23 Winter Hiking Gear Essentials (for 2024)

The Snow Pack is considered one of the top rated packs for winter hiking. Featuring technology that makes it entirely waterproof, this item guarantees to keep gear inside completely dry.

1.5-liter Water Bottle

The Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth Bottle carries up to 1.5 liters of water, and the wide mouth allows the water inside to not easily freeze over. I normally bring two of these bottles with me on longer hiking trips throughout the winter season.

👉 Pro Tip: Bringing a hydration pack with a tube is a mistake made by winter hiking beginners. Water freezes in the hydration tube, making it impossible to drink from.

Camp Stove

The Jetboil camp stove is among the speediest boilers available on the market. The pot used for boiling comes with a handle and can double as a cup or bowl, eliminating the need to carry additional cooking equipment weight while hiking. I`ve used a Jetboil many times in the past and am always amazed at how quickly the water reaches a boil.

Waterproof Hiking Boots

The La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX Mountaineering Boots is the optimal shoe option for female hikers during winter months. La Sportiva consistently creates high-quality outdoor equipment for men and women. After all, durable waterproof footwear is crucial to hiking in snowy conditions.

I`ve trekked both Mont Blanc and Mount Kilimanjaro wearing these boots, as well as the nearby Southern California mountains during cold weather, and have no issues to report.

Mountaineering Socks

Wool hiking socks should be included in everyone’s gear list for winter hiking. The vast majority of climbers, about 9 out of 10, can be seen with these socks when mountain climbing in colder weather, myself included. I never head out on snowy trails without bringing along these wool socks from to keep feet cozy even in freezing temperatures.

Microspikes

Kahtoola MICROspikes are ideal for basic winter hiking excursions. The traction provided by these microspikes prevents slipping on snowy surfaces and their lightweight design allows for easy packing.

I always keep a pair of traction devices with me on winter hikes, even if I know the conditions won’t be icy. Being prepared with the essential winter hiking gear may just protect your safety.

Trekking Poles

The Leki Legacy Lite Trekking Sticks are highly regarded as one of the most lightweight poles accessible on the market and are effortless to hold onto in a day pack when not being utilized.

Trekking poles like the Leki Legacy Poles are essential for cold-weather hiking. Possessing a third point of contact aids significantly with balance on the snow and may save a fall.

Crampons

The Black Diamond Contract Strap Crampons are the ideal beginner pair of crampons for gripping icy slopes. Crampons are for more serious terrain and often require the use of an ice axe, not trekking poles. Be sure to pack this important winter hiking accessory if scaling steep surfaces or frosty faces during your winter hike.

I began with contact strap crampons which have served me well for five years so far.

Ice Axe

The Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe is a necessity for winter hiking packing lists. A good rule of thumb is to only venture into snowy terrain with an ice axe, especially on higher-altitude hikes or steep trails.

For mid-level hikes in winter conditions, substituting trekking poles for an ice axe increases safety. An ice axe and knowing its usage have saved numerous hikers` lives during that season.

Helmet

A protective head covering like the Petzl Boreo mountaineering helmet is among the most essential winter hiking accessories. Head protection is a necessity when climbing steep terrain, especially when there`s potential for falling rocks and ice.

Rockfalls are frequent in the winter, especially on warm days. Additionally, rime ice is known to fall from trees during the winter months, providing extra reason to be prepared with your hiking helmet.

Wool Neck Gaiter

A neck gaiter is the ideal accessory to protect yourself from an unpleasant sunburn or windburn when winter or summer hiking. Of course, there are numerous ways to wear the Merino Buff Lightweight Neckwear, such as a headband or bandana. It can also be employed as a napkin or to assist in bandaging a wound in the backcountry.

This adaptable neck covering is an essential piece of snow hiking gear and may come in handy when least expected. I recommend always having at least two with you.

Polarized Sunglasses

Did you know your eyes could get damaged from the reflection of the sun off the snow? The Julbo Vermont Classic Glacier Glasses help protect against just that with their highly polarized properties and extra side eye protection part.

I’ve climbed some of the tallest mountains around the world with these glacier spectacles and couldn’t recommend them more.

