The right equipment is essential for a successful hike.
In winter conditions, that’s even more true.
I’ll discuss the essential pieces of gear you need to snow hike.
Winter Day Hiking Gear List
Hiking in the winter can be a great experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the conditions.
Here is a list of gear you’ll need to make your next winter day hike enjoyable and safe.
This list has you covered, from hats and gloves to boots and jackets.
- Winter Boots: Make sure you have a good pair of waterproof boots and provide enough insulation to keep your feet warm.
- Snow pants: Snow pants will keep you dry and provide an extra layer of warmth.
- High gaiters: Gaiters help keep snow out of your boots and pants.
- Wool socks: Wool socks are a must in cold, wet conditions. They will keep your feet warm and dry.
- Winter Jacket: A good winter jacket will keep you warm and dry in the winter conditions.
- Down vest or jacket: A down vest or jacket provides great insulation and can be worn under your winter jacket for extra warmth.
- Fleece layers: Fleece layers are great for extra warmth and can be worn under your winter jacket or by themselves.
- Hat or headband: A hat or headband will help keep you warm and protect your head from the cold.
- Gloves or mittens: Gloves or mittens are essential for keeping your hands warm in the winter.
- Handwarmers: Handwarmers are great to have on
- Snowshoes: Snowshoes help you float on top of the snow, making it easier to hike in deep snow.
- Trekking poles: Trekking poles are helpful in all seasons, especially in winter when you may need extra support on icy or slippery trails.
- First aid kit: A first aid kit is always a good idea, no matter what season you’re hiking.
- Map and compass: A map and compass are essential for navigation in the backcountry.
- GPS device: A GPS device can be a helpful backup for navigation.
- Extra food and water: It’s always a good idea to pack extra food and water, especially in the winter when you may need more calories, and the risk of dehydration is higher.
- Sunscreen: Yes, even in the winter, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Lip balm: Lip balm will help protect your lips from the dry, cold air.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun’s glare on the snow.
- Whistle: A whistle is a good idea for any hike, but it can be especially helpful in the winter when you may be hiking in avalanche terrain.
- Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight can be helpful for nighttime hikes or if you get stranded on the trail.
- Firestarter: A fire starter can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a survival situation.
- Matches: Matches are a good idea to have with your fire starter.
- Knife: A knife can be helpful for a variety of tasks, from preparing food to making repairs.
With the right gear, you’ll be able to hike safely and comfortably in any winter conditions.
Be prepared and enjoy your next winter hike!
Snow hiking clothing and gear guide
As the days grow shorter and winter creeps in, many hikers are gearing up for their favorite activity – snow hiking.
I’ll go over some of the basics of what to wear and bring with you on your next hike in the snow. Stay warm and safe out there!
Insulated winter boots
One of the most important pieces of gear is a good pair of insulated boots.
Your boots should be waterproof and provide enough insulation to keep your feet warm.
Look for a boot with a good tread that will provide traction on icy or slippery surfaces.
Tip: In my other blog article, I list some hiking boots for the winter and explain what you need to look for when buying. Just follow the link.
Warm socks
When most people think about gear for winter hiking, they think about boots, hats, and coats.
However, one of the most important pieces of gear is something that many people take for granted – warm socks.
In cold weather, your feet can get very cold very quickly, and if your feet are cold, you’re not going to enjoy your hike.
That’s why it’s important to have a good pair of socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable.
Wool socks are a good choice as they provide insulation even when they’re wet.
You should also bring an extra pair of socks if your socks get wet.
Gloves
No matter how experienced a winter hiker you are, there’s always something new to learn.
This is especially true when choosing the right gloves for your next hike.
I’ll discuss three types of gloves that are perfect for winter hiking.
- Insulated gloves: These are great for keeping your hands warm in the coldest weather.Waterproof gloves: Waterproof gloves are perfect for hikes in wet or snowy conditions.Touchscreen gloves: Touchscreen gloves allow you to use your smartphone or GPS device without taking off your gloves.
Hats or headbands
No matter the temperature outside, a good hat can make a difference when hiking in winter.
Some main hats are good for winter hiking – insulated and waterproof hats.
- Insulated hats: These are great for keeping your head warm in cold weather.
- Headband: A headband can be a good choice for hikes in milder weather or if you don’t like to wear hats.
Hard shell pants
One of the most important pieces of gear is your pants.
You want to make sure that your pants are comfortable, durable, and will protect you from the elements.
Hardshell pants are a good choice for winter hiking as they are waterproof and windproof.
They also provide some insulation to keep you warm in cold weather.
Softshell pants
If you’re hiking in milder weather or you don’t like the feel of hard shell pants, then softshell pants might be a better choice for you.
Softshell pants are made from a stretchy fabric that is comfortable to wear and allows you to move freely.
They are also usually waterproof and provide some insulation.
I recommend bringing both hard shell and softshell pants on your hike so that you have the option to layer up or down, depending on the weather.
High gaiters
Staying protected from the cold and snow is important.
One way to do that is by wearing high gaiters.
Gaiters are a must-have for anyone who hikes in the winter because they keep your feet and lower legs warm and dry.
Various types of gaiters are available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs.
Look for some made from a waterproof and windproof material, and make sure they’re the right size for your boots.
Base layer insulation
As a winter hiker, you know that the key to staying warm is layering.
And while many people think the outermost layer is the most important, the truth is that your base layer insulation is just as critical.
