Preparing For Outdoor Activites in Colder Weather

No one likes to be stuck indoors due to lousy weather all the time. This is especially true for families. Being cooped up inside a house can be frustrating for everyone. But if you are prepared, there is no reason you cannot get out and about whatever the weather and make the most of the great outdoors all year round.

Image credit

The added benefits for exercising outdoors or simply spending time outside as a family will be significantly increased thanks to the fresh air and vitamin D you are exposed to.

Planning For Spending Time Outdoors

What do you need to do when it comes to exploring outdoors during the colder weather?

Clothing

Layers are essential when spending long periods outdoors, even if you are going for a run or partaking in watersports and so on. Wearing base layers that can keep you warm is vital; think vests, long sleeve base layers, performance fishing shirts, fleeces, gloves, and hats are essential and can be added or removed depending on your activities.

Avoid buying thicker items to compensate for adding layers, as when you get too warm, you won’t be able to remove them later to cool down, and you will need to remove the thicker items and be left with no layers to protect you.

When the temperature drops, blood flow is concentrated in the body’s center, leaving the head, hands, and feet susceptible to frostbite.

Wear a thin pair of wicking glove liners (polypropylene) below a couple of bulkier wool or fleece-lined gloves or mittens. Put on the mittens or gloves before your hands become cold, and then take them off after they become sweaty.

Consider purchasing exercise shoes that are a half size or a full size larger than usual to accommodate thick thermal socks or an additional pair of ordinary socks. Additionally, don’t forget to wear a helmet or headband to protect your head and ears. If the weather is freezing, consider covering your face with a scarf or ski mask.

Footwear

Make sure you are wearing the appropriate footwear for the activity. Your feet need to be supported, kept dry, and be comfortable for wearing for long periods, especially if you are planning on being out for a while. 

In the winter, there’s a chance you’ll be hiking through snow, and if your shoes aren’t waterproof, this could result in your socks becoming wet, which could have several negative consequences, so make sure you have spare socks. Additionally, your feet are in danger of becoming chilly and experiencing changes in sensation, which raises the likelihood of taking a wrong step or suffering another injury when trekking on an uneven surface. Do your research and make sure your footwear is up to the job, whether running, hiking, or fishing in the cold weather.

Contact Details

Always make sure people know where you are going and your timeline. Traveling when the weather is colder can add an extra layer of problems such as the increased risk of trips or falls, the potential for hypothermia or frostbite or complications due to transport breakdowns, and being stranded in adverse weather conditions. If you cannot get help, having people know where you are and where you are expected to be can get help raised quicker for you should you need it.

Check Weather Conditions

Before venturing out into the elements, check the weather forecast. When it comes to planning a safe cold-weather workout, the weather conditions such as temperature, wind, and dampness, as well as the length of time you’ll be outside, are critical considerations.

The wind chill, a combination of wind and cold, is a common component in winter weather forecasts. Excessive wind chill can make exercising outdoors dangerous, even if you are wearing warm clothing.

Because of the wind’s ability to permeate your clothing, it can remove the insulating layer of warm air surrounding your body. Anyone who has exposed skin is at risk of frostbite.

When the air temperature is over 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius), the danger of frostbite is less than 5 percent, but the risk increases as the wind chill falls. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes when the wind chill temperature is below 18 F (minus 28 C).

If the weather drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit (minus 18 degrees Celsius) or the wind chill is extreme, consider taking a break or opting for an inside training session instead of going outside. If it’s pouring or snowing, you might consider postponing your workout unless you have waterproof clothing. When you get wet, you become more vulnerable to the elements. Furthermore, if you get wet, you may not retain your core body temperature at a safe temperature.

Know The Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite is a type of injury to the body that occurs when exposed to extreme cold. Frostbite is particularly common on exposed skin areas, such as the cheeks, nose, and ears, and it can be fatal. It can also manifest itself on the hands and feet. Numbness, tingling, or a stinging sensation are some of the early warning signs of a stroke.

If you suspect that you have frostbite, get out of the cold as soon as possible. Warm the affected region slowly — but do not rub it because this might cause skin damage to the area. If the numbness persists, seek medical attention immediately.

Hypothermia is defined as a dangerously low body temperature. You will begin to lose heat more quickly than your body can produce when exposed to chilly temperatures. Taking part in physical activity in cold, rainy weather raises the risk of hypothermia. Older persons and children under the age of five are at increased risk.

Signs include;

• Intense shivering
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Loss of concentration

When you are prepared for being in the great outdoors in different temperatures and climates, there is no reason why you can enjoy yourself regardless of the weather conditions. As long as you are prepared and organized, you can explore or exercise outdoors to your heart’s content!