With water in Orange County's streams and ski and board resorts starting to open, it's time to think about heading into local mountains.
But what to wear?
The trick to going high is remembering that the higher you go, especially in winter, the colder it gets. And if elevation includes more wind – which it often does in exposed areas such as Saddleback Mountain – temperatures can plunge quickly.
Consider that Monday, the high on Saddleback hovered around 50 degrees, about 10 degrees colder than the lowlands. Winds were around 10 mph.
With elevation and wind chill, the difference between walking near your home and hiking at Saddleback's summit was about 15 degrees.
Drop the temperature to 40 degrees and increase the wind to 20 mph, and the wind chill is subfreezing.
With an eye on holiday gifts and staying toasty, here are some tips:
Why: You may be just right the first 30 minutes of your activity, then when your body gets going you are overheated. Peel off a layer.
You may be fine on lower slopes where trees protect from wind, but when winds increase, you're cold. Add a layer.
Tips: Avoid cotton clothing as it doesn't dry quickly. Consider a slightly larger size for outer layers.
Why: Reports vary, but however you measure, there's a lot of blood (and there are a lot of capillaries) in your head. Keeping the noggin warm is key to helping your body stay warm without a lot of work.
Yes, your body works to stay warm.
What: This depends a lot on your sport. Bear Mountain ski patrol members advise wearing snow helmets. They keep you warm and they keep you safe.
If you're hiking, trail running or mountain biking, a beanie – a wool or fleece cap – should do the trick. Yes, the beanie goes under your mountain-biking helmet, so thin ones work best.
Be sure the beanie can cover at least most of your ears. If you're the only one with earflaps, you may also be the only one comfortable if temperatures drop below the mid-30s.
Tip: If you find yourself without a beanie, any hat will offer some warmth. Your jacket may also have a built-in hood.
Cost: beanies, $10-$45; helmets, $60-$300.