You’re thinking about going hiking on those winter snow-packed trails.
You want to save yourself from a winter emergency, and that includes any cold weather related disasters! Even if you are going for what you would consider a short hike, it doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in if the weather is right and you’re not careful.
That doesn’t mean you need to let the cold weather stop you from getting out for a hike outdoors, but you do want to be a safe and well-prepared winter hiker. In frigid temperatures, it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared!
So, let’s discuss what to wear to be best prepared for cold weather hiking, as well as a few extra items that might be worth thinking about when hiking during the winter.
Covered on this page below for your winter outdoor adventures:
- How to dress in layers for cold weather hiking
- Suggested cold weather hiking gear: Sample winter hiking outfit for your upper body
- Extra items to consider packing for winter hiking
Here’s the quick list of things to look at listed on this page!
Winter hike packing list and what to wear when hiking in winter:
- Base layer, shirt and tights – like these
- Insulating layer – like these or like these
- Outer layer hiking jacket – like these
- Outer layer hiking pants – like these
- Liner gloves – like these
- Hiking gloves – like these
- Hiking socks – like these
- Pocket blanket – like these
- Hiking snacks – like these
- WATER! – carry it with something like this
- Ultralight first aid kit – like these
- Gaiters – like these
- Disposable hand and toe warmers – like these
- Traction for boots in snow and ice – like these
- Snowshoes for more FUN! 😉 – like these – makes a great gift!
Affiliate links take you away to Amazon!
gifts for hikers under $25 – gifts for travelers under $25
Layering clothes in cold weather for your winter hiking outfit
Wearing a thoughtful winter hiking outfit is one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for hiking in cold weather.
This makes layering clothes for cold weather an essential part of hiking safely in the winter.
So first, how to dress in layers.
Here is some of what to wear for hiking in cold weather when it comes to dressing in layers.
Base layer
Wear a base layer to wick moisture away.
This is the layer closest to your skin. In cold temperatures, it’s a good idea to wear a long-sleeve shirt that is moisture wicking as your base layer.
The reason you want a moisture-wicking shirt is because as you’re hiking you will most certainly sweat. And you don’t want that sweat to stay with you close to your skin.
Wearing another type of material like cotton will only soak up the sweat and your base layer can become wet and uncomfortable as it sticks to your skin. This also has potential to make you cold if you stop moving for too long.
If it’s really cold, you might want to add a base layer of tights under your winter hiking pants.
Have a look at some of these for your base layer for shirts and pants.
Insulating layer
Wear an insulating layer to trap and retain warmth.
This next level of layering you want to be slightly loose. The goal of this layer is to trap some of the warm air produced by your body as you’re hiking along.
This helps to keep that air close to you to help you stay warm. You want a thermal insulating layer that is also breathable so that it will help to work with you as you are hiking.
Take a look at some of these for your insulation layer.
If you’re hiking in really cold weather, you may consider adding this type of layer too.
Outer layer
Wear an outer layer to block the weather elements.
This final outer layer can serve to protect you from elements like wind and snow.
You want this jacket layer to be able to hold in the warmth while blocking out cold air so you can keep on hiking comfortably.
Depending on just how cold it is, you may have multiple layers within the grouping of layers.
The good thing about layers is that if you do find yourself warming up a bit too much during your hike, you can always peel a layer or two off.
But if you don’t wear enough clothing and find yourself cold on the trail, well, that’s a much worse situation that you don’t want to be in!
For winter hiking jackets, have a look at some of these or some of these for ideas.
For winter hiking pants, have a look at some of these.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Suggested cold weather hiking gear: Sample winter hiking outfit to keep your upper body warm
And now, as a sample winter hiking outfit for your upper body, in this section is just some of the different types of clothing to take a look at as you plan your winter outdoor adventures.
This list will hopefully get you started thinking about what you might want to wear for hiking in cold weather.
Also keep in mind how much you need to wear to stay safe will also depend on just how cold it is outdoors, how your body reacts to cold weather, and your personal comfort level.
Different people have different levels of adaptation when it comes to exposure to cold temperatures.
As you’re looking around for winter hiking gear, also consider being on the lookout for gear that’s labeled as ski gear.
Clothing for cold weather that’s specifically labeled as for “hiking” may be sometimes harder to come by than clothing that’s labeled as “ski.”
But in many cases ski gear, or gear designated for other snow sports, can provide just what you need for winter hiking.
