Last Updated on 7 January, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

There’s something…magical about hiking in the winter. Time slows down, the forest noise is muted, and the white snow covering the trail is like a blanket of solitude. While many think winter signals the end of the hiking season, with the right gear, you can conquer any trail confidently!

Using the right winter hiking gear can make or break a snowy adventure, whether summiting a mountain or trekking through the woods. This guide will break down what winter hiking gear you need for those chilly hikes during the frosty weather.

Below, I’ll go over how to layer, what gear you need, and how to stay warm and safe on a winter hike. Let’s go!

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Hiking In Winter: The Basics

Before we get into base layers and microspikes, let’s briefly go over winter hiking basics. There’s a vast difference between winter and summer hiking. Besides the noticeable differences in weather, you should know a few key differences to stay safe.

Low Temperatures

One of the main reasons why people stay off the trails in the winter is the cold temperatures. Temperature plays a significant role in preparing your winter hiking gear. It defines how many layers you need and what kind of protective gear you might need for your hands, ears, face, and feet.

The National Library of Medicine tells us that frostbite can occur when temperatures dip below 5℉ (-15℃). Typically, prolonged exposure is required at these temperatures, but once the wind chill reaches -16.6℉ (-27℃), frostbite can happen in as little as 30 minutes.

Frostbite is fairly localized to exposed body parts, such as the nose, ears, and hands. Hypothermia, on the other hand, is more widespread and far more serious. It occurs when the core body temperature reaches 95℉ (35℃) instead of its normal 98.6℉ (37℃).

These two cold-related injuries can have serious consequences, so having the right winter hiking gear is essential.

Wet Conditions

Another problem with winter hiking is the chance of wet conditions. If you trudge through a foot of snow on a warm day, the snow will stick to your clothing, soaking it through.

Luckily, waterproof or water-resistant winter hiking gear helps alleviate this issue.

Increased Wildlife

For many critters, winter is a much-needed break from humans. Large predators are more likely to tread near hiking trails due to the lower presence of people. 

Always be aware of your surroundings. If you encounter wildlife, keep your distance. We have fantastic hiking guides on what to do if you see a wild animal on a hike, including what to do when encountering black bears, grizzly bears, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, moose, and wolves.

Less Daylight

As the Winter Solstice approaches, the days grow shorter, meaning less time for hiking. When hiking in the winter, it’s essential to be aware of what time the sun sets and always be prepared for hiking after dark.

Winter hiking should be done during the daylight when possible. Try starting your hike in the morning and plan to finish it by early afternoon.

Hunting

Winter is a huge hunting season for many areas throughout the United States. If you hike in the winter in wildlife management areas or areas open to hunting, be wary and wear bright colors. If your outer layer isn’t bright, wear a high-visibility vest or hat to make yourself visible to hunters.

We have an excellent guide on hiking safety during hunting season that gives tips on staying safe while hiking in areas open to hunting.

Winter Hiking Gear: Layered Clothing

If you research winter hiking gear online, you’ll likely hear this old adage a hundred times: Layers, layers, layers! And it’s one hundred percent true. 

Layers are essential for winter hiking. The main idea is to put on or remove layers while hiking to stay warm enough to be comfortable but cool enough not to overheat. Sweating can cause your body to cool down rapidly as the moisture evaporates or freezes in the cold air. 

Surprisingly, being too warm is just as dangerous as being too cold. Layers to the rescue! Taking off layers when you’re too warm or putting more on when you’re cold helps you regulate your body’s temperature while enjoying the outdoors in the cold. 

Let’s start with our first piece of winter hiking gear—the base layer. By the way, if you know anything about us, then you know we love hiking with our pets! Our fantastic article includes four tips for hiking with dogs in winter that cover keeping our furry pals safe and warm while hiking in the winter!

Base Layer

Base layers are your first line of defense against sweat and moisture. They should be lightweight and moisture–wicking, made of wool or synthetic material. 

Cotton should not be used as a base layer because it does not wick moisture and takes a long time to dry out, leaving you cold and shivering in the winter. I also wouldn’t recommend a base layer with a hood, as it can constrict after adding more layers, especially if your top layers have a hood.

Wool often outperforms synthetic material for serious winter hikers because it holds up better over time and can be worn multiple days without the typical smell accompanying synthetic fabric after a hard day’s use. 

