Have you ever considered hiking in the winter months? Snow and colder temperatures don’t have to signal the end to your outdoor adventures. By following these winter hiking tips, you should be able to hike year round.
Sure, you’re comfortable with hiking in the spring, summer, and fall— these are often considered to be the most popular hiking seasons of the year—but did you know it is possible to stay safe and warm while winter hiking as well?
Winter Hiking for Beginners
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My husband, Chris, and I enjoy hiking all year long in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. To make the experience more enjoyable, we have invested in gear and clothing that takes us through each of the season.
Winter hiking for beginners tips:
- Check the weather forecast prior to your departure.
- Start your hikes mid morning when temperatures begin to warm up and plan to be finished before the sun sets. For many mountain locations, sunset can be as early as 4:30 pm.
- Try to find winter hiking trails that keep you in the sunshine.
- Stay hydrated as you hike.
- Pack easy-to-eat food and be sure to pack out all of your trash.
- Wear the appropriate footwear.
- Dress in layers—invest in clothing layers that are designed for cooler temperatures and that wick the sweat away from your body.
- Pack quality winter hiking safety gear.
- Download maps to your phone.
- ALWAYS HIKE WITH A BUDDY!
- Tell someone where you will be hiking.
10 Essentials of Winter Hiking
In the 1930s, a group called the Mountaineers assembled a list of the Ten Essentials—required equipment for hikes and outdoor adventures to help people be prepared for emergency situations.
These Ten Essential Points outline a safety and packing system to prevent disasters and to have tools on hand in the event an emergency does occur, especially if you are winter hiking.
If you had to spend the night in the wilderness, could you?
The National Park Service wants you to be safe while hiking in their parks. They are totally behind the idea of carrying the ten essentials with you as you hike too!
Today, these Ten Essentials are still as applicable as they were in the 1930s. Moreso, if you are planning to undertake winter hiking adventures.
Packing the “Ten Essentials” whenever you step into the backcountry, even on day hikes, is a good habit. True, on a routine trip you may use only a few of them or none at all. It’s when something goes awry that you’ll truly appreciate the value of carrying these items that could be essential to your survival… Back then, the list included a map, compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, headlamp/flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife and extra food.
REI.com
The bonus for the 21st Century? The winter hiking gear and hiking clothes available to use today are truly remarkable as they are lightweight, compact, practical, and functional.
Check out my recommended HIKING GEAR on AMAZON
As you transition from your hikes in the summer months to chillier weather conditions in the fall, winter, and spring, you will add different supplies and items to your gear, but always the “Ten Essentials” should be covered.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of the winter hiking gear you really need to carry with you as well as the best day hike backpack for your winter hiking excursions.
>> Related: The 10 Essentials for Your Best Day Hikes
1. Navigation
One of the great tips when you begin your winter hiking is to take a picture with your Phone of the map board before you set out on your winter hiking excursion. You’ll find these boards at most, if not all, trailheads within the United States National and State Park trail systems.
A picture of the map can help in a pinch as you are hiking and need help navigating, you forget to download your map prior to leaving, or you lose cell service.
Along the trail you will also find markers showing the direction you should go and the distance of nearby hikes.
Make sure that you bring a FULLY CHARGED Portable Charger to ensure that your phone has enough power for you to use downloaded maps to safely navigate the trail while winter hiking and then get you back to your vehicle.
Keep the portable charger and your phone as warm as possible while winter hiking by keeping them close to your body.
You will find that the INIU Portable Charger is one of the 14 Genius Gadgets for Travel adventures as well.
Consider using the AllTrails App to find and map your winter hiking excursions. The app comes highly recommended with options for a free and a paid subscription. It offers the largest selection of detailed trail maps with reviews and suggestions that can be easily downloaded and followed offline.
Be sure to download the maps of your chosen hikes to your cell phone while you have cell service so you can stay on track while you are winter hiking.
GPS has revolutionized navigational abilities for hikes; it can accurately track a hiker’s location, elevation gain, and distance traveled.
Sound advice: Stay on the trail on your hikes!
If you are using the AllTrails Pro App, it will alert you if you begin to go off-course.
If you do go off-course, remember that the thicker red line on the app will be the marked trail; the narrow red line will be the path you take away from the trail. Stay on the trail.
2. Illumination
As noted above, wise winter hiking tips include beginning and ending your adventures during daylight hours.
