Winter Hiking Clothes – Perfect Cold Weather Layering

Winter hiking clothes are very specific and layers play a great role here. Every piece of your clothing has a specific task to perform and all together they create a system that will keep you dry and warm.

You know about layering and how useful it is. In winter though it becomes a key to staying warm, dry and comfortable. Mastering the skill of proper clothes layering is essential if you want to do winter hiking.

Winter Hiking Clothes – Layering for Cold Weather

The layers you’re wearing have to be wicking, quick drying, insulating as well as breathable and waterproof. By adding/removing layers you will be able to perfectly regulate your temperature and make sure you don’t sweat excessively or run too cold.

Now three layers are enough for most weather conditions, even winter. In an extremely cold weather you might level up to four layers but in majority situations three layers are fine if you’re using a little heavier mid-layer. If temperatures are not overly cold you might even be fine with 2 layers – base-layer and outer-layer or DWR coated mid-layer.

There is a hiking rule of thumb when it comes to layering:

Temperature	Layering
below 0°F	4 layers
between 0°F - 20°F	3 layers
between 20°F - 50°F	2 layers

Now everyone is different so treat the above as a guideline and adjust to your personal preferences when creating your perfect winter hiking clothes set.

Before we go into more detail about layers, remember – when adding layers every new layer must be bigger/roomier than the previous one. If layers are too tight the whole idea of insulation is destroyed by layers compressing each other. There must be enough room for the warm air to be trapped and kept.

Now let’s look into all types of layer for cold weather hiking.

Upper Body Winter Hiking Layers

Base-layer

It’s task is to essentially keep you dry. It will provide a little warmth, especially if you’re wearing merino clothing, but its main goal is to wick away the moisture and keep your skin dry. Being dry means being warm. You want your base layer to fit your body tightly, that way wicking works the best. You might want to go for synthetic fiber, mix fiber or wool. I personally find merino wool the best fit. Wool transports the moisture away fairly good but what’s best about it is that even if you sweat a lot and your base-layer gets soaked merino will still keep you warm – that’s the magic I love. So what are winter hiking base-layer components?

• Underwear – meaning panties and a bra. We will talk about socks little later. For women I recommend Under Armour briefs and for men Under Armour Boxers made with a synthetic mesh which amazingly wicks the moisture away.

• Long sleeve shirt and leggings – if you’re an avid fan of merino as I am you’ll love Icebreaker and its products. They have a great base-layer line Oasis for both women and men. High quality clothing. For synthetic lovers I would recommend shirts made by Patagonia. The Capilene series is available both male and female versions.

Mid-layer

That’s the layer that should keep you nice and toasty at all times. It should have same great wicking properties as your base layer – they need to work together. It will transport the water away and trap the warm air. In moderate cold I would recommend synthetic insulated jacket. Some people like fleece, some wool but I would totally encourage you to go for Primaloft. It’s a synthetic fiber that has a great warmth to weight ratio and it also dries quickly. There are several types of Primaloft out there but there are three jackets that I would recommend:

If it’s really cold you can bring another mid-layer for additional protection. It can be either synthetic or down which packs small and provides a lot of warmth. Those extra layers will come handy when you stop or are at your camp preventing you from losing too much warmth.

Outer layer

That’s the last layer and it will have a direct contact with the elements and protect you against them. So called shell can be made from a different kinds of fabrics GORE-TEX, eVent etc. Essentially it should be windproof and waterproof ( note the difference between water resistant/repellent) and as breathable as possible. It’s important to have a jacket that provides some ventilation options like pit zips, big pockets etc. Outer shell should be roomy enough to put a base-layer and a heavier mid-layer underneath without compressing it.

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Lower Body Winter Hiking Layers

Baselayer Leggings

Same as my long sleeve upper base layer my pair of leggings is made of merino wool by Icebreaker. For a good synthetic alternative I would again recommend Patagonia Capilene or ExOfficio Stretch-N-Go.

Pants 

When it comes to that you have a couple of options here. If you’re hiking in deep snow wear base-layer leggings and waterproof trousers. When the trail is in good condition and it’s relatively cold wear leggings and outer pants of your choice. When the trail is in good condition and it’s not too cold outer pants will do just fine.

Winter Hiking Footwear

Socks 

For winter hiking I highly recommend wool socks as part of your outfit. They provide the highest amount of warmth. For cold weather hiking wear thinner liner socks paired with thicker outer pair. This way your feet will always stay warm. This system will also prevent blisters – the last thing you want to worry about in winter. When hiking in winter always take a second pair of dry socks with you – you never know when you’ll need them.