However, synthetic fabrics are more budget-friendly and work just as well at wicking moisture. It’s all about what works best for you!

Here are some top picks for base layers. They are arranged from lightweight (warmer winter weather) to heavyweight (frigid winter weather):

Men’s Base Layer Tops

• REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Crew Top: Consider a T-shirt base layer for winter hiking in warmer weather. A synthetic blend of 92% polyester and 8% spandex makes for a comfortable but snug fit. Plus, it’s budget-friendly!
• Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer Top: This midweight layer is made of 100% Merino wool and has an anti-chafing design to keep you comfortable while hiking in cold temperatures.
• Arc’teryx Rho SV Zip-Neck Base Layer: Consider a heavyweight base layer like the Rho for frigid winter conditions. It’s constructed of 100% polyester. The interior of this base layer is brushed with fleece for a comfortable feel and moisture-wicking properties.

Men’s Base Layer Bottoms

• REI Co-op Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms: These Merino 185 bottoms are best for light winter conditions that are above freezing. They are made with classic merino wool and are super lightweight at just 7.5 ounces. It also features a low-profile elastic band that is comfortable under other layers.
• Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms: Smartwool is a trusted company by winter hikers worldwide. These base layer bottoms are made of 100% merino wool. These are considered a midweight base layer suitable for cold but not freezing conditions.
• Arc’teryx Rho SV Base Layer Bottoms: Consider a heavyweight base layer like this one from Arc’teryx for colder winter hikes. It’s made with 100% polyester for a comfortable, stretchy fit that forms to your body.

Women’s Base Layer Tops

• Arc’teryx Rho Lightweight Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top: This top is constructed of 84% polyester and 16% elastane. Unlike synthetic materials, the Rho utilizes a Polygiene® treatment to enhance odor control. This is great for light winter hiking, but it isn’t built for extreme winter conditions.
• REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top: This midweight layer is perfect for chilly winter hikes, offering warmth without excess bulk. Made from 92% recycled polyester and 8% spandex, it provides a comfortable stretch while being eco-friendly. The flatseam construction minimizes chafing, and the rolled-forward shoulder seams help prevent irritation from backpack straps, making it ideal for long treks.
• Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Baselayer: This is fantastic for extremely cold adventures. It’s made of 100% merino wool and fitted for anti-chafing and comfort. Its tighter fit makes layering easier and keeps the body warm on chilly days.

Women’s Base Layer Bottoms:

• Arms of Andes 300 Lightweight Alpaca Wool Base Layer Leggings: These lightweight leggings are made of super soft alpaca wool for comfort. A high waist design adds warmth, while the snug fit makes it easy to layer on top.
• Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms: Smartwool’s midweight base layer is constructed of interlock knit, which enhances comfort while you’re hiking in the cold. It makes for a great midweight base layer.
• REI Co-op Heavyweight Merino Base Layer Bottoms: Made of 100% merino wool, these heavyweight base layer bottoms work well in frigid conditions and wick moisture naturally.

Mid Layer

The mid-layer doesn’t need to wick moisture as the base layer does. It should be warm, comfortable, and, most importantly, breathable. Depending on the weather, the mid-layer may be all you need or a stepping stone toward your third and final outer layer.

Fleece and wool are standard mid-layer fabrics. They are warm enough for cold weather but breathable enough to avoid overheating. Synthetic is another option for mid-layers, but just like the base layers, odor control is a problem.

Mid-layers come in many forms and depend on your preferences and how you prefer to layer your clothing. Some prefer vests or hoodies, while others opt for puffy jackets or long-sleeved shirts. It’s all about what’s comfortable for you.

Here are some top picks for mid-layer clothing, including different styles to match your needs.

Men’s Midlayer Vests

• REI Co-op 650 Down Vest: Vests are great mid-layers because they keep your core warm while allowing a healthy breeze to keep your arms cool. This REI Co-op vest utilizes a windproof and water-resistant shell for ultimate comfort in any weather condition.
• The North Face Retro Denali Vest: This vest is heavier and meant for colder weather. It’s made with fleece for a soft feel and utilizes a relaxed fit for comfort. It has many pockets for all your winter gear needs, like hand warmers, chapstick, and wallets.
• Patagonia Nano Puff Vest: With a trusted name like Patagonia, it’s hard to go wrong. This vest is light and packable yet durable enough to handle winter adventures. A weather-resistant finish repels light rain and flurries. The highlight of this vest is its thin design, which makes layering over it a breeze!

