Essential Guide to the Best Winter Hiking Outfits

When I first started hiking in Washington during the winter, I was extremely unprepared. I didn’t account for the fact that my hiking boots weren’t waterproof, I just wore my “thickest” leggings, and those cheap cotton gloves. I was cold from the start…and then I warmed up and sweat…and then got extremely cold, because my sweat was freezing. I didn’t really know what good winter hiking outfits consisted of, but after seven years of winter hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I am happy to say I’ve got it down. 

Winter hiking can be the best time of year to see magical views on the trail. The winter conditions make outdoor activities a little more challenging. However, with the proper layering, you’ll be hitting the trail in comfort. 

In this comprehensive guide, I will share everything you need to be comfortable in the colder months of winter to enjoy your outdoor adventures. If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!

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What Do You Wear Hiking in Winter?

While the idea of winter hiking can be a little intimidating, the key to a successful trek is in the layers. There is a delicate balance between layering for warmth, allowing for breathability, and being protected from cold temperatures and wet conditions. 

Winter hiking outfits are a little different from your standard hiking outfit because they include additional layers to stay warm and protected from the elements.

You have outer layers, inner layers, and mid-layers. You become an onion…you’ll have layers. In this guide, I will share my favorite winter clothes and gear for comfortable winter hikes from head to toe, layer by layer.

Don’t forget to pack the following for a safe and successful winter day hike:

1. Sun protection
2. Hot Chocolate or Hot Drink
3. An extra layer
4. Dry socks for the car ride home

How to Layer Winter Hiking Outfits

Layering for winter hiking outfits begins with the base layer, the layer closest to your body, then moves to the mid-layer, and finally to the outer layer. 

The base layer is responsible for managing your sweat and needs to be close to your body. Regardless of the outside temperature, physical activity will warm your body and potentially cause you to sweat. The base layer should be quick-drying and wick away moisture. A base layer should be used on both your upper and lower body. 

The mid-layer insulates you. It is recommended that the material this layer is made of is a synthetic fiber instead of down. There are a couple of different mid-layer options: fleece jackets and puffy jackets, so whatever suits your needs best!

Your outer layer should be able to handle winter conditions, including wind and rain. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is a lot to ask of the jacket, which is why your base layer and mid-layers are so important for keeping you insulated.

Upper Body Winter Hiking Clothes

When layering for a winter hike, your upper body layers are going to be the ones that you can adjust the most during your trek. You can take off and put on your outer and mid-layer to adjust for the temperature and winter conditions. Having a day pack large enough to carry the layers you’re wearing, plus accessories and emergency equipment, is a good idea for being prepared for all situations. I recommend a 30-liter day pack for winter hiking.

Base Layer

Your base layer should be close to the skin to aid temperature regulation and sweat wicking. Merino wool base layers are the best base layers you can purchase for this. Have you ever heard the phrase “cotton kills”? It refers to the properties of cotton that make it horrible for insulating and wicking sweat. The cotton material will hold onto the damp conditions and end up cooling you down. 

The base layer includes everything that is touching your skin. If you’re wearing a sports bra, it should also be made of wool or a synthetic material.

For a thicker base layer, the Smartwool Thermal Base Layer Top is a phenomenal option. Especially for those who run cold and need extra warm layers. I sleep in these while I am car camping in freezing temperatures. I also find this base layer to be soft compared to other wool base layers that make me itchy.

For a more affordable option, REI makes merino wool base layers. They are a little thinner but work well for outdoor activities.

Mid-Layer

The insulating layer is going to aid in trapping your body heat. The mid-layer is going to be the layer that you can adjust the most for your personal preference because you can wear a fleece pullover, fleece jacket, puffy jacket, or micropuff. 

Keep in mind that your mid-layer should work well with your base layer. If you’re wearing a thick base layer, consider that when choosing a mid-layer.

The Patagonia Better Sweater is my favorite mid-layer. It is warm and comfortable without being so thick that I feel like a marshmallow on the trail.

If I need a warmer mid-layer the Patagonia nano puff is my second go-to jacket for staying warm. The thin, but insulating jacket still allows me to stay active.

Outer Layer

The outer layer is responsible for protecting you from the elements. If you don’t want to spend the money on a new winter shell, the second-best thing you can use for rainy and windy days is your favorite rain jacket.

My favorite rain jacket is the Fineline Stretch by Black Diamond, but I used the REI Rainier Rain Shell for many years before upgrading to a more technical rain jacket.

Outdoor Research has a phenomenal Gore-Tex shell that is perfect for all winter outdoor activities. The breathable and waterproof properties of Gore-Tex make it a perfect addition to your winter hiking outfits with proper layering.

Related Reading: What to Wear Hiking in Fall

Lower Body Winter Hiking Clothes

Proper winter layers apply to the lower body as well. Your winter hiking outfit is not complete without a similar layering system as the upper body. However, since the legs tend to have more muscle on them, they do a better job at staying warm in colder weather than the upper body does. But you will still want to wear quality bottom layers.

For lower body layering, we are again going to start with a base layer, but the mid-layer can be skipped with proper winter conditions. 

Base Layer

Your winter hiking outfits need to have a good base layer for both the top and bottom. This includes underwear, so no cotton undies! If you want a thinner base layer for your lower body than your upper body, layer based on your comfort and adjust as necessary.

