The Best Winter Hiking Gear List

If you are planning to do any winter hiking, then you will need winter hiking crampons or winter hiking spikes (‘microspikes’), sometimes also referred to as winter hiking cleats.  These fit over your hiking boots and provide sharp spikes to grab into ice and provide the winter hiking traction you need to walk safely on ice and snow.

These are absolute winter hiking essentials. Before I got some, I used to be constantly nervous that my feet would slide out from under me. And sometimes it was downright dangerous.

Microspikes make such a HUGE difference that I consider them essential winter hiking gear. 

The Kahtoola MICROspikes were highly recommended to me as the best on the market by several outdoor experts.  There are several sizes, they are super tough and grippy.  I have hiked  on trails that were up and down with lots of ice as well as compacted snow and they never slipped once.  I felt safe and it was really easy to hike. They feel like an extension of your shoe. 

They’re easy to put on/ take off and come with a handy carry bag to store them in.  They also come with a two-year warranty.

Get the Kahtoola MICROspikes here

If you’d prefer to look at more options, check my Guide to The Best Microspikes.

Something else for your winter backpacking gear list is a good winter hiking pack. If you’re doing day hikes, then a regular day pack is fine.  I like the Osprey series. For men, check out the Osprey Talon series on Amazon here and for women, check out the Osprey Sirrus for women here. 

If you are going to be hiking and camping, then you will need a really good pack.  A great option is The North Face Terra Backpacking Backpack. 

It has top and side loading, adjustable straps, a sweat pad at the back to keep you drier and warmer in cold weather, and is water resistant, so works well in the snow.  Check out the current price here.    

More winter hiking gear essentials are good hiking poles. These are a good idea in summer, but really make a huge difference in winter.  not only do trekking poles help reduce the strain ion your knees and legs by providing additional support, they also help stabilize you on slippery, uneven packed snow or ice. 

My favorite hiking poles are these Leki Jannu trekking poles. They’re lightweight, have shock absorbers, and have comfortable natural cork grips. You can read my detailed review here.

➡️ Check prices on Amazon here or on REI here

When the sun shines on snow, it can create a lot of glare.  This is why skiers and snowboarders wear snow goggles.  If you’re hiking on snow, it’s a good idea to protect your eyes from the glare in the same way.  If you’re hiking in the woods where there is little direct sunlight, this isn’t necessary, but if you’re out in the open, you should definitely look into getting some snow goggles. 

A good medium-range pair are the Oakley Line Miner Snow Goggles.  They have a cylindrical-style design, which gives you good peripheral vision, and utilize Prizm lens technology which results in good colors when you look through them.  Plus, they come with a handy case.

Check out the Oakley Line Miner Snow Goggles here. 

You wear gaiters around your ankles and over the tops of your boots to help prevent snow getting inside the tops of your boots.  If the snow is deep, snow can easily creep over the top of your boots and fall down inside, making your feet cold and wet.  Not good.   

This pair of Black Diamond Cirque gaiters are good quality and comfortable. 

Waterproof winter hiking pants are a must.  Winter hiking pants for women should be water resistant, breathable and insulated to keep you warm in the cold winter weather.  

The best winter hiking pants (women’s) are the Columbia Women’s Wildcard hiking pants (get them on Amazon here) 

The best men’s winter hiking pants are the waterproof and breathable Columbia Men’s Ride On Snow Pants (get them here) 

A pair of winter hiking leggings are a comfortable alternative for women. You want thermal leggings that are fleece-lined and water resistant. 

Get some hiking leggings here 

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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