Stay Warm On Winter Work Parties

Winter in the Pacific Northwest can be cold and sometimes wet. So how do you stay dry (and happy) on a chilly day working on trail? With the proper clothing and planning, a winter work party can be a fun and fulfilling experience.

High five for staying dry! Photo by Emma Cassidy.

When you sign up for your work party, you receive an email including a list of items you'll need for when volunteer with us. These include: 

• Work gloves
• Heavy boots (hiking boots are okay)
• Long pants (no shorts)
• Lunch, water and snacks
• Any personal medication you may require

Be sure to bring all of these items! Work gloves will protect your hands and keep them warm, boots will keep your feet dry, and believe it or not, being properly hydrated and fed keeps you much more comfortable throughout the day.

In addition to the above, you can amp up your volunteer experience with the following tricks (tested and approved by veteran volunteers).

Tips for staying warm and dry

• Long underwear: Most work pants are loose-fitting enough to allow another layer underneath. A layer of long underwear will keep you warm while letting you move around comfortably while you're working.

• Warm hat or fleece headband: This is crucial to prevent getting chilly during lunchtime or just while taking a short break. Wear it under your hard hat or by itself during lunch to keep your ears warm. 
  Pro tip: A fleece headband or beanie also helps those hard hats stay on! 
  
• Gaiters: Nothing makes for cold legs like damp, muddy pants. Keep the clamminess at bay with a pair of gaiters (waterproof ankle or knee-high boot and pant covers). Just put them on before you start the day's work.
  

• Soup or a hot drink: It takes a little more planning ahead, but having soup on a dreary day makes lunch especially rejuvenating. Bring it in a wide-mouth thermos so you can get all the good bits. If you're devoted to PB&J for lunch, bring a thermos of hot tea, coffee, cider or cocoa to sip on all day long.
  
  
• Two pairs of gloves: Especially on a rainy day, there's nothing like being able to pull on new, dry gloves after lunch instead of the muddy ones from the morning. Some volunteers also say they wear glove liners (for warmth) or latex gloves (to keep hands dry) under their work gloves.
  

• Rain gear: This should probably go without saying, but it's important to remember your waterproof (not water-resistant) coat (and maybe pants) when you head out. Even if it doesn't rain, it's better to have them on hand. Just be sure and put the gear on at the first sign of rain—it won't help much if you're already drenched. 
  Pro-tip: You can find raincoat and glove recommendations in past gear reviews. 
  
  
• Extra shoes: There's nothing like being able to change into clean and dry shoes at your car. Bring something comfortable that will let your feet breathe a little, like flip flops or sandals. If it's cold, consider bringing an extra pair of socks, too. 

Bundle up and join WTA all winter long! Photo by Meagan Mackenzie.