First Hike of 2018 | Lessons Learned About Layering

So I did the first-day hike of the new year. We live in Texas so temperatures usually aren’t too bad on January 1st, except for this year!

I waited until about 2 pm where it had warmed up to 29 degrees with a windchill of 22. Made it to 2.36 miles!

For those that don’t know me, I put on a hoodie if it drops below 80 degrees! I even bundle up when it is in the 50’s and hike! So hiking in 29-degree weather was a major accomplishment for me. I knew that I needed to get out and do it as I start training for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2020.

But how was I going to keep warm? Simple..layers. But what kind of layers and how many? I had never hiked in this weather before! Not only was it 29 degrees, it was also cloudy when I began with an 8mph wind!

It did, however, start warming up as the sun began peeking through the clouds.

How Did I Layer for my First Hike of 2018?

Keep in mind that I do not have any cold-weather clothing except for my puffy jacket. I didn’t wear expensive name-brand hiking clothing as I simply didn’t have time to go out and make that purchase. I mean I live in freaking Central Texas!

I simply had to make do with what I had.

For my core, thankfully, my husband is in the Army and several years ago he gave me these brown Under Armor polyester short sleeve shirts that apparently used to be issued to them way back in the day (he has been in since 1996). So that was my first top layer, followed by a thin long sleeve polyester spandex shirt, then a long sleeve Army issued long-sleeved sleeping shirt (that is what it says on the tag), topped off with my puffy jacket.

For my bottoms, I wore fleece leggings under my Nike running leggings.

For my feet, I wore 2 pairs of wool socks.

To keep my head warm, I wore an ear warmer headband under a Cowboys beenie.

My hands, well I just used my driving gloves and hoped for the best.

My Actual Clothing Break Down

Core:

Sports Bra (generic)
Army issued Under Armor Short Sleeve Shirt
ClimateRight Long Sleeve Shirt
Army issue sleeping shirt
Guide Series Puffy Jacket (synthetic, bought on sale when Gander Mountain went out of business)

Legs:

Fleece Leggings (from Walmart)
Nike Running Tights

Feet:

Injinji Outdoor Midweight Mini Crew Nuwwol Socks
Darn Tough 1/4 Cushion Socks

Head:

Ear Warmer Headband
Knit Beanie

Hands:

Driving Gloves

Misc:

Buff (used this to shield my nose and mouth from the cold. Also doubled as a neck warmer and snot rag).

What I learned

• Bulky doesn’t mean warmer! Layer right (even if it is thin layers) and you will stay warm.
• I really enjoyed hiking in cold weather.
• I need different gloves. While my hands did end up warming up, it took a while! I think I could find a pair of better gloves. If you have suggestions, please comment below and let me know!
• Adjust your pack before you head out! I spent a good 5-10 minutes messing with my pack in the cold to accommodate the additional layers. I should have done that before I left!

Who Else Did a First Day Hike?

Did anyone else do a first-day hike? Comment below and let me know! Where did you hike, how far, and what was the weather like in your neck of the woods?

SaveSave

SaveSave