It was a warm day in early summer when my sister and I started up Needle Peak, in British Columbia. At first we enjoyed fine weather, but above treeline the winds turned nasty and hammered us with rain and sleet. Here, struggling to warm my stiffening hands, I learned that socks can be worn in place of mitts. Ill-fitting and unattractive perhaps, but functional enough to protect your hands from the worst. This is useful if you’ve lost or soaked your mitts, or didn’t bring any expecting better weather—as in our case. Using these improvised mitts lets you perform basic tasks—like hiking with poles or setting up a tent—when your hands would otherwise be crippled by cold. It will not, however, let you win any fashion awards.
Considerations:
- Your dexterity will be reduced and certain actions, like changing headlamp batteries, may become impossible.
- Socks may not do much to protect against moisture or wind.
- If you’re using your only pair of socks as mitts, you can expect blisters and possibly cold injuries on your feet. It is best to use a spare pair of socks.
Categories: Clothing, Survival & Rescue, Winter Conditions