I used to hate winter. The cold, the damp, the cold … But then I discovered winter hiking and everything changed. There is nothing quite like getting out on the trails in the snow, surrounded by winter wonderland scenery and breathing in fresh air. I’ve come to love it!
However, hiking in snow and ice does require the right winter hiking gear and clothing so that you are safe and comfortable.
Your winter hiking packing list should include the regular day hiking essentials the best cold weather hiking gear and clothing listed here.
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Winter Hiking Gear Checklist
Winter Hiking Equipment List
There is some basic snow hiking gear that will make your hiking easier and more enjoyable.
1. Crampons/ Microspikes
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.
2. Winter Hiking Backpack
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.
3. Winter Hiking Poles
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.
I like the four-season Foxelli Trekking Poles. They’re lightweight so they don’t tire you out; collapse down so they are easy to carry when not being used; they have quick locks, cork grips and even have a carry bag.
4. Winter Hiking Goggles
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.
What to Wear Hiking in Winter
Your winter hiking outfit can also make a huge difference to your enjoyment level. Appropriate winter hiking clothes can keep you warm and comfortable no matter what the weather is like. If you are wondering what to wear when hiking in winter, then look no further.
Here are the basics you need for all winter hiking outfits.
5. Winter Hiking Boots
If you are going to be hiking in cold weather, you will need good winter hiking boots, so that your feet stay dry, warm and comfortable. Warm winter hiking boots make a huge difference.
The best winter hiking shoes or boots are thick and warm enough to keep your feet warm, water resistant so the snow doesn’t seep through and wet your feet, and flexible enough to deal with rough terrain.
The best winter hiking boot (men’s) are the Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4 Mid Winter CS Waterproof Hiking Boots. Read detailed reviews of these and other top men’s winter hiking boots.
The best winter hiking boots (women) are the Merrell Women’s Thermo Chill 6″ Shell Waterproof Sneakers. Read detailed reviews of these and other great choices for best winter hiking boot (women).
6. Warm Socks
In addition to special shoes, you should have socks that are especially designed for cold weather so that your feet stay cozy and warm.
For women, the best winter hiking socks for extreme cold are these Hissox Winter Thermal Socks.
The best thermal socks for extreme cold for men are made by workwear brand Dickies.
7. Winter Hiking Gaiters
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.
8. Long Underwear
Thermal underwear is a must have for your cold weather day hike backpack list.
The best thermal clothing for extreme cold comes from Thermajane for women and Thermajohn for men.
9. Winter Hiking Pants
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)
10. Warm Hiking Gloves
Another of your cold weather day hike backpack essentials. Hiking gloves are actually a good idea at any time, as they allow you to grip rocks, branches, etc., but they are especially important in cold weather.
Here are the top choices for:
- best thin gloves for extreme cold (unisex)
- best winter hiking gloves for women
- best men’s cold weather winter gloves
- best glove liners for extreme cold (unisex)
11. Winter Hiking Hat
Find the best winter hiking hat here.
12. Insulated Jacket
Winter hiking jackets are essential items for a cold weather hiking day pack list.
To help you find the perfect winter hiking coat, here is a comprehensive guide to the best jackets for extreme cold weather. It includes reviews and recommendations for the best winter hiking jackets (women’s) and the top winter hiking coats for men, as well as top picks for socks, thermal underwear and gloves.
The best women’s winter hiking jackets are the Columbia Women’s Heavenly Hooded Jackets
For men, the top choice for best winter hiking coat is the North Face Men’s Belleview Stretch Down Jacket.
13. Winter Hiking Leggings
A pair of winter hiking leggings are a comfortable alternative for women. You want thermal leggings that are fleece-lined and water resistant.
Other helpful travel resources
- Packing List for Day Hikes (Day Hike Essentials)
- Helpful Product Reviews (Includes hiking shoes and sandals, winter jackets, winter boots and more)
- General travel resources
For other hiking resources, check out:
Subscribe to regular updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Winter Hiking Gear Checklist
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About the Author
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 most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides 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, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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