Give a piece, take a piece.

This Earth Day, Alabama Outdoors wants to encourage you to share your lightly used gear and find other lightly used gear you can use to help reduce waste and breathe new life into well-loved gear.

How it works: Come see us at the Celebrate Trails Day/Earth Day celebration at the Farmers Market at Pepper Place on Saturday April 22 from 8am-12pm.

We will have a tent dedicated to our rental gear program and our give a piece, take a piece gear swap where you can bring your lightly used gear and swap it out for other donated gear. To ensure everyone gets a chance at finding something they’d like to exchange, Alabama Outdoors has included some used gear pieces that will be available at the tent at the start of the event, so feel free to come by early. Any one piece of gear you donate can be exchanged for one complete piece of gear of like-value, so long as the donated gear is still in usable condition.

Please ensure anything you bring meets the following conditions.

• Lightly used and still intact and functional
• No significant or impossible to repair tears, broken parts, missing or worn-out components
• No climbing gear or any other type of safety gear
• No dirty, moldy, or otherwise unclean gear
• No footwear

Please bring camping, backpacking, and other general-use outdoor gear that you would otherwise donate. Suggestions include:

• Tents
• Sleeping pads
• Camping hammocks
• Backpacks
• Duffels or travel cubes
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bags, backpacking pillows
• Camp chairs or tables
• Hiking stoves, utensils, and other cookware
• Camping accessories
• Headlamps and other lighting
• Insulated bottles or hydration packs
• Disc golf

For full information and details about the event please click here.

Springtime in Alabama means the beauty of blooming flora and the breathtaking chirp of songbirds around you. It also means it’s time to get outdoors and explore all Alabama the beautiful has to offer, while the humidity is low, of course.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, these beautiful hikes have the perfect picnic spots for you to rest, relax and fuel up for a day on the trails.  Here are 5 relaxing and scenic spots to have a picnic and experience nature at its finest!

1. Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park is a 1,500-acre day-use park located in Birmingham, AL just 5 miles southwest from downtown. This park is not only a local favorite for its proximity to the city, it also is packed with unique features and historical ore-mining sites that make it great for families and visitors alike. Red Mountain Park features 16 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderately challenging, two breathtaking city overlooks, three fun treehouses, a relaxing hammock area, and a dog park! The park also has multiple picnic areas along the trails, making this one of our favorite spots for a picnic in nature.

For a quick and serene picnic spot, park at the Frankfurt Drive entrance of the park and follow trail #1 Eureka Mines Trail about a 1/2 mile to the Regions Quarry Picnic Area. Just up from the picnic area, you will also find the hammock area if you need a little extra hang time. You can find the full trail (and picnic) map here.

2. Tannehill State Park

Tannehill State Park is one of Alabama’s most unique state parks due to its historical features, camping sites, and events throughout the year, including the popular Tannehill Trade Days. Tannehill has more than 1,500 acres of hiking trails, camping sites, and outdoor recreation. While the winding roads through the park will take you back in time, the scenery and landscape will make you feel like you’re in a fairyland.

While there are many unique spots to roll out your Nomadix Festival Blanket and relax, one of our favorites is just off the creek by the bridge. Or take a seat at the picnic table, your choice. This spot does not require any hiking to access but there are over 17 miles of trails to explore in the park either by foot or bike. If you have the time, we recommend renting out one of the cabins for a weekend away and take in all the park has to offer! Check out Tannehill State Park and their map here.

3. DeSoto Falls

With a spectacular waterfall as your backdrop, a picnic at DeSoto Falls is hard to beat. DeSoto Falls is great as there are multiple options for taking in the stunning view of the 104-ft waterfall. DeSoto Falls is located on Lookout Mountain, just under 10 minutes from the quaint town of Mentone, and the waterfall is only a few hundred yards from the parking lot.

So, if you’re short on time or just looking for an easy picnic without the hike- you’ve come to the right spot. There is an established picnic area near the river and the waterfall, just steps from the parking lot. The upper falls are accessible to all abilities while the lower fall does require a 50-step walk down to the overlook. With many viewing options at the picnic area, the pick is yours.