You are looking for similar clothing for winter hiking as you are with other more popular winter sports.
With all winter activities that keep you moving outdoors, you want clothing that will keep you warm in cold temperatures.
The key is that you want this warmth and insulation while also having a comfortable amount of breathability so you’re not soaked in your own sweat, as well as flexibility without having bulky clothing that is difficult to move around in.
If the temperature is really cold, you may want to add more layers.
You can always add layers to your top clothing, bottom clothing, hands/gloves, and feet/socks.
Just remember that you will be physically exerting yourself, so even if you’re cold the moment you step outside in your hiking outfit, it’s possible that you will warm up once you start moving.
But in the chance that you wear too much clothing, the good thing about layers is that you can take off clothes in the middle of your hike if you’re feeling a bit too hot.
But if you fail to wear enough or fail to pack an emergency clothing in your backpack, you aren’t giving yourself much choice to warm up! Except to maybe turn your hike into a run? 🙂
It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Be sure to dress well! Try to keep the material of your clothing breathable so your sweat doesn’t cause for an uncomfortable hike when it has no where to go.
Base layer: Under Armour ColdGear Long Sleeve Shirt
Under Armour makes HeatGear apparel which helps to keep you cool and dry for your summer outdoor activities.
There is also a winter version called ColdGear which can help to keep you warm and dry for your winter outdoor activities.
This shirt works well as a base layer because of its properties that help to wick moisture from your sweat away from your body so it doesn’t leave you soaking in your sweat.
It’s lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, which makes an Under Armour ColdGear long sleeve shirt an ideal base layer as part of your winter hiking outfit.
There is both a compression and non-compression version of ColdGear long sleeve shirts.
Under Armour has ColdGear clothing for women and ColdGear clothing for men.
Some of the key features of the Under Armour ColdGear long sleeve base layer include:
- Designed for maximum comfort and breathability while maintaining warmth during your outdoor activities
- Anti-microbial and moisture-wicking material
- Fitted comfortable long sleeve shirt
Mid-layer: Columbia Fuller Ridge Fleece Jacket
A breathable fleece layer like the Columbia Fuller Ridge Fleece Jacket can be a good choice.
The key here is that the fleece is breathable.
The jacket is made with special Polartec fabric which is optimal for winter hiking as it provides comfort while being insulating, warm, and breathable.
This means that even when you’re moving around a lot, it can help to prevent you from overheating. While you don’t want to get too cold when you’re out there hiking in the winter, you also don’t want to get too hot!
This thermal fleece jacket can serve dual purpose as clothing to wear even when you’re not hiking! It comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
Columbia has this jacket for women and men: Women’s Fuller Ridge Fleece Jacket and Men’s Fuller Ridge Fleece Jacket.
Some of the key features of the Columbia Fuller Ridge Fleece Jacket include:
- Designed with Polartec 200 fleece fabric to be lightweight, insulating, and breathable
- Zippered pockets
- Stretch material for comfort
Outer shell: Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Jacket
Your jacket is the outermost defense against the weather elements.
Ideally, you want your winter jacket to protect you from different winter weather conditions that you may encounter.
Also because of the financial investment a winter jacket requires, you want a quality jacket that will last for some time.
The Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Jacket can fit this description, and then some!
This Bugaboo Jacket works as a good outer shell for winter weather, and it can provide an extra level of warmth.
It’s also designed to work well for active people with a level of breathability.
This jacket comes with a hood, but if you’d rather not have it, you can easily remove it. For winter hiking you’ll want to keep the hood attached, but for other situations you may like this convenience.
The bonus is that not only will the Bugaboo Jacket keep you warm outdoors, but you’ll be able to convert the jacket making it good for a variety of weather conditions.
From Columbia: This winter weather fighter has layering options galore. The technical outer shell is waterproof breathable, with adjustability at the hood, hem, and cuffs. The zip-in fleece liner reflects your body heat for warmth while maintaining a high level of breathability. Each piece works as an outer layer on its own during moderate conditions, or wear them together when you need the jacket’s full storm-fighting power.
Columbia has this jacket for women and men: Women’s Bugaboo Interchange Jacket and Men’s Bugaboo Interchange Jacket.
Some of the key features of the Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Jacket:
- Designed to be waterproof while providing a high level of breathability
- Interior lined with fleece
- Multiple layering options
- Made to withstand winter conditions for outdoor activities
Gloves: Columbia Tumalo Mountain Ski Gloves
Keeping your extremities warm can help to keep the rest of your body warm.
