It has taken us years to narrow down the best winter hiking gear that actually keeps us warm and dry. Luckily after many a soggy winter season, I think we have finally got it right, so we’re sharing our findings to save you the cold and wet days we miserably endured.
Growing up in the UK we have our fair share of bad weather. We don’t always get the snow, but we are guaranteed at least half of our winter hikes are going to be done in the rain complete with bogs and muddy trails. We’ve also spent a good few seasons skiing and hiking in the alps, so having protective clothing has been essential.
I have to admit to being someone who likes to save money when it comes to clothing. Before I met Adam I would try to find the best bargains and cross my fingers and pray that it worked. Spoiler – it never did.
Fast forward to my first ski trip with Adam and he convinced me that if I wanted to actually enjoy my time up the mountain I was going to have to invest in quality brands. I was sceptical, but I let him treat me to a few expensive specialist items of clothing and I’ve never looked back.
These have become my staples and have lasted many, many years and trips. And obviously I’ve added to my kit along the way. I’m now so happy with my set-up that I’m excited to share.
So enough of me yapping on, let’s get into it.
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Table of Contents
- A Quick Round-Up
- The Best Winter Hiking Gear
- What Not To Wear Hiking In The Winter
- Top Tips For Hiking In Winter
A Quick Round-Up
Just in case you can’t be bothered to read the ins and outs, here’s a quick round-up of the absolute essential winter hiking gear Adam and I couldn’t be without, especially over the cold winters in England.
🏆 Winter hiking jackets worth the hype
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Helly Hansen makes some of the best jackets we’ve owned, for hiking, skiing and sailing. They’re a brand we really trust. For winter hiking their women’s Verglas down jacket is elite (it comes in plus size too which is brilliant). The men’s version of the same jacket is also a favourite for Adam.
🏆 Our go-to hiking boots
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We haven’t found boots that compare to Mammuts. This season I’ve been trying out the Nova IV Mid GTX Women and they are a firm favourite. My previous Mammuts lasted over 10 years, hiking winter and summer, so they got A LOT of use!
Adam raves about the Ducan II High GTX Men.
🏆Base layers we love
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We find merino wool far superior, and we stick with Helly Hansen for our base layers and they never let us down. They have a fantastic range of women’s merino base layers and men’s merino base layers. Invest in a long sleeve top if nothing else, but we usually pair it with some leggings too.
The Best Winter Hiking Gear
Read on for our top finds for the best winter hiking gear. If we can save one person from freezing toes and a sore red nose then I feel like we’ve won at life! Hiking in winter can be amazing, don’t let your clothes ruin the experience.
Looking for the best places to head to in winter? Check out these top European destinations in December.
Warm Base Layers
🏆 Buy the best Merino wool base layers here
The key to staying warm when you’re hiking in the winter is decent layers. You will want to have several different layers on under your jacket so that you can control your temperature throughout your hike.
I often end up stripping off a base layer for hikes uphill and adding a layer on the way back down. Just make sure you don’t take layers off too early or you’ll end up losing valuable heat.
You’re going to want to opt for a material that helps wick away moisture, as the baselayers are closest to your skin. You can also look for layers that claim to be breathable, and some even have odour control.
Polyester is a common baselayer material. All my cheap base layers were polyester and honestly, they just smelt so bad. They were ok at keeping me warm, but they didn’t really compare to merino wool.
I would recommend you spend a little extra on merino wool base layers which are comfortable, warm, keep you dry, and do an amazing job of hiding smells which is a little bonus!
I have Helly Hansen’s LIFA merino wool base layer, which is their cheapest (but not cheap), and it hasn’t let me down yet. I also use the LIFA leggings, sometimes just on their own, or under hiking trousers. They’re super cosy!
Fleece Layer
🏆 Buy the best fleece layer here
Over the top of your base layer you’ll want a mid layer. On warmer winter days you might not even need a jacket over the top (but you should always bring one to act as a waterproof layer if nothing else!)
We always opt for a fleece. They’re super warm, lightweight and always really comfortable. It’s like a hug in a jumper. This is my favourite of all the fleeces I’ve tried. It’s definitely suited for colder weather as it’s quite thick, so opt for a thinner fleece if that will suit your needs better.
But what I really love about this mid-layer is how long it is. It covers your bum, so you don’t ever get a cold patch between your leggings and top if your top rides up a bit. Maybe that’s a me problem, but if you know what I mean then you’ll know how annoying it is!
I would definitely recommend a zip-up fleece as it gives you more versatility and it’s easier to remove while you’re hiking.
Adam runs hotter than me so he tends to use this thinner fleece as his mid-layer. I would say it’s more useful, as it can be used as a base layer if you need as it has quite good moisture-wicking properties. He doubles it up as a running top for the winter.
Winter Hiking Jackets Worth The Money
🏆 Women’s Verglas Down Hybrid Hooded Jacket 2.0
Buying a decent winter hiking jacket is a big investment but a necessary one. Finding the right jacket is key to enjoyable hiking and makes a huge, huge difference to your comfort and even your safety when you’re out in the elements.
I made do with a cheapy mountain warehouse jacket for a holiday to Iceland and severely regretted my decision. I was cold, uncomfortable, and sometimes even wet. It probably wasn’t all that safe to be honest.
When we started doing ski seasons I had to take things a bit more seriously and I’ve since had a couple of really decent winter outdoors jackets that actually protect me from the cold.
If you’re looking for a versatile jacket that you can use in almost any conditions, including your commute to work, then opt for the Women’s Verglas Down Hybrid Hooded Jacket 2.0. They also have a men’s version that Adam uses.
There are a lot of great things about this jacket, but really what you want is something that will keep you warm and dry, and is comfortable to wear and move in. This is all of these things. It’s an added bonus that it has some great storage pockets and a well-fitting hood, and it packs down tiny and fits in a backpack for when you get a little toasty.
Waterproof Trousers
I wouldn’t say waterproof hiking trousers are essential if you’re not doing any serious hikes, but they can definitely make or break a wet and cold hike! I will admit that I often pack hiking trousers but don’t end up wearing them, sticking to base-layer leggings instead. I find them super comfortable and way more stretchy for climbs and scrambles.
When you do find yourself in need of waterproof trousers though you’re going to be really pleased you have them. These Verglas trousers from Helly Hansen are great. Not too tight fitting so you can shove them on comfortably over leggings. They’re also really warm if you want to wear them on their own. I find them quite forgiving with lots of stretch, so they’re comfortable to hike in.
The Best Winter Hiking Boots
🏆Nova IV Mid GTX Women
🏆Ducan II High GTX Men
The best winter hiking boots are ones that are comfortable, warm, sturdy and waterproof. Please, please, please don’t just opt for the cheapest pair you can find. If you splash out on anything it should be your walking shoes.
Imagine you’re halfway through a hike in snowy, cold conditions. Your boots aren’t good quality, so you already have blisters and are finding walking increasingly uncomfortable.
You still have 5 hours left to go. You misplace a step, step in a puddle, and your new hiking boots soak up all the water, leaving your blistered feet freezing cold and wet. It’s not only miserable but also pretty damn dangerous.
Invest in a quality brand that you can trust and make sure you have worn your boots in before the hike.
Our absolute favourite walking shoes of all time are our Mammut boots. Mammut is a Swiss company with decades of experience and an excellent reputation. Their hiking shoes are second to none.
This season I’ve been trying out the Nova IV Mid GTX Women, and they are a firm favourite. My previous Mammuts lasted over 10 years, hiking winter and summer, so they got A LOT of use!
Adam raves about the Ducan II High GTX Men. These are proper, decent, cold-weather hiking shoes that will last you for years.
We should also mention socks here. Regular socks won’t really cut it, so you’ll want to get yourself a pair of decent hiking socks made from something like Merino wool. You can pair them with liner socks if you’re prone to blisters.
Other Winter Hiking Gear Essentials
There are of course some extras you’ll either definitely need or want to consider when picking your hiking gear for winter.
Hat
A good hat is essential. Something like this Merino wool beanie is a good choice. Depending on how cold it is you may want to pair it with a headband to cover your ears. I use this merino wool headband and take my hat on and off depending on how cold it is.
A buff is also a really good idea. They’re lightweight but make a world of difference, and they’re super versatile. Wear it around your neck, over your mouth, over your head or ears etc.
Gloves
I tend to wear merino wool glove liners. They’re lightweight and it’s easy to still use a phone or device while wearing them, so you shouldn’t need to take them off unless you get too warm.
If you’re hiking in really cold climates then you’ll want a pair of waterproof gloves or mittens to wear over the top. These mittens from Rei are perfect. Personally I find mittens keep my hands a lot warmer than gloves.
Sunglasses or Goggles
A pair of polarised sunglasses or goggles are essential for hiking. If you happen to get a bluebird day on the mountain then you’ll want a really decent pair of eye protection as the glare from the snow can be blinding, and seriously damage your eyes.
Hiking poles
Some people don’t get on with hiking poles, others will say they’re essential. I would say they’re useful for hiking in wintery conditions because they do help stability on less than ideal terrain.
My top piece of advice is to avoid folding poles at all costs. There have been too many accidents from people leaning on them, them folding and sending people down mountains or, at best, giving them a nasty fall. Personally I wouldn’t risk it, no matter how good quality they were or sensible I thought I would be with them.
Crampons
You’re probably going to want some sort of winter traction device if you’re hiking in ice or snow. The kind you need will depend on the conditions you’re likely to encounter, so make sure you know what you’re likely to be dealing with and kit up accordingly!
What Not To Wear Hiking In The Winter
There are some hard nos when it comes to winter hiking gear. Let’s go through a few of the things you shouldn’t wear hiking in the winter!
1. Cotton Clothing
Cotton absorbs moisture (sweat, rain, or snow) and takes forever to dry, making you cold and increasing the risk of hypothermia. Avoid cotton shirts, socks, and jeans. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking materials like wool or synthetic fabrics.
2. Regular Sneakers or Non-Insulated Boots
Ordinary trainers or casual boots won’t provide the necessary warmth, waterproofing, or grip on snow and ice. Choose insulated, waterproof hiking boots with good traction instead.
3. Insufficient Layers or Just a Thick Jacket
Wearing one heavy coat might seem like a good idea, but it limits flexibility and breathability. Instead, use the layering system: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer (like fleece or down), and a waterproof outer layer.
4. Non-Waterproof Outerwear
Snow and slush can soak into your clothes, making you miserable. Avoid soft-shell jackets or cheap puffer coats that aren’t waterproof. Opt for a proper hard-shell or insulated waterproof jacket and trousers.
5. Regular Socks or Only One Pair
Thin cotton socks won’t keep your feet warm. Instead, wear wool or synthetic thermal socks and consider layering with liner socks to prevent blisters.
6. Exposed Skin (No Gloves, Hat, or Scarf)
Frostbite can develop quickly on exposed skin. Always wear insulated gloves or mittens, a warm hat, and a neck gaiter or balaclava to protect against windchill.
7. Tight Clothing That Restricts Circulation
Overly tight boots, socks, or clothing can reduce blood flow, making your extremities colder. Ensure a good fit that allows movement and circulation.
8. Sunglasses with No UV Protection or No Eye Protection at All
Snow reflects sunlight, increasing the risk of snow blindness. Wear sunglasses or snow goggles with UV protection.
9. A Metal Water Bottle Without Insulation
Metal bottles can freeze in cold temperatures, making it impossible to drink. Use an insulated bottle or a plastic water bottle with an insulated sleeve.
Top Tips For Hiking In Winter
These are our top tips for hiking in the wintertime.
#1: Take Your Time
If you’re used to hiking in warmer weather then be prepared for the fact you’ll probably get tired much quicker when hiking in the cold. Plan shorter routes until you know your stamina levels for hiking in the winter, and go slow and steady.
Remember that daylight hours are shorter during the winter, so you’ll have less hiking time in the light. You might also find you need to take shorter but more frequent stops to change gear and clothing.
#2: Get Familiar With Your Gear
You might well have different gear with you when hiking in the winter, so make sure you know how to use it before heading off into the wild. Make sure you know when to use each piece of gear you’re bringing too.
It’s an excellent idea to go hiking with someone who has experience of both the area and hiking in snow or ice for your first winter hike or two. They’ll be able to help you plan sensible routes and show you how and when to use your gear. It can make all the difference.
#3: Know How To Navigate
This one is pretty obvious. Don’t head out into unknown areas without knowing how to find your way around.
If you’re using a map and compass, make sure you have experience using them and that you’re confident about navigating with them.
You might also want to take a digital map like the Garmin eTrex. It gives access to multiple global navigation satellite systems and pairs with your phone. It also has a long battery life and a bright screen for viewing in all weather.
#4 Keep Electronics Warm
Cold weather will drain your batteries quickly, so try to keep your electronics, like your navigation system, phone and GoPro, warm while you hike. We keep them in pockets close to our bodies rather than in a backpack and this seems to do the job well.
The inside chest pockets of your hiking jacket are best but if you can’t fit them in there then trouser pockets or even something like this travel wallet worn close to your body will do the trick.
#5 Take Short, Frequent Breaks
Try to avoid sweating. Being wet is the fastest way to get cold! You won’t want to take long breaks to sit around getting cold, so taking short breaks often will really help both stopping you sweat and keeping you moving and warm.
We take something padded to sit down on when we hike in the winter, that way we don’t get a cold, wet bum when we need to give our legs a rest. These padded cushions fold down super small, they’re lightweight and insulated so you’ll stay nice and warm. They’re also great for sitting around campfires in the evening.
#6 Fuel Up!
Hiking in the winter gives you a great excuse to eat! You burn more calories when hiking in more extreme temperatures, and the extra fuel will help your body stay warm. Have a snack every time you stop for a break.
Your snack of choice may vary, but whatever you do, take something you actually enjoy eating or you’re less likely to eat it. We try to take a mixture of specific hiking snack bars, nuts and dried fruit, and some high-calorie ‘quick fix’ snacks like Snickers bars.
Water is essential for obvious reasons but you’re not going to feel like drinking as much in the cold, so try to remember to take regular sips as you hike. If you’re in seriously cold temperatures and your water is at risk of freezing, keep it close to your body to prevent it from getting too cold.
Things like hydration bladders with tubes tend to freeze more quickly than insulated water bottles.
#7 Have Your First Aid Knowledge Down
If you’re hiking in extreme temperatures you’re going to want to have some first aid knowledge and a decent first aid kit. When hiking in the winter pack some extras like hand-warmers, foil blankets and pack a change of warm clothes in your car just in case.
You should know how to recognise the symptoms of hyperthermia so that you can avoid it at all costs. When the body gets to dangerously low temperatures your body will let off warning signs, such as you’ll start to shiver, you’ll feel drowsy, confused, have memory loss and slurred speech.
Take any symptoms really seriously and radio for help immediately. To help prevent hypothermia you should never head out hiking without the appropriate gear and do everything you can to keep dry on the hike, even if that means swapping out damp or wet layers for dry ones.
You can read more about hypothermia and ways to avoid it here.
Conclusion: Best Winter Hiking Gear
When it comes to winter hiking, the right gear can make all the difference between a thrilling adventure and a miserable, potentially dangerous experience.
Staying warm, dry, and safe in cold, unpredictable conditions is all about preparation and layering the right materials. It’s easy to assume that bundling up in the thickest clothes will keep you warm, but smart layering is far more effective—allowing you to stay insulated while also preventing overheating and sweat buildup, which can quickly lead to getting cold.
Choosing the right outerwear is crucial, with waterproof and windproof layers protecting against snow and icy gusts. Insulated boots with solid traction help prevent slips on frozen trails, while the right gloves, hats, and socks keep extremities from losing heat too quickly.
Many people underestimate just how cold their fingers and toes can get, making proper protection for hands and feet just as important as a warm jacket.
Beyond clothing, having reliable navigation tools, emergency supplies, and a solid hydration system ensures that even in the worst conditions, you’re ready for anything.
Winter hiking is a test of endurance, preparation, and respect for nature. With the right gear, it transforms from a challenge into an unforgettable experience—one where crisp air, untouched snowy landscapes, and the peaceful silence of winter wilderness make every step worth it.
Some of our absolute best memories are from snowy, winter hikes. We can’t wait for you to experience the same.
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