water and cold conditions - I’ve learned to check out all the great hunting and fishing companies rather than just sticking to hiking based gear - i swear by my hunting snake boots that are a slip on muck boot style -clunkier but water proof and branch poke proof (i like to go off the trail alot too :) - for gloves i layer thin SMART WOOL gloves (with a tight fit ) under a stronger worker type glove (deer skin or synthetic stretchy ) -this way you get flexibility and toughness and warmth :)

[@srsesteban2527]

Very timely, there’s freezing rain falling right now!

[@srsesteban2527]

Brook4ever I wish I was in WA! I’m in MA.

[@joshjspice]

That is a really good point about the rain on your jacket conducting heat out of you. Never heard that before but it's definitely true. Good video. Cheers!

[@GjPeddy]

I would add forget the three layers rule. I hiked in Scotland at -12°C with 6 if not 7 layers on and don't regret it.

[@jimmyjohnstone8071]

Scotland has freezing rain, warm rain, and rain in every temperature in between. I have a load of different gear for warmth, rain protection, wind protection when it is dry, and some sun protection gear for the odd summer like 2018 when we had really sunny dry weather for months. Checking the weather forecast is vital, then pick the kit for the trip.

[@nobodynoone2500]

Well, what kit do you wear for freezing or near-freezing rain?

[@stevecook413]

Like I say, don't forget to thank all that came before us ... the explorers, settlers the path finders (and let's not forget all the people that maintain all of trails) and of course you for the up beat life and gear up dates.

[@carrdoug99]

Love, love, love my hiking umbrella (especially since I hate hiking in rain gear). Well worth the ounces to me in wet cold conditions OR Gore-Tex overmitts, hands stay truly dry. It goes against what's in vogue but in my opinion Gore-Tex boots are the much preferred choice as well. You may have to be a little more creative at creek crossing, but if you can avoid letting water in over the top (which isn't hard with mids) your feet will stay much dryer helping avoid problems from things like prune feet (trench foot). As I remember, one of Dixie's hiking partners on the PCT had some severe cracking from pruney feet.

[@jay-rus4437]

I like watching your videos to get some practical advice on how to prepare our emergency go bags. So many of the “bug out bag” videos are just tacticool vids of every gadget imaginable. It makes sense to me that through hikers have the experience to share what works and what doesnt

[@plaguepandemic5651]

About those hand warmers: tuck them between your thighs and/or under your armpits if you're really cold. It will warm the blood in your arteries which will warm the entire body. Inversely, cold water bottles or ice packs in those spots can help greatly in the hot weather

[@johnp2724]

Dixie your great. My suggestion is go technical. Gore Tex for waterproofing and primoloft gold for insulation will do everything you need. You can buy these women's gloves for $39 at Cabelas and they have worked great for my wife. Having plastic bags will keep you dry but if you sweat that moisture will stay inside that bag and you will freeze. Primoloft may be heavier that down by a few ounces buy you stay dry and warm. I Enjoy your videos.

[@coughingowloutdoors8579]

Another tip loaded video Dixie. A slow digesting snack before bed, such as cheese, gives the body extra fuel to keep you warm through the night. I agree that something hot in a cup is always a great moral booster!

[@paxwallacejazz]

When I was in my crazy 30s I only had a motorcycle but I had to travel to my piano students houses all over Seattle. That was either great or horrible. When it was horrible I used plastic bags over my sneakers to allow my cheap waterproof totes stretch over boots sold everywhere to slide on. So suddenly my running shoes were water proof.

[@jeffburnham6611]

I think a distinction needs to be made between rain that is cold due to temperature, and freezing rain. You are going to be able to walk if its freezing rain because everything will be coated in a layer of very slippery ice. Footing and climbing will become very treacherous at best, unless you have cleats on your footwear.

