Baby, it's cold outside...

That old song resurfaces every holiday season, just like eggnog. So my thoughts turn to hiking when it is cold outside, even if it is only Southern California cold.

It was pretty cold going up to the summit of Baldy in October, in the 40's for much of the morning. And it is bound to get colder at the higher altitudes.

Admittedly, down here closer to sea level, we'll deal with much milder temps.

Still, the answer to both situations, for me at least, is layers. Rocket science, right?

But ask a few of my hiking companions and you'd think we were going to tackle Everest in down suits. Hourly charts are consulted, wind chill levels determined, and forecasts that include comfort are studied.

Last winter, I hiked alone to our local peak, Iron Mountain (yes, THAT Iron Mountain) in the rain and cold. Alone, because no one else wanted to head out in the fog and drizzle. I wore about four layers that day and had a blast. The summit (can you call the top of a hill a summit? Yes you can, it is my blog after all.) was was cold, foggy, and deserted. Perfect for that day.

Alone at the top of Iron Mountain in the fog and drizzle

Later in the spring we hit Mt. Laguna, outside of Julian, a couple of days after a late season storm dropped about four inches of snow on the area. We had a blast! Again, layers and gaiters made it all the more comfortable.

Big Laguna Lake along Big Laguna Trail, San Diego County

You don't often get to hike in scenery like this in San Diego.

So, where was I? Oh yeah...the cold. Layers are the answer and something else. I learned this from a great kayaking instructor. "Cotton kills." It gets wet, stays wet, gets heavy and cools you down faster than just about anything. Get modern "tech" fabrics, you'll appreciate the difference.

So, if an old man like me, spoiled by years in the southern California sun, can get out into the cold, so can you. Let me know how you like it.