Men’s Midlayer Hoodies and Long Sleeves

• Arc’teryx Kyanite Pullover Hoodie: This hoodie utilizes Polartec® Power Stretch® material for a super comfortable fit. It features a low-profile hood, making adding layers easy. This is an excellent medium-weight mid-layer for cold days on the trail.
• Marmot Leconte Fleece Half-Zip Pullover: The Leconte is made with technical grid fleece for a breathable mid-layer that keeps you warm. It pairs perfectly with an outer shell or can be worn on its own when conditions on the trail change.
• Black Diamond Solution 1.0 Insulated Hoody: Black Diamond gear typically comes with a higher price tag, but there’s a reason for it. They’ve been in the outdoor gear game for decades and put out consistently good gear. The Solution is no different, featuring lightweight, breathable, water-repellent fabric that’ll keep you warm and dry on your adventures.

Men’s Midlayer Jackets

• Rab Mythic Alpine Light Down Jacket: This jacket is an excellent mid-layer article made with recycled nylon and insulated with goose down for warmth. The jacket also features synthetic insulation in specific areas to manage breathability, balancing warmth with comfort.
• Smartwool Smartloft Insulated Jacket: This jacket is wind—and water-resistant, repelling the elements. It utilizes merino wool for a cozy yet breathable mid-layer.
• Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket: Just like the Nano Puff vest, Patagonia’s insulated jacket is lightweight with a durable water-repellent finish and provides excellent warmth in cold conditions.

Men’s Midlayer Bottoms

• Nathan 365 Joggers: These moisture-wicking joggers are a good mid-layer for cold conditions when adding an outer layer. They are not the best to use as a standalone bottom for hiking in the cold.
• The North Face Summit Series FUTUREFLEECE Pants: Weighing in at just 6.4 ounces, these fleece hiking pants are the perfect mid-layer that can double as an outer layer when temperatures aren’t frigid. 
• REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Pants: These pants are considered midweight and can be worn by themselves or under an outer shell. They’re made with recycled polyester for a soft, comfortable feel while tackling the trails.

Women’s Midlayer Vests

• REI Co-op 650 Down Vest: This vest features a windproof and water-resistant design to battle the elements on the trail. Its design keeps your core warm while allowing your arms to breathe. The perfect mid-layer!
• Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Vest: A light vest that repels drizzles, flurries, and accidental spills. As a bonus, it packs down super small, meaning there is more space in your backpack for snacks and summit beers!
• Columbia Benton Springs Vest: This soft, warm mid-layer vest is made with 100% fleece. It features zippered hand pockets to keep items secure and offers a classic, contoured fit.

Women’s Midlayer Hoodies and Long Sleeves

• Cotopaxi Amado Fleece Pullover: The Cotopaxi Amado Fleece Pullover is constructed of super soft fleece for a comfortable feel. It can be worn under a jacket or on its own for winter hiking.
• Outdoor Research Trail Mix Fleece Pullover Hoodie: This is another mid-layer that can be worn under an outer shell or on its own. It’s constructed of grid fleece for a comfortable, breathable fit.
• Columbia Helvetia Cropped Half-Snap Fleece Pullover: The Helvetia is made with soft, high-pile fleece for the ultimate comfort on the trail. It also has a drawcord hem and cuffs to keep out chilly drafts.

Women’s Midlayer Jackets

• Columbia Silver Falls Hooded Insulated Jacket: This is an excellent mid-layer jacket that packs down into its own pocket, making it easy to take off and store in your hiking pack. It’s made with synthetic insulation and has drawcords at the hem to lock in the warmth!
• Outdoor Research Vigor Plus Fleece Jacket: The Outdoor Research Vigor Plus is a fantastic mid-layer jacket made with stretchy material for the best fit possible. It utilizes high-loft grid fleece for breathability when the elevation kicks up.
• Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket: The Cotopaxi Abrazo features a full-zip design to make it easy to take off and put on. It’s made with recycled fleece and can be worn under an outer layer or on its own.

