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Hypothermia is the cooling of the body's core temperature below 96 degrees F. This condition is often life threatening, and can even happen on realitively warm days. Let's say for instance, you head out for a dayhike on a 70 degree F day. You throw on a pair of shorts and later in the day you're caught in a rain storm. Now that you're soaked and the afternoon wears on towards darkness, the temperature falls, and there is a nice breeze blowing. You could potentially be in trouble. Another possibility, is that you could take a spill into a very cold stream.

Both of these scenarios would be compounded by hiking in even cooler weather. Imagine if it were a 40 degree F day, and you find yourself soaked with no dry clothes. Below are a few tips that may help prevent hypothermia.

• Check the weather before you head out. Pay close attention to see if there are cold fronts or other storm systems approaching.
• If there is a chance of precipitation in your area, pack a lightweight rain jacket. Preferably one with a hood.
• If there are numerous stream crossings to be made, consider packing some extra clothes, even if nothing more than a dry pair of pants. A wet pair of pants can chill your lower extremities.
• On cool to cold days, wear a hat, and carry some gloves. You may not need gloves while you're moving, but you may find then handy when taking a break.
• Carry along "hot hands," sometimes known as toastie toes. These can be used in your boots also.