Oct 07 2007
Fall Hiking - Not So Cold Feet
It is easy to mourn the loss of those long, warm summer days as we move into the Fall season. Cold, crisp mornings make winter seem just around the corner and many will put away their hiking boots until next Spring. But, Fall is one of the best times for hiking. The colors are vibrant and the summer haze is gone - along with the crowds. Although the mornings will be cool, most days bring perfect hiking weather.
No Need to Get Cold Feet
Wet feet mean cold feet. The feet become wet when water enters the hiking boot from the environment or when the feet sweat and the moisture does not evaporate. To avoid foot problems when hiking - keep the feet dry.
Luckily, stream crossings and muddy trails are not much of an issue in the Fall in most places. But, hiking after an early snow is a definite possibility. Make sure you are wearing an appropriate pair of hiking boots which are water resistant. They don’t need to be water proof, just water resistant.
The bigger culprit for most hikers is moisture from perspiration. The tendency in colder weather is to add extra layers to the feet. This would be great if they could be stripped on and off as easily as a jacket or hat. Unfortunately, this is a bit unrealistic - and by doing this you would most likely scare off any of your hiking partners. The key is hiking in a medium weight, wicking sock. Multiple layers of socks or a sock which is too thick, will most likely cause excess perspiration after the first hill. The excess moisture quickly becomes cold, damp and wet as soon as the hike heads back downhill. This increases the chances for areas of irritation, chaffing and blisters. If the weather turns, the excess moisture increases the risk for cold exposure injury.
Adding extra layers to your feet may make the fit in your hiking boot a potential problem. A heavy, ski sock with a liner may be great for your ski boot, but may cramp your foot in your boot. When the boot is too tight, the risk for blisters, heel bursitis and nerve impingement increase. Make sure your socks fit the type of shoe or boot you will be wearing.
And lastly - just get out and enjoy some Fall hiking.
More on wicking socks.
Tips for hikers.