Offline GPS

The Garmin InReach Mini 2 provides two-way messaging, location tracking, and interactive emergency assistance capabilities. Attach this lightweight GPS to the front of your bag and have emergency help accessible with your fingertips if needed.

You can also send messages to loved ones back home with the Garmin inReach, even when there’s no cell service.

Headlamp

The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp is one of the leading contenders in the headlamp industry. This top-rated headlamp has a furthest illumination distance of 115 meters, ensuring safe hiking even during early starts before sunrise.

The rechargeable battery function of this device allows the battery life to last throughout extended multi-day backpacking trips, especially when paired with a solar charging device.

Gore-tex Gaiters

Outdoor Research Gore-tex Protective coverings are entirely water-resistant and shield your winter boots and socks from getting damp. I never hike in the snow without these Gore-tex protective coverings.

Gaiters are also necessary when using crampons. It’s likely one will accidentally puncture their leg with the opposing foot’s crampon spikes, especially while first learning. Gaiters protect against wounds and keep winter hiking pants tear-free.

Hardshell Pants

The water-resistant outdoor pants from REI are waterproof shells that remain sturdy even in the most intense rain or snow situations.

Tough pants made for hiking also protect your legs from wind chill and prevent snow from soaking through while sliding down the mountain slope for quicker travel down.

Fleece Jacket

The Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Jacket is one of the warmest insulating jackets on the marketplace and also comes in a pullover style.

I`ve experienced the Patagonia Synchilla`s warmth at some of the tallest elevations worldwide. It kept me warm at 19,300 feet on Mount Kilimanjaro and Cotopaxi in Ecuador, at 18,500 feet on Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, and nearly 17,000 feet on Mount Ararat in Turkey.

Puffer Jacket

A puffy jacket similar to the stylish Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is a key part of a winter hiking packing list. Layering this heavy goose-down coat over a Merino wool base layer and fleece jacket provides extra warmth for winter hikes below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

I appreciate that the Cotopaxi Fuego jacket features a hood. Look for this in choosing a puffer jacket to keep your neck and head warm during blustery gusts.

Rain Jacket

The Outdoor Research Aspire II Gore-tex Jacket is one of the leading rain jackets available in the winter hiking apparel market. The Gore-tex components of this jacket make it entirely waterproof on the mountain, even during periods of heavy rain.

I advise sizing up when considering a rain jacket to ensure extra space for all your additional layers underneath.

Water Filter

The Katadyn Hiker Pro Clear Micro Filter is a water cleansing device that keeps hikers healthy and hydrated on trails. Most water sources will likely be frozen on a winter hike. The best approach to acquiring water on a winter hike is initially melting down snow in your camp stove and then filtering it further for additional protection against bacteria.

Glove Liners

You need inner linings for gloves such as the Arc’teryx Rho Glove Inner Linings on extremely cold days. Hands and feet are among the body parts that get cold most easily on a winter hiking trail, so ensuring they stay warm guarantees a comfortable winter hiking experience.

Arc’teryx is among the highest quality outdoor brands available. Pairing this glove liner with intermediate and outer layers guarantees value for money.

Medium-level Gloves

The Gordini Fall Line Gloves are an ideal intermediate pair of gloves for hiking in winter. Coupling these gloves with the Arc’teryx Rho Glove Liners will likely keep hands warm, especially handling cold climbing tools.

For added warmth, add hand warmers inside your Gordini Fall gloves or pair down mittens on top.

First Aid Kit / Travel Medicine Kit

The Protect Living First Aid Package incorporates everything essential for a minor hiking incident, for example bandages, scissors, tweezers, and medications.

The basic medical care products may also be mixed with a Voyaging Drug Kit, especially when trekking abroad. This collection contains a variety of pills, including electrolytes and pain relievers.

Other Winter Hiking Essentials to Pack

• Energy gels
• Water tablets
• Extra socks
• Baseball cap
• Bivy Waterproof Sleeping Sack
• Extra batteries
• Map and compass
• Sunscreen
• Hand warmers
• Foot warmers
• Solar charger

Clothing to Pack for Winter Hiking 

Layering is the most crucial aspect of hiking in winter. I recommend preparing excess layers for hiking in winter as you want to be ready for anything, such as rapidly shifting weather conditions.

