If you’re new to winter hiking, trying to figure out what to wear and what gear to bring can feel overwhelming.
When I first started, I had no clue where to begin, but over time, I’ve refined my winter hiking setup, including the clothing I wear, my layering system, and the essential gear I bring on every hike.
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My Winter Hiking Journey
When I first started hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I was intimidated by the idea of winter hiking.
Snow-covered trails seemed daunting, especially since hiking on snow isn’t my favorite. However, I soon realized that winter hiking extended my hiking season and allowed me to stay active year-round. Plus, hiking in the snow is a fantastic workout.
The trails I love in the summer look entirely different when they’re blanketed in snow, offering a fresh perspective on familiar routes.
Winter hikes are quieter, less crowded, and best of all, bug-free. And who doesn’t love packing a thermos of hot tea or cocoa to enjoy in the frosty air?
With the right gear, proper layering, and a little bit of preparation, I found that winter hiking can actually be enjoyable—and dare I say it, fun.
Winter Hiking Clothing: Layering Like a Pro
The key to a successful winter hike is layering your clothing properly. Wearing too many layers can make you sweat, which might seem okay at first, but the dampness can quickly make you cold.
Not wearing enough layers, on the other hand, can leave you shivering and miserable.
The goal is to stay warm without overheating, and to avoid sweating as much as possible.
A helpful tip I’ve learned: “Be bold, start cold.” You’ll warm up once you start moving, but always have extra layers ready for when you stop for a break.
Here’s my go-to winter hiking layering system:
Base Layers
The base layer’s job is to wick sweat away from your skin and help you stay dry. Choose materials like synthetic fabrics, Merino wool, or a polyester blend.
The one fabric you should avoid? Cotton. Cotton holds moisture and loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, leaving you feeling cold.
My base layers typically include a synthetic moisture-wicking hoodie and thicker hiking leggings with handy pockets.
Mid Layers
The mid layer is all about insulation—it helps retain your body heat. Materials like fleece, wool, or synthetic down work best for this layer.
One thing to note is that while down is lightweight and warm, it doesn’t insulate well if it gets wet. For wetter climates, a synthetic alternative might be a better choice.
My personal favorites for mid-layers include the Melanzana Micro Grid Fleece Dress and a synthetic puffy vest, which keeps my core warm while still allowing my arms to breathe.
Outer Layers
Your outer layer is your protection against the elements, especially wind, rain, and snow.I recommend a waterproof, breathable shell made from a material like Gore-Tex, which offers protection while still allowing your body to breathe.
Look for jackets with features like pit zips (ventilation zippers under the armpits) to help with airflow.
My outer layer usually includes a lightweight rain jacket and Gore-Tex leg gaiters to keep my legs and feet dry.
Footwear and Socks
Footwear is one of the most critical pieces of winter hiking gear. In the winter, I prefer boots that offer more ankle support and protection from snow and ice.This season, I’ve been using the Salomon Outpost Mid Gore-Tex boots. For socks, I stick to thicker Merino wool pairs like the Darn Tough Microcrew Cushion Hiking Socks, which keep my feet warm, dry, and blister-free.
Accessories
Winter accessories are key to keeping warm and comfortable on the trail.My must-haves include a buff or neck gaiter for added warmth, liner gloves (touchscreen-compatible so I can still use my phone), a beanie or trucker hat, and sunglasses for sunny or snow-reflective days.
Essential Winter Hiking Gear
When packing for a winter hike, I make sure to carry gear that will help me stay safe and comfortable in colder conditions. Here’s what I always bring with me:
– Traction devices like microspikes or snowshoes for stability on snow and ice.
– Trekking poles with snow baskets to prevent them from sinking into the snow.
– A butt pad to sit on during breaks, so I don’t have to rest on the cold ground.
– A Nalgene bottle to keep my water from freezing (pro tip: store it upside down so the water freezes from the bottom).
– The Ten Essentials, which include navigation tools, a first aid kit, extra clothing, food, water, sun protection, a fire starter, a knife, and shelter.
Additionally, I always bring my Garmin inReach Explorer+, a satellite communicator with an SOS feature, weather forecasts, and two-way messaging.
It gives me peace of mind knowing I can contact emergency services if needed.
Tips for Winter Hiking
Now that you’ve got your winter hiking gear and clothing system figured out, here are some additional tips that will help you stay safe and comfortable on the trail.
1. Keep Mileage Low and Go Slow: Winter hiking requires more energy than summer hiking, so expect to travel slower. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your hike before it gets dark.
2. Plan for Extra Time: Take into account extra time for clothing adjustments, navigation, and breaks. In winter, days are shorter, so plan accordingly.
3. Navigation Is Key: Make sure you know how to use your navigation tools before hitting the trail, whether it’s a paper map or a GPS app like Gaia. Always download maps in advance, as cell service may not be reliable.
4. Know How to Use Your Gear: Be familiar with all your gear, especially safety tools like satellite communicators or traction devices. Practice using them before heading out into the wilderness.
5. Keep Electronics Warm: Cold temperatures can drain the battery life of electronics. Store them close to your body or in a pocket to keep them warm.
6. Snack Often: Hiking in cold weather burns more calories. Snack regularly to keep your energy up throughout the hike.
7. Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold, but staying hydrated is crucial. Take frequent sips and prevent your water from freezing by using insulated containers.
8. Take Short Breaks: To avoid getting cold, keep your breaks short. As soon as you stop, add an insulating layer to prevent your body temperature from dropping.
9. Be Aware of Hypothermia: Know the symptoms of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, and fatigue, and take precautions to prevent it.
10. Set a Turnaround Time: Winter hiking can be unpredictable, and it’s important to set a turnaround time and stick to it, even if you don’t reach your destination.
Planning Your Winter Hike
Once you’re ready to go, planning is essential. Start by researching the trail conditions and weather forecast.
Use trail apps or websites for up-to-date reports on trail conditions and road closures.
Always let someone know your hiking plan, including your start time, destination, and expected return time.
Before leaving, ensure your car is ready for winter driving with snow tires, extra fuel, and emergency items like blankets, food, and water.
By following these tips and bringing the right gear, winter hiking can open up a whole new world of adventure. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the snowy trails!
