3 Key Tips for Confidently Hiking in High Winds

While spending some time in Texas, I really wanted to hike the high point of the state, Guadalupe Peak, but when I checked the forecast, high winds were predicted. Since it was a sunny day, I thought hiking in high winds would be doable, so we decided to go ahead and make the attempt – and successfully summited Guadalupe Peak.

Thanks to this extra-windy hike, I thought it would be beneficial to write up a quick post on how to properly plan and preparing for a hike in strong winds.

I’ve also recorded a quick tip video on hiking in high winds for you which you can watch below!

So what should you do when you’re excited to go on a hike, but the winds threaten to blow away your plans?

First and foremost, you can always decide not to go. Depending on the severity of the winds, this might be the safest choice. And even if you would be able to hike safely, it just might not be any fun if you’re fighting the wind the whole way.

For example, we decided to postpone our plans of summitting Guadalupe Peak once before because the forecast called for super high winds AND snow, and we weren’t really feeling like a sufferfest hike that day.

But windy weather doesn’t always have to spoil your hiking plans.

If you do decide to go ahead with your hike in high winds, there the post below will over some advice on how to plan and prepare for your adventure. Follow these tips to stay safe and have a happy hike, even if the winds are gusting.

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1. BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER

Like with many things in life, being safe and prepared starts with a bit of research and awareness.

If you want to be prepared for hiking in high winds, you need to check the forecast, always. This sounds like a no-brainer, but the problem is most people only check the temperature and precipitation forecast. You need to also remember to check the wind forecast, because even sunny days can have high wind forecasts.

My favorite resource for checking the weather, especially when hiking peaks, is mountain-forecast.com. This site allows you to look up the specific peak you’re planning to hike, which gives you a much more accurate forecast than checking the weather of a nearby town. It also provides a very detailed forecast based on the time of the day you’ll be hiking, including a wind forecast.

Here’s an example forecast showing Mount Whitney Peak’s current wind forecast. You can see I’ve boxed in red some “windier” weather shown on Sunday.

UNDERSTANDING WIND SPEEDS

When you’re checking the weather forecast before your hike, you’ll want to know what those wind speeds mean. Here is a basic chart to help explain what high winds will feel like when you’re on the trail.

(This chart is based on the Beaufort Scale, devised in 1805 and still used today to help determine wind speeds.)

Like I mentioned in the video above, our particular hike of Guadalupe Peak had forecasted winds of 30-40mph with gusts up to 63mph, so we knew it was going to be quite a windy hike, but... doable!

So again, the first step is always knowing what you’re coming up against before you go.

2. BRING THE RIGHT GEAR

Even if the temperature isn’t that cold outside, high winds can make it feel much, much colder.

You want to be sure you bring the right clothing and gear, especially for high up on the peak, which is going to be significantly chillier than when you start the hike at lower elevation.

So here’s what I recommend:

BRING LAYERS

Layers are the key to being as comfortable as possible when hiking in high winds.

Start with a long sleeve base layer to keep you cozy and wick away sweat – even if it’s cold out, your body will be working hard enough to build up a sweat.

I’m a big fan of the Patagonia Capilene long-sleeve baselayer.

Next, you’ll want to pack a mid-layer like a nice down jacket for extra insulation if you need it (this will come in handy when you stop to take breaks or when you’re hanging out on the summit of a peak).

My go-to mid-layer is the Patagonia Down Sweater. I typically always bring this with me on my day hikes, even if it’s not overly cold, just for emergencies.

You also want to bring a layer designed for wind, such as a windbreaker or rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket.

Also, don’t forget your extremities and your face! Bring warm gloves to keep your fingers from freezing, and a balaclava or buff to protect your neck and face. A beanie is crucial to keep your head warm and is a good idea even if your jacket has a hood.

For a complete checklist of day-hiking gear to bring on any day hike, check out my day-hiking gear list.

TREKKING POLES

I’m also a big believer in trekking poles on hiking and backpacking trips, and poles can come in especially handy when hiking in high winds as well. You can use your trekking poles to help keep your balance and stay upright when the winds try to blow you down.

I recommend the Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles if you want a pair of good, sturdy poles that will last you a LONG time.

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3. BE READY TO TURN AROUND

And finally, a smart hiker or backpacker will always be willing to make the call to turn around if things get too crazy.

If you decide to attempt a hike in high winds, always be prepared to turn around and head back if the gusts get to be too much. While persevering through difficult conditions can be a confidence builder, it also just might not be that much fun.

If you’re already encountering high winds lower on the trail, it’s likely only going to get worse as you get closer to the summit. So if you’re already having “Type 2” fun in the wind (aka, it’s turning into one of those trips you only enjoy AFTER it’s over), it might be best to just turn around and try again another day.

And, of course, if the winds are so high that you’re concerned for your safety, you should absolutely turn around. Getting to the summit is not worth putting yourself in that kind of danger.

If you’re not sure you’re quite ready to make these kinds of safety-calls, then I highly recommend you check out my backpacking program where we teach you everything you need to know in order to become confident and self-sufficient on the trails.

I hope you found this quick blog post useful. If you keep these 3 key tips in mind, you’ll have a much better time hiking in high winds!

LOOKING FOR MORE HIKING TIPS?

Whether you’re a beginner hiker or backpacker or have lots of outdoor adventures under your belt, these posts can help build your skills in the mountains:

• Hiking 101: The Essential Hiking Gear List

• 9 Must-Know Backpacking Safety Tips

• 15 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Your First Time Backpacking

• 7 Tips to Hiking and Summiting Your First Fourteener Mountain

Cheers,

Allison - She Dreams of Alpine

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