Climbing this winter
I think that the best approach is to remember to "layer" your clothes. Capaline/polypro as a base layer (or merino wool if you like) as a whicking layer. a lightweight fleece or wool sweater then a down or polypro layer and on top of that a Windproof and waterproof layer. Just a light wind will drain mad amounts of heat off of you. Don't forget the gloves. A hat that can cover your ears and good shoes. If you are going to be walking where your feet could get wet. wear boots. Take a crazy creek or a piece of sleeping pad so your arse doesn't get cold (realize that you'll have to stand all day with out it!)
Once you climb your first route your hands will be miserable cold! But Keep climbing. As your hands recover they will actually start to feel hot! Good climbing the rest of the day. Climb on crimp routes if possible (less skin exposured to the rock the better. Remember the rock will be as cold as the ambient temperature so if its 5 degrees outside. the rock will be the same.
One last tip. Keep your climbing shoes inside of your jacket under your arm pits. This will keep them warm and toasty. Nothing worse than climbing shoes that have gotten sweaty and then frozen over.No thats COLD!!!
Cold weather is about heat management. with a proper plan you can climb all year!!
Once you climb your first route your hands will be miserable cold! But Keep climbing. As your hands recover they will actually start to feel hot! Good climbing the rest of the day. Climb on crimp routes if possible (less skin exposured to the rock the better. Remember the rock will be as cold as the ambient temperature so if its 5 degrees outside. the rock will be the same.
One last tip. Keep your climbing shoes inside of your jacket under your arm pits. This will keep them warm and toasty. Nothing worse than climbing shoes that have gotten sweaty and then frozen over.No thats COLD!!!
Cold weather is about heat management. with a proper plan you can climb all year!!
"I enjoyed a Guinness after I got back home from Palm Sunday Mass." - Captain Static
"Listen, you heard what I said. Do you want me to donate or not charlie. Suck it up and procreate." - Andrew
"Listen, you heard what I said. Do you want me to donate or not charlie. Suck it up and procreate." - Andrew
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