If you’re looking to get a little closer and get some more steps and time in nature in, head back down the road to the trailhead and take the 1.4 mile out and back River Trail down to the base of the falls. The hike is considered generally easy with a couple steep spots at the beginning and some rocky areas heading towards the falls. Depending on the water level, you will notice many flat rock areas perfect for a picnic with a view. While on the trail, be sure to stop at the Ice Box Cave! You can access the trail map here. Note that the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area does have a $4 fee per day, per vehicle (cash not required).

DeSoto Falls Picnic Area coordinates: 34.55°N 85.59°W

4. Wildwood Park

Located in Florence, Alabama, Wildwood Park is more than a local park- it is a sweet escape just 3 minutes from the UNA campus. Wildwood Park has a little bit of everything for the outdoor enthusiasts including hiking trails, fishing, and even 3 to 5 miles of beginner to advanced mountain bike trails! From the parking lot it won’t take you long to get into the park and feel secluded from the town.

For a great picnic spot, we recommend taking a left at the fork at the beginning of the trail and head alongside the turquoise water of Cypress Creek. Along this trail there are multiple alcoves to access the creek as well as gravel and sandy spots to set up a peaceful picnic. If you’re in the Florence area do not miss out on this beautiful park! Be sure to help support the park and grab a Wildwood Park Short-Sleeve T-Shirt. You can buy one online or head to our store located in downtown Florence! A portion of the proceeds of each t-shirt benefits Wildwood Park and the maintenance of the beautiful trails. 

5. Sipsey River Picnic Area

In our opinion, the Sipsey is great for anything but especially picnics and secluded camping in some of the most beautiful places in Alabama. The Sipsey River Picnic Area is located on Bunyan Hill Rd in Moulton, AL, also near the popular Mize Mills Falls Trailhead. The parking area has a $5 fee for the day, but this area is well worth it, and you will find plenty of places to explore along the trail. While there are picnic areas and a boat launch at the parking area, we recommend taking the trails along the Sipsey River as you will quickly come across several picnic areas just above the river that will make you feel like you’re far away from civilization.

Latitude: 34.2854754
Longitude: -87.3983867

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

When you’re heading out on your first big trip, whether it’s backpacking, car camping, or going for a day hike, it’s important to pack smart. Packing smart doesn’t just mean packing light, it means ensuring the best layout of your gear to keep you safe, comfortable, and feeling good on the trail. So, we’ve broken down some top tips to help you pack smarter. 

1. Organize, organize, organize!

The first step to packing smarter is to organize. It sounds simple, but it’s often easy to underestimate how organized you need to be. A quick weekend trip can go from fun to dangerous if your pack isn’t organized correctly. You can forget essential gear, stow gear incorrectly so it gets wet or warped in the sun, and even hurt yourself by packing your gear wrong in your backpack.

Some people like using packing cubes or dry bags, while others prefer keeping things in simple gallon freezer bags. Anything that keeps your gear sorted, organized, and accessible in your pack is helpful. Not only does it make your stuff easier to find and put back, but it prevents messes, keeps essentials like sunscreen and snacks close on hand, and makes it way easier to unpack when you get home. 
 

2. Plan your trip in your bag 

First, you need to lay out all your gear by day, activity, or whatever makes the most sense to you. Think through the timeline of your trip, and ask yourself questions like where will you be when you need fresh socks or a flashlight? It’s going to save you a lot of effort to put essentials like socks and underwear up at the top of the pack, rather than shoving them in a spare pair of boots that are buried with heavy tents and sleeping pads at the bottom of your pack.

Once you’ve answered those questions, you can map out your pack access to ensure things are laid out in the most efficient way possible. This means doing things counterintuitively sometimes. Maybe it’s better to pick out each day’s outfit in advance and have each outfit in its own bag, rather than bundling all your socks, shirts, and pants. That way, each bag can hold your dirty clothes in the same spot it was in before, rather than needing to add a second bag of dirty clothes while you’re on the trail.

It’s also helpful to write down a ‘pack itinerary’ that lists what you’ll need and where your necessary gear is in the pack, that way you can find it fast and put things back where they belong. Now that’s a lot of planning, but the key is that the best packing system is the one you use. Try a couple of different ideas and see what works best for you.