[@JohnSmith-wo2zj]

I tried various options for this challenge. Got the feet and torso dialed in but kept having challenges with the hands. Warmer snowmobile gloves or mittens were suboptimal b/c while they were warm, they were hard to dry sweat out. Finally found some 3mm Camaro gloves on Sierra Trading Post (great site for top quality discounted gear like Leki cork trekking poles w/o the REI new or even used price tag). They are used by cold weather kayakers. They fit tightly so you get mobility and dry the sweat inside well. Worst case, they are damp next AM but still insulate. Sorry to post a competitor's site Dixie, try to use your links to support you when I can

[@azcolby40]

Always a challenge camping and hiking in the cold, rain or snow. I have a Klymit Static airpad from Big 5 sports,$39.00 .,R-factor of 1 , I believe. Then I added a $5 solar Mylar blanket from REI. I opened the blanket all the way, then spray gluded along the full length ( about an11/2" ) this making my blanket a tube , it very easy to slide the Klymit bag into this Mylar tube, I have no way of knowing the R factor but I have camped in 25 degree weather in the tent and been fine, noise was minimal

[@SandCrabNews]

I am not a snow lover, the 4th season "winter" is a challenge, but you inspire some ideas. Maybe suspend a section of emergency blanket inside the tent to reflect body heat from above and aside. Duct tape or similar to form attachment points.

[@jeanward1252]

To amp up the rating on a sleeping bag... add a SOL Escape bivy.... works great and ads 15-25 degrees. I love it ( only 8 more oz , breathable- really and multi functional ).

[@yuriklaver4639]

What about rubber boots in stead of a shoes? And a poncho in stead of a gore-tex jacket? And talking about umbrellas: there is a tough one called senz, I guess they are Dutch made, you may want to check it out. The gloves are good idea. Thanks!

[@bearanoia673]

Great info for keeping the hands & feet warm. I prefer hiking in cold weather vs summer heat but, haven't dealt with hiking in freezing rain or extreme lows. What's the weight difference in your base weight when you have to switch to the cold weather gear on a thru-hike? 🐻🌲

[@dirkanderson1606]

You've got this dialed in. So far I'm just day hiking and climbing. I've used those chemical hand warmers in sleeping bag for years. Just went on a wet, mucky, rainy day hike and used those plastic mutt mitts that you get in the parks on my feet, in a pinch they are fine, but I would recommend something more durable.

[@johntheobald4722]

Keep hydrated. When you are wet you think less about drinking. When you are dehydrated your blood vessels constrict and your circulation drops and your body temp will begin to drop.

[@pascalgreder5625]

Hi Dixie, Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! I just confirm that the umbrella is so important in a hiking tour. I use it since 20 Years for my hikes!

[@rachelgreen3023]

for the gloves id get chemical protected thermal gloves (industrial kind) they have grip coating basically what you have but they have a really good built in thermal liner very puncture resistant

[@jamespriest7684]

" they look like your about to kill someone and dispose of the body" ..... i was thinking dishes but i understand the sentiment

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, I’m a buff guy over a beanie/balaclava, I like the multifunction nature of them. The gloves as ‘useful to bury bodies’, you did say everything you carry needs to have at least 2 uses 🤪🤪🤪. I’d love to find some sort of waterproof booty to put on when crossing water and take off afterward. Umbrellas infuriate me, after all the time since they were invented someone would come up with a way to handle the wind 🤬🤬🤬. I think I have had hand warmers in the past that could be recharged by putting them in boiling water for a while.

[@MstrRo1]

A great question to ask before purchasing a sleeping bag is: "What is the loft height and what is the baffle height". From my experience, if the loft and baffle height are essentially the same, then you will have a bag that is going to keep you warmer near the rating of the bag. If not, your bag will be 10, 20 or even more degrees "colder" than its rating. I have tested this theory with may bags and it still holds true although I have not tested every sleeping bag make. It could be coincidence but at least you have something to think about before pulling the trigger on this important piece of gear. I have tested 6 makes of down bags, quilts and underquilts to date. Sythetic insulation does not follow the same rules. Asking these kinds of questions to makers may encourage the adherence to some standard in the long run so you folks will end up knowing that they are buying.

[@happyhome41]

Neoprene booties -- common in northern SCUBA diving -- wet and warm.

[@actoldlater...itsnevertool5288]

I have waterproof socks that I bought a few days ago to bring on my AT thru in March. I'll be filming myself in a bathtub (dressed!) for my vlog, then will let y'all know how they work if I bring them on my hike!