Your base layer is the layer of clothing in direct contact with your skin.
It should be made from a material that wicks away sweat and moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.
Wool or synthetic fabrics are a good choice for a base layer, as they will keep you warm even when they’re wet.
Mid-Layer insulation
There’s a reason why down jackets and other outdoor winterwear are so popular—they work.
When you’re out in the cold, that layer of insulation between you and the environment is key to staying warm.
But what should you wear as your mid-layer insulation?
Various materials can be used, but some of the most popular choices are down and synthetic insulation.
Down is a great choice for its warmth-to-weight ratio, but it does have some drawbacks.
Synthetic insulation is a good alternative to down, as it’s cheaper and easier to care for.
Outer layer
Your outer layer is the final barrier between you and the elements.
It should be made from a waterproof and windproof material to keep you dry and protected from the wind and snow.
A good outer layer will also provide insulation to keep you warm in cold weather.
Insulated hooded jacket
If you’re like me, you love spending winter weekends hiking in the White Mountains.
There’s nothing better than enjoying the peacefulness of nature while staying nice and warm.
And for that, you need the right gear – like a puffy insulated hooded jacket.
An insulated hooded jacket is a must-have for any winter hiker.
It will keep you warm in cold weather and protected from the wind and snow.
Hard shell jacket
A quality hard shell will keep you warm and dry, no matter what the weather throws your way.
But with so many different jackets on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one.
When you’re looking for a hardshell jacket, make sure to find one that is waterproof and windproof.
Breathability is also important, as you don’t want to get too sweaty when you’re hiking.
Spare clothing
No matter how well you plan, there’s always the chance something could go wrong on a hike.
Clothing is one of the most important items to pack, and it’s important to have a backup plan if something happens to your original clothes.
I always bring an extra pair of socks and underwear and a spare base layer on top and bottom.
If you get wet or sweaty, it’s important to change into dry clothes as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia.
Snowshoes
Snowshoes are vital gear for anyone who likes to hike in the winter.
But with all of the different types and brands out there, which ones should you buy?
When looking for snowshoes, pay attention to the weight, traction, and flotation.
- The weight is important because you don’t want to be weighed down when hiking.
- Traction is important for keeping you steady on your feet.
- The flotation is important for keeping you from sinking into the snow.
Winter traction-aids
You need to know about traction aids.
Blizzards, ice, and other slippery conditions can challenge even the simplest hike.
However, you can safely navigate winter trails without fear of losing your footing with the right traction devices.
I’ll discuss the different types of traction aids:
- Crampons: Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of your boots, providing extra traction on icy or snowy terrain. However, they can be tricky and are best suited for experienced hikers.
- Microspikes: Microspikes are similar to crampons but are smaller and easier to use. They’re a good choice for beginner and intermediate hikers.
- Traction Devices: Traction devices are an alternative to crampons and microspikes. They attach to the bottom of your boots and provide extra traction on icy or snowy terrain.
Water bottles
Water bottles are an essential piece of gear for any winter hiker.
They help keep you hydrated, but they can also serve as a source of warmth on cold days.
I like to bring at least two water bottles on every hike to be safe.
And make sure to pack an insulated water bottle to keep your water from freezing.
Winter day hiking backpacks
If you’re looking for a backpack to take on winter hikes, there are a few things you need to consider.
I’ll discuss the different types of backpacks available and what features to look for when choosing one.
There are three main types of backpacks: daypacks, overnight packs, and multi-day packs.
Daypacks: Daypacks are the smallest and most lightweight option. They’re perfect for short hikes but won’t have enough room for extra gear if you’re planning on spending a night or more on the trail.
Overnight Packs: Overnight packs are larger than daypacks and have more room for extra gear. They’re perfect for one- to two-night trips.
Multi-Day Packs: Multi-day packs are the largest option and can hold enough gear for several days on the trail.
When choosing a backpack, make sure to pay attention to the following features:
- The capacity (how much it can hold)
- The weight
- The suspension system (how it supports your back and shoulders)
- The materials (nylon, polyester, etc. )
How to dress in the winter?
Anyone who has tried to go for a winter hike knows that dressing for the cold weather can be tricky.
You want to make sure you are warm and comfortable, but you also don’t want to overheat or get too weighed down by your clothes.
So what should you wear when hiking in the winter?
Here are some tips on how to dress appropriately for a winter hike:
- Wear layers: Wearing layers is key to staying warm in the winter. You want to have a base layer, an insulating layer, and a waterproof layer. If you get too hot, you can always take a layer off.
- Wear proper footwear: Make sure you’re wearing comfortable boots and provide good traction.
- Bring extra clothes: It’s always a good idea to bring along extra clothes if you get cold or wet.
- Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun can be just as harmful in the winter as in the summer. Make sure to protect your eyes and skin from the sun’s rays.
Tip: If you want to know how to dress for a hike in the summer, check out my other article on the blog.
10 Essentials for snow hiking
Dayhiking during the winter can be a fun and sometimes challenging experience.
Bring the ten essentials with you on every hike to make sure you’re prepared for anything.
The ten essentials are:
- Map
- Compass
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Hat
- Gloves
- First aid kit
- Knife
- Fire starter
- Shelter
- Extra clothes
By bringing these items with you, you can be sure that you’re prepared for anything the trail might throw your way.
Tip: If you want to read more about the right hiking equipment, I recommend my other article at the link.
Have fun and stay safe!