3. Shakedown and pack out 

The last and most important step, do a shakedown and figure out what and how you’ll need to pack out. A shakedown is where you pack and then unpack your backpack anticipating exactly what you’ll need. If it’s your first time going out on any type of hike, you can come by your local Alabama Outdoors for a free pack shakedown and get some expert advice on what you need!

When you shakedown your pack, you want to ensure everything you have is necessary for the trip, in good working condition, and sized down to fit in your backpack. You should pack your backpack just like you would for the trail, so with the heaviest stuff at the bottom. Then, weigh the pack and check that it isn’t too heavy. Usually, your pack shouldn’t weigh more than 20% of your body weight for an overnight trip and only 10% for a day trip.

Now that you’ve done your shakedown, put on your pack and walk with it on for a bit to ensure it is adjusted correctly and comfortable for you. Finally, go through and plan out where you will put trash, dirty clothes, and other refuse that you want to keep separate from your clean items. Leave space for it in your pack and make sure it’ll all fit on the trip out. 

Well, those are the basics to packing smarter! To learn more about backpacking, check out our other blogs and shop for top backpacking gear here.  

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Sorry to fool you but the Alabama Outdoors Pollenclava is not real (though we wish it was). Happy April Fools Day, hope you stay safe from all the pollen this year!

You can shop for other top picks for spring here and get ready for warm-weather adventures here in Alabama!

The Alabama Outdoors Pollenclava Mask

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Please note, effective March 15th, 2021, there’s a small parking fee of $5 for all non-members. Members will receive a member parking permit when they register. You can learn more about their membership options here.

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Featured image provided by Ralph Daily

A sunset stroll on Dauphin Island is romantic any time of year.

 

According to the experts, people are more positive during dates that involve some physical activity. And research suggests that when people do something together that really gets the adrenaline going—rock-climbing, say, or even a hike with exhilarating views—their chemistry becomes much stronger.

So, for a Valentine’s Day outing almost guaranteed to be much more memorable than an overpriced prix-fixe meal, why not make some memories enjoying Alabama’s abundant outdoor activities? Whether it’s embarking on stunning sunset hike or relaxing at a mountain cabin, there’s plenty to choose from.

To help you plan your Valentine’s adventure, here’s a list of inspiring ideas. And keep in mind they’re great options all year-round.

1. Explore the treetops.

 

For an an aerial experience sure to make memories, check out Blue Heron Adventures, a canopy ropes course and zipline. While it’s technically located in Columbus, Georgia, the tour guide’s dual zip line connects two states and reaches speeds up to 40 mph. Once you’re done zipping, the Blue Heron Aerial Course, a treetop ropes experience, and its 10 obstacles are next to conquer in Phenix City, Alabama.

For something a bit more adrenaline-pumping, take a treetop challenge course in the park’s Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest. Over about an hour, you’ll face 20 aerial rope and cable obstacles, including swaying bridges, tight ropes, and a zip line.

2. Get cozy in a mountain cabin.

Chewacla State Park cabin

 

When it’s raw, gray, and cold outside, cozy up with your date in front of a warm fire in a rustic mountain cabin. Built in the 1930s, the stone cabins at Monte Sano State Park, DeSoto State Park, and Chewacla State Park have handcrafted fireplaces, plus plenty of conveniences, like TVs, kitchen appliances and showers. If you want to mix in some outdoor fun, the cabins allow quick access to state park trails for hiking, biking, and trail running.

3. Escape to the beach.

 

Few things are more romantic than a walk on the beach. If you venture to the Gulf Coast this winter, you can still enjoy pleasant weather with highs in the 60s and even 70s. Plus, in the offseason you’ll spend far less on a hotel or condo, and you’ll savor a much more peaceful setting on the mostly secluded beaches. At the end of February there’s a bit more action, as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach host Mardi Gras parades.

4. Rappel down an 85-foot cliff.

As you’re bounding down an 85-foot cliff, you’ll certainly get a rush of adrenaline. Whether you’ve been rappelling before, or you’ve never tried it, you’ll have a great time doing a half-day outing with True Adventure Sports. In a rugged, but easily accessible section of Little River Canyon, True Adventure’s skilled guides will provide excellent instruction and emphasize safety. Plus, the cliff has a rock outcrop where you can get excellent photos of your date rappelling, so you’ll have a cool keepsake.

