What to Wear Winter Hiking: Best Winter Hiking Clothes
Hiking in the winter can be intimidating, and knowing what to wear to stay warm and safe can be tricky. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to wear, this post is for you. I will review layering basics and share some recommendations and inspiration for cute winter hiking clothes.
Winter Hiking Clothes Layering Basics
Winter hiking clothes are a significant aspect of an enjoyable hiking experience; you don’t want to miss a step. So let’s take a look at how to layer correctly.
First Layer: Next to Skin
Your next-to-skin layer, or base layer, will keep your body heat close to your skin and prevent moisture and sweat from lingering, keeping you warm and dry. Therefore, the material should be made of a non-cotton material such as wool or another breathable synthetic fabric. You should have a long-sleeved top and a full-length bottom layer that is form-fitting so that you can comfortably put more layers on top without feeling too bulky.
Here are some ideas and options for base layers:
Merino wool long-sleeve top
Other synthetic long-sleeve tops
Merino wool leggings
Insulated/fleece-lined leggings
Why Merino Wool?
Natural material - 100% biodegradable and therefore eco-friendly
Moisture wicking- Naturally pulls moisture from your body, keeping you dry and warm. It can hold 30% of its weight in moisture and still insulate
Temperature regulating - Merino wool is breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter
Soft- Wool can be itchy, but Merino is known for being very soft; soft enough to be worn next to the skin.
Second Layer: Mid-Weight Layer
While your base layer regulates your body temperature and keeps you dry, your mid-weight layer keeps all that heat in. The focus on this layer becomes less about moisture wicking and more about insulating. Some ideas and options for the top part of your body include:
A puffy jacket
A fleece
Another Merino wool jacket
The same principle of insulation applies to your legs and the lower part of your body. Here are some ideas and options for the mid-weight layer on the bottom portion of your body:
An insulated pair of ski pants that are also waterproof (eliminating the need for the next layer)
Insulated or puffy skirt that goes over your base layer
Fleece sweatpants that are tight enough to fit under your weatherproof layer
The central part of the mid-layer in your laying system is that it’s able to keep the heat trapped while being thin enough that you can put the last layer over the top. Keep in mind that you may end up removing your mid layer at some point in the hike, so I also suggest that you’re able to stuff it inside your backpack to keep it dry in case you need it later.
Outer Layer: Weatherproof Shell
Lastly, you want to ensure that you can keep the outside elements at bay as best you can to protect yourself from precipitation and wind. For the top, have a hood to protect you from any precipitation. On the bottom, make sure that they fit snugly over your boots.
This layering system will keep you warm and dry, allowing you to remove layers as you warm up, and protect you from elements such as wind, snow, and rain. That’s not all there is to winter hiking clothes however, you also want to ensure that you have the proper footwear, socks, and accessories.
TIP:
Remove your mid-layer throughout the hike as you warm up. You don’t want to sweat too much and become too wet; even a moisture-wicking material like Merino wool has its limits. De-layering as you warm up will help you regulate your body temperature and keep you safe on the trail. And as you stop moving and cool down, you will have a nice dry layer to put back on.
Other Essential Clothing
Socks
An essential piece of winter clothing, a good pair of socks will keep your feet dry and warm by wicking moisture, regulating body temperature, and being soft enough to layer next to your skin. You also want to ensure that they’re nice and thick, keeping your toes toasty. I always suggest sticking with wool and never cotton, especially on a winter hike. And although it’s a little expensive, I love Smartwool for hiking socks.
Insulated and Waterproof Boots
If you want to hike in your “regular” hiking boots, you certainly can as long as they’re waterproof! Insulated boots, however, give you an extra amount of warmth and comfort, which could make or break a winter hiking experience for you. Although they can be an investment in both money and space, they could be worth it if you plan to be hiking in the cold and snow regularly. I suggest two options later in this article. (link here)
Wool Beanie
Most of your body’s heat escapes through the top of your head, so wearing a beanie will keep you nice and warm. I highly suggest wearing a wool one, for all the reasons we’ve discussed. Wearing a beanie also keeps your ears warm in the wind, possibly preventing frostbite in this sensitive area and trapping your body’s heat.
Gloves or Mittens
Wearing gloves or mittens is an essential piece of winter hiking clothes as it protects your fingers, hands, and wrists from the cold and the wind. I suggest wearing touchscreen-friendly gloves so that you don’t have to take them off to access your phone for navigation or photos.
Buff/Ski mask/Scarf/Neck Gator
Wind can be brutal in the winter, and this is a great way to protect your sensitive neck area. This is an easy layer that will keep you so nice and warm in the wind and you can easily remove it if you get too hot. This layer can be light, such as buff, or it can be warm and fleecy by wearing a ski neck gator. This is a very customizable layer based on your hike, your body, and the weather; but it is an important layer to bring along to keep you warm!
Other Essential Accessories
Sunglasses
Sun protection is part of the essential ten, and for a reason! As the sun reflects off of the snow it becomes very powerful, so you will want to protect your eyes by wearing UV-proof sunglasses
Ski Goggles
In case of high wind at the summit, you may consider packing a pair of ski goggles. These are excellent for keeping the wind out of your eyes, will help you in case of a sudden snow storm, and are light-weight. These are really good to have for emergencies on a windy, snowy summit.