Your fingers are among the most vulnerable parts of your body to suffer consequences from being exposed to the cold.
So if you’re going out hiking in the winter, you want to make sure you protect your fingers well from the cold wind and keep your hands warm. How thick of gloves you’ll need will depend on just how cold it is.
If you are going hiking in pretty cold weather, you’ll want to consider getting gloves that provide good warmth and insulation, and are also breathable to avoid your hands from getting uncomfortably sweaty.
The Columbia Tumalo Mountain Ski Gloves fit this description!
These gloves are also designed to be waterproof, so they can keep your hands dry from the outside, and since they are also designed to be breathable, they can also keep your hands reasonably dry on the inside as well.
From Columbia: Lightweight, toasty, and wet-stopping, this insulated winter glove is ultra comfortable and cozy. Featuring a sleek nylon shell fabric with a waterproof-breathable bladder to keep your hands completely dry with exceptional grip, dexterity, and fit.
Columbia has these gloves for women and men: Women’s Tumalo Mountain Gloves and Men’s Tumalo Mountain Gloves.
Some of the key features of the Columbia Tumalo Mountain Ski Gloves:
- Made with waterproof material
- Breathable gloves
- Allows mobility of the fingers
Gloves: Smartwool Liner Gloves
When it’s really cold outside, ski gloves may not be enough to keep your hands warm.
For these situations, it can be helpful to wear a pair of thin gloves like Smartwool Liner Gloves with your thicker gloves.
These liner gloves are partly made from Merino wool so having them on those really cold hikes can provide an extra layer of insulation and warmth for your fingers.
You can also pack them as a back-up in case you decide mid-hike that your hands are getting a bit cold when you’re only wearing the ski gloves. (In this kind of situation where your fingers are starting to get cold is also when disposable hand warmers can be useful.
The hand warmers are a quick and simple way to get your fingers warmed back up.)
The Smartwool Liner Gloves could also be a handy pair of gloves to have even when you’re not hiking, so it can serve regular everyday purposes as well.
As an added bonus, you have the ability to use your phone with these touch-screen capable gloves, so you don’t have to expose your fingers to cold air when you want to check something on your phone or GPS device.
Some of the key features of the Smartwool Liner Gloves include:
- Made with Merino wool
- Lightweight and provides easy mobility of fingers
- Touch screen capability on index finger and thumb
Extra items to pack for winter hiking in cold weather
And now, here are a few additional items to consider putting on your winter hiking gear packing checklist.
Pocket blanket
A pocket blanket can be known as a camping blanket or a travel blanket, and you can also call it a hiking blanket!
Just as it sounds, it’s a type of sheet or blanket that can pack up into the size of your palm, pocket-size. These kinds of blankets have a variety of uses.
When you’re outdoors, a pocket blanket can be convenient to pull out and use as a ground sheet to lay down on the ground so your clothes won’t get dirty or wet from sitting on the ground.
For other types of travel like bike touring, if you’re on the road and find an open space, you can stop for a food break by spreading out the pocket blanket to make it an impromptu picnic.
For winter hiking, you can also use it for similar purposes, and you can also use it as an extra level of protection against weather elements as a backup by wrapping the blanket around you.
Now, a pocket blanket isn’t meant to serve as an insulating layer.
But in the case of an outstanding situation when you really could use an extra layer, a pocket blanket can be a convenient item to pull out.
Since it’s lightweight and doesn’t take up too much space, it’s worth thinking about packing it in your backpack or car to be able to use at your convenience.
Take a look at pocket blankets like these.
A few things to consider in your search for a pocket blanket:
- How big does the blanket expand?
- How small does the blanket pack up?
- How easy is it to use and pack up the blanket?
- How durable is the blanket? How resistant is it to punctures from rocks and other outdoor elements?
Cold weather hiking snacks
If you’re cold, you’ll use up more energy trying to warm up.
If you’re trekking through snow, and that includes hiking on snow-packed trails even if you’re not trudging through shin-deep or knee-deep snow, you can use up even more energy than your non-cold weather hike since it takes more work to hike through snow.
More energy exerted on the trails means more food you need to keep going strong!
This means you’ll want to pack extra snacks and food to eat for a cold weather winter hike than you may typically pack for a hike in milder temperatures… just in case!
