Have you ever considered hiking in the winter months, especially if you live in a snowy climate? Maybe you wonder, “Am I crazy to want to hike in the snow?” No. You’re not crazy. Snow and colder temperatures don’t have to signal the end to your outdoor winter adventures. By following these winter hiking tips on safety and how to stay warm in the winter, you should be able to hike year round.
Sure, you’re comfortable hiking in the spring, summer, and fall (most people are), but hiking in the winter months can be just as invigorating. My husband, Chris, and I hike the Colorado Rockies year-round, snow or no snow, and some of our best trail days have been chilly ones. Discover the tips and tricks to staying warm, the best winter hiking clothes, and how to make smart choices to stay safe.
10 Essentials of Winter Hiking
This page may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on one of the links and then make a purchase, Just Wander More may earn a small commission. The commission is paid by the company at no extra expense to you. Read the full disclosure here.
In the 1930s, a group called the Mountaineers created the Ten Essentials: required gear for any hike or outdoor adventure, also backed by the National Park Service. Whether winter hiking is already on your adventure bucket list or you are just getting started, knowing these essentials before you hit the trail is non-negotiable.
As REI puts it, you may not need all ten on a routine hike, but the one time something goes wrong is exactly when they earn their keep. The good news for the 21st century: winter hiking gear and clothes are more lightweight, compact, and functional than ever.
Let’s get into the winter hiking gear you actually need, including the best day hike backpack for your winter excursions.
Related Post: Essential Day Hike Packing List—Pack Smart, Hike Happy
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.
One of the smartest habits for winter hiking is snapping a photo of the trailhead map board before you set out. You’ll find these boards at most National and State Park trailheads, and having that photo on your phone is a lifesaver if you lose cell service, forgot to download a map, or just need to double-check where you are.
Along the trail, you’ll also find markers showing direction and distance to nearby landmarks.
Bring a fully charged portable charger so your phone has enough juice to navigate and get you back to the car, and keep both the charger and your phone close to your body to protect them from the cold.
The AllTrails app is worth downloading before you hike. It has the largest library of detailed trail maps, and the Pro version will alert you if you wander off-course. On the map, the thick red line is the marked trail; a thin red line means you’ve drifted off it. Stay on the trail.
2. Illumination
Wise winter hiking means starting and ending your hikes while there’s still daylight. But if you’re out longer than planned, or your day hike runs into golden hour, you’ll want a light source in your pack. A lightweight LED Headlamp (and spare batteries) or even a small Flashlight covers you either way; a headlamp has the added bonus of hands-free use when you need both hands on the trail.
3. Sun Protection
Snow reflects a huge share of the sun’s UV rays, which means winter hiking can expose your skin to more sun than a summer trail day, not less. Sunscreen isn’t optional just because it’s cold. PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen is a solid pick: long-lasting, lightweight, and sweat resistant.
You’ll also want sunglasses to cut the glare bouncing off the snow, or a visored hat if you’d rather skip the shades.
4. Safety
Twisted ankles, scrapes, and blisters happen on any hike, but winter adds another risk: hypothermia and frostbite can set in fast if you’re wet, windy, or moving less than you expected. Know the early signs (shivering, numbness, confusion) and turn back before they become an emergency.
Your kit is only as good as your ability to use it, so brush up on basic first aid before you go. A lightweight First Aid Kit covers the basics, or you can build your own. At a minimum, your winter hiking first aid kit 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 & Warmth
In case of an emergency, being able to start a fire is important. Pack a lighter or a small container of waterproof matches (stored in a Ziploc to stay dry), and test that your lighter still works before each hike. Butane lighters can struggle in freezing temps, so matches are worth having as backup either way.
If you’re dressed right for winter hiking, you’ll likely stay warm as long as you keep moving. On extra-cold days, hand and foot warmers (the kind that activate when squeezed) or a battery operated hand warmer can help. Heated gloves and socks are another option if you want to invest a bit more.
