Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Stay Warm from Head to Toe
When it comes to winter hiking, staying warm from head to toe is absolutely essential. After all, it doesn’t matter how cozy your core may be if your extremities are painfully frozen. As someone who has learned this lesson the hard way, I always make sure to bundle up properly before heading out into the wilderness during the colder months.
Your head loses a tremendous amount of body heat – up to 50% by some estimates – so keeping it covered is vital. Opt for a warm winter hat made from wool or fleece. If it’s particularly frigid, wearing a balaclava can protect your head, neck, and face from the elements. As an avid winter hiker, I never head out without one of these two options to avoid getting chilled to the bone.
Hands require equal attention during winter treks. Mittens tend to be warmer than gloves, as they allow your fingers to share body heat. Look for mittens with fold-back tops, allowing you to access your fingers for tasks that require dexterity. I'm a big fan of mittens made by outdoor brands like REI that use PrimaLoft insulation. And don't forget hand warmers! Slipping a couple of these disposable heat packs into your mittens can be a lifesaver when the windchill dips below zero.
Your feet bear the brunt of winter weather when hiking, so waterproof, insulated boots are a must. Leather or synthetic materials coupled with built-in insulation work best. I learned this lesson quickly during my first winter hike in basic sneakers – my feet were blocks of ice within an hour! Now I only wear boots rated for temperatures of -25°F or lower. I also recommend wearing wool hiking socks and bringing extra pairs in case your feet get wet.
What else is in this post?
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Stay Warm from Head to Toe
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - The Best Base Layers for Wicking Away Moisture
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Insulated Jackets That Can Withstand Frigid Temps
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Trekking Poles for Balance on Icy Surfaces
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Gloves for Dexterity and Hand Warming Pouches
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Warm Wool Socks and Toe Warmers for Circulation
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Packable Down Jackets When You Need Extra Insulation
- Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Fuel Up with Portable Snacks and Thermos Beverages
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - The Best Base Layers for Wicking Away Moisture
One of the keys to staying warm during winter hikes is wearing high-quality base layers that can wick away sweat. Nothing will chill you faster than sweat-soaked long underwear clinging to your skin. That's why I always opt for synthetic or merino wool base layers from trusted outdoor brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and SmartWool. These technical fabrics are designed to keep you dry even during aerobic activity.
I'm a huge fan of merino wool baselayers. Merino is a wonder material that somehow keeps you warm even when wet due to its unique cellular structure. I wore SmartWool's 250 Bottoms during a winter hike up Mt. Baker and was amazed at how well they wicked moisture and insulated my legs even after getting soaked from postholing through deep snow. The material didn't retain any funky odors either despite wearing them for 3 days straight on the trip.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon can also do a great job of managing moisture while providing warmth. I've had a lot of luck with Patagonia's Capilene baselayers which use proprietary polyester fabric to pull sweat off your skin. They've kept me dry mile after mile in freezing temperatures ranging from 0°F in Alaska to 20°F in the Rockies. For especially cold hikes, the Midweight Zip Neck is my go-to. It's also quite affordable at around $60.
Softshell pants are another excellent option for wicking away moisture while blocking wind and light precipitation. Arc'teryx's Gamma LT Softshell Pants are at the top of my list with their windproof yet breathable fabric. The DWR finish causes moisture to bead up and roll off the pant surface rather than soak in. I wore them over my long underwear while snowshoeing at 10°F in Rocky Mountain National Park and was amazed at how dry and comfortable my legs remained all day. They were worth every penny of the $169 price tag.
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Insulated Jackets That Can Withstand Frigid Temps
When the mercury plummets, few pieces of gear are as essential as a warm, weather-resistant insulated jacket. After all, your body's extremities are the first to succumb to winter's bite. I learned this lesson the hard way during a winter ascent of Mt. Baker when my lightweight synthetic jacket just wasn't cutting it above the tree line. The -20°F windchill cut right through my layers, leaving me shivering uncontrollably within minutes. I cut the summit bid short and raced back to camp to thaw out. Ever since that frigid experience, I don't head into cold climates without an insulated jacket designed for the task at hand. Brands like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research offer excellent options built to thrive in harsh alpine environments.
For climbs up high-altitude peaks, few jackets can compare to the warmth and weather resistance of Arc'teryx's Cerium LT Hoody. Stuffed with premium 850-fill goose down, it delivers maximum loft and unmatched warmth-to-weight. The hydrophobic down beads retain warming properties even in wet winter conditions – a game changer on snow-covered summits. I've tested the Cerium LT on climbs up to 14,000 feet in temperatures as low as -30°F and stayed remarkably warm while still maintaining a full range of motion. Features like the helmet compatible hood and micro-seam construction prevent cold spots while the DWR treated Pertex Quantum shell beads away moisture. At $379, the Cerium LT is a premium piece I won't hike without in extreme cold.
