Winter Hiking Gear You Should Add to your Backpack
I have the essential hiking gear that I carry with me when I am on the trails. If you are considering starting hiking, this list will be helpful. There is a small section about essential winter hiking gear, but I wanted to be more thorough and dedicate a whole article to the best gear for winter hiking.
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Not all the winter hiking gear listed in this article is essential for your winter hikes. The basic equipment remains the same in any season, but here is what I add to my backpack when I go for a hike in the winter once snow and cold are here.
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Winter Backpacks
Your average hiking backpack will do for a winter hike, although some hikers prefer a slightly bigger pack in the winter as we tend to carry more gear and extra layers.
Some outdoor gear companies also carry winter-specific backpacks with extra features that come in handy in the snow and cold.
Those features include but are not limited to:
- back panel access
- ski carry
- snowboard or snowshoes carry
- scratch-free goggles pocket
- helmet carry
- EVA foam back panel
- bigger zipper loop to accommodate gloved fingers
My pick is the Osprey Kestra 30 L for women. They make the equivalent for men, the Osprey Kamber 30.
Winter Hiking Gear for Your Feet
A sturdy pair of winter hiking boots is essential to keep your toes and feet warm and blister-free.
Socks are also important. I recommend a pair of Merino wool socks like Silverlight’s winter hiking socks. They wick away moisture to keep your feet dry, helping keep them warm simultaneously.
If you are prone to freezing toes, I recommend a pair of heated socks. They do wonders to keep your feet warm in the snow.
Microspikes may be imperative depending on the terrain on which you are hiking. For example, they will be helpful on ice and snow to prevent slips and falls. They are also great for stabilizing your footing as they grip the snow. (see buying option on Amazon)
On some trails, snowshoes may be necessary. After a considerable snowfall or if the path has seen few hikers since the snowfall, the deep, fresh snow will make snowshoes indispensable.
I always carry packets of toe warmers when the cold sets in, just in case.
Winter Hiking Gear To Keep You Warm
The golden rule for staying warm in the winter is staying dry, which means dressing in layers.
The base layer, or underlayer, is the clothes you wear against your skin. Even in winter temperatures, you will sweat as you work your way through a hike. So, your base layer must wick away any moisture to keep you warm.
My favourite is my Merino wool underlayer shirt and pants (available on Amazon). They do wonders to keep me warm and dry on cold days. You can also find the men’s base layer set from Mountain Warehouse on Amazon.
High-tech synthetic fabrics can also be a good option. Both synthetic fabrics and Merino wool have pros and cons when it comes to performance as a base layer. The choice relies mostly on the preference of the person wearing it.
The mid-layer will keep you warm like these thermal fleeces on Amazon. It is a popular choice for a mid-layer. It will keep you warm, providing insulation between the cold air and your body.
When it is especially cold out, I like my Venustas heated vest. It keeps me warm even when I stop moving. I can turn it on when needed.
The top layer will keep you dry. It would be a shell you wear against the wind and the rain. A waterproof windbreaker is appropriate. I wear my down jacket with my shell over it when it is freezing. It keeps me warm, dry, and comfortable without restricting my movement on the trail or scrambling up a mountain.
Winter Hiking Gear For Your Head and Hands
It is imperative to keep your extremities warm to help your core temperature rise. Cover your head with a toque. The toque should preferably be made with moisture-wicking material, as you will still get sweaty on the trails even in cold temperatures. The Icebreaker Merino Wool Chase hat (check price on Amazon) is a perfect option.
Keep your hands warm with either mittens or gloves. The choice between the two comes down to the hiker’s preference. Mittens tend to be warmer than gloves but are also more restrictive.
Venustas makes these awesome heated gloves that will keep your hands and fingers toasty warm even on frigid days.
I always carry hand and feet warmer packets (like these on Amazon) in my backpack during winter. They help when the cold seeps in, and I can feel my fingers or toes freeze.
Winter Hiking Gear For Your Eyes
Sunglasses: the sun’s glare on the snow can make it hard to keep your eyes open on sunny winter days. A good pair of sports sunglasses will protect your eyes from the brightness of the snow.
Goggles: they will be helpful if you plan on hiking up a mountain above the treeline where the wind is cold and fierce. The Bollé NorthStar‘s anti-fog and wide spherical lens make them a great choice.
Winter Hiking Gear To Stay Hydrated
When the temperature goes below the freezing mark, I ditch my hydration pack for a water bottle with a sleeve. I carry it upside down in my bag to keep the bottleneck from freezing.
More on Winter Hiking Gear
Hiking is an enjoyable activity with many advantages, both physical and emotional. Unfortunately, when winter comes around, many of us tend to stick to the warmth of our living room and rarely venture out. However, with the essential gear for winter hiking, you can enjoy the trails in the winter just as much as you do during the other three seasons.
I often turn to specialty stores like Sail, REI or Mountain Equipment Coop to find all the appropriate winter gear for my outings when it gets cold outside. Don’t let the cold keep you from adventuring!
When planning your next winter hike, see this list of 20 tips to stay safe on the trail this winter.
Please comment below if you think of other winter-specific hiking gear that should be included in this list. Until then, enjoy the trails!
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Great idea to have the water bottle in a sleeve and upside down. Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome!
I’ve never hiked in the winter, but I definitely want to. The cold and preparing for it always worries me, so thanks for this article.
Hiking in the winter is a lot of fun if you are prepared for the colder temperatures. The landscapes are beautiful, with snow adding to the charm.
The microspikes (or crampons) are so essential!
I agree! They make a huge difference in the snow or on ice.
Great options to stay warm, we especially love Merino bases they are so warm yet so light….
Me too! I love my Merino base layer set.
I’ve always wanted to try heated gloves! Great list.
They are perfect on a cold Canadian winter’s day 😉
Lots of great info, thanks for sharing.
Thank you!