Finding footing on snow covered streets is not the only winter pedestrian problem. There are a number of other issues. These are listed here together with my solutions. As I test the solutions, and develop further information, I will update this page.

Walking Thoughts – Rain

It is not uncommon to get winter rain. The frequency of winter rain events appears to be increasing, likely due to AGW. The big problem associated with winter rain is hypothermia. I have had to treat people suffering from hypothermia, and have also had personal experience on several occasions. Hypothermia is life threatening. The onset may not be immediately noticed as the first effect of hypothermia is to compromise cognitive systems.

Gore-Tex, and similar breathable fabrics, are not a solution. They depend on a vapour barrier with high partial pressure on the inside face and a low partial pressure on the exterior. They work reasonably well in winter when the exterior air is very dry. They work less well when the vapor freezes within the fabric on making contact with sub-zero air.

Performance also degrades over time as the pores in the vapour barrier clog with skin oils, and other bodily detritus sloughed off in the warmed interior air. Prolonged rain will wet out the fabric surface and this will inhibit the passage of vapour. The wearer becomes drenched not because of the rain, but because of body moisture accumulating inside the vapour barrier.

One solution is to provide fabric layers which can absorb moisture without becoming clammy. Wool is the best at this. A second solution is the provision of pit-zips and similar means to exhaust moist air. The third solution is to under-dress. Under-dressing presents a danger in the event you are unable to remain in motion. It also results in fewer fabric layers and a decreased ability to absorb moist air. Absent an en-route temperature change, no rain threat, no likelihood of stopping motion, and reasonable proximity to shelter, under-dressing is a reasonable solution.

The other option is impermeable clothing. I picked up the vinyl rain jacket shown above. This is completely impervious until it rips, will never wet out, cannot collect skin oils and detritus, but does present an exhaust problem with high exertion levels. Its other chief advantage is that it is inexpensive. Quality vapour barrier garments run around $300 a pop. My vinyl rain jacket cost $14 (It was effectively free as I paid using my collected Canadian Tire scrip. Had 5 cents left over and was given another 5 cents worth of scrip with the purchase).

Walking Thoughts – Reduced Daylight Hours

At 45.4214° North latitude, the sun does not rise until around 0800 and will set around 1600. This entails operating in the dark. This is dangerous if the route is shared with vehicle traffic. Drivers have difficulty seeing pedestrians but no problem hitting them. My solution was to purchase battery powered blinkies that can be attached to my clothing. Since I carry my backpack on most trips, I have added reflectors to it but reflectors are much less effective than lighting.

Reduced daylight also requires way-finding illumination when using forest trails and getting caught out in the dark. The solution is an inexpensive LED flashlight. It gives a fair amount of light and is easy on the batteries.

Walking Thoughts – Fall Hazard

Having experienced one serious head injury, I very much want to avoid a second. I investigated traction accessories that may be added to footwear to improve footing and reduce the potential for a fall. End user product reviews suggested most of the available devices were problematic and quickly failed. I suspect the heavy use of salt on winter roadways contributes to this failure rate. Another problem arises when entering a building. The traction system is likely to mark up the flooring.

Rather than adding traction, I used an MEC rebate to purchase a hard shell helmet. I found one in a lower price range that is approved as a cycling helmet, has a full outer shell, ear flaps, and very few air vents. An old cycling helmet rain cover with retro-reflective striping was added to the helmet shell. This water proof cover, combined with the impervious shell, gives excellent rain protection and should also keep me warm in subzero temperatures. The full ear flaps will help deal with harsh winds. Goggles will protect the exposed face. The helmet cover has a webbing attachment point that accepts one of my battery powered flashers. This helps make me visible to both cars and cyclists. And, if I fall into a six foot deep snowbank, both the helmet and the flashing light should project above the snow crust and give rescuers an indication of where to dig.

Just kidding. Sort of.  You never really know what to expect.

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Views of the Same Scene

Hill in July
Hill in August
Hill in January
Hill in March