These Smartwool pants are the coziest base layer pants I own. They layer well under hiking pants and rain pants. 

If you prefer to wear leggings to hiking pants, I suggest getting winter-rated leggings that are fleece-lined. The thicker material will help protect you from wind and the fleece will act as a good insulator. 

Title 9 makes amazing gear for women. Their fleece-lined leggings are elite! Fleece lining is a popular way to increase insulation for bottom layers.

Mid-Layer & Outer Layer

If your hiking pants are not winter-rated, you will want to wear a base layer in addition to the pants. Your favorite hiking pants will work wonderfully if they fit over your base layer bottoms or long underwear. 

Using rain pants for winter hiking outfits is a great affordable option as long as you are well-insulated with your other layers. Rain pants are great for rain and windy conditions; however, they offer little insulation, which is why you will need insulating layers underneath.

Softshell pants or snow pants are great for hiking and snowshoeing. The REI Co-Op Powderbound Insulated Snowpants are a great option when it comes to softshell pants. These waterproof trousers are going to protect you from the elements as well as keep you warm.

If you REALLY want to stay warm in the colder months, you can also use bibs. The Powderbound Snowpants come in a bib option as well.

Shop Powderbound Insulated Bibs Here

Related: How to Stay Warm Car Camping

Winter Hiking Footwear

Footwear is going to make or break your winter hike. Your footwear needs to keep your toes warm and dry. Just because your hiking boots look waterproof and warm, doesn’t mean that they are. Here are some of my favorite footwear options for your winter hiking outfits. 

Insulated Hiking Boots

Insulated Oboz Boots are the newest additions to my winter hiking outfits. They are taller than a standard book, have sherpa lining, and are completely waterproof. As a die-hard Oboz Footwear supporter, these insulating boots are bound to be my new favorite accessory for winter hiking.

I would otherwise wear the Waterproof Oboz Bridgers which are also amazing, just not as insulating. I would not recommend wearing trail runners for winter hiking, just because of how easy it would be for them to get wet or for you to catch snow in your shoes.

Wool Socks

I am a hiking sock girly. I wear them almost every day, regardless of whether I am hiking; however, the Smartwool Mountaineering Socks might just be my favorite sock. I am wearing a pair as we speak. You absolutely need a pair of wool socks for winter hiking because of the extra warmth and moisture-wicking properties. 

I always bring an extra pair of hiking socks with me when I am hiking, just in case the pair I am wearing gets wet. Bringing an extra pair or two on your winter hike is great. Plus, if you don’t use them, you can change into them in the car to help warm up your feet on the drive home.

Snowshoes

Snowshoes are a great piece of winter hiking footwear and a great way to get outdoors on cold-weather hikes. They are great for deep snow, which will help protect your feet from potentially getting wet. My favorite snowshoes are the MSR EVO Trail snowshoes.

Microspikes

For winter trails that are a little more packed down than a fresh-snow trail, microspikes are a must. As a Pacific Northwest hiker, I carry microspikes in my day pack ten months out of the year because there are icy conditions at higher elevations for longer. There are two types of microspikes, I use the microspikes with the larger spikes in very icy conditions, rather than just slippery conditions.

Check out Kahtoola Microspikes Here

Winter Hiking Accessories

No outfit is complete without accessories, so here are the accessories to add to your best winter hiking outfits. 

Hat/Beanie

Wear your favorite beanie to protect the top of your head from heat loss! My current favorite beanie is the Tab Beanie from Fjallraven.

Mittens/Gloves

I use the Smartwool Merino wool liners during warmer days and add a mitten on top of them for colder days. Bring a pair of gloves, even if you don’t think you will need them.

Neck Gaiter

Add a neck gaiter if you really need to protect your neck, mouth, and nose from cold conditions. I use a neck gaiter when winter backpacking to help minimize condensation build-up in my sleeping bag.

Ankle Gaiters

For winter conditions with heavy snow, ankle gaiters will help keep snow out of your boots. A lot of snow pants do have an elastic band around the ankle to protect from deep snow, but an ankle gaiter will fit around your winter hiking boots and pants. They come in short and long sizes depending on how deep the snow is.

Shop Gaiters Here

First Aid Kit

You’ve never heard that a first aid kit is the perfect accessory for winter hiking outfits? Well, it is. This is just a reminder that you should have a fully stocked first aid kit with safety gear in your day pack. Your safety gear should include a fire starter. 

Related Read: Best Winter Hikes in Seattle

Pack it Up

I hope this helps you create some warm and comfortable winter hiking outfits. Identify what gear you already have and then work from there to obtain the right winter gear. The extra cost of purchasing winter gear should not keep you from accessing the outdoors. 

If you’re new to winter hiking, start with a short hike to get a feel for what winter gear works best for you. Avoid bad weather and harsh conditions when you’re just starting. This will help you get a feel for how your gear works if you’re too warm or too cold. This will help test your waterproof layers as well. 

Winter should not keep you from getting outdoors and enjoying the beautiful world around you. I can assure you that after your first winter hike, you’ll be hooked. 

The winter months are a great way to enjoy nature in a unique way. For some extra fun, bring along some hot chocolate!

If you have questions or want more gear recommendations, please leave a comment so I can help! 

Otherwise, happy winter hiking, and enjoy those winter hiking outfits!