How to Keep Your Hands Warm When Backpacking in the Winter

Frostbite can be a real risk when backpacking in the winter. Keep fingers and hands warm by covering them sufficiently to insulate them and keep them dry.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Waterproof Mittens
• Plastic Bags
• Liner Gloves
• Ski Gloves
• Plastic bags

1. Wear a thin pair of liner gloves specially designed to wick moisture away from your skin.

2. Cover the liner gloves with a pair of mittens designed to insulate and overmittens designed to protect from wind and snow. Make sure your overmittens or outer gloves have adjustable closures that block out the wind.

3. Attach your gloves to your parka with a cord to keep from losing them if you need to hastily remove them.

4. Wear ski gloves when using an ice axe.

5. Keep an extra pair of liner gloves with your cookware in case your gloves become wet during camp chores.

6. Cover your hands with plastic bags and seal with a loose rubber band if your gloves become so wet they fail to keep you warm. You can also put a pair of socks between your skin and the bag to add an extra layer of warmth.

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on 11/22/2005 Get vapor-barrier glove liners. Some Mobil stations have fuel gloves available (disposable nylon gloves). You can also order food handling gloves from places like Staples. Put these gloves directly on your hands, or over poly liners. Put on some insulating gloves. The gloves will stay dry, but your hands will wet and the liners will be soaked. Vent out moisture periodically, and cool off the hands if they get too warm. Add more insulation if your hands are too cold.