When you’re heading for the back country in late fall or early spring, you prepare for the weather by wearing hiking boots that have traction, carrying a warm jacket and bringing a first aid kit.

Do the same thing for the vehicle you take to the trailhead. One of the greatest dangers of driving in those seasons is black ice. Black ice is clear water that’s frozen onto blacktop, making a slick patch that’s hard to see before you hit it. You should be just as prepared for that as you are for the outdoor adventure.

The most treacherous spots are areas that look dry but are darker than surrounding pavement; low-lying areas that may have caught some run-off water; and bridges and underpasses, which tend to freeze before the rest of the highway. Black ice can occur when the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, above freezing. As the temperature drops, the ice spreads.

Make sure your tires have the traction you’ll need; use snow tires if necessary. Winterize your car like you would your clothing. If you have four-wheel drive, use it, but don’t assume it will save you from black ice. Slow down, and don’t tailgate – that’s just asking for an accident. Anticipate traffic lights and exits, and start to gradually slow down before you would in better weather. Keep an emergency kit (think car first aid) in your car, with items like a folding shovel, sand, and a flashlight.

If you hit black ice, slow down but do NOT hit your brakes quickly or hard, or you’ll skid. Take your foot off the accelerator and change gears to neutral. Try to maneuver smoothly, and if your car spins, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the spin. If you skid, turn in the direction you want to go. If you have anti-lock brakes, don’t pump them; the system should kick in and let you slow down and steer.

With some planning, you can survive black ice after your wilderness adventure. Care for your vehicle like you do for yourself.

Tug-of-war has long been a fun, family activity. Turning it into an organized neighborhood event makes it even more entertaining. It’s also a great way to fit some family fitness into the schedule. Tug-of-war can exercise all the muscles of the body. This type of game can also help foster teamwork.

It may sound difficult to organize a neighborhood game, but it doesn’t have to be. First, decide where to hold the event. It might be at a park or at your home, if your yard is large enough. If you can be prepared for an uncertain number of guests, pass out fliers advertising the event with contact info. If you’d rather limit the event to a certain number of people, pass out invitations to the neighbors of your choice.

To play tug-of-war, divide people into teams, as well as age groups. Be sure you have ropes geared to the age levels. There also can be family teams, but be sure everyone knows to play a gentler version if there are younger kids present.

There should be a line drawn on the ground in chalk. A team stands on either side, with all team members holding the rope. When the game is signaled to start, each team pulls on the rope. The object of the game is to pull all members of the opposing team over the line. Whichever team accomplishes this first is the winner. If there are a large amount of participants, or if people want to play one-on-one, rather than in teams, tournaments can be held. Each winning team or person plays against the next team until there is one last winner.

To make the event more enjoyable, you can make it an all-day thing, with snacks and recreational activities in between. If the event is held at the park, kids can play on the playground, in between competitions. Other good activities for in-between include frisbee, jump rope, and ring toss. If games are going to be in the grass or the dirt, it is suggested that people wear shoes with thicker traction . If they will be on asphalt or concrete, grip is still required, but not as thick.

Planning on doing some real back country hiking, skiing or snowboarding while it’s still winter in most of the north and the high country? If you want to be sure you come back home again, without frost bite or a touch of snow blindness, dress for success – with style and function! Check the weather before you leave but make sure you’re ready for sudden storms and changes in temperature.

From toe to head, it’s best to dress in layers. You may want to start with a basic wool sock, since wool keeps you warm even when wet, or upgrade to a wool blend sock designed for hiking or one of the new eco-friendly poly blends. Next are your boots. You’ll want sturdy hiking boots, insulated and waterproof.

Moving up a little, protect your legs with today’s long underwear, a base laye r with honeycomb fabric or stick with wool. Cover those up with an outdoor pant designed for comfort but with all the pockets and gaiters you’ll need. If you want more coverage, try a windbreaker-type fabric over the top but bear in mind, you need to be able to move, and you want to let air out.