5. Savor a beautiful sunset.

 

Valentine’s Day is a great time to catch a magnificent sunset, as the dry, clear air in winter allows us to see a full spectrum of brilliant colors. So, pack a warm drink, bundle up, and hike to a west-facing perch, like McDill Point near Cheaha State Park. Or, settle down on the shore of a lake where you have a good view of the sunset. If you head for the hills or another remote spot, remember to pack your headlamp for the trek back to the car.

6. Go bouldering.

The beauty of bouldering is that it requires little equipment, and you just need climbing shoes and maybe a crash pad. Plus, when you’re bouldering, you don’t climb to great heights, so couples can stick close together to socialize and collaborate as they work on “problems” (climbing slang for a sequence of holds). From Horse Pens 40 to Moss Rock Preserve, Alabama offers several excellent places for bouldering.

7. Picnic with a mountaintop view.

On the high ridges of Oak Mountain State Park, you can have a picnic with stellar scenery. Beginning at the North Trailhead, take the Blue Trail and start your ascent, traveling about two miles to the top of a ridge. From the King’s Chair rock outcropping, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the forested valley below. If this popular vantage point gets crowded, backtrack and you’ll find other quiet spots with good views along the ridge. After your picnic, retrace your steps or complete a loop via the Orange and White trails.

8. Ride the Chief Ladiga Trail.

Enjoy an easy ride on the Chief Ladiga Trail, a 32.5-mile paved path that stretches from Anniston to the eastern border of Alabama. Because the path is flat, you and your date can ride near each other and relax and enjoy yourselves. Plus, most people have to travel a good ways to reach this place, so it’s not typically crowded. If you begin at Woodland Park, you can pedal 7.2 miles to Jacksonville State University and have a nice picnic under one of great oak trees on campus.

9. Try stand-up paddleboarding.

Stand-up paddle boarding is great for a date, because it doesn’t require a great deal of skill (almost anybody can do it), and you and your date can easily chat as you explore and get some exercise. From Lake Guntersville to Gulf Shores, you’ll find plenty of lakes and streams to paddleboard, and several outfitters can supply rental boards. Just keep an eye on the weather beforehand, since paddle boarding is difficult when it’s windy—especially for newbies.

Needing help with a gift for Valentine’s Day? Gift that someone in your life an Alabama Outdoors gift card knowing they are guaranteed to love it! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Featured image provided by Faungg’s Photos

Winter camping can be a pain in the butt, but it doesn’t have to be a pain on the Earth. Here are 10 sustainable hacks to help you stay warm, comfortable and eco-friendly on your next winter camping trip.

1. Use a Dry shampoo.

When it comes to conserving water, staying warm and staying fresh in the wilderness, dry shampoo is your new best friend. We recommend Mellow Oak’s “North Loop” Organic Dry Shampoo, which comes in a recyclable paper tube and is made with all-natural ingredients. It’s a quick, easy and eco-friendly way to freshen up your hair. The last thing you need is wet hair when it’s cold out.

Mellow Oak Organic Dry Shampoo

2. Insulate your tent with a reflective blanket or tarp.

Reflective blankets or tarps can be used to keep the heat in and reduce the need for additional heating sources such as propane heaters. Don’t forget to put the reflective side inwards for warmth so your heat goes back to you.

3.Use a camping stove that runs on renewable fuel sources.

Instead of using propane or gasoline, find  a camping stove that runs on wood, twigs, or pellets. Not only are these options more sustainable, but you can impress your friends and cook over an open flame. One of our favorite products is BioLite’s CampStove 2+. It is a portable campfire that can cook your meals and charge your gear, all at the same time. It uses combustion technology to turn fire into electricity, so you can leave the gas canisters behind and use the sticks and twigs around you instead.

4. Invest in a camping mat made from sustainable materials.

Camping mats provide insulation between you and the ground. This can help to keep you warm and comfortable, especially in colder weather. Look for a camping mat made from recycled materials, natural rubber or cork, which will provide insulation and comfort while reducing the use of synthetic materials that are harmful to the environment. 