You may start your winter “day hikes” in the light of day and never have the intention of needing any type of light source. As a general rule, that is true, BUT, it is also better to be safe than sorry.
Carrying a lightweight LED Headlamp (and spare batteries) or even a small Flashlight is a great idea. A headlamp would give the advantage of allowing you to go “hands free” if needed.
3. Sun Protection
You only have one chance to take care of your skin.
Wearing sunscreen for your outdoor adventures is essential. PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen is a great option that is long-lasting, lightweight, and sweat resistant.
Along with sunscreen, it is recommended that you also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare and reflection of the sun off the snow.
4. Winter Hiking Safety: First Aid Kits
Hiking mishaps of twisted ankles, scrapes, bruises, and blisters are inevitable. There are a variety of lightweight First Aid Kits available to purchase, or you can assemble your own kit.
Your first aid kit is only as good as your ability to use it so familiarize yourself with some basic first aid skills.
At a minimum, you first aid kit for winter hiking safety should include:
- Alcohol wipes
- Gauze pads
- Athletic tape
- Band-aids in various sizes
- Moleskin for blisters
- A small tube or packet of Antibiotic Ointment
- A small tube or packet of Anti-itch Cream
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Pepto Bismol Chewables
- Benadryl Tablets
5. Fire
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In case of an emergency, being able to start a fire is important. The simple options here include a lighter or small pack of Waterproof Matches. Store these in a small Ziploc and check that the lighter works throughout your winter hiking season.
6. Tools
It is recommended that you always carry a Leatherman, Swiss Army Knife, or Multi-tool that include a knife and a variety of small tools. You may even want to include some duct tape in your gear.
You don’t need to pack the whole roll of duct tape! You can just cut off a section and wrap it around your lighter. This winter hiking equipment could come in handy for repairing a broken walking pole or mending a hole in your puffy jacket.
7. Shelter
You don’t set off on a winter hiking trip for the day thinking you may need some shelter along the way.
An easy solution (and another one of the great winter hiking tips) to following the advice of the Mountaineers would be to pack an Emergency Blanket. It is not meant to provide comfort, but should be lightweight and offer some protection from the elements. A large black garbage bag could also work in a pinch.
8. Hydration
One of the must-haves for a winter hiking excursion, (and even on your vacations), is a Camelbak 3.0 Liter Hydration Pack Reservoir with a high flow, self-sealing, bite valve. That may sound weird and strange.
Adding the reservoir to The North Face Recon Backpack (my choice as the best day hike backpack), with its padded laptop section, is perfect for a day trip pack. You can also fill the backpack with your lunch, snacks, the Camelbak bladder, and extra water bottles. The laptop section is padded enough to keep the water in the reservoir cool and minimizes any leaks to other sections of the backpack. (It shouldn’t be a concern to keep the water cold for your winter hiking excursions.)
You can also buy the 3.0 Liter CamelBak Pack which includes the hydration pack if you prefer. This pack offers enough room to still add your nine other hiking essentials.
You do really have to like the people you travel with to use this method. You all drink from the same bite valve!
If you are traveling solo, or with people you’d rather not share with, consider investing in a smaller sized 2.0 L CamelBak Hydration Reservoir to add to your backpack or the complete 2.0 Liter CamelBak BackPack with the included Hydration Reservoir.
Fill the CamelBak reservoir with water the night before your hikes and put it in the fridge or freezer overnight (if you put it in the freezer, only fill the reservoir half way and fill the rest of the way with water in the morning). If no fridge or freezer is available, you can add ice to the pack and fill it with water before your hiking adventure. The chilled water keeps the lunch items cool as you hike, and fortunately, the pack gets lighter as the water is consumed. (Again, keeping things cool for winter hiking is not usually a concern.)
Also tuck a couple of cold bottles of water into the external side pockets of your backpack. When you are hiking for hours, water is essential.
You can add Electrolytes, Zipfizz, or Crystal Lite single serve packs to the water for a little extra energy or flavor boost.
It is also great suggestion to take Water Purifying Tablets on your hikes just in case. That’s what we are planning for right? Those “just in case” moments.
9. Nutrition
Here’s a common sense guideline for packing food: Bring food that you like to eat!
The food you bring may depend on the time of day when you start your hike. On a typical hiking day, you may wish to buy some sandwiches on your way to the trailhead. Add some carrot sticks, apple slices, a salty snack, and something sweet and you are good to go.
