How to Keep Warm on Cold Winter Days

Everyone needs fresh air and vitamin D. Do not let the cold and snowy elements of winter prevent you from enjoying the outdoors! Here, you’ll learn some layering basics so you can get back outside and combat those winter blues!

Layering Basics for Cold Weather Hiking

When you combine cold exposure and extreme physical exertion you’re putting yourself at risk for hypothermia. Hypothermia is not just something that you read about and think could never happen to you, it is real and it is life threatening. Taking steps to decrease those odds is vital for hiking in the winter. Even on short winter hikes it is imperative to be prepared. The key to staying warm and comfortable is wearing layers.

Base Layer

This is the layer that is going to sit against your skin. You want this to be moisture wicking and made of synthetic material or merino wool.

Cotton is a killer. I’m sure you’ve heard that phrase before and for good reason. When cotton becomes saturated, it takes a significant amount of time to dry leaving you cold and miserable. Avoid it all costs.

Merino wool, a type of wool from Merino sheep is preferred by many due to its physical properties. Its fine and flexible fibers make it light weight and softer than other wools. It is a natural insulator that is water repellant and great at moisture wicking due to the lanolin wax that is naturally present in the wool. Even when wet, the wool remains highly breathable and continues to insulate. While other materials will over time become odorous, merino wool does not do this, thanks to its anti-microbial properties. While it is a more pricey investment initially, its durability will serve you well over time.

It’ll take some experimentation to figure out what works best for you. Do you run hot or cold? Depending on your answer you will want a lighter or heavier base layer.

My favorite base layers are Smartwools Merino 250 and Under Armours ColdGear.

Mid Layer – Insulating Layer

This layer will go over your base layer. Its primary function it to insulate and keep all of that precious thermo energy close to your body. Insulating layers will be made of down, synthetic down or fleece. A synthetic alternative to down may be preferred if you live in wet or humid climate as down loses its insulating property when wet. Additionally, down requires more care and is less budget friendly than its synthetic counterpart.

Outer Layer – Water Proof Hard Shell

This layer will go over your mid layer. Its primary function is to keep you dry and protect you from the elements — Rain, sleet, snow and wind. You’ll want this layer to have a waterproof hard shell and breathability. It’s not necessary for this layer to be insulated, although many do come with insulting options, you’ll have to adjust your mid layer if you choose an insulating hard shell. Going up a size might be required to accommodate all of the previous layers.

For backcountry exploring you’ll want a durable hard shell around 60 denier or above. Why does this matter? A higher denier weight can withstand snags and abrasions further protecting you from the elements.

Winter Hiking Pants

For your bottoms a two layer system will be required if you’ll be in the backcountry for any extended amount of time. A next to skin base layer and a waterproof outer shell to keep you dry and protected from the elements. You’ll want to choose a pair that has breathability zips for comfort. If it is dry, a warm pair of leggings will be sufficient.

Winter Hiking Accessories

Hats, buffs, gloves, shoes and socks are equally and vitally important to maintain your warmth and comfort when hiking.

You lose a significant amount of heat through your head, so even if you have to de-layer, keep your hat on! Buffs/balaclavas will keep your neck and face shielded from the wind – this is especially important while on an extremely windy summit. On those sub zero days heat escapes quite quickly and you’ll be thankful for that added protection.

I always keep at least 2-3 pairs of liner gloves with me. In my pack I keep some heavy duty mittens to go over those liner gloves on the summit. This ensures you have hand protection if you happen to sweat through them or saturate them from the snow.

My favorite hiking socks are Darn Tough and Pro Compression. While Pro Compression doesn’t advertise as hiking socks, I just love them so much for my feet and legs. The compression helps with circulation for those long days out in the backcountry which in turn helps with recovery time. My legs have never felt so good after a hike and I’m always disappointed when I hike without them.

When it comes to winter hiking boots, you’ll again want to ask yourself how does your body run– hot or cold? The amount of insulation you choose will be dependent on your answer. For me, I sweat, a lot. So I am most comfortable in boots that are insulated around 200 grams. Most hiking boots will come in a range of 100-600 grams of insulation. You’ll also want to take into account the weather variables you’ll be hiking in but usually around 200-400 grams of insulation will be sufficient for most winter hikers.

I hope these tips and recommendations help you plan and prepare you for your winter hiking adventures! Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, I am always happy to help!

Happy Trails!

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