Baseball hat
As you hike and warm up, you may want to take off your wool beanie as it traps a lot of heat. Having a baseball cap will help keep your body heat in without overheating you, while also keeping the sun off your face on a sunny trail.
Best Winter Hiking Clothes
There are so many options out there for winter hiking clothes, so I’ve done the research and have some recommendations below. These recommendations are based on either my own experience, a close friend’s experience and recommendations, or based on many other users’ reviews all across the web.
Top Base Layer:
REI Merino Wool Top
I have had this top for a few years now, and I absolutely love it. It’s very warm, form-fitted which makes it easy to layer, and it’s very high quality. I have found a few tiny holes after a few years of use, and it is a little scratchy when you first put it on. However, you do get used to the scratchiness and it is very warm, so it is something that I would recommend to my readers.
Minus 33 Midweight Crew Top
Although I haven’t tried this personally, it’s something that’s been in my Amazon cart for months now. The reviews are stellar, the company uses high-quality material, and it’s cute!
Bottom Base Layer:
REI Merino Wool 185 Leggings
This is another item that has been in my shopping cart forever, as I think these would the be perfect layer under a pair of ski pants, a pair of sweatpants, or under an insulated skirt. They mostly have good reviews, but many of the reviewers have stated that they don’t seem to last very long before getting holes in them. I would say that is consistent with my experience with their top as well. I still think they would be good for getting the job done and keeping you warm, but they may need gentle handling.
REI Lightweight Tights
For a more affordable option, I suggest these synthetic blend leggings from REI. They’re on the lightweight side, so you may want to pair these with a mid-weight layer such as sweatpants or an insulated skirt. But they’re light enough to wear under ski pants or waterproof pants, and they do a great job of keeping you dry and are easy to layer. Most of the reviews are really good as well!
Smartwool Socks
It may hurt seeing a pair of socks go for over $20, but I still think they’re worth it! I don’t wear anything other than Smartwool, and that’s because they do a killer job keeping my feet warm while lasting years.
Mid-Weight:
Patagonia Synchilla Quarter Snap Fleece
I have this fleece from Patagonia, and I LOVE it. It is on the pricier side, but I think it was worth the cost. I wear it skiing, hiking, and just around town running errands. It’s really warm and thick, and I get compliments on it wherever I go. It can be hard to stuff in a backpack, but if it’s really cold it’s worth packing.
Marmot Puffer
I have had this puffer jacket for years, and I am obsessed. Again, this is pricey, but I wear it so much that I think it was worth it. I got the jacket without the hood thinking that it would add too much bulk, but I regret that decision. I almost always wish I had a hood to keep my neck warm, so don’t make my mistake. Get the one with the hood, it really is worth the extra money!
Quilted Puffer Skirt
This is an easy layering option that is great for hiking and putting over leggings; you can wear it to an apres ski or for a winter walk or hike. It is incredible how much warmer you are with your bum covered, and it makes for a seriously cute outfit. What I love about this skirt from Amazon is that it has a zipper on the side, so it’s easy to take on and off. It has stretchy panels on the side, making movement more comfortable, and it’s not too puffy. Pair it with the Patagonia fleece, some cute boots, and the REI leggings and you have yourself an outfit!
North Face Fleece Joggers
These joggers are soft, warm, and versatile. Wear them around the house, put them on over leggings for a hike, or run some errands! And with the brand North Face behind them, you can trust the quality.
Outer Layer:
Outdoor Research Aspire II
GORETEX is the best in the industry at keeping you dry, and if you’re going to be hiking in the wet frequently you should consider this jacket from Outdoor Research.
Featuring and GORTEX and sealed seams, it stands up to the elements. It scored well on on Outdoor Gear Lab, where they noted the wide range of motion and excellent water resistance. It also has a straight shape and cute color combinations. Click the button below to shop.
RAB Women’s Downpour
If you are looking for a deal and need good water protection, look at the RAB.
Outdoor Gear Lab notes it’s great mobility and comfort and the average rating on Amazon is 4.3 stars. At less than $110, it’s a great deal for the adventurous hiker on a budget. It comes in a few colors, so you can choose how to layer it and how to coordinate it. Click the button below to shop.
Helly Hanson Aden Waterproof Pants
Water and windproof pants can be indispensable during a winter hike, and these are great for keeping the weather at bay and your body warm. These pants are highly rated on Amazon, and are priced affordably. I would suggest ordering a size up so that you can layer underneath more comforably.
Link below.
Final Thoughts
Winter hiking clothes are your first protection against the cold of the season, and how you layer those clothes really matters! Always start with a base layer on top and bottom that is moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and tight-fitting. Next, you should pick a mid-weight layer that is warm and thin enough to fit under your outer layers.
And for your outer-layers, you want to make sure that they’re waterproof, wind proof, and can accommodate your under layers comfortably. You can always take layers off as you get warmer, but you’re helpless if you leave something at home.
And remember to always pack the essential 10! If you’re wondering how else you can get started winter hiking, checkout my blog post that covers some top tips on the basics of winter hiking.
I also have a FREE winter hiking packing checklist, check it out below!
