60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Boston. Lafe Low

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      Source: USClimateData.com

      Boston’s proximity to the sea and all that travels along the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico to Newfoundland and on across the Atlantic Ocean largely explains its fickle weather. In summer, the soggy winds of occasional Caribbean-born hurricanes add muscle and heft to the otherwise modest surf that smacks at the shore. These winds are known to drag in heat and humidity that settles on Boston’s neighborhoods like a soggy blanket. Other storms, such as Canada-bred nor’easters, deftly carve out the heat and replace perspiration with goose bumps. Bear in mind, too, that on any given day, the temperature at the shore is well below that of inland locations.

      While there is no disagreement that a brilliant sunny day with the temperature between 65° F and 70° F is ideal for a hike in the hills, in today’s age of synthetic performance fabrics, you can have a pleasant hiking experience in almost all conditions. Indeed, facing the elements when properly dressed is a distinctly satisfying pleasure. To ensure you are in league with the weather when you set out on a hike, be sure to pack extra clothing. Having a windbreaker or dry T-shirt to change into after a sweaty climb or cloudburst can make all the difference. Remember, there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.

      Water

      How much is enough? Well, one simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when deciding how much water to pack: a hiker walking steadily in 90° heat needs approximately 10 quarts of fluid per day. That’s 2.5 gallons. A good rule of thumb is to hydrate prior to your hike, carry (and drink) 6 ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate again after the hike. For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain safe and healthy. So pack more water than you anticipate needing, even for short hikes.

      If you are tempted to drink found water, do so with extreme caution. Many ponds and lakes encountered by hikers are fairly stagnant, and the water tastes terrible. Drinking such water presents inherent risks for thirsty trekkers. Giardia parasites contaminate many water sources and cause the dreaded intestinal giardiasis that can last for weeks after ingestion. For information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/parasites/giardia.

      In any case, effective treatment is essential before using any water source found along the trail. Boiling water for two to three minutes is always a safe measure for camping, but day hikers can consider iodine tablets, approved chemical mixes, filtration units rated for giardia, and UV filtration. Some of these methods (for example, filtration with an added carbon filter) remove bad tastes typical in stagnant water, while others add their own taste. As a precaution, carry a means of water purification to help in a pinch or if you realize you have underestimated your consumption needs.

      Clothing

      Nothing about the weather in and around Boston is certain but its variability. It is not a question of if the weather will change, but when. Even if it is a brilliant blue-sky morning when you prepare to head for the hiking trail, grab a fleece jacket or vest for later in the day when temperatures dip, especially in the deep shade of the woods. Taking along a waterproof, all-weather jacket made of a performance fabric is always an excellent idea. A lightweight jacket—a mood and possibly lifesaver, when weather conditions take a turn for the worse—also offers excellent protection against voracious bugs. Cotton is great for lounging around the house but not so great for outdoor activities during which you may be sweating one moment and getting chills the next. Choose your clothing wisely.

      The person who packs a hat and mittens may suffer some teasing, but he or she may also wind up the envy of all when icy winds blow down from Canada, catching your hiking party unprepared. The same can be said of the one who thinks to bring wind and rain pants. Hypothermia can set in even when thermometers register temperatures above freezing.

      And anyone who has gotten a blister or stubbed a toe knows the importance of wearing appropriate footwear. The best shoes for hiking are boots with solid ankle support. The sneakers or sandals you wear every day may feel more comfortable, but their flimsy soles mean more work for your feet and ankles when hiking over rough terrain.

      Weather, unexpected trail conditions, fatigue, extended hiking duration, and wrong turns can individually or collectively turn a great outing into a very uncomfortable one at best—and a life-threatening one at worst. Thus, proper attire plays a key role in staying comfortable and, sometimes, in staying alive. Here are some helpful guidelines:

       Choose silk, wool, or synthetic fabrics for maximum comfort in all of your hiking attire—including hats, socks, and everything in between. Cotton is fine if the weather remains dry and stable, but you won’t be happy if that material gets wet.

       Always have a hat tucked into your day pack or hitched to your belt. Hats offer all-weather sun and wind protection as well as warmth if it turns cold.

       Be ready to layer up or down as the day progresses and the mercury rises or falls. Today’s outdoor wear makes layering easy, with such designs as jackets that convert to vests and zip-off or button-up legs.

       Wear hiking boots or sturdy hiking sandals with toe protection. Flip-flopping along a paved urban greenway is one thing, but never hike a trail in open sandals or casual sneakers. Your bones and arches need support, and your skin needs protection.

       Pair that footwear with good socks. If you prefer not to sheathe your feet when wearing hiking sandals, tuck the socks into your day pack. You may need them if the weather plummets or if you hit rocky turf and pebbles begin to irritate your feet. And, in an emergency, if you have lost your gloves, you can use your socks as mittens.

       Don’t leave rainwear behind, even if the day dawns clear and sunny. Tuck into your day pack, or tie around your waist, a jacket that is breathable and either water-resistant or waterproof. Investigate different choices at your local outdoors retailer. If you are a frequent hiker, ideally you’ll have more than one rainwear weight, material, and style in your closet to protect you in all seasons in your regional climate and hiking microclimates.

      Essential Gear

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