For more casual winter treks, Patagonia's Down Sweater Hoody gets the job done without breaking the bank. It uses a lighter 800-fill down that keeps your core comfortably warm down to around 15°F. The recycled polyester shell fabric is still durable but not quite as weatherproof as the Cerium LT – making the $279 Down Sweater better suited to less extreme climates. During a winter trip through the Montana Rockies, I was impressed with how well it cut the chill on sunrise hikes ranging from 5°F to 20°F. For static belays during Rockies ice climbing, I did need to layer up a bit more. But the Down Sweater's versatility, packability and reasonable price make it a go-to layering piece for most cold-weather adventures.
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Trekking Poles for Balance on Icy Surfaces
As someone who has taken quite a few spills on slippery winter trails, I cannot emphasize enough the value of trekking poles for maintaining stability in icy conditions. Trekking poles give you extra points of contact with the ground, allowing you to steady yourself and avoid losing your footing on slick surfaces. They also help take pressure off your leg joints by transferring some of your body weight onto your arms. For winter hiking, adjustable trekking poles with carbide tips are my top recommendation.
I learned the importance of trekking poles on a winter hike through Alberta's Frozen Creek Valley back in my early days of winter mountaineering. Thinking microspikes would suffice, I set out for the 15 mile trek only to find myself slipping and sliding across blown-over ice within the first mile. My arms flailed helplessly trying to stop each fall. Pride bruised and tailbone throbbing, I turned around and cut the trip short – wishing I had brought poles for added stability.
After that icy escapade, I started researching the best trekking poles for winter and landed on Black Diamond's Alpine Carbon Cork. The lightweight 100% carbon fiber shafts absorb shock while providing enough rigidity for balance support. They easily adjust in length from 25 to 52 inches using the dual FlickLock levers – allowing me to size them perfectly for my height and the terrain. The ounce-saving cork grips stay warmer in frigid temperatures compared to rubber. And the interchangeable Tech Tips let you swap between carbide, steel and rubber tips to match the conditions.
I took the Black Diamond poles along on a subsequent Frozen Valley hike and was amazed at the difference. I was able to catch myself anytime I hit an icy patch, avoiding any further spills. The poles took pressure off my knees as I descended rocky, snow-covered switchbacks. At $169, the Alpine Carbon Cork poles were worth every penny for the added stability, comfort and confidence they provided.
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Gloves for Dexterity and Hand Warming Pouches
When it comes to keeping your hands warm during winter treks, you need gear that balances insulation with dexterity. After all, what good are thick mittens if you can’t access your water bottle or use trekking poles? The key is opting for versatile gloves that allow you to complete essential tasks while still providing ample warmth.
I’m a huge fan of gloves with fold-back mitten flaps, giving you the best of both worlds. Brands like Outdoor Research and Arc’teryx offer excellent options. During a sunrise traverse up Pikes Peak in -5°F windchills, Outdoor Research’s Adrenaline Gloves kept my hands remarkably warm while still allowing full use of my fingers to operate my DSLR camera and adjust layers. The water-resistant Pertex shell beads away snow and moisture while PrimaLoft insulation retains heat even when damp. Leather palm patches provide grip security while articulated fingers improve mobility. And when the wind really started whipping, I simply flipped down the slim mitten flaps for serious insulation against the cold. At $65, the Adrenaline Gloves deliver winter protection at a reasonable price point.
For more casual winter treks, I’ve found Arc’teryx’s Venta Gloves to be an outstanding lightweight option. Weighing just 3.5oz per pair, they easily tuck into a jacket pocket for instant hand warming. The softshell exterior sheds light snow and rain while trapping body heat efficiently. Taping between each finger improves dexterity for manipulating gear. A micro fleece thumb patch makes using touchscreen devices a breeze. And for brief periods of extreme cold, the sleek mitten flap adds serious insulation while still allowing reasonable finger movement. I relied on the Ventas throughout a blustery winter hike up Alberta’s Lake Louise in temperatures around 15°F and was able to maintain full function of my fingers the whole way. At $99, they deliver impressive versatility at a reasonable price point.
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Warm Wool Socks and Toe Warmers for Circulation
If there’s one piece of gear that can make or break a winter hiking trip, it’s socks. Your feet bear the brunt of cold temperatures and improper footwear quickly leads to painfully numb toes. I learned this the hard way during an ambitious traverse up Alberta’s Crypt Lake Trail one December. Overconfident in my basic cotton socks and boots, I found myself fighting off frostbite just three miles in as temperatures dipped below zero. Each step became excruciating and I was forced to abort the summit bid to thaw my feet.
After that chilling mishap, I immediately invested in proper cold weather socks. Brands like Darn Tough, SmartWool, and Wigwam make excellent options from merino wool and other technical fabrics that retain insulation properties even when wet. Now I won’t head into the backcountry without breathable socks that wick moisture and actively warm my feet.