Women’s Midlayer Bottoms

• REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Pants: These fleece pants work great over a base layer, under an outer layer, or all on their own. The midweight fleece is super comfortable for long hikes yet functional in keeping you warm.
• The North Face Summit Series FUTUREFLEECE Pants: The specialized Futurefleece material balances the warmth-to-weight ratio, making for a warm yet comfortable bottom for winter hikes. The stretch-knit cuffs make it easy to tuck the pants into a pair of trusty winter hiking boots.

Outer Layer

Outer layers are your ultimate defense against the weather. These “shell” layers should be made of sturdy material that turns away wind, rain, and snow. 

This layer should also be breathable, helping to cool you off if you have all three layers on, but keeping you warm enough on chilly hikes. Most outer layers are insulated jackets with a waterproof coating to repel rain and snow and a shell to stop the wind from reaching your core.

Depending on the weather, you’ll need different types of outer layers. Sometimes, a light, waterproof jacket is a good choice if your base and middle layers are super warm and you’re not facing frigid temperatures. Other times, you may need an insulated weatherproof jacket if you’re hiking in sub-zero temperatures.

Here are my top recommendations for outer layers for winter hiking:

Men’s Outer Layer Tops

• Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket: This is a nice option for lighter weather where you don’t expect temperatures to drop below zero degrees F. It features a durable water-repellent finish and a hood to keep your entire upper body dry in inclement weather. This jacket weighs just 14.1 ounces and packs down into its own pocket for easy storage in a hiking pack.
• The North Face Antora Jacket: Another lightweight option for hikes above freezing weather. The Antora jacket utilizes waterproof and wind-resistant fabric to keep the elements off while hiking. It’s a breathable jacket that goes perfectly over other layers.
• REI Co-op Stormhenge 650 Down Hybrid Jacket: This jacket combines the best of both worlds – the warmth and breathability of a puffy jacket with the waterproof shell of a rain jacket. The only downside is that it’s bulkier and heavier than most jackets, weighing in at 1lb 13.6 ounces. 

Men’s Outer Layer Pants

• Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants: These waterproof rain pants are perfect for weather protection. You can wear them on their own or layer them over a thinner base layer. They feature a ¾-length zipper for easy layering and breathability.
• REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Pants: The REI Co-op Rain Pants combine breathability, packability, and weather resistance. The waterproof outer layer protects you from the rain, and when the weather clears up, the ankle zip allows for maximum breathability.
• Black Diamond Vision Hybrid Pant: For seriously cold hiking, the Black Diamond Vision is your best choice. It utilizes Primaloft insulation for warmth and has a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment that repels water to keep you dry and warm on winter hikes. 

Women’s Outer Layer Tops

• Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket: With a water-resistant shell, the Cotopaxi Fuego is perfect for drizzly days in the shoulder seasons. It features goose-down insulation to keep the chill at bay, and the elastic hem and cuffs seal in warmth.
• REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Hybrid Jacket: The Stormhenge features the best of both worlds with a breathable, insulated puffy jacket interior and a weather-repellent outside coating to repel the elements.
• KUHL The One Insulated Jacket: This is a great outer layer when temperatures aren’t frigid. It’s treated with a DWR finish to repel rain and snow. Its athletic fit makes it comfortable for all outdoor adventures. Zippered pockets keep your valuables safe while you hike.

Women’s Outer Layer Pants

• Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Alpine Pants: The Chockstone Alpine Pants combine warmth, durability, and comfort for the perfect early-morning summit push or winter adventure. They offer 4-way stretch and articulated knees for a full range of motion.
• REI Co-op Activator Pants: REI’s wind-resistant and water-repellent Activator Pants are an excellent outer layer for cold, blustery days. It can repel up to 30mph winds and has a DWR finish. These outer-layer pants also come with five secure pockets to keep all your valuables safe while venturing outdoors.
• Arc’teryx Gamma Pants: The Gamma Pants are the ultimate rugged-conditions outer bottoms. They’re durable, water-repellent, and wind-resistant. At 10.6 ounces, they’re also super light!

Winter Hiking Gear: Protecting Face and Hands

Now that we have all the layers covered, it’s time to discuss face and hand protection. These areas of the body are commonly exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to frostbite, which can lead to hypothermia.

Let’s check out some winter hiking gear that will protect exposed extremities and faces from Old Man Winter.

