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1. Pack Adequate Cold-Weather Clothing. Winter temperatures in the north are generally below 0°C, so your clothing should prioritize being lightweight, comfortable, suitable for movement, and warm. It’s recommended to prepare down jackets, wool sweaters, wool pants, hats, gloves, and scarves. Additionally, indoor and outdoor temperatures vary greatly, so adjust your clothing accordingly—for example, you can remove your coat and hat once inside.
Also, the roads in the north are often icy and slippery in winter. Wearing leather boots increases the risk of slipping, so it’s better to wear snowproof, anti-slip cotton boots—ones with inner cotton lining are even better to protect your ankles. Moreover, cotton boots should have insoles, and it's advisable to choose a size slightly larger than usual to give your feet enough room to aid blood circulation.
2. Bring Skincare Products and Common Medications. The dry and cold winter weather can easily cause skin to crack, so oil-based skincare products are preferable. Also, the dry air may make you feel thirsty often, so it’s recommended to place some water in your room at night to increase indoor humidity. Additionally, since it’s cold in winter, it’s important to pack cold medications and other common remedies when traveling.
3. Equip a Car Cup Holder. Many hikers enjoy road trips because it allows them to carry more gear. However, one downside is the need for long periods of driving. Extended driving inevitably leads to fatigue or even driving while dehydrated, which poses serious safety risks. Especially in winter, the car’s air becomes dry and stale, and staying focused in the vehicle for prolonged periods causes the body to lose water faster than usual. Dehydration worsens fatigue and increases the risk of accidents.
Experts recommend that every driver going on a self-driving trip should use a suitable and professional car cup, preferably one made from healthy materials, leak-proof, slip-resistant, designed for one-handed drinking, and offering superior insulation—all features that help meet hydration needs anytime during winter road trips.
4. Strengthen Cold Resistance Training. Before departure, you can engage in targeted cold-resistance exercises and pack sufficient clothing and daily necessities based on the cold level of your destination. Also, try to minimize the exposure of skin. When hiking in snowy areas, apply anti-freeze ointment on your hands and face. Avoid wearing overly tight shoes and socks, and frequently rub your face and facial features to promote blood circulation in exposed skin areas.
5. Maintain a Balanced Diet with Proper Nutrition. During winter travel, intake of the three major nutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fat—as well as minerals and vitamins—should exceed normal levels. Lean meats, eggs, fresh fish, soy products, and animal liver are highly beneficial for replenishing body heat, so consume them appropriately. Avoid staying hungry and tired in the cold wilderness for extended periods, as this is when the risk of full-body frostbite is highest.
It’s worth noting that the misconception of drinking alcohol to keep warm is incorrect, as alcohol and water do not generate heat. On the contrary, alcohol stimulates surface blood vessels, increasing blood circulation. While you may feel “warmer,” you’re actually losing heat.
6. Protect Your Vision. The vast snowy landscape reflects less ultraviolet light from the sun. When strong UV rays enter the eyes of travelers, a photochemical reaction occurs. After a latent period of 6 to 8 hours, eyes may become sensitive to light, tear up, or even experience intense burning sensations and sharp pain—a condition medically known as snow blindness. To prevent this, wear sunglasses when traveling in snowy areas.
7. Protect Your Camera. When taking photos outdoors, keep your camera in a leather case and hold it close to your chest to prevent it from malfunctioning due to the cold. When moving from the cold outdoors into a warm indoor environment, condensation will form on the camera. Taking it back outside immediately can freeze internal components and affect usability. It’s advised to keep the camera in its case and wait at least two hours indoors before removing it to avoid condensation.