BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 9, 2022
As someone who’s constantly encouraging people to get outdoors and hike, I’m worried as we head into the coldest time of the year. I want people to be prepared for the biting wind, slippery ice and cold that creeps up on you during snack breaks. In the winter, I view the cold as if it were an entity. The Cold. It’s not malicious or evil, but it’s ever-present and powerful. Extra clothing, heat packs, an emergency bivvy and a firestarter kit all go into my backpack. Other basic survival gear that I carry include a whistle, multi-tool, compass, map and snacks. The Appalachian Mountain Club provides a great online list of essential gear for winter hiking. ~ Aislinn Sarnacki