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So what apparel should you pack for winter hiking? Here is a brief checklist of clothing suitable for hiking in winter conditions:

• 2 pairs of socks
• Mountaineering boots
• Gore-tex gaiters
• Baselayer pants
• Softshell pants
• Hardshell pants
• Baselayer top
• Mid-layer top
• Fleece layer jacket
• Mid-layer down jacket
• Heavy down jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Parka
• Liner gloves
• Mid-layer gloves
• Down mittens
• Down booties
• Beanie
• 1-2 neck buffs

Remember that your backpack for hiking will likely have more weight in the winter due to additional gear and clothing needed. However, the items on my winter hiking packing list are essential and should be brought on every winter hike.

Beanie

Even though the forecast predicts your hiking day will be clear and bright, I still recommend carrying a warm wool beanie similar to the Smartwool Thermal Merino Block Beanie just in case.

Winter weather in the mountains can change quickly, making it essential to pack for any conditions. This Smartwool beanie keeps your head and neck warm during hiking, can fit under a climbing helmet, and is the perfect sleepwear accent for an overnight adventure.

Down Booties

Similar to the Outdoor Research Tundra Trax Booties, booties that wrap around the feet are essential gear for winter camping or hiking, especially when spending a night in the rugged mountains. I consistently bring these booties with me for backcountry adventures in Yosemite National Park, like scaling the granite cliffs of Half Dome, considered one of the coolest hikes in the park.

Waterproof Hiking Pants

The Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Pants are cozy enough to hike in and waterproof enough to withstand any storm. They’re much more comfortable as hiking pants than rigid shell pants. They can also be paired with a Merino wool base layer and a hard shell rain pants for extremely rugged weather conditions.

Merino Wool Base Layer

Winter hiking attire like the Smartwool Thermal Women help maintain warmth even in freezing climates. This Smartwool layer is perfect for pairing with other winter hiking external shells to guarantee heat throughout your adventures.

This Smartwool base layer is also offered in sizes for men and doubles as a comfortable sleep top during overnight trips. It can be found here in sizes specially made for men.

Down Mittens

Down gloves resembling the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Mitts are best matched for the coldest, highest, and most intense mountain landscape. I`ve utilized Outdoor Research down mitts on some of the maximum elevations I`ve been on (nearly 20,000 feet) and likely wouldn`t have attained the apex without this warm outer layer.

Winter Hiking Packing Tips

Start Hiking Before Sunrise

Hiking before sunrise ensures the snow will be sturdy throughout the beginning of your hike. Slushy snow can be dangerous for hiking and lead to preventable winter hiking incidents.

Also known as an `alpine start`, hiking before sunrise eliminates a large portion of the weekend hiking crowds, leaving the snow trail untouched and free of many boot tracks.

Always Bring More Food Than You Need

Bring more nourishment than normally eaten on a summer hike to account for the extra exertion you’ll be expending in the winter. Extra provisions also comes in handy to share with other hikers who didn’t bring sufficient amounts.

You expend significantly more energy on a winter hike than you do during the other three seasons. This is especially true if the snow isn’t compact and you need to break through the top ice layer.

Start Off Hiking a Little Cold

When beginning a hike, avoid overheating and perspiring by not wearing all your layers at the onset. Sweating in the cold is not pleasant, especially before sunrise.

I advise starting off wearing your base layer and maybe one additional layer on extremely cold days.

Carry Both Microspikes and Crampons 

Bring both traction devices and crampons on your winter hike and prepare for any terrain. Sometimes it`s difficult to know which you`ll need based on recent snow and ice conditions. Having both means you won’t have to turn back due to improperly fitted gear.

Be sure to pack an ice axe in addition to necessary gear on days with plans to ascend to higher elevations.

Always Check the Weather Beforehand

Always check the weather forecast before setting out on a hike. Winter weather has the potential to change suddenly, especially at high elevations. I like using the NOAA.gov mountain weather website as I find it provides more accurate information than other sites. Additionally, one can see predictions for different altitude levels on the mountain.

FAQs About Winter Hiking Gear 

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In closing, I thank you for perusing my manual on essential winter hiking gear! Comment below which item from the manual is your preferred choice and browse this guide on hiking with children. Happy trails!