The Essential Gear You Need for Winter Hiking

It’s no secret that winter hiking requires a little more preparation and a lot more gear. If you live in an area that has snow, trails can be a little more treacherous. It’s important to have a few winter hiking gear essentials to make sure you can navigate them safely.

Microspikes/Snowshoes

One of the most important pieces of gear you need for winter hiking is some kind of traction for the snow covered and icy trails. Microspikes and Snowshoes are great options. Both give you traction on those icy trails because they have metal spikes on the bottom.

Snowshoes have a larger surface area so you can stay on top of the freshly fallen snow. Microspikes cover just the bottom of your boots and are better for packed down snow or ice. I wear the Kahtoola microspikes on most of my hikes because here in Utah, it’s hard to find a trail that someone hasn’t already been blazed.

Clothes

Dressing yourself properly for winter hikes is a necessity to have a great time while hiking. Like the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” I make it a priority to layer properly for every hike I go on. I hate being cold and it’s a quick way to end a beautiful hike.

Like I mentioned, layering is key. I will have a post up soon going into detail about what I wear on all my winter hikes. To summarize though, I like to have a base layer, a mid layer if it’s extra cold, and some kind of weatherproof layer.

Never wear cotton. Cotton holds onto moisture, either from sweat, the natural elements, or spilling your wide mouth Nalgene all over yourself. I prefer merino wool, fleece, and polyester materials.

Some accessories that are great are a neck gaiter and a head covering. I like the Merino Wool Buff.

Waterproof Boots

Tennis shoes might cut it in the summer, but they won’t when you go hiking in the winter. A waterproof boot is another item I believe to be essential. If you’re walking in snow, the warmth from your feet will melt it on your shoes and you’ll find yourself walking in soggy boots. Pretty much the opposite of what you want when hiking in freezing temperatures.

I also prefer a mid top or high top boot over low top. It will give you a little more stability on the uneven trails, and it will help keep the snow out.

Trekking Poles

I wouldn’t say trekking poles are an absolute essential for winter hiking, but I do think they are extremely helpful. If you are carrying a large pack, or a child in a carrier, then I would consider them a necessity. They help you keep your balance, and while they aren’t meant to hold all your weight, if you do trip or lose your balance, they will help you stay up.

10 Essentials

The Ten Essentials are a system of items that should be brought on all hikes, regardless of the time of year. There are plenty of options for each system. Just find what works best for you!

1. Navigation
2. Headlamp
3. Sun protection
4. First aid
5. Knife
6. Fire
7. Shelter
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothes

Winter time is my personal favorite time to hike. There’s less people on the trail, the views are incredible, and you get to be out in some of the harshest conditions and conquer it. Take some time to prepare, get yourself these winter hiking gear essentials, and enjoy it!