Gearing up for a winter hike

When it comes to hiking in the winter, it's all about footwear. With little more than a dusting of snow so far this season, it might be a good time to consider your options if you plan to do any serious hiking before the heavier accumulations expected later this month.

According to the experts, a good pair of hiking boots or winter boots, wool socks and crampons - in addition to all your regular winter gear - may be all you need to hit the trail this time of year.

Hikethewhites.com founder David Metsky suggests on his Web site that heavy leather hiking boots - worn with two pair of wool socks (with room enough left to wiggle your toes) - are adequate for a normal day hike and will accept a flexible crampon for hiking steeper or icier terrain. He advises against leather boots in extreme cold or for lengthy or overnight expeditions.

"Another choice that many people in New England use is pak boots, like Sorels or L.L. Bean winter boots," Metsky said. "They will keep your feet nice and warm, but are a little more difficult to hike in. ... The big drawback of these boots is that they don't accept crampons very well. The boots are too flexible to securely attach crampons, although they will work for short periods of time."

Check with your local outfitter - in southern Maine, try Cabela's in Scarborough, Eastern Mountain Sports in South Portland or L.L. Bean in Freeport - for more recommendations on boots and gear that will fit your needs and your budget.