Hiking
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Brian Gibbs, a San Diego resident who has worked in the financial sector for nearly four decades, helps people with retirement transition. When not occupied with his duties with San Diego’s Heritage Retirement Advisors, Brian Gibbs enjoys the outdoors through various sports and activities, including hiking.
While many choose to reserve hiking for the warmer months, winter hiking can be just as rewarding, and some trails and vistas can be more beautiful in the winter. These tips will help keep a hiker safe during cold weather hikes.
Gear, as always, plays a big role. In addition to the usual hiking supplies, a hiker should bring a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cell phone, and down parka, to mitigate cold and exhaustion if stuck somewhere overnight. Proper layered dress similarly keeps hikers safe, and crampons and snowshoes make navigating the terrain easier.
Just as important, however, is prudence. Winter hikers should choose their route well in advance, and start with much shorter trips than they might in summer. They should also be willing and prepared to turn around early, especially if weather changes.
Brian Gibbs (San Diego) 