For your upper body, you’ll need a base layer in a poly blend or a wool crewneck . Top that with your favorite sturdy shirt. If you’ll be exerting yourself with climbing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, your next item should be a down vest . It will keep your torso warm, but not too warm, while allowing freedom of movement. Finish off the top with a down jacket, a lighter weight one or for a daylight-only adventure, maybe a lightweight shell . If you’re at a high altitude or it’s just darn cold, you may want to go for a real parka.

Don’t forget the accessories. You’ll need gloves , a good fleece hat or a woolen one and very good sunglasses or goggles. Along with the necessities in your pack, these should keep you warm, dry and safe in a wilderness adventure.

Whether you’re hitting the hiking trails for a cross-country adventure or trekking off to the lakes for an ice fishing adventure, layering up with fleece and wind-resistant fabrics is an absolute must. While a down coat or parka will help you stay warm throughout the day, it’s the layers that will trap in your body heat to the max and keep your muscles and joints in great shape during frigid temperatures.

Layering Basics
Camping gurus already know the golden rules of layering; much of this process is common sense, but you’ll need to be selective about what types of clothing you’re packing on for the day. To stay warm in wintry climates, you’ll need to stick with clothing that’s lightweight and sticks close to your skin. This means steering clear of too much bulk and avoiding clothes with too many zippers and accessories; too much hardware makes it harder to layer different types of clothing and also makes it harder for you to move around.

For the inner layers, you’ll need to stick with thermal underwear and moisture-wicking fabrics that won’t absorb any sweat on your skin. This clothing needs to be made of lightweight materials and fabric, which are not only comfortable but also easy to wash.

The mid-layer is one of the most important. This is your insulation layer, the layer that includes pants, vests, fleece jackets and sweaters. This North Face Apex Bionic Jacket is an excellent choice for the mid-layer; it fits snugly and comfortably over basic tanks and tees, and it’s made with Weatherblock fabric which stops that bone-chilling wind dead in its tracks. Plus, it’s easy to wash and maintain; you can count on this for your mid-layer under a parka or down coat, or just wear it as a light jacket during warmer temperatures.

The outer layer is your final insulating layer and needs to be adjustable so that you can take it on and off with ease. Look for areas with extra ventilation and lightweight materials so you’re not weighed down. This is the only layer where you need to pay attention to extra pockets, flaps and other accessories.

If you’re anxious to get out onto the lake this winter to embrace ice fishing season, make sure you’re braving the icy tundra with the right gear. One of the most important safety measures for any ice fishing adventure is to take along a companion fishing enthusiast; if one of you does slip under the ice, you’ll have help nearby. You’ll also need to wear special clothing and layer up with a down jacket (or two) so you can settle in for a full day on the ice and make the most of your ice fishing experience. Here’s what you’ll need to survive the brutal weather and slick surroundings:

Layer up with a Down Parka
Pack yourself into a Patagonia Down Parka to trap in as much heat as possible while you sit on the icy banks of your favorite lake. You’ll want to layer up underneath with a flannel shirt, thermal underwear and a sweater for extra warmth and comfort. Any down jacket will help you trap in heat and keep you warm and toasty all day long.

Insulated Boots
Pick up a pair of rugged, industrial-strength boots so you don’t have to worry about frostbite nipping at your toes. A pair of boots made with extra grip and down insulation will protect your feet during those long treks across the lake; the North Face Nuptse boots are designed with all of these features and are also ergonomically designed for optimal comfort.

Self-heating Thermos
If you’re spending more than a few hours out on the ice, you’ll need to make time for a hot meal. Soup and other canned goods are the best match for your outdoor adventure, and you can enjoy a hot meal with a heated thermos. Just light up the burner base and heat up your favorite soup or drink for a nourishing meal in the middle of your trip.

When you’re hitting the ice for a day or weekend of ice fishing events, make sure you’re well prepared to battle the snow and ice with the right gear. Down jackets and boots, along with insulated accessories will help you survive the tundra as you patiently wait for your next catch.