6. Tools
Always carry a leatherman, Swiss army knife, or multi-tool with a blade and a few small tools built in. Duct tape is worth adding too. You don’t need to pack the whole roll: cut off a section and wrap it around your lighter instead. That small stash can save the day if a walking pole snaps or your puffy jacket tears mid-hike.
7. Shelter
No one sets out on a day hike expecting to need shelter, but it’s smart to be ready anyway. Pack an Emergency Blanket: it won’t keep you cozy, but it’s lightweight and blocks wind and moisture if things go sideways. A large black garbage bag works in a pinch too.
8. Water
One of the true must-haves for winter hiking is a Camelbak 3.0 Liter Hydration Pack Reservoir with a high-flow, self-sealing bite valve. Prefer an all-in-one option? The 3.0 Liter CamelBak Pack comes with the hydration reservoir built in and still has room for your other hiking essentials. Toss in electrolyte packets like Zipfizz or Crystal Light for flavor or an energy boost.
Pair the reservoir with The North Face Recon Backpack, my pick for the best day hike backpack. Its padded laptop section doubles as insulation, helping keep your water from freezing in cold temps, and you’ll still have room for lunch, snacks, and extra water bottles. (Pro tip: blow air back into the bite valve after each sip so the water left in the tube doesn’t freeze on the trail.)
Related Post: Best Travel Backpack for Europe, Adventures & Hiking
9. Food & Snacks
Here’s a common sense guideline for packing food: bring food you actually like to eat.
What you pack may depend on when you start your hike. Heading out early? Grab sandwiches on your way to the trailhead, along with carrot sticks, apple slices, a salty snack, and something sweet. Starting later in the day? Eat lunch at the trailhead first and just pack snacks and drinks for the trail. Either way, pack more than you think you’ll need—your body burns more calories staying warm in cold weather, so you’ll eat more than you would on a summer hike.
One winter-specific catch: some snacks freeze solid in cold temps. Applesauce pouches and anything gel-based can turn into an ice pack fast, so lean toward things that hold up in the cold, like individual packs of Peanut M&Ms, Built Bars, Trail Mix, Nuts, Clif BLOKS Energy Chews and Jelly Belly Sport Beans. And always carry out your garbage. It’s basic hiking etiquette, winter or not.
10. Clothing
This is what a solid winter hiking layering setup looks like in practice.
Check the weather before you head out, but pack for worse than forecasted — mountain weather changes fast, and an extra Puffy Jacket in the coldest months. Two rules to live by: layer your clothing, and invest in quality gear over cheap gear.
Winter Hiking Clothes for Women & Men
Winter hiking clothes come down to one system: layers. A moisture-wicking base pulls sweat away from your skin, a mid layer traps body heat, and an outer layer blocks wind, snow, and cold. Add insulated bottoms and boots built for support, and you’re covered head to toe. Here’s exactly what to buy for each layer, women’s and men’s picks included.
| Layer | Women’s Pick | Men’s Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Base (top) — wicks sweat away from skin. | Hanes Sport Women’s Cool DRI Performance Long Sleeve Tee | Hanes Sport Cool DRI Performance T-shirt |
| Mid (top) — insulating layer that traps body heat. | Full Zip Fleece Jacket | Full Zip Fleece Jacket |
| Outer (top) — blocks wind, snow, cold. Reflective thermal lining that traps body heat with a hood. | Columbia White Out II Omni Heat Hooded Jacket | Columbia White Out II Omni Heat Hooded Jacket |
| Base (bottom) — wicks sweat. Cotton is NOT a good option. | Heathyoga Leggings | Hanes Men’s Thermowool Pant |
| Thermal add-on — extra warm layer under snow pants. Consider fleece lined leggings or pants. | Fleece-lined Thermal Tights | Fleece-lined Insulated Pants |
| Outer (bottom) — snow/wind protection, sized short-tall | Arctix Insulated Snow Pants | Columbia Bugaboo II Snow Pants |
| Boots — warmth, ankle support | Oboz Juniper Hiking Shoe | Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boot |
Additional Winter Hiking Gear
Crampons — Crazy word right? But Crampon Snow Grips make a huge difference in walking effectively on snow and avoiding slips on the trail. They’re unisex but come in varying sizes, so check yours before ordering.
