Sophia May
What To Wear Hiking In The Cold – If you are interested in winter hiking, it is important to understand the importance of winter hiking clothing and layering. Winter and colder weather present greater risks when hiking, including frostbite and hypothermia. Winter hiking clothes help you stay warm and dry and protect you from harsh and cold conditions. Whether you’re hiking on a sunny winter day or on an easy trail, it’s important to be prepared and wear layers. This guide covers everything you need to know about winter hiking gear, including winter hiking clothing, the importance of layering, and winter hiking tips.
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What To Wear Hiking In The Cold
Understanding the importance of layered winter hiking clothing Knowing what to wear when hiking in winter is very important. Winter hiking layers need to keep you warm and dry, and you need layers. Honestly, you can’t wear too many layers because it’s easier to take them off than not to be suitable for winter hikes. I always recommend packing more clothes than you think you can to safely hike in the winter. The main layers include the bottom layer, the middle layer and the shell.
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The body layer is next to your skin and helps regulate your body temperature. A base layer is also important as it wicks away sweat and dries quickly when climbing. The best base layers are made from merino wool and synthetic fibers because they dry quickly and absorb moisture well.
The next layer of winter hiking gear you need is insulation. Another important layer of winter hiking clothing is insulation, which helps maintain body heat while hiking in winter. This layer is usually made of down, synthetic down or wool. Fleece jackets are warm and breathable, but you still want to layer them. I usually wear a light fleece jacket under my down jacket. Down jackets are warm, light and compressible. The only downside is that it loses its effectiveness when wet. Synthetic down jackets are similar to down jackets, but do not shrink and perform better when wet.
If you’re hiking in rain, snow, or wind, or if you’re hiking above treeline, a shell is a layer of winter hiking gear. The shell helps keep you dry and protects you from the elements on winter hikes. This layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Some hikers prefer a lightweight waterproof shell, while others prefer an insulated shell.
Keeping your feet warm, dry and supported is very important during winter hikes! Start by wearing thermal socks made from synthetic fibers or wool. These socks help keep your feet warm while wicking away moisture. I also packed extra socks to change if necessary, as well as batteries and equipment. My favorite winter hiking socks are the Darn Tough Hike Micro Crew Cushion Socks!
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When hiking in cold and snowy weather, it’s important to wear waterproof and insulated winter hiking boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Winter hiking boots usually have 200g or 400g insulation. 200g may be fine, but if you’re hiking in sub-zero temperatures, you should consider investing in winter hiking boots with 400g insulation. I have a resource for everything you need to know about winter hiking boots. My favorite winter hiking boot is the Oboz Bridger 7″ Insulated Waterproof Boot.
Leggings are essential winter hiking gear if you want to keep your boots and pants from getting snowed in. The leggings you wear should be waterproof and attached to your winter hiking boots. My favorite winter hiking leggings are the Outdoor Research Expedition Alligator Leggings.
Winter hiking can be full of icy trails, so traction will help keep you safe and prevent slips and falls. Micro studs are very useful when you are hiking on a flat snow trail. They fit over your winter hiking boots so you can easily slip them on when needed. I have a resource that covers everything you need to know about the best micropeaks for hiking. My favorite micro crampons are the Hillsound Trail Crampons.
Crampons are similar to miniature spikes, but with larger spikes. On steeper slopes, larger spikes help grip the snow better than smaller spikes. Like miniature spikes, crampons are perfect for winter hiking boots. My favorite crampons are the Kahtoola K 10 climbing crampons.
The Essential Gear You Need For Winter Hiking
Snowshoes are a must when hiking in deep snow in winter, as they help you stay on the snow after getting stuck in a hole. Like miniature cleats and crampons, snowshoes attach to your winter hiking boots and are easy to remove. My favorite snow shovel is the MSR Lighting Climbing.
The most important layer of winter hiking gear is leggings. Leggings wick away moisture to help regulate body temperature on winter hikes. Your leggings should be made of merino wool or synthetic fibers, as these are the best materials for moisture wicking and quick drying. My favorite hiking tights are the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Tights.
You’ll also want waterproof winter hiking pants to wear over leggings to protect you from wet conditions. All waterproof pants, including ski pants, are suitable for this winter hiking layer. If you’re not hiking in wet conditions, you can wear a pair of thick, warm leggings over this layer. My favorite winter hiking pants are the REI Co-op Activator Pants.
Like leggings, leggings are the most important layer of winter hiking gear. Your first base layer should be made of merino wool or synthetic material to wick away moisture and help regulate your body temperature on winter hikes. Base layers come in different thicknesses, and choosing the right layer depends on your personal preference and how cold the area you are hiking is. My favorite base layer for hiking is the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Half Zip Top.
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You should wear insulation on top of the base layer. Insulation is one of the most important layers of winter hiking gear because it helps retain body heat. This layer is usually made of down, synthetic down or wool. Since I have a cold, I added a fleece layer under my warm puffy jacket. I have a comprehensive resource with everything you need to know about winter hiking jackets. My favorite insulated jacket is the Patagonia Down Sweater.
If you’re hiking in wet conditions, a jacket is an essential part of your winter hiking gear. The layer should be weatherproof (waterproof and windproof) but still breathable. Outer jackets include raincoats or insulation. The type of coat you choose depends on your preferences. My favorite shell jackets are the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket and the Jack Wolfskin DNA Rhapsody Jacket. Both are waterproof and windproof, warm and durable, perfect for winter hiking!
You should always carry winter hiking gloves with you, even if your hands are warm. I always carry a pair of lightweight wool gloves for waterproof mittens when crossing tree lines or when it’s snowing. My favorite winter hiking gloves are the Outdoor Research StormTracker Sensor Gloves.
Since we lose most of our body heat through our head, it is important to wear a hat when hiking in winter. The hat helps maintain body temperature and keep warm even in colder temperatures. One of my favorite winter hiking hats is the Smartwool Merino 250 Beanie.
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Our noses and cheeks are just as important as the rest of our bodies to protect us from winter hikes. A woolen scarf or face covering will help protect your face from the cold air and temperatures. My favorite neck wrap for a winter hike is the Smartwool neck wrap.
The headlights are in the top 10, but I want to single them out. I highly recommend packing two extra batteries for both headlights. Be sure to pack extra and pack them in a fleece duffel bag, as cold weather drains batteries quickly.
Even with warm gloves and socks, there is a high chance that our hands and feet will get cold during winter hikes. Arm and leg warmers are a great way to warm up! Hand warmers slide easily over gloves and leg warmers attach to socks to keep feet warm.
This guide is a great place to find advice on what to wear when hiking in the winter, including winter hiking clothes, the importance of layering.
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