Make sure to carry out all of your garbage. That’s not only one of the best winter hiking tips but also a sign of hiking etiquette!
If you leave later in the day, you can eat your lunch at the trailhead before setting out and simply pack snacks and drinks for your hike.
Pack more food and snacks than you think you will need.
Let’s talk about snacks—especially if your kids go on hikes with you.
Most kids like Goldfish Crackers and some types of gummy treats that come in single-serve or small packs. You could also include individual packs of Peanut M&Ms, Built Bars, Trail Mix, Nuts, and those ingenious Applesauce Pouches [affiliates].
We have tried a variety of power bars, and no doubt, whichever kind we pack, we are pretty sick of them after a while. But when you need food, and that is what is available, the whining is minimal…never mind, the whining still happens.
Other options? Pack Clif BLOKS Energy Chews and Jelly Belly Sport Beans.
10. Hiking Clothes
In the colder weather, this is the fantastic look you might sport for your winter hiking adventures.
Check out my recommended HIKING GEAR on AMAZON
Be sure to check the weather before you leave for your hikes, but even then, it is a good idea to be prepared. Consider packing an extra Puffy Jacket in the coldest months.
Two great winter hiking tips:
- Layer your clothing
- Invest in quality clothing and shoes
Cold Weather Hiking Clothes & Gear
Top Base Layer
Start with a moisture wicking shirt for your hiking gear for winter. You may be surprised how much you will sweat in 10° weather. Drawing that sweat away from your skin and staying warm is essential. Also, consider your underwear layer as these are closest to your skin.
Women: Hanes Sport Women’s Cool DRI Performance Long Sleeve Tee
Men: Hanes Sport Cool DRI Performance T-shirt
Top Mid Layer
This should be an insulating layer that helps you to retain body heat and to protect you from the cold on your hikes. A long sleeve fleece will meet your needs quite well.
Women: Full Zip Fleece Jacket
Top Outer Layer
Investing in an outer layer or winter hiking jackets that will protect you from the cold, wind, and snow (or rain) is essential. Many winter jackets are designed to be less bulky with a reflective thermal lining that traps your body heat for warmth.
Having a hood makes such a difference on a cold and windy day.
Women: Columbia White Out II Omni Heat Hooded Jacket
Men: Columbia White Out II Omni Heat Hooded Jacket
Bottom Base Layer Options
Start with a moisture wicking legging or bottom. Again, for hiking clothes, consider your underwear layer as these are closest to your skin.
Women: Heathyoga Leggings
Men: Hanes Men’s Thermowool Pant
Take note * Cotton is NOT a moisture wicking material and NOT a good option to wear. This includes jeans.
Thermal Tights
Have you checked the options for fleece-lined leggings or pants? They are an option for both men and women. Don’t make the mistake of wearing only thin leggings if you are wearing a non-fleece lined snow pant.
Women: Fleece-lined Thermal Tights
Men: Fleece-lined Insulated Pants
Bottom Outer Layer – Snow Pants
It is kind of funny when you look at Chris and I because he needs tall sizes in his pants and I need short or petite sizes. I don’t know how many hikes I have gone on wearing rolled-up snow pants. This year Chris bought me my first pair of petite snow pants. I am sure he was secretly embarrassed to be seen with me scruffing around in too-long pants! They make a difference, so invest in snow pants that are available in short, regular, and tall lengths.
Women: Arctix Insulated Snow Pants
Men: Columbia Bugaboo II Snow Pants
Winter Hiking Boots
Winter hiking boots are awesome for the warmth and support they provide, often keeping you from inadvertently twisting your ankle. These winter hiking tips will keep you warm from head to toe!
Women: Oboz Juniper Hiking Shoe
Men: Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boot
Additional Winter Hiking Gear & Tips
Crampons – Crazy word right? But Crampon Snow Grips make such a difference in being able to walk effectively in snow and to avoid slipping and sliding on the trail. Winter hiking crampons are unisex but do come in varying sizes, so be sure to check for your size when ordering.
Socks – Invest in some Wool Socks and keep your feet toasty warm as you hike.
Umbrella – You may tuck a small Travel-size Umbrella into your pack in the summer months, but it can come in handy for your winter hiking too.
Backpack cover – If you have ever had a rain-soaked backpack, you will understand why you should add a waterproof lightweight Backpack Cover to your pack to keep your stuff dry if it happens to snow during your winter hiking. Especially if you hike with expensive camera gear such as a Canon 6d Mark II.
