BLOG #98 AUTUMN AND EARLY WINTER HIKING & SNOWSHOEING

​It has snowed at Stevens Peak already so it’s time to discuss late Autumn and early Winter hiking or snowshoeing.

Please remember, because the sun is shimmy bright in the mountains, means that you have to have pack for the cold temperatures you will find, even on hikes close to Spokane and beyond.

The below are some ideas to make your hike more enjoyable.

Over Dress
Year round I carry an old pair of down ski mittens in the bottom of my pack. 
On several occasions, I’ve pulled them out because my fellow hiker(s) didn’t have adequate gloves.

Other things you might consider taking .
Down pants and Down jacket. They stuff into very small stuff sacks and can be of great importance, if needed. 
Even stopping for lunch can chill us to the bone.

1. Extra stocking caps, face masks, wool scarfs, and socks, are a must. If needed, they can keep your extremities warm. To stress this idea, try to build a fire this Winter outdoors. It takes a special talent to start a fire. But with a road flare, you can even start wet branches or tinder. One thing I might add for safety reasons. Find a solid cardboard tube, like the ones inside Saran Wrap. By carrying the flare in these tubes, it can be protected from accidentally ignition.
2. Road Flares. If you are going to be way out back seeking a Winter adventure, you may at some time need a road flare to start a fire. https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/hints.html   They burn at 1500°, and can even start wet wood on fire.
3. As Winter gets closer, it would be wise to wash and waterproof your outer gear. Check out our section n waterproofing here…https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/time-to-treat-your-outdoor-gear
4. Surveyors Tape. There will be a time in your travels that you may need to use surveyors tape, to mark your route. it’s very light and and can be a useful tool if misplaced. There are small pocket on your backpack waist belt. Stuff one full of 15” strips.
5. Snow Blindness and other cold injuries, can occur to anyone that hikes in the Winter. Please review our section on all the cold or hot conditions you may encounter. The more you know, the safer you can be. https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/medical-information.html
6. Bivvy Sacs. I bought one for less than 10$ that can help keep you warm in an emergency. Mine reflexes 90% of our body heat back towards the body. And it weights only a few ounces.

Always carry what you may need, just in case.
I’ve been in circumstances where I was very happy to have extra gear.
Keeping safe is paramount.


Another good thing to have on your phone, is the AirFlare app.
It is a rescue app that weighs nothing, and it could just save your life.
All you have to do is push the SOS button, and STAY WHERE YOU ARE. 
If you move, and the rescuers can’t find you, it could mean your life.
The very cool thing about AirFlare, is it only cost $4.99 a year.

If you are a skier, you will most likely see the resorts suggestion to download the app.

Like any hike, snowshoe, or climb, if you have this app, it could save your life, or a buddies life.
But be aware. Once you push the button, it take rescue personnel many hours to get to you.

To see what a rescue looks like, please read the below BLOG.
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/what-does-a-rescue-look-like

Please arm your self with knowledge and the gear you need to make it thru the night.


Stay safe, and take care.


Chic         David


https://www.inlandnwroutes.com