[@johnschmalbach8243]

I think part of the issue overlooked here is that one year isn't like the next. I'll use the AT as an example, a plethora of issues rise there. First New England weather is crazy unpredictable, especially in shoulder season. You can find yourself in what seems true winter rather suddenly. In conditions like that trail runners and plastic bags aren't going to cut it. Then you can add a year like this one. Many stretches of the AT were basically turned into Creek beds because of all of the rain. In November I was hiking sections in PA where you hiked the trail literally for miles in water, as if you were hiking a creek, the temperature of which was close to freezing. Sometimes you just have to say "okay time for waterproof boots" because all the light weight hacks in the world won't quite cut it.

[@eramosat]

Your list is top-notch, excellent advice, very impressive for someone with your experience. It gets a big seal of approval from this Canadian. Umbrellas are surprisingly useful, aren't they? if you can keep them from getting blown to bits

[@BonesyTucson]

I have yet to understand why no one has made a carbon fibre or Ti umbrella with dacron or aramid material. I would pay through the nose for an umbrella that wouldn't fall apart and I could pass down to people!

[@eramosat]

@@BonesyTucson umbrellas are a huge niche thing for camping...better for day hiking. just buy the toughest umbrella you can find, golfing ones are a good start but they're usually too big. and if you feel daring, create your own stabilizers...3 lines from the handle area to the outer edge of the brim to help it from getting blown out, and still allowing enough space for your body to get under cover.

[@btrue1222]

An easy fix for waterproof gloves could be a pair of sterile doctors latex or vinyl type gloves over a pair of warmer gloves. You could get a large size & even pack a couple extra pairs in case of a rip for almost no weight cost.

[@steintanz]

Thanks very much! - Umbrellas are definitley underrated in wet AND cold conditions.

[@sagehiker]

I am getting to be a big fan of waterproof layers, or vapor barriers, for hands and feet. I do add some caution, your feet are going to be soaked,so when shutting down, take care of them. Freezing rain is probably the greatest hiking hazard there is, because you can seemingly power through it, but keeps taking its toll every hour you are in it. And keeping your self hydrated is challenging.

[@shadowprince4482]

I used to hike daily in streams with waterproof socks and wader boots doing fisheries work and they stayed pretty comfy. The only problem I had was that my skin became so waterlogged that one toe started burrowing into the toe next to it. Was able to stop it by wiggling my toes regularly after I noticed it. What was a problem though was that my feet at night would suddenly dry out to the point of cracking for some reason. To counter this I had to wear socks to bed for a long time and still do most of the time. So yeah, spending long periods of time in wet neoprene socks can cause some skin moisture issues. Not sure though if you can keep them somewhat dry during thru hiking.

[@jdhill770]

Gotta let the feet breathe and dry out slowly as much as possible. Then coat the feet in something to rehydrate them. Bag balm, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, etc. Then put on a pair of loose knit puffy wool socks that are a size or 3 too large to sleep in.

[@goingsolo1467]

I put the compactor bag I use to line my pack around the foot end of my mummy bag and stay toasty

[@veronikobayerova]

Clever!

[@MACLEISHPRODUCTIONS]

In reality, this does not work well. Your body heat which includes your legs and feet release moisture while you sleep, that down footbox will be saturated in the morning. If sucky cold/wet weather persists, it will not dry out while you hike, your next night sleeping will be in a wet footbox. That truly sucks, done it, learned from it. A better idea that works is too stuff the dry trash compactor bag inside an Enlightened Equipment quilt to block the little hole that is cinching the foot box closed. Same problem with using plastic bags on your feet, though one more layer partially solves that problem, that being liner socks that allow sweat to pass through into the darn tough socks. When your done hiking for the day, those socks will be saturated with sweat, but the feet will be nearly dry. Most of my experience is hiking, winter camping, and telemarking in Tuckerman's Ravine just below Mount Washington summit which is part of the AT.

[@freshfilmsllc]

Great Advice! I wish I would have known some of this as we were filming on the AT up at Roan Mountain during a big ice storm last month! The one other thing that was helpful, were MicroSpikes!! I fell on the ice 7 times with all my gear (and cameras) Thanks for all you do!