Hats and Headbands

Hats and headbands are solid winter hiking gear for protecting ears from the cold. Unlike other body parts, ears have very little insulating fat. Instead, they’re made mostly of cartilage, which doesn’t do a good job of keeping warm! 

Covering our ears with a winter hiking hat or headband is the best way to seal in warmth and reduce the chances of frostbite while hiking in winter.

• The North Face Jim Beanie: With a relaxed fit and a soft fleece lining, the Jim Beanie is the perfect partner for your ears during winter hiking.
• Outdoor Research Trail Mix Beanie: This beanie features wicking, quick-drying material to keep you warm, but not too warm! It also has a built-in UPF 30 rating protection from the sun.
• Smartwool Merino 250 Reversible Headband: As with all Smartwool products, this reversible headband offers warmth and breathability to keep you comfortable on your outdoor winter adventure.

When it comes to finding the perfect winter hiking hat, it’s all about preference. Some prefer hats with full, heavy coverage for maximum warmth, while others prefer light headbands that protect the ears but allow breathability.

If your outer layer has a hood, consider just a headband so as not to over-layer your head. Remember, sweating in winter is just as dangerous as being too cold.

Speaking of hooded outer layers, you may nix any winter hiking gear for your head if your outer layer has a hood. Instead, use the hood to keep your head and ears warm while hiking! Again, it’s all about preference.

Face Coverings

Hats and headbands are great for covering your ears, but your face and neck are still exposed to the elements. If you’re tackling a trail in frigid weather, consider getting a face shield like a balaclava, neck gaiter, or hiking scarf.

• Balaclava: These typically go over your entire head, protecting your ears and nose. They cover basically everything except your eyes, which means they’re an all-in-one covering. Check out the BlackStrap The Hood Balaclava Facemask, made with lens-safe material to make it easy to wipe glasses or goggles. It also utilizes UPF 50 fabric to protect you from the sun.
• Neck Gaiter/Scarf: The Merino Lightweight Multifunctional Neckwear is a fantastic option for keeping your neck warm. The stretchy material helps it cling to your body, while the thermal fabric keeps it breathable and soft against your skin. It can also be pulled up to protect your nose, though it doesn’t have the full coverage of a balaclava.

Gloves

Gloves are more than just an article of winter hiking gear to put on your hands. A lot of thought should go into purchasing a solid pair of winter hiking gloves. In fact, the best way to wear winter hiking gloves is in layers, just like your clothing!

So, how exactly do you layer gloves so you can still move your fingers? It’s all about pairing the correct layers together. Here’s your best option for winter hiking gloves:

• Liner gloves: Liner gloves are like a base layer. They should be light, moisture-wicking, and breathable. It’s also beneficial that these are touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to expose your bare hands to the elements to work your smartphone.

Smartwool Liner Gloves. These gloves are touchscreen compatible and utilize merino wool for warmth, breathability, and sustainability. They are unisex, so they will fit men or women with the correct size choice.

• Insulated mid-layer gloves: This is the most important layer for warmth. Avoid down insulation for this layer, as it can be compromised if your hands sweat too much, leaving them feeling chilled. Instead, go for wool or synthetic material. Sometimes, insulated gloves can double as your outer layer.

Outdoor Research Team GORE-TEX gloves. The GORE-TEX gloves are wind and waterproof, yet breathable enough that your hands won’t break a sweat while trudging on a winter hiking trail. Additionally, they have waterproof inserts to help keep your hands dry, even if they sweat. As a bonus, these are touchscreen-compatible. These gloves are also unisex, so they can fit either men or women with the correct size choice.

If you decide to use a non-waterproof midlayer, be sure to add a weatherproof outer shell to protect your gloves from rain, snow, and wind. Something like the REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens works great. They are waterproof, breathable, and lightweight, yet keep your hands warm in frigid winter conditions.

Winter Hiking Gear: Boots and Socks

You’ll want to carefully consider each piece of winter hiking gear when adventuring in cold weather. Cold feet can lead to slips and trips, which can be detrimental in the winter. 

Two important things to consider about your feet are socks and boots. Socks should be warm, breathable, and fit easily inside boots. They should also help reduce rubbing against your boot cuffs. Winter hiking boots should be insulated and waterproof to keep your feet warm and dry throughout the hike.

First, let’s talk boots!