Having no energy in normal temperatures is bad enough, you don’t want to end up with no energy in cold temperatures! Even if you’re just going for a short day hike, it’s not a bad idea to have some extra snacks in the car if you don’t want to carry food with you.
Choosing your hiking snacks doesn’t have to be a challenging process, as there there quick and easy hiking snacks that you can conveniently prepare and pack along for your hikes.
When you’re thinking about what type of snacks to bring along for cold weather hiking, if you have your go-to hiking snacks, of course you can consider those.
But also consider the effect that cold temperatures have on certain food items.
For example, certain types of energy bars might become hard and tougher to chew when they become really cold. You may not mind this. Or your hike may not be cold enough for this to be an issue.
Cutting up the bars into smaller pieces and putting them in a ziplock bag can also make snacks easier to eat in small increments on-the-go.
This can be helpful no matter the temperature, but can be even more helpful if your bar has hardened. You don’t have to bite down hard to break off a piece of the whole bar.
Instead you can pop the small cut up piece into your mouth, and even allow your food to warm up in your mouth before chewing when your snack is at a warmer temperature. (Think the effect of melting chocolate in your mouth.)
To protect your snacks from the cold, you can also place your granola bars or trail mix into an empty travel coffee mug that you already have in order to keep them from getting cold.
If you’re making your own trail mix, first put it into a ziplock bag before putting it into the travel mug because you don’t want nutty coffee the next time you use your mug! Or maybe you do like nutty coffee, but you probably don’t like salty coffee. 🙂
Alternatively, you can use a more proper insulated travel-size lunch bag to keep your hiking snacks from getting cold.
These types of lunch bags or lunch boxes are typically used to keep your food cold, but they can also be used for the opposite effect of keeping the cold outside temperature out!
A collapsible lunch bag will probably take up the least amount of room in your backpack and be the most convenient.
WATER!
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean that you’re not sweating!
So be sure you take plenty of water with you and are consistently drinking while on the trail.
Outdoor travel first aid kit
Summer hike or winter hike, having a first aid kit with you is always a good idea!
Whether it’s in your backpack for a longer multi-day hike, or you have it in your car for a shorter day hike, having a first aid kit can be useful in many cases, and more important in other cases.
This is one of those things that you hope you will never have to use, but having it available when you do need it can prove to be very helpful.
Buying a ready-made travel-sized first aid kit can be convenient because it comes stocked with a variety of single-use packets suitable for different situations.
For your first aid kit for hiking situations, take a look at pre-made first aid kits that are geared towards treating outdoor incidents.
Don’t buy a first aid kit just to buy one.
Although of course this is a great first step!
Once you do buy one, go through everything in the kit carefully to understand what it is that you have and for what situations they are to be used for. Also be sure to regularly check for the expiration dates of time-sensitive items in the first aid kit.
Even if you haven’t gotten around to buying an outdoor travel first aid kit, it’s still a good idea to pack your hiking backpack with the very basics by making your own small kit. In many situations, that may turn out to be enough, or at the least, better than nothing so you can help to make a bad situation from getting worse.
And you will probably be glad you brought it along!
A few things to consider in your search for a pre-made travel-sized first aid kit for the outdoors like this ultralight hiking first aid kit
- How long is your trip?
- How many people are in your group?
- What type of activities will you be doing? What kind of mishaps might be possible? Think about the terrain of your hike and weather conditions.
Gaiters
Gaiters can be good hiking gear to have even when it’s not cold.
They go over your shoes to keep pesky pebbles and dirt out of your shoes.
There are a couple lengths of gaiters. There are shorter gaiters that go just to ankle length. There are also longer gaiters that go all the way up over almost the entire lower leg.
The longer gaiters can be helpful in non-frigid temperatures if there’s a possibility you will be hiking through tall brush. This can help to avoid stuff getting stuck to your clothing, as well as getting exposed to potential poisonous plants.
In winter weather, taller gaiters like these
It’s especially important to keep your extremities safe from the winter elements, and that includes your feet.
Even if you’re wearing waterproof boots, gaiters can provide that additional level of security to make sure snow won’t be getting into your footwear.
Hiking with melted snow or half melted snow in your shoes is not only uncomfortable, but it can potentially be unsafe for your toes and feet.
Things to consider when in search of gaiters that will hold up in cold weather elements:
- How weatherproof are the gaiters? Think about the conditions in which you’ll be hiking to determine how weather resistant you want your gaiters to be.