5. Find a warming muscle salve.

When it comes to camping in winter, taking care of your muscles and skin is just as important as the clothes you put on. One product that can aid in this is a CBD muscle salve. We like  Mellow Oak’s “Hike Recovery” CBD Muscle Salve, made with sustainably-sourced, organic ingredients with packaging made from post-consumer recycled materials. This eco-friendly choice is a great option to help take care of yourself during  your trip.

Mellow Oak Hike Recovery CBD Muscle Cream

6.Use a solar-powered flashlight or lantern to conserve energy and reduce waste.

Winter camping often means shorter days and longer nights, so having a reliable source of light is essential. Solar-powered flashlights or lanterns are a sustainable alternative to traditional battery-powered options as they use the sun’s energy to charge and don’t require frequent battery replacement.

7. Use a water bottle to keep warm.

Instead of disposable hand warmers, bring a reusable hot water bottle or hand warmer filled with hot water. These options will be more sustainable, and you can refill them with hot water as needed. A lightweight option we recommend is the 32 oz. Alabama Outdoors Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottle. And don’t worry, Nalgene bottles are BPA free so you are safe to use that water the next day.

8. Make your own fire starters with household materials.

Starting fires in the cold, and often wet, winter months, can be a major challenge. Fortunately, household items like butter wrappers, cotton balls, old birthday candles, sawdust, egg cartons, and dryer lint can be saved from the landfill and turned into effective kindling. For example, it’s easy and virtually free to make fire starters by melting down old birthday candle stubs and pouring the wax over dryer lint or sawdust inside the cup from a paper egg carton. Get creative with what you can find around the house and experiment. Just take care to only use clean burning and naturally derived materials that won’t release noxious smoke. Trying to keep that fire going? Check out our favorite gadget, the Pocket Bellow Collapsible Tool, and be sure to always follow local fire ordnances and safety rules!

9. Stay warm and dry with wool clothing.

Natural fiber clothing doesn’t shed microplastic fibers into the environment, but cotton doesn’t wick moisture away from the skin when wet, which can cause discomfort, or in the extreme, can be life threatening in very cold, wet weather. Wool fabric moves moisture away from skin and maintains warmth even when wet, making it perfect as a winter base layer. Shop wool base layers here.

10. For outer layers, choose PFC-free rain/snow gear.

One of the biggest environmental concerns with modern rain protection is the use of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) as a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. These toxic compounds, also known as “forever chemicals,” do not readily break down in the environment, but are found in many common products and will wear off your jacket, sleeping bag, tent, etc., with use, polluting the environment. Waxed canvas jackets can be a good alternative to synthetic materials, but may not always be the most practical option. More outdoor companies are introducing PFC-free gear all the time. 

By following these sustainable camping hacks, you’ll be able to enjoy your winter camping experience without sacrificing your commitment to the environment. Happy camping!

Written by: Mike Black, co-founder of Mellow Oak. Mellow Oak is a local Birmingham business focused on high-quality wellness products with sustainable, all-natural ingredients, sourced from trusted producers while minimizing waste. Check them out and give them a follow!

Ready to be outdoors more this year? We have the camping + outdoor gear you need to get you on the trails!  We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Maybe you grew up on the slopes. Maybe you discovered your love for skiing as an adult. But few things are as special as being able to share your love for skiing with your family.

The fresh mountain air, blue skies, and exhilarating feeling of actually skiing down the bunny slope: Who wouldn’t want to experience that? However, any weathered parent will tell you that every successful family trip starts with a good plan.

That is especially true when you are transporting your children to a high-altitude setting with below-freezing temperatures to learn a sport with strange boots and lots of layers. But the challenge can be worth the trouble if you keep in mind a few tips.

Keep everyone comfortable

If you are bringing little ones to the slopes for the first time, it’s critical that you ensure everyone stays comfortable, ie. warm, but not too warm, and dry. That’s not easy when you are outside for hours at a time on a mountain covered in snow. That’s why layering is so important. Be sure everyone has a base layer, a mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer along with appropriate socks, gloves, and headwear.