Men’s Winter Hiking Boots

• The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Insulated Waterproof Boots: The name says it all. These boots are insulated and waterproof, protecting your feet from inclement weather. They have a lower profile, so consider using gaiters if hiking in deep snow. These shoes weigh 2 lbs 1.9 ounces, which is about the middle ground for winter hiking boots.
• Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot Waterproof Hiking Boots: These boots feature a triple layer of waterproof laminate, a cozy fleece collar, and molded toe caps to keep your feet warm in snowy conditions. They weigh in at around 2 lbs.
• Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid Waterproof Boots: 200g of insulation combines with mesh uppers to offer a warm yet breathable winter hiking boot. It features a waterproof membrane that seals out incoming moisture but still allows moisture inside to escape, keeping your feet dry and happy.

Women’s Winter Hiking Boots

• Merrell Siren 4 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof Hiking Boots: Merrell is one of the top names in the hiking industry for good reason! These Siren Thermo boots are lightweight yet durable enough to handle anything on the trail. They feature a waterproof exterior and an insulated interior to keep your feet warm and dry.
• Oboz Bridger 7″ Insulated Waterproof Boots: The Oboz winter boots feature a higher profile for added protection, but still remain relatively light at 2lb 9oz. They’re waterproof and insulated to protect your feet from frigid conditions. The sole is infused with silica for a superior grip in icy conditions.
• Salomon Crosstrak Powder Waterproof Hiking Boots: The Salomon Crosstraks utilize an easy-on/off design that makes it easy to unlace them even with gloves on. They are waterproof and insulated to protect your feet from the elements. You won’t find a more grippy pair of winter boots, great for hard-packed or deep snow conditions!

Hiking Socks

When it comes to socks, it’s mostly about preference. Darn Tough makes very durable, cushioned, and moisture-wicking winter hiking socks. They come in multiple cuts, such as crew, quarter, and knee-high, for whichever style of sock you prefer.

Smartwool offers many options for durable winter hiking socks in different cuts and styles. They typically feature recycled materials to reduce your carbon footprint, and their soft merino wool construction adds warmth to all your winter hikes.

The style of the cut will depend on your hiking boots. If the cuff of your hiking boots tends to rub against your skin, get a crew or knee-high style to keep your legs comfortable while you hike. If your shoes are lower-cut, you may get away with ankle or lower crew socks, but you’ll be sacrificing warmth. It also never hurts to bring an extra pair of socks on your hike in case one gets wet.

Additional Winter Hiking Gear

Depending on where you plan to go for a winter hike, you may need some additional gear. For example, if you’re hiking a 14er in Colorado, you’ll definitely want microspikes to help you grip the steep incline in icy conditions.

Hiking in deep snow or rocky terrain? You’ll want a solid pair of trekking poles to help you navigate and, possibly, a gaiter to go over your boots to avoid getting snow inside them.

Below are some additional pieces of winter hiking gear you may or may not need, depending on your type of hike. I’ll explain each one and what type of hiking it’s best used for. 

Trekking Poles

When I first started hiking, I never used trekking poles. I didn’t understand the big deal—I was young and had good balance, so why would I need them? Then I decided to tackle a few mountains in Colorado and Wyoming, so I tried them. Since then, I’ve never gone back to hiking without them!

Trekking poles are great when hiking in winter for a few reasons:

• Stability: Winter conditions change quickly with the temperature. Light and fluffy snow can turn to packed and heavy snow if temperatures rise. Similarly, wet snow quickly turns to ice when temperatures drop. Trekking poles help you balance on uneven winter terrain.
• Energy conservation: Trekking poles allow you to engage your upper body while hiking, which helps conserve energy and muscle strain in your legs, allowing you to hike longer without tiring.
• Stream crossings: Crossing streams in the winter can be dangerous. If you must cross a frozen stream, trekking poles can help you feel out the ice to make sure it’s safe to cross.
• Protection: When hiking in mountain lion or grizzly bear territory, a sturdy pair of trekking poles can be a literal lifesaver. You hope never to use them for this purpose, but having that card in your back pocket is always nice.
• Tree wells: If you’re hiking in deep snow, trekking poles can help you feel around for tree wells, which can be dangerous if you fall in.