Camera – Are you inclined to take pictures along the way? Cell phone cameras these days are pretty sophisticated and lightweight, particularly if you enjoy taking photos while you are winter hiking.
Prepare to capture your best hiking seasonal photos with 15 Popular Photography Gadgets.
You’ll find Gloves, Gaiters, Balaclavas, Hiking Poles and Fleece Ear Warmers. You will be covered from head to toe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to hike in the winter?
Yes. It is a great way to do something you love all year round. If you have the right gear, hiking in the winter can be just as much fun.
At what age should you stop hiking?
According to WebMD, “If you’re worried about being “too old” to hike, don’t. Many people enjoy hiking well into their 60s, 70s, and even 80s…It helps you maintain your health, enjoy nature, see some great scenery, and enjoy some sunshine.”
How cold is too cold to hike?
While hiking in the winter has a few more challenges than other times of the year, if you are prepared for the weather with these winter hiking tips, it can be just as much fun. If you are not a winter hiker, you may wish to limit your hikes to 40° F temperatures. If you are acclimated to hiking in the winter and have the appropriate gear, you can hike in colder temperatures.
What are a few things you should NOT do while hiking?
You should not litter, play music loudly, go off trail, not pick up after your dog, or stop and rest in the middle of the trail.
Why do you feel so good after hiking?
Like any physical activity, hiking releases endorphins that energize you, helps you to feel happy, and gives you exercise.
Can you burn more calories hiking in the winter?
Yes. When you hike in cooler temperatures, you can burn up to 34% more calories than if you hike in temperatures above 50° F.
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Final Thoughts on Winter Hiking: Best Tips, Gear and Clothing for 2024
You don’t have to put your hikes on hold just because of a little bit of snow and cold weather. Gear up for safe and warm outdoor adventures.
Make smart choices with the items you carry. Bringing along the “Ten Essentials” will ensure that you are covered in the event of an emergency.
We love to take the kids snowshoeing in winter, but a few of them freeze! It’s funny you mention the Merrell Moab, because that’s the boot my son had and he was the only not complaining about cold toes!
A fully charged portable charger is definitely essential. My husband’s crappy phone always die before we can do anything useful, I am always the one navigating :’)
Living in Canada, unless we hibernate we spend some time doing winter hiking. Although I would probably say “hiking light”. The best hiking gear that we added in recent years was good hiking poles. Now that it is snowy and slippery on all surfaces, they give me a lot of confidence to head out.
A great guide to the best things to keep hikers warm and safe – thank you! I may have to get me some Merrell books 😉
My husband loves his boots and highly recommends them.
These are really helpful tips! As someone who lives in Phoenix, AZ, and is used to having to use safety precautions for hiking in extremely warm weather, this post was really interesting to me! I’ll definitely be saving if I ever do winter hiking. Thanks for sharing!
Useful post. Thanks for sharing. I’ve just registered for a winter skills mountaineering course next month and started to read up on winter hiking tips a few weeks ago. However, I still found lots of new ideas in your post such as first aid kit items, waterproof matches, swiss army knife, duct tape, emergency blanket and electrolytes.
Best of luck on your course. Sounds as though you’ll be a pro at the mountaineering tips in no time.
Great tips! I’ve never done a winter hike before but want to try one, maybe this winter ❄️
I hope you are able to go. The mountains in the winter time are just as beautiful.
Dressing in layers is definitely the most important thing!
Very useful tips. I will definitely come back to your article when I am leaving for Norway. 🙂
When are you headed for Norway? We are going on a cruise there in May/June.
What a great list.. seems to be an original packing list, we don’t do snow hikes but winter here is cold wet and slippery underfoot… thanks for the tips…
Wow very informative!
Thanks. Lots of good tips to stay safe.
Reading this, I just remembered how I used to climb mountains in the winter and sleep in refuges. Lovely times. Now I miss proper winters!
And I don’t know that I would miss them at all!
What an awesome list of helpful tips for winter hikes! I love the camel pack and use it regularly (snow or sun) and I also use the AllTrails app and think it’s super helpful. Thank you for such an awesome article!
Really great tips! I love Winter hiking, it’s such a great way to enjoy the time of year instead of just staying inside!
Great tips! I may be hiking this winter actually so this will be helpful.