If you are unsure if you have the right clothing, check with a trusted expert at a local outdoor recreation and apparel store like Alabama Outdoors before you leave for your trip. Last-minute clothing purchases in a resort town can be pretty pricey, and you want everyone to feel prepared the first time you head to the lodge.

Pick the right ski resort

Any vacation with kids can be tricky, especially when it comes to making sure everyone has fun without draining your bank account. Skiing can get expensive, especially if you are outfitting an entire family in the clothes and equipment, getting lessons for the newbies, and buying passes to the mountain.
And, if, despite your best efforts, one or two of your crew doesn’t enjoy skiing, you need to be staying at a resort or in a town offering fun activities off the slopes.

That’s why it pays off to do your research when it comes to resorts. For instance, some offer deals where kids can ski for free. TravelingMom.com has compiled a state-by-state list of resorts offering children-ski-free deals. Travel+Leisure Magazine also has compiled a list of family-friendly resorts.

Get your head right

A ski vacation can be a logistical nightmare with or without kids. Weather delays, illnesses, the potential for injuries, and all the clothes that have to be managed make it challenging even for adults.

That’s why it’s important to remind yourself that children may not make it as long as you would on the mountain. You will likely have to be more flexible in terms of when you go skiing (not at peak times) when you leave, and how much time you budget for getting your gear and getting from Point A to Point B. Finally, invest in a day of lessons through the ski school. Even if you are a black-diamond skier, you may not be the best person to teach your child. Chances are your children will learn more and behave better for a ski instructor.

A well-planned family ski trip can help create wonderful family memories and, hopefully, launch a family tradition that allows you to #BeOutdoors with the ones you treasure the most.

Planning a ski trip this season? Find what you need for your ski trip or winter adventures here! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information. Enjoy your next winter hike in Alabama this season!

 

When winter arrives hiking and backpacking just get better. On high mountain trails, the bare trees allow you to see for miles, and the cold, clear air creates perfect conditions for brilliant sunsets. Plus, you don’t have to suffer the heat and mosquitoes that descend on trails in summer.

Still, some people avoid trails in winter because they think cold temperatures will make them uncomfortable. But, if you take certain steps and follow the advice of seasoned hikers, you can beat the cold and remain warm, content and safe during cold weather.

As you contemplate a winter outing, consider the following five tips offered by veteran hikers.

1. Layer Your Clothing

The key to staying comfortable on the trail in winter is to regulate your body temperature so that you’re never too cold nor too hot for long periods of time. To do this, you should dress in layers and add or remove clothing as you begin to cool down or warm up.

During winter, your layering system should include a thin top and bottom (long underwear) to wear as your base layer; a shirt and pants made of lightweight or midweight material to wear over your your base layer; an insulated jacket; and a waterproof shell jacket. (You can also use an insulated jacket that’s also waterproof.) If there’s a chance you’ll encounter rain, pack waterproof pants as well.

Because we lose much of our heat from our extremities, it’s also important to pack a warm hat, gloves and warm socks. (On an especially cold night, you can put these on to warm up quickly.)

When you pack for a hike or backpacking trip, be sure that your shell jacket is easily accessible. If you stop for a long break, you can throw on your shell to block wind and retain some body heat. If you do get sweaty as you’re hiking, change into dry clothes when you get to your campsite, because this will help prevent your core body temperature from dropping.

2. Wear Synthetic or Wool Clothing

 

You should always avoid wearing cotton and opt for clothing that includes synthetic fabrics or wool. When cotton clothing gets wet, it retains moisture, sucks heat away from your body, and takes forever to dry.

Synthetic fabrics will dry quickest, and in cold weather they won’t steal your warmth as much as cotton would. In recent years, wool clothing has become more popular for cool and cold conditions because modern merino wool is much softer and more comfortable than wool of the past. Also, wool is a great insulator and will continue to help keep you warm if it gets wet.

To keep your feet warm and to prevent blisters, use merino wool socks or synthetic socks because they’ll pull moisture away from your feet, whereas cotton socks just get soaked.

