Any hikers?

Hey all, so I really enjoy hiking in the summer, and it's a shame when the season ends, so I've decided to look into continuing to do it during the winter. Now, I live int he pacific NW, so it's not like we have a REAL winter anyway, but it still does get cold and snowy up in the mountains.

I imagine it's generally pretty simple... have some good boots, wear layers, and keep moving (otherwise, would get cold). Maybe get some ice cleats or something to prevent getting stuck and having to turn around if things get a little icy...

Given that I'd be doing day hikes in places I am familiar with, and that I can manage in maybe 4-5 hours (round trip) in the summer, is there anything I need to be aware of? Any tips and stuff? Any "I wish someone had told me that earlier" type advice?

cheers!

I love hiking! I live down south so Im not entirely sure if Im qualified to give advice but here goes.
-Obviously get a hat that covers your ears.

-Bring a poncho or tarp (if folded they will be able to fit in your pocket) just in case you are caught in a sleet storm. Also since its winter you wont have much of a warning if it starts raining considering the sky will probably be murky anyway. Its not a burden weight-wise so its good to be prepared.

- Always bring water with you if you plan on being in the woods for prolonged periods of time.

-Always bring a multi-tool as well.

Well that's all I can think of for now.

A thermos, with hot chocolate in it :) Seriously though, it's like the best thing if you're cold and out somewhere. Plus has lots of sugar to keep you going.

There's these thermal layer things you can buy, I have one for my motorcycle jacket, I don't know what's in it, but it's surprisingly thin. It is probably the warmest thing I've worn, it just keeps all the heat in.
I'd imagine thermal underwear (like top and pants, or onesy) would be just as good.

As stormcrow said, definitely ear cover of come sort. I find my ear canal/drum gets incredibly painful if my head gets too cold at the beach or whatever.

If you like taking pictures, obviously a small camera would be good, and you could post them in the "post pictures of your life" thread ;) hehe

Oh and spare socks! If your feet are wet, it's fuckin miserable.

Some weed and a pipe if you're so inclined :)

You can buy emergency thermal blankets that are really small when folded but could actually make a life or death difference.

Don't wear cotton. It gets saturated and doesn't dry. Polypropylene thermals, fleece tops. Waterproof gloves, polypropylene liners for gloves and socks.

Always bring four fire starting methods in the winter just in case; and some tinder. Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly work great. It may sound superfluous but you will be grateful if something goes wrong and you have to stay the night.

Don't eat snow, especially the yellow kind.