How to Layer for Winter Hashing in Vermont Like an Onion
Winter and running in Vermont can be amazing: fresh snow, crisp mountain air, seasonal porters and stouts, long lift lines at Smuggs, debilitating hypothermia, and stupid fucking frostbite. You might even encounter most of these things while winter hashing with Von Tramp! While there isn’t much I can do to help with your poor choice of when to go skiing, I can help keep you warm and safe while stomping through the snow with the pack.
It may seem obvious, but it’s important to plan your winter hash attire for a variety of conditions so no matter what the weather does when you show up, you’re always comfortable and can focus on finding beer. That’s where layering like a big, stinky onion comes in. And checking the weather. But let’s talk about layering.
The Basics of Layering Like an Onion
Layering is especially important when hashing because of the stop-and-go nature of our trails. You’ll most likely start with more layers than you’ll need. This is so you can peel off layers if things heat up (giggidy). And put those layers back on when you stop and cool down. Waiting at that beer stop for the rest of the pack to arrive is less fun when your teeth are chattering and nipples can cut diamonds—you can’t put on layers that you left back at your car.
Let’s start with some vocabulary because knowledge is power:
Base-layer – This is the bottom layer, which sits close to your body. It’s the base layer’s job to move sweat away from your skin. Wicking base layers are needed to keep your skin dry and is essential because it helps to keep you from becoming chilled or worse—hypothermic.
Mid-layer – This provides some extra warmth on top of the base. As an insulating layer, you want to wear something that will help retain your body heat. This can be a variety of different types of jackets, sweatshirts or half zips.
Outer-layer or shell – This will protect you from the wind, snow and possibly yetis. Typically something waterproof or resistant, this is important for trails with rain or snow as you want to keep the water off your other layers.
With that out of the way, here’s a good starting point on what to wear and how to layer for different temperatures.
Temperature Rules of Thumb
Layering for winter hashing is all about trial and error. This is just a starting point—everyone has their own system depending on your own personal comfort levels. It’s important to layer for both the running/walking parts of the trail as well as the standing/drinking parts.
40–49° Fahrenheit: base-layer, shorts or tights, gloves, and headband to cover ears
30–39° Fahrenheit: base-layer and light mid-layer—a long sleeve tech shirt or a short sleeve tech shirt and jacket—pants or tights, gloves, and headband or VTH3 signature pom-pom hat to cover ears.
20–29° Fahrenheit: two base-layers and light mid-layer or single base-layer and heavier mid-layer, pants or tights, gloves or mittens, headband or VTH3 signature pom-pom hat. Consider a windproof outer layer.
10–19° Fahrenheit: base-layer, mid-layer and windproof outer-layer, fleece-lined pants or tights, extra gloves, headband or VTH3 signature pom-pom hat
0-9° Fahrenheit: base-layer, heavier mid-layer and windproof outer-layer, fleece-lined pants or tights, extra gloves, VTH3 signature pom-pom hat, balaclava to cover face
Below 0°: Eff that. Let’s just go to a brewery or bar instead.
Once you’re moving and grooving and singing and joking, you may start to feel like it’s much warmer outside. If you are naturally warmer and heat up quickly, avoid overheating on trail during a winter hash by planning to dress for it being 5-10 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. BUT (and this is a big butt), make sure to bring those extra layers to throw on when we’re not moving—beer checks in the woods, opening and closing circles, waiting for DFLs. The usual shenanigans.
Bonus Tips
Traction is your friend. Especially on icy days. Use traction like YakTrax or microspikes when it’s icy (available at most outdoor sports stores and online). They will help you find beer faster and prevent a hash crash you may regret.
Give the extremities love. Protect your head (who said head?), ears, fingers and toes!!
A lot of heat is lost through your cranium, so when in doubt, wear a beanie (I hear VTH3 has some pretty sweet ones). You can always remove it. If it’s not too cold, you could wear an ear band instead to keep just your ears warm.
For fingers and toes, always plan for a waterproof shoe, especially in deeper snow that can keep cold snow out. You can also pack an extra pair of socks and/or gloves for trail in case you get extra wet or cold (you never know). Plus, having a spare may help a fellow hasher on a trail in need, so it doesn’t hurt to carry an extra (disclaimer: VTH3 does not reward overachievers).
Cotton is your enemy. ‘Nuff said.
Store your stuff on your body. Phone, keys, wallet, extra layers, nips. Consider a utility vest or a small (perhaps bright orange) backpack to help keep your phone from freezing up in the cold and to have a place to store your layers that you’ll be taking on and off.
Kilts are a soft maybe. If looking to hash in a kilt during the coldest months of the year, consider wearing a heavier wool kilt that will stop the cold wind and feel warmer around your junk. Combine this with knee-high wool socks like a true Scot and you should be fine. The less skin you have exposed, the warmer you’ll be.
If you got through this whole post (I pity you), you’re probably interested in learning more about the Von Tramp Hash House Harriers—the shittiest only winter hash in Vermont. If a fun combination of running/walking, and partying, where Hashers chase hares or follow marks on 3-5 mile long trails in the snow in the freezing cold, in search of songs that make the hills come alive, and the ever-elusive beer stop, why not come and join us for some fun! Check out our upcoming trails and join us. On On.
