Got the Post-Summer Hiking Blues? I Know I Do!

If you’re at risk of morphing into a sad blob this winter, keep your spirits up with these tips to get yourself back outside and lovin’ life again.

Get the appropriate gear!

Excuses, excuses! If you’re guilty of saying “But I don’t wanna get drenched,” “It’s just too cold out,” or “It’s slippery, though, because of the snow,” well guess what? The seasons change every year, right on schedule. It’s up to you to outsmart the cold and darkness. Put the right accoutrements on your holiday wish list this year. Invest in a good pair of gaiters to keep your boots dry. Get some crampons to keep your footing in mud, ice, and snow. Plastic ponchos are an inexpensive way to keep your perhaps not so rain-resistant jacket dry and even if all you have is a pair of rainboots, a pair of primo wool socks can make all the difference in keeping your toes warm. An easy way to save on these items is by attending an REI Garage Sale; it’s an event where their damaged and returned merchandise is heavily discounted and on final sale. Costco is another great option to find seasonal gear at a reasonable price and I bet your grandparents (who don’t know what to get you for Christmas) shop there…

Think winter activities…

If you aren’t quite experienced enough to venture into winter backpacking, or maybe that challenging of an activity is just not your style, don’t forget that there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the outdoors. Maybe this is the year you try snowboarding or skiing. You might think – no way, I can’t afford that! —but there are ways to make it affordable. Aside from scanning the web for coupons, there are certain times of the day, or certain days of the week discounted lift tickets are available. Reach out to your friends and family to see if you can borrow boots, skis, jackets, or snowboarding goggles to cut the cost of gear rental.

If you really think about it, there’s so much to do during winter! Try ice skating, sledding, winter picnics, building snowmen, having cocoa and s’mores around a bonfire, an evening walk to take in Christmas lights, poking around the beach during a storm, walks through autumn foliage, holiday themed 5ks, mushroom picking, or scavenging the woods for decorative boughs or wreath-making materials.  

Grab your buddies

Trying new activities can be a little daunting when it comes to the outdoors. You don’t want to show up missing a piece of gear or spend hours driving around finding the right place to go. Now is the time to reach out to that one friend who always posts cool pictures of their snowshoeing adventures on Instagram. Trying something new is always easier and safer when you have a partner. Even if what you do is simple, it’s still miles ahead of being a couch barnacle. Maybe you have a family member you want to spend some time catching up with; then call them up, and invite them for a scenic walk. The most important part is making sure your calendar is full. It’s too easy to let every weekend slide into binging Netflix and baked goods, when you could be outside having new, satisfying experiences.

Stay toasty!

Put some thought into staying warm. Simple, but easily forgotten, are the tried and true Little Hotties Hand Warmers; they now have ones for your feet, too! Tiny portable stoves and cook sets are an investment you can use all year. I bought a mini cook set by GSI Outdoors for $50 and a little foldable propane stove by Mountain Safety Research for $30. Like all outdoor gear, if you maintain it, it’ll last years and be worth every penny. There’s nothing like hot soup on a snowy hike to make it even more magical. Pack your Thermos with hot toddy, hot cocoa, buttered rum, or coffee with Bailey’s Irish cream to savor a hot beverage. Sometimes getting a new hat, scarf, or gloves can be a great motivator to get outside.

Get some guidance

At a loss for snowboarding? Sign up for a class. Have no one to go snowshoeing with? Sign up for a tour. Don’t know where to hike? Check out your local MeetUp. Seriously consider investing in a guided activity because once you learn, you then have another activity you can feel confident about in your winter arsenal. Think about taking a class on wilderness first aid and practice mock injuries or emergency situations with your friends. REI offers classes and workshops to learn something new that you can apply to your outdoor adventures. Many classes are free or just have a small fee. Learn to master your GoPro, how to photograph in the snow, or how to select and fit snowshoes.

Just like summer hiking, winter outdoor activities are enhanced by having the right gear and making the time to do them. Don’t limit yourself; be persistent and try new things. Before you know it, you’ll have a year-long routine of amazing adventures to keep yourself active and occupied. Never stop exploring, my friends!