Out (in the) Cold
Get geared up for all-weather expeditions
By Steve Croyle |
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Glancing around you, the black tree trunks stand like spindly soldiers decorated with ribbons of ice, epaulets of snow gracing their broad shoulders. Your breath freezes in the air, spreading an opaque ice mist across your path. Taking in all the breathtaking beauty of a wooded Ohio winter, you sigh in satisfaction and topple over onto your side. Searching for the cause of your fall, you realize that the snow has gotten the best of your Chuck Taylors, and your foot has turned black and fallen off.
What's the secret to enjoying the great outdoors when old Mama Natch turns that thermometer upside down?
"Clothing," answered Matt Gibson, owner of Clintonville Outfitters, before I could finish the question. "Multiple layers work best, and you have to avoid cotton."
First is the base layer. "You live in it," continued Gibson, "so it's got to be comfortable."
Even though it's more expensive than modern synthetic offerings, Gibson is a proponent of Merino wool, which wicks moisture away from your body and dries quickly. The finely spun thread isn't scratchy like those clearance-rack sweaters your grandmother gave you for Christmas. Matt swears by his Merino, tugging at his T-shirt and mercifully letting me take him at his word regarding his choice of underpants. Even though quality Merino will take a bite out of your account balance up front, Gibson is quick to point out that it lasts longer and doesn't require as much laundering.
Once you've settled on a base layer, Gibson suggests a warm middle layer or two, composed of some sort of fleece. Once again Merino can help with this. When worked into a middle layer, Merino proves to be more durable and won't get as funky as the synthetic gear can get after a sweaty weekend on the trail.
The outer layer is going to be something water resistant. A durable Nylon shell with adequate ventilation is the way to go. After that, you need to equip yourself with the right footwear and good socks. It's important to keep your feet warm and dry, but the trick is understanding that moisture can come from within as well, so don't go crazy on the insulation.
"I like to see people start a trip out shivering," said Gibson. "Once you start walking over terrain with your gear you'll heat up pretty quick."
As for that gear, Clintonville Outfitters offers everything you need. He balked a bit when I asked him how much it would cost for somebody to get completely outfitted.
"If they're starting from scratch and going all the way (with stoves, lanterns, and other essential gear), "they might spend $2,000 - 3,000," said Gibson. "It's better to nickel and dime it."
Even though Gibson offers what he describes as "middle quality" gear (as compared to high-end mountaineering stuff), he's a big fan of people getting out with whatever they've got. Then, once they understand what they want out of their outdoor experience, they can round out their locker with items they really need.
"Everybody's different," said Gibson. "You have to find what makes you happy."
One thing people in these parts won't need is a fancy (and expensive) four-season tent. "We really only have three seasons," Gibson noted. Even though his shop doesn't carry a lot of the hardcore gear you might find in places where you would need a nylon fortress, Gibson will happily order any of the high-end stuff his lineup of manufacturers provides. Before you go crazy with the credit card, you might want to check in on one of the Tuesday night clinics Clintonville Outfitters offers, or join Gibson himself on a beginner trip, such as the winter hike he's hoping to schedule for January.
Hikers who hit the trail in the winter will enjoy more solitude. Since the trees will be bare and the foliage dormant, the forest will sport an entirely different look. Columbus isn't home to any back country, but great hiking is just an hour or two away in the Zaleski, Shawnee, or Mohican State Forests. In fact, Zaleski's terrain is popular with hikers who like to keep in shape for more ambitious mountain adventures. Hunting and fishing might be options where regulations allow, and some people even take up ice climbing down in the Hocking Hills region.
Gibson digs snowshoeing but admits that Ohio's snow pack doesn't provide ample coverage, so he heads for upstate New York or Michigan, but there are people who take to cross-country skis and snow shoes right here in Central Ohio when there's barely enough snow on the ground to hide the lawn.
If you're not into the back country scene, but still want to give roughing it in the winter a shot, Ohio's state parks are open to camping all year round. So throw your gear in the trunk and head out to your favorite site; you might even get the whole place to yourself.
Clintonville Outfitters
2869 N High St.
(614) 447-8902
www.clintonvilleoutfitters.com
Originally Published: November 1, 2009