Black Diamond’s Pursuit Trekking Poles are top-notch. They feature an ergonomic design that fits most hand sizes, from men to women. The cork grip offers moisture-wicking capabilities in warmer months. These poles can be used in all four seasons and have a specialty winter snow basket tip for your alpine adventures!

Headlamps

Winter hiking means hiking in low-light conditions. Even when the sun is at its zenith, it’s still not quite as light outside as in the summer. Headlamps are an essential piece of winter hiking gear, especially if you get stuck hiking after dark.

Concerning winter headlamps, you’ll want something adjustable enough to fit over hats and hoods but comfortable enough not to restrict blood flow or feel cramped. It’s recommended that you always store a headlamp in your backpack when hiking in the winter.

Most of today’s headlamps are rechargeable. This reduces weight, and most charges last hours, if not days! For this reason, I always recommend rechargeable headlamps over battery-powered ones. 

The Astro 300-R Headlamp from Black Diamond features a low-profile, ergonomic design that maximizes comfort without forfeiting any battery life. When powered on high, it outputs 300 lumens, and a 1500mAh battery will last up to 6 hours on high, 12 hours on medium, and 140 hours on low.

Microspikes

Microspikes add traction to your winter hiking boots, especially in icy conditions. Kahtoola MICROspikes feature twelve ⅜-inch stainless steel spikes per shoe for added grip. The harness fits around almost any type of hiking shoe or boot and fits both men’s and women’s shoe sizes.

When not in use, the Kahtoolas are small enough to fit in your backpack’s pocket. Depending on the size, they weigh from 11 to 13.5 ounces, making them a packable, lightweight addition to your winter hiking gear.

Snowshoes

Snowshoes are an essential piece of winter hiking gear when traversing deep snow. They help evenly distribute your weight and avoid leaving deep boot prints, which can make it difficult for others to travel the trail. As a general rule of thumb, anytime the snow is 6-8 inches or deeper, slap on a pair of snowshoes when hiking on trails.

The MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes are lightweight yet aggressive enough to capture traction in snowy conditions. With ballistic-grade decking, these snowshoes are super durable and feature a freeze-resistant mesh strap to go over your boots. They come in both men’s and women’s.

Winter Hiking Gear FAQs

There is so much information out there about winter hiking gear, so I’m here to answer the most frequently asked questions about gear and hiking in winter in general!

What to wear for trekking in winter?

• Layered clothing (base, mid-layer, outer shell)
• Layered gloves (liner, mid-layer, outer shell)
• Insulated boots
• Cushioned socks
• Hat or headband
• Face and neck covering

What gear do I need to hike in the snow?

• Trekking poles
• Headlamp
• Snowshoes (optional, depending on conditions)
• Microspikes (optional, depending on conditions)

How many layers for winter hiking?

Aim for 3 layers for winter hiking. A moisture-wicking base layer, a warm fleece midlayer, and a weather-repellent outer layer.

How cold is too cold to hike?

This is dependent on your preferences, but in general, temperatures at 5°F (-15°C) are when frostbite can occur after prolonged exposure. At -16.6°F (-27°C), frostbite can occur in just 30 minutes to exposed body parts. However, with the proper gear, you can hike in temperatures much colder than this.

Wrapping Up Winter Hiking Gear

This comprehensive guide to winter hiking gear will be helpful for your next wintry adventure! We’ve gone over a lot, so let’s do a quick recap of the most important things discussed:

1. Layering: Layering your clothes helps regulate temperature, decrease sweating, increase warmth, and avoid cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia.
2. Base Layer: It is paramount to choose the correct fabric for your base layer. Aim for synthetic or wool, and avoid cotton.
3. Mid-Layer: Mid-layers are your biggest defense against the cold. Look for fleece or wool for a comfortable, cozy fit.
4. Shell: Outer layers should be weatherproof to resist rain, wind, and snow.
5. Additional Gear: Depending on where you hike, you might also want to add trekking poles, a headlamp, and microspikes to your winter hiking gear list.
6. Footwear: Winter hiking boots should be insulated and waterproof. Winter hiking socks should have cushions and be made of a breathable yet cozy material such as wool or synthetic.
7. Winter Hiking Basics: Remember that winter hiking means less daylight, increased wildlife activity, possible hunting activities, and colder temperatures.
8. Now you’re ready, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you! If you enjoyed this article, check out our hiking blog for more guides, tips, and hacks for hiking in all four seasons!