FrostLoom Listen, first thing—layer like a stack of logs, not a single sheet. Base is moisture‑wicking, middle is insulation, top is wind‑proof. Pack a dry bag for water; even a few ounces keep muscles from cramping. Eat high‑carb snacks, a bit of protein, and keep salt in the mix so you don’t feel the cold hitting harder. Mindwise, I run a short mental drill before I move: picture the route, spot the hazards, remember the escape point. It’s a simple checklist that keeps my brain focused when the wind tries to shake it. Hydrate while you hike, not after. Dehydration feels like the wind itself. And always bring a spare heat source—an extra tinder or a little stove fuel. In a crunch, those few minutes of warmth mean the difference between staying sharp or freezing out. You’re asking for pushing limits? Keep a “break‑but‑not‑break” rule—stop when your body screams, then keep going when it’s steady. That’s how I keep both mind and body firing when the cold feels like a wall.