3. Stay Hydrated

 

It might not seem obvious, but you need to take in adequate fluids to stay warm in cold weather. If you get dehydrated, it’s possible that your core temperature could drop, and you could be more susceptible to hypothermia. Also, dehydration can cause you to get disoriented, dizzy and lethargic. When this happens, you’re more likely to make bad decisions or get lost while navigating in the backcountry.

Many people associate dehydration with hot weather, but you can easily become dehydrated in cold temperatures. This is partly because people tend to drink less frequently when they hike in winter. According to experts, cold weather can cause a person’s thirst response to drop as much as 40 percent.

Also, if the humidity is low enough, the fluids you lose will evaporate rather than sit on your skin, and you won’t realize you’re sweating. When people don’t recognize that they’re sweating, they don’t drink as much.

To help you stay hydrated, it’s a good idea to use a hydration bladder with a drinking tube, such as a CamelBak system. Because this type of product allows you to drink while on the move, it will cause you to drink more often than you would if you used a water bottle.

4. Be Prepared to Make Hot Drinks

Even if you’re not camping overnight, it’s a good idea to take a stove or other fuel source on long day hikes so you can prepare hot chocolate or other warm drinks. If you or someone you’re hiking with gets too cold, you can quickly raise the person’s core temperature with a hot drink, especially one that delivers lots of calories. To help a hiking partner warm up even more quickly, you can tuck the person into a sleeping bag.

5. Sleep Smart

 

If you’re camping overnight, carefully consider you’re sleeping gear to ensure that you stay warm at night. While it’s tempting to sleep out under the stars, it’s wise to sleep in a tent in winter because it will protect you from the wind and unexpected rain or snow showers. Plus, the tent will trap some of your body heat.

When you choose a sleeping bag, ensure that its temperature rating suits the conditions you’ll face. If you tend to sleep cold, choose a bag with a rating that’s a bit higher than the temperatures you’ll encounter. Or, buy a sleeping bag liner to slip inside your bag and increase its temperature rating.

If you’re feeling especially cold, you can sleep wearing a hat. For additional warmth, you can put on extra clothing, such as long underwear, socks and gloves.

Before you hit the sack, you can also drink a hot beverage to warm your core. Just be aware that it might cause extra trips to answer the call of nature. Another trick to stay warm is to fill a water bottle with hot water and stash it near your feet in your sleeping bag.

Find the best winter hike gear at Alabama Outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

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1. Monte Sano State Park

   A small and accessible park, Monte Sano State Park is a great winter getaway. Be it a secluded weekend or a day trip, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails. Try the South Plateau Loop as well for a scenic overlook on the south side of the park. Check conditions before hiking though, and avoid using muddy trails in the winter. Relax in the North Alabama Japanese Garden or try something new and check out the Disc Golf Course!

    

    

   

2. Lake Guntersville State Park

   While a frigid day on the lake may not sound ideal, there’s plenty more to do at Lake Guntersville State Park. From superb fishing to 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, you can see everything the park has to offer. The real fun this winter is their Eagle Awareness Event. This series of 3-day long events run every weekend from January 21 to February 13th. The guided eagle safari field trips show you local eagles in their natural habitat. And the indoor educational programs include live eagles and raptors up-close. So take advantage of the season and don’t miss this spectacular event!

    

   

3. Cheaha State Park

   The state’s highest peak isn’t just a great day trip, it’s the perfect spot for a winter weekend getaway. From cabins, chalets, and resort rooms to the incredible views in the primitive campsites, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this scenic wonderland. Soak in the views from hiking trails like the Bald Rock Outlook or swing by Laurel Falls. Bring the whole family, including the dog, and enjoy some fresh air at the Bosarge Memorial Dog Park!

    

   

4. Oak Mountain State Park

   Recently expanded, Oak Mountain State Park is the perfect spot for winter hikes. From the Green Trail that takes you by Peavine Falls to Maggies Glen, there are serene and spectacular views everywhere. But Oak Mountain is more than trails. With expansive fishing spots, a Treetop Interpretive Nature Trail, the educational Oak Mountain Interpretive Learning Center, and a world-class BMX course, you’ll want to stay for a while. Don’t miss out on special events like bird-watching, a polar plunge, or a scenic 5K this winter!

Wanting to get out and explore? Find what you need for your next winter adventure here. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors