The Essential Gear You Need For Hiking In Winter

I am a compulsive hiker! For over 11 years, not a week passes without venturing into the woods regardless of how hot or cold it is – as long as it’s not raining. At least twice a week, you’ll find me on the trailers climbing hills and traversing short streams. And the best seasons to do so in Canada are fall and winter. However, unlike fall, hiking in winter can be challenging and requires preparation.

Until we moved into our suburban house, which backs onto a conservation area, I thought hiking was for hippies. It wasn’t the type of activity I was accustomed to doing while living downtown and being surrounded by concrete or brick structures. I had different ideas for working out, such as going to crowded gyms, jogging on bustling streets, and swimming in open waters (beach). It took some courage to step into the mysterious forest with large trees and coyotes lurking for prey. Well, 11 years later, I have yet to spot a coyote in any suburban woods in my area. As a matter of fact, I frequently encounter bouncing bunnies, chipmunks, owls, woodpeckers, and deer.

Hiking in winter

Winter in Canada is long and severe, which can discourage the most enthusiastic nature lovers from performing outdoor activities, such as jogging and hiking. But I found hiking in winter to be the most sensational and enjoyable regardless of how low the temperature might be. The forest’s air is almost always still as the pine trees shelter the trails from the mighty winter winds. The sense of calmness stimulates the mind allowing you to reflect on your feelings, and the stillness of nature fuels you with energy and creativity. And as you step on the snow-covered grounds, the sound of snow crunching under the boots seem so satisfying. Needless to mention that hiking is a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day this year.

How to dress for hiking in winter

To appreciate hiking in winter, you need proper gear from head to toe. And layering has to be taken into consideration before heading out. That is because your body temperature fluctuates depending on the effort you put in and the landscape itself. Walking up hills requires more effort, a faster heart rate to feed your muscles energy, and therefore your body heats up. On the other hand, traversing a flat open field doesn’t require as much effort, but it can be windy and colder than tree-covered hills. You will find yourself wanting to remove or add a layer of clothing depending on how hot or cold you feel while hiking.

The basic rule for winter hiking is proper layering

• Base layer
• Middle layer
• Outer layer
• Socks
• Hiking boots
• Headcover and gloves

Base layer

This layer fits snugs on your skin and locks away moisture. You can invest in Merino wool underwear, which is the ideal base layer for hiking, skiing, and any outdoor winter activity. Merino wool has certain characteristics that make it ideal for hiking, including warmth, moisture-locking, and is odor resistance. On the other hand, Merino wool is a little bit pricy, and it’s not as durable as synthetic material.

The other option is to wear synthetic layers such as workout leggings and tops like I do. Bear in mind that, unlike Merino wool, synthetic material are cooler and doesn’t absorb moisture well.

Middle layer

The middle layer is known as the insolation layer and functions to retain the heat your body generates. The most common middle layers are fleece sweaters and puff jackets. I find that fleece fabric is the best choice because it is lightweight, breathable, and warm. I tried wearing synthetic sweaters and cotton sweaters many times and never felt as warm and comfortable as putting on a fleece sweater.

If you don’t have a fleece sweater, a puff jacket will help keep you cozy.

For bottoms, wear durable and weather-resistant pants with pockets when the temperature is over 0 Celcius degrees. I recommend this layer to prevent your legs from getting wet should it rain or should you walk through the snow or step in mud. If it’s less than zero, I usually wear snow pants (ski pants).

Outer layer

The outer layer shields you from the cold wind, snow, or rain. Your choice of outer layer will also depend on temperature. You can wear a windbreaker or a shell jacket when it’s over zero Celcius. However, if it’s below zero, you should be wearing heavier jackets, particularly if you’re wearing a light sweater for a mid-layer.

Wearing socks

I used to wear regular socks while hiking. Early 2020, I bought Merino socks for a planned trip to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Sadly, the expedition has been put on hold since then due to the pandemic. In the meantime, this winter I started to wear Merino socks while hiking and never felt as comfortable as I do now. Not only do they keep the feet warm and dry, but they also act as a cushion to prevent friction with hiking boots. Merino socks are a great addition to anyone’s outdoor activities, adults and children alike.

What to look for in winter hiking shoes

Many people choose to wear winter boots or running shoes to go hiking. These shoes are not practical, and they either lack support or insolation. The shoes to wear for hiking must have certain features to protect your feet since the trails are usually uneven ground with knobby roots and stones underfoot.

Winter hiking shoes must be waterproof and insulated to keep your feet dry and warm. Second, go for snug ankle-high boots to prevent snow or water from seeping into your legs. As well, your feet need support and stability while hiking in winter and it’s wise to choose hiking boots for that matter. Third, the soles should have good traction and deep tread when walking on snow or mud. I bought Vasque GTX Waterproof hiking boots last March 2020 and wore them in summer, fall, and this winter. They are efficient, warm, and sturdy for short and long hikes.

Headcover and gloves

Don’t forget to leave your home without winter gloves and a headcover! Suitable winter gloves have three layers of internal insolation system to keep your hands and fingers warm. Waterproof thermal gloves and mittens are your best bid for hiking in winter. And when hiking in sub-zero temperatures, you may need hand warmers if your gloves are not well-insolated.

Wear a toque in cold weather to shield your head and ears from the wind and snow. I prefer to wear fleece-lined toques when the temperature is less than zero.

Once you have the proper clothing on, you are ready to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful winter hike.

A side note: Elle Muse is a marketing affiliate which means we do get a small financial reward (commission) on orders you may place through the links. However, it doesn’t cost you more to shop through this site. We simply curate our favourite pieces and offer suggestions. Your support helps sustain Elle Muse blog. Happy shopping. Privacy policy: click here.