How to Pack for a Winter Hike

I firmly believe that winter is among the best seasons to get out and explore. Once the lakes are frozen and the forest is covered in snow, you can venture over lakes, off-trail, and through the bush to discover new routes that are otherwise inaccessible. It can create a real sense of adventure but requires careful consideration when it comes to gear.

It’s a good idea to have a bag packed any time of year so when the mood strikes, you’re able to get out and explore. In winter, you’ll want to adapt that gear to safely and comfortably explore.

We’re out there every single week, so we’re sharing some hard-earned experience on how to do just that.

Hand and Toe Warming Options

Cold fingers and toes can ruin a hike faster than anything else, so come prepared with multiple options for keeping them warm:

• Socks and Gloves: Your first line of defense. Use insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens to trap heat and prevent moisture from seeping in. Bring a lightweight liner glove for dexterity without exposing your skin. Wet or sweaty socks can quickly lead to frostbite or blisters in freezing temperatures. Always pack at least one spare pair of socks made of wool (ideally merino) or a wool blend—these fabrics retain warmth even when damp and dry quickly. Switching to dry socks at midday or when you sense your feet cooling down can make a world of difference.
• Footwear: Insulated, waterproof hiking boots are essential. Make sure they have enough room for thick socks without compromising circulation, which is key to warmth. It’s also essential that your boots go above your ankle. Trail running shoes will let in too much snow, and you’ll get cold and wet fast.
• Hand Warmers and Toe Warmers: There are so many options, from disposable, environmentally unfriendly iron-filling versions to rechargeable battery warmers. When things get really cold, you’ll be grateful you packed them.

Balaclavas and Buffs

Protecting your face from cold wind and frostbite is critical:

• Buffs: You can use these in a variety of ways, from keeping your neck warm to a half balaclava. Fleece-lined versions offer extra warmth.
• Balaclavas: Offering full-face coverage, balaclavas are ideal for extreme cold or wind. Look for breathable designs to minimize condensation from your breath.

Eyewear

• Corrective vision: Switch to contacts during the winter to avoid perpetually fogged glasses.
• Sunglasses: Glare from the snow can be intense. Always keep a pair with you, just in case.
• Goggles: Heavy snow and ice rain can feel like daggers in your eyeballs. Goggles will help, but if the weather is so bad you require them, it’s probably time to rethink your trip.

Sunscreen

The sun still shines in winter. Keep a small sunscreen in your bag throughout the year and don’t forget lip balm with SPF.

Gaiters

Something of a game-changer during winter, gaiters will keep the snow out of your boots, even working with trail shoes in a pinch.

Batteries

Your devices will drain far quicker when exposed to the cold. Keep them close to your body and pack a battery bank in case you run out of juice. This is another reason why it’s particularly important to pack a paper map in winter. If you’re relying on your phone as your only navigation device, it’s easy to get into serious trouble faster than you expect.

Food and Drink

Your backpack isn’t a magical insulating device. When the temperature really plummets, you can find yourself with a frozen water bottle and inedible lunch. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Water: Use an insulated water bottle sleeve or carry your bottle upside down (water freezes from the top down). If using a hydration bladder, look into insulated tubes that prevent your water from freezing before it gets to your mouth. A vacuum-insulated flask with hot tea or soup can double as a warming treat.
• Food: Pack high-calorie, easy-to-eat foods like trail mix, energy bars, or jerky. Keep them close to your body heat (inside your jacket or pants pockets) to stop them from freezing. Pack sandwiches in an insulated lunch box—these are as good at keeping the cold out as they are at keeping heat in!

Emergency Supplies

Winter conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to pack for unexpected situations:

• Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact, a reflective emergency blanket can help retain body heat in case of an accident or prolonged stop.
• First Aid Kit: Include blister treatment, bandages, painkillers, and any personal medications.
• Fire Starting Kit: Pack a small kit with a lighter or ferro rod, tinder, and fire starters to ensure you can get a fire going if you end up stuck outdoors.

Traction Devices

We covered this at length a couple of weeks ago here, but consider packing:

• Ice Spikes: Traction devices like microspikes or exospikes are a must for icy trails. They’re lightweight and easy to attach to your boots.
• Snowshoes: For deeper snow, snowshoes distribute your weight to prevent sinking and make your hike more efficient.

Headlamp

With shorter winter days, a headlamp is essential—even if you don’t plan to hike after sunset.

Preparation

Beyond what you pack in your bag, winter hiking takes a little more preparation to ensure you’ll be safe. We’ll be covering more of these in greater detail over the coming weeks, but as a start:

• Check the weather forecast before you head out, and if it looks dangerous, take a rain (snow) check.
• Always check sundown time before you leave; aim to be out with plenty of time before it gets dark, and keep the headlamp packed just in case.
• Research current trail and ice conditions in advance. Never walk on ice without being absolutely certain that it’s safe.
• Share your route plan and ensure you have somebody checking that you’ve returned.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a winter hike requires planning and a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you. By prioritizing warmth, safety, and preparedness, you can focus on enjoying the beauty and tranquility of winter trails. So grab your gear, pack smart, and embrace the magic of hiking in the snow.

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