Boots

For all other seasons I recommend trail runners or other mesh made shoes. However when hiking in winter you need to be equipped with proper waterproof, high boots with good traction. They will provide enough protection and stability to walk in snow for hours. When buying winter hiking shoes make sure you wear double layered socks – this way you will buy shoes which aren’t too small to fit thick, winter layering. Make sure you still have enough space to wiggle your toes etc. You don’t want your boots too tight.

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Gaiters

I wear gaiters all year long. Of course winter gaiters are completely different to the summer version. They’re knee high and have a waterproof membrane for protection against snow. Doesn’t matter what type of trail you hike I would always recommend wearing gaiters during winter hiking.

Microspikes

Microspikes are an essential component of winter hiking clothes, providing crucial traction and stability on icy and slippery terrain. These lightweight and easy-to-use devices are designed to attach to the bottom of hiking boots, offering hikers enhanced grip on snow and ice. Microspikes feature a series of small metal spikes that dig into the ground, preventing slips and falls. They are particularly useful on steep slopes, icy trails, and frozen water crossings, where regular hiking boots may struggle to maintain traction. With microspikes on your boots, you can confidently navigate winter trails, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable hiking experience.

Snowshoes

These specialized footwear provide the necessary flotation and traction needed to navigate through deep snow more easily. By distributing body weight over a larger surface area, snowshoes prevent the wearer from sinking into the snow, making it possible to walk without exhausting effort. They also feature metal crampons on the underside, which provide excellent grip on icy surfaces. Snowshoes allow hikers to explore winter wonderlands and reach destinations that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Winter Hiking Clothes Accessories

Gloves

In winter a must. Especially when hiking with trekking poles you need to protect your hands against cold. As with any other type of clothing you can layer your gloves if necessary. Always take a liner gloves which are bit lighter and well wicking. You can then pair them with either mittens or normal, waterproof winter gloves. Mittens are great when hiking in winter as they preserve warmth very well. However if you know you’ll be making regular stops use winter gloves for more finger mobility.

Hat

It’s so obvious, right? You at least need to have a hat with you. Cold wind or snowfall can very quickly become a problem. Get something nice and warm like Arc’teryx Beanie or an insulated hat with a wind stopper for this additional protection.

Neck gaitor

A neck gaiter is an essential piece of winter hiking clothing that provides both warmth and protection. Made from soft and stretchy materials like fleece or merino wool, a neck gaiter is designed to cover the neck and lower part of the face, shielding them from the biting cold winds and snow. It acts as a barrier against the elements, preventing heat loss from the body. The versatility of a neck gaiter allows it to be worn in multiple ways, such as a face mask, headband, or even a hat. It is lightweight, easy to carry, and can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. With its ability to provide warmth and protection, a neck gaiter is a must-have accessory for any winter hiker.

Sunglasses

When it comes to winter hiking, sunglasses are often overlooked as an essential part of the hiking gear. While sunglasses are commonly associated with summer activities, they are equally important during the winter months. The bright, reflective snow can be blinding, causing discomfort and even temporary snow blindness. Sunglasses designed for winter hiking provide protection against harmful UV rays and glare, allowing hikers to maintain clear vision and protect their eyes from potential damage. Additionally, sunglasses also act as a shield against cold winds, preventing dryness and irritation. So, don’t forget to pack a sturdy pair of sunglasses as part of your winter hiking clothes to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure.

Winter Hiking Clothes – Tips How to Stay Warm

Never wear cotton or silk – it’s a common saying that cotton in the mountains means death. It doesn’t breathe and absorbs all the moisture which in the end leaves you wet and wet means cold. It also dries long. Just forget all your cotton shirts, panties, socks etc. and leave them for a summer garden party.

Start cold – it might sounds little sadistic but it’s really much better to start your hike little “under dressed”. Soon enough your body will warm up and you’ll be fine. By doing that you will avoid overheating and getting wet. Also you won’t have to stop and remove the unnecessary layers. Of course you should always have all the necessary layers with you in case you need them.

Add a layer – when you make a break put on an additional layer. This way you will preserve already produced heat and won’t have to warm yourself up from zero again.

Never wear single, thick layer. Always remember to have many thinner layers you can rotate as you need to. Big, warm sweater is good for going shopping but not to go hiking.

Summary

In conclusion, when it comes to embarking on a winter hiking adventure, it is of utmost importance to carefully select the appropriate clothing to ensure both safety and enjoyment. By adhering to the principles described above and making informed choices, you can assemble the perfect ensemble of winter hiking clothes and guarantee that you stay warm and cozy on the trail. So, go ahead and embark on your winter hiking adventure with confidence, knowing that you have equipped yourself with the knowledge to make the most of this exciting outdoor activity. Happy winter hiking!