During a recent winter trip through Glacier National Park, I wore Darn Tough’s Vertex Tab lightweight merino wool socks throughout a week of subzero hiking. Despite stomping through miles of snow each day, my feet stayed remarkably warm and comfortable. The merino wool wicked away sweat quickly and insulated even when damp. Seamless toes prevented any pressure points or blisters. At $27 per pair, the Vertex Tabs delivered toasty warmth that was well worth the investment.
For aerobic winter pursuits like snowshoeing and cross country skiing, I’ve found SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light socks to be perfect. At 59% merino wool, they offer insulation and moisture management while the nylon and elastane blend improves durability and stretch. SmartWool’s Body-Mapped Mesh zones place fabric exactly where you need breathability. After testing them on a 10 mile winter trail run across frozen Lake Louise, my feet stayed warm without overheating. And the PhD’s did this at half the cost of other premium wool socks at just $17.99 a pair.
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Packable Down Jackets When You Need Extra Insulation
Even with a solid layering system, there’s often a need for extra insulation on long winter hikes or when settling in at camp. That’s where a packable down jacket comes in handy – offering serious warmth in a tiny, portable package. These incredibly lightweight and compressible puffies provide critical emergency warmth when cold weather catches you off guard.
After shivering through too many frigid nights in insufficient layers, I now never hit the winter trail without packable down at the ready. Brands like REI Co-op, Eddie Bauer and The North Face make excellent options built to stuff down to the size of a small sack of flour.
My go-to for years has been the Eddie Bauer Downlight StormDown Hooded jacket. Weighing just 11oz, it packs down remarkably small for stashing in even the most cramped pack. But that tiny package holds big insulation - using premium 650-fill down encased in a ripstop nylon shell with DWR finish. I’ve pulled it out for everything from emergency warmth on blustery ridgeline breaks to extra comfort when sleeping in a frost-covered tent. During a stormy attempt on Mt. Whitney, 60mph gusts had me layering the Downlight StormDown over my heavy mountaineering parka while hunkering behind sheltering boulders. Despite the whipping winds, it kept my core toasty for the 3 hours spent waiting out the squall before safely descending. At $129 for that level of packable performance, it’s a steal.
For less extreme adventures, I’ve found the REI Co-op Down Hoodie 1 to be a more budget-friendly option at just $99. With 650-fill duck down insulation, it provides ample warmth while stuffing down into its own pocket. Pertex ripstop nylon manages moisture well and sheds light precipitation. During a winter camping trip in Alberta's Kananaskis, it added critical warmth during after-dinner hangs by the campfire when temperatures dipped into the single digits. It also made sunrise hikes to capture the perfect mountain light much more comfortable. Given the reasonable price point, I won’t hesitate to pull it out whenever I need a bit more insulation.
Bundle Up and Hit the Trails: The Top 10 Winter Walking Essentials for Outdoor Fun - Fuel Up with Portable Snacks and Thermos Beverages
When you're exerting energy and braving the elements on a winter hike, fueling up with the right snacks and beverages is critical. After all, maintaining your energy levels prevents fatigue and keeps your internal furnace burning bright. Proper hydration also wards off hypothermia by ensuring your cells function optimally. That's why I never hit the winter trails without pocket-friendly foods and an insulated thermos filled with hot liquids.
During an all-day winter ascent of Mt. Katahdin in Maine, I stuffed my pack with hearty trail mixes, protein bars, and dried fruit. These snacks provided a steady stream of energy as I battled sub-zero gusts up to the 5,268-foot summit. The combination of nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries in my DIY trail mix delivered complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep me satiated. Clif energy bars threw in extra carbohydrates for fuel. And the natural sugars from dried mango gave me an added blood sugar boost to keep crushing each mile. I washed it all down with warm tea from my Hydro Flask thermos – the steaming liquid warming me from the inside out.
My buddy Mark takes a similar approach for winter treks in the Rockies near his Colorado home. His backpack is always stocked with oatmeal packets, homemade jerky, and Nuun electrolyte tablets to dissolve in water. The instant oatmeal gives quick energy and keeps his core warm at higher altitudes. Salt from the jerky replenishes what he loses from sweating while also providing protein to stabilize blood sugar. And the Nuun tablets add essential electrolytes and a bit of flavor to his water. Mark’s go-to winter drink is piping hot cocoa stored in a Yeti Rambler insulated bottle. He swears this combo gives him steady energy without cold hands from holding a freezing water bottle.
Over in the Pacific Northwest, avid winter hiker Danielle Karen relies on apples, nut butter packets, and ginger tea to power miles of snowshoeing with her local trail group. The hearty apples offer a natural blast of sweetness plus fiber to keep her full between snack breaks. Single-serve Justin’s nut butter packs provide protein for sustained energy and heat generation. She stashes them in an outer jacket pocket to keep from freezing. And there’s always a thermos of ginger tea mixed into Danielle's pack for warming up on brisk ridge line vistas. The spicy kick from ginger is a great cold remedy as well.