Socks — Wool Socks are a small investment that keeps your feet warm for the whole hike.
Umbrella — A small Travel-size Umbrella might sound like a summer item, but it earns its spot in a winter pack too.
Backpack cover — A waterproof, lightweight Backpack Cover keeps your gear dry if it starts snowing mid-hike, especially if you’re carrying expensive camera gear like 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.
Gloves, gaiters, balaclavas, hiking poles and fleece ear warmers round out the list. Between this section and your clothing layers, there’s not much winter can throw at you that you won’t be ready for.
Winter Hiking for Beginners
When Chris and I first started winter hiking, we didn’t have a system, just enthusiasm and a lot of trial and error. Years (and a few cold lessons) later, we’ve got the gear and layering down, and even our girls come along without complaint. New to winter hiking? This is hiking for beginners at its most practical: you don’t need years of experience, just the right prep.
Winter Hiking Tips for Beginners
- 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.
If you are planning a weekend getaway to the mountains, consider listening to GuideAlong Audio Tours when you aren’t hiking and enjoy the scenery along the way. The tours include many of the US and Canada National Parks:
- US Rockies and Plains Bundle
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Utah Mighty 5 Bundle
- Vermont RT100 Scenic Byway
These are just a few of the GuideAlong tours that are available. Search for more by clicking on the linked graphic below.
Find a Place to Stay
Not every winter hike is a day trip from home. If you’re traveling to reach your trailhead, whether that’s Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier, or wherever is next on your list, book your lodging early. Winter is peak season in most mountain towns, and rooms near popular trailheads fill up fast.
Look for a place with a few perks that make winter hiking easier: a mudroom or entryway for wet gear, a fireplace or hot tub for thawing out afterward, and a location close enough to the trailhead that you’re not driving an hour through the snow before sunrise.
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.
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?
A few trail etiquette basics: don’t litter, don’t play music loudly, don’t wander off trail, don’t skip cleaning up after your dog, and don’t stop to rest in the middle of the trail where other hikers need to pass.
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.
What should beginners know before their first winter hike?
Start with a short, well-marked trail you can bail on easily if the weather turns. Dress in layers, tell someone your route and return time, and don’t push past your comfort level just because the view looks close. Winter hiking is forgiving once you know the basics, brutal if you skip them.
What should I wear for winter hiking?
Layers: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid layer, and a wind- and waterproof outer shell, plus insulated boots and snow pants for the coldest days. Skip cotton entirely (ie, jeans), it holds moisture and won’t keep you warm once it’s wet.
Love this Post? Pin it!
Crazy? Maybe. Worth It? Absolutely.
So—am I crazy to hike in the snow? Maybe a little. But not crazy enough to skip it. Winter hiking opens up a version of the trail that most people never see, and with the right gear and a little preparation it is completely doable. You do not have to put your hiking adventures on hold just because the temperature drops.
Make smart choices about what you carry, starting with the Ten Essentials. And if you want a complete packing rundown before your next hike, grab my Day Hike Packing List—it will make sure you are not standing at the trailhead wishing you had brought one more layer.
You may also love…
- 15 Best Snowmobile Riding Tips for Snowmobiling in the Mountains
- 35 Essential Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
- 29 Mountain Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park That You’ll Love
- 12 Hot Springs in Colorado That are Amazing (And Sometimes Quirky)
- 25 Best Hikes in Colorado Near Denver
- 30 Best Tips for Driving in the Mountains
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.
I have done some pretty short snowy hikes with my young kids, but it’s on my bucket list to do a snowshoe hike, and these tips are really helpful!
Great list and tips!! It’s so important to be prepared for the worst, even if you’re just planning to do a shorter hike. I always keep the essentials in my hiking pack and thankfully I haven’t needed to use them…but I’m happy to carry around the extra stuff in my pack because I know there might come a day when I do need to use it.