- How tall do you want the gaiters to be? Short gaiters can work as a sort of cover to your footwear so light elements won’t enter your shoes from the top. Taller gaiters may be more ideal for hiking in deeper snow.
Hand warmers and toe warmers
Another element of winter hiking that is very important is protecting your fingers and toes.
These parts of your body can be among the most vulnerable when exposed to cold weather elements.
You don’t want your fingers and toes going numb when you’re out on the trail. This is what makes having hand warmers and toe warmers helpful in the time of need.
There are a few different types of hand warming and toe warming devices.
One of the more convenient options is the disposable packet kind of warmers. These are one-time use, and when you feel your hands or feet getting too cold for comfort, you can immediately activate them and place them inside your gloves or boots so your hands and feet can warm up.
These sorts of warmers can be convenient and easy to pack, as well as relatively inexpensive, so it makes it a good item to have in your possession just in case your fingers or toes start to get a bit too cold.
Tip: Pack a few packets of hand warmers and toe warmers in your first aid kit!
Winter hiking socks
As mentioned before, protecting your extremities is important, which makes keeping your feet warm an important consideration.
Socks are an important part of your winter hiking outfit and shouldn’t be overlooked, especially in the winter.
When you’re hiking in warmer temperatures, a good pair of hiking socks will help to wick moisture from sweat away, be comfortable, and minimize the chance of getting blisters.
In the winter, these things are still important, but getting warmth from your socks becomes an influencing factor in choosing the right hiking socks for winter weather.
For this reason, it is worth considering hiking socks like these
In choosing your winter hiking socks, some things to look for:
- How breathable are the socks?
- How moisture-wicking are the socks?
- How warm are the socks? What type of material are the socks made of? Socks that are made with Merino wool are a favorite among hikers for the warmth it can provide.
Even if you’re going for a day hike, it also wouldn’t be a bad idea to pack an extra pair of hiking socks in your backpack, or car if you opt not to carry a day pack, just in case some weather elements do make their way into your shoes.
This way, you’ll be able to keep your feet dry and warm when it matters most!
Winter traction for shoes
Winter traction devices can be helpful when hiking along trails that are covered in packed snow or if you’ll be encountering some icy patches.
The added traction can help even the best hiking boots to provide you with the additional grip on the trail when you may need it the most.
If you choose to add traction to your hiking boots, it is best to first practice in them before you go out in them on a longer journey.
It will be helpful so that you can get a feel for them. Some types of winter traction devices can add a noticeable amount of weight to your footwear.
This means that you may be physically exerting yourself more than if you were to hike without the traction.
Also keep in mind that hiking through snow is different than hiking without snow, so even without the added weight of the winter traction devices, the snow on its own can take more energy than a normal hike.
This is good to remember when thinking about how much food or snacks to pack for your winter hike.
There are a few different kinds of winter traction devices
Some of the more common types are Yaktrax Pro, Stabilicers, and Microspikes that can be useful for hiking that doesn’t involve trail conditions that are too treacherous.
And then you could also opt for another type of winter traction for your shoes… snowshoes!
Snowshoes
Give your hiking fun some variety by mixing it up with snowshoes!
Snowshoes can provide more traction than your hiking boots and can be fun to get out on the trails with!
If you’ve never gone snowshoeing before, your first time in snowshoes may feel a bit awkward. You strap your shoes into the snowshoes, and then start trekking ahead.
Once you get the hang of it, they can be a fun and useful way to trek through the snow as an alternative to hiking.
For beginners to snowshoeing, it’s best to first give it a try on flat terrain to give yourself a chance to get used to walking in snowshoes.
You can give it a go with just a pair of snowshoes or you can have a pair of trekking poles to go along with the snowshoes
If you find yourself liking snowshoeing a whole lot, maybe you even want to consider a 5K or 10K snowshoeing event!
These snowshoe races tend to be beginner friendly and many offer a limited number of snowshoe rentals to participants.
For more information about the world of snowshoe racing, complete with a snowshoe championship, see the U.S. Snowshoe Association, and check your local running race calendars to see if there’s a snowshoe race near you!
Your local running specialty store is also a good source for information and will probably also be able to tell you about snowshoe races closest to you!
HAPPY COLD WEATHER HIKING!
hiking gear list – what to wear hiking in general – best daypack for hiking
gifts for hikers under $25 – gifts for travelers under $25
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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