Think​ ​Layers:
Most​ ​Minnesotans​ ​understand​ ​the​ ​importance​ ​of​ ​a​ ​good​ ​hat,​ ​scarf,​ ​mittens​ ​and​ ​boots, but​ ​also​ ​consider​ ​taking​ ​the​ ​“onion”​ ​approach​ ​to​ ​bundling​ ​up​ ​for​ ​your​ ​winter​ ​day​ ​hike. That’s​ ​right,​ ​layer​ ​your​ ​winter​ ​wear.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​important​ ​to​ ​have​ ​a​ ​few​ ​layers​ ​and​ ​even​ ​an extra​ ​layer​ ​in​ ​your​ ​pack​ ​just​ ​in​ ​case.​ ​​ ​Having​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​layers​ ​will​ ​help​ ​you​ ​regulate temperature​ ​and​ ​insulate​ ​you​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​warm.

Clothing Checklist: 
Boots
​Hat
Snow​ ​pants​ ​or​ ​layer​ ​pants
Layer​ ​tops 
Layer​ ​Socks (keep an extra pair in your pack)
Mittens (consider brining an extra pair)
Scarf
Winter​ ​Jacket ​

Think​ ​Hydration:
You​ ​might​ ​think​ ​that​ ​hydrating​ ​yourself​ ​is​ ​less​ ​important​ ​in​ ​the​ ​winter​ ​than​ ​in​ ​summer months,​ ​but​ ​winter​ ​hiking​ ​also​ ​requires​ ​us​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​we​ ​have​ ​plenty​ ​of​ ​water​ ​while on​ ​the​ ​trails.​ ​​ ​Have​ ​some​ ​fun​ ​on​ ​your​ ​winter​ ​hike​ ​and​ ​consider​ ​adding​ ​some​ ​comfort​ ​to your​ ​hike​ ​with​ ​some​ ​tea​ ​or​ ​hot​ ​chocolate!

Hydration Checklist:                       
Water​ ​bottle  (A must have)
Thermos​ ​of​ ​your​ ​favorite​ ​hot​ ​drink  (A nice to have)

Think​ ​Backpack:
You​ ​don’t​ ​need​ ​anything​ ​fancy;​ ​a​ ​small​ ​cinch​ ​sack​ ​will​ ​do​ ​the​ ​trick.​ ​Backpacks​ ​are​ ​a great​ ​way​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​your​ ​essentials​ ​and​ ​a​ ​few​ ​favorites.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​also​ ​a​ ​great​ ​place​ ​to​ ​keep your​ ​scavenger​ ​hunt​ ​winnings! 

Think​ ​Weather:
Even​ ​day​ ​hiking​ ​requires​ ​a​ ​quick​ ​check​ ​of​ ​the​ ​weather.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​important​ ​to​ ​also​ ​know​ ​the conditions​ ​that​ ​go​ ​beyond​ ​the​ ​temperature​ ​such​ ​as:​ ​​precipitation,​ ​wind​ ​speed,​ ​ice,​ ​and sunset​ ​time.​ ​​ ​Knowing​ ​these​ ​will​ ​ensure​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​prepared,​ ​and​ ​have​ ​enough​ ​time​ ​to finish​ ​your​ ​hike​ ​safely.