This article covers our tried and tested advice for staying safe outdoors in winter and hiking in cold conditions. We also cover what you should bring with you, wear and hiking techniques to give you a good boost of confidence.
We know how much more of a challenge it can be to get outdoors in winter. Spring, summer and fall/autumn present such incredible options. Winter takes a little shift in thinking.
Depending on where you live, getting outdoors in winter can mean a lot more prep and a whole lot more to think about. Whilst it is more of a challenge, it can make you feel amazing (and keep you feeling healthier all year round).
We’ve hiked in pretty much all winter conditions at this point. From multiday winter backpacks in the high mountains to muddy hills at lower elevations that feel like quicksand.
In this time, we’ve learned a lot about what takes a winter hike from feeling a little scary to really fun. Since moving to the mountains full time, we’ve been able to take this one step further. Read on for all of our tips for hiking in cold weather!
What are the Main Differences Between Winter Hiking vs Summer Hiking?
There are some pretty obvious differences between winter hiking and summer hiking. Of course, the temperatures, the days getting shorter, and conditions are up there.
We’ve always found that it’s a combination of adapting to the weather and a change in mindset. Admittedly, Fay really loves summer hiking more than winter hiking; the sense of carefree heading out whenever does have its draw.
Matt has always been a big fan of cold hike fun! Though over time, we’ve both come to truly love what it has to offer, from all of the experiences we’ve had (some good and some bad).
The key things you need to consider about the differences between winter hiking and summer hiking are the temperatures out. This will have a huge impact on what you wear, and depending on where you are with hiking, you may need to look at making some additions to your kit to keep you warm and safe.
Likewise, you should be thinking about how much shorter the days are. You will likely need to revise routes depending on time available and also consider what is accessible, or not, because of weather.
Snow can have a big impact in winter too – so some routes that are really obvious in summer can be almost impossible in winter. We always check where possible to see if a route is doable in winter (and if nothing else, AllTrails up to date reviews can often be a big help here!).
More than anything though, we think that one of the key differences between summer and winter hiking is the mindset involved. The want to stay indoors can be so much more tempting.
We always try to remind ourselves that we will feel better after being outdoors and there is beauty in all the seasons. Even if it’s raining, and the dead of winter out, there can still be something to see in the mountains.
We’ve personally found this approach, alongside being confident with our winter skills have allowed us to get out every week into the mountains during the colder months. This has an enormous impact on our sense of wellbeing.
Be Prepared
We’re pretty confident that preparation is key when it comes to getting outdoors and making the best of those beautiful landscapes during the colder months. Whether it’s backpacking in the snow or heading out in chillier temps, these tips and series of steps will help you feel much more confident.
Check the Weather Forecast
This one is key. However, it’s really dependent on where you live, as this will help determine what is a safe, or acceptable level or not. Context is key here.
That aside, checking the weather forecast in advance will allow you to get a good idea, hour for hour, what you can expect. General forecasts are good, but we always like to use mountain specific forecast apps where possible.
These differ depending on where you’re based, so we’d recommend looking one up if you don’t already use one. We then look to compare both a more generalized one and mountain specific.
Look for things like feels like temperature, wind chill, if there’s any snow forecast, fog, rain etc. This can help you make the right decision as to what feels good for your confidence level.
If you’re in doubt, err on the side of caution, but also keep in mind that if you’re trying to become more confident with winter outdoors fun, then sometimes this can be resistance or anxiety instead of general concern.
We found when we were improving our confidence that identifying whether this was the case was key to pushing ourselves. It’s about getting the sweet spot between pushing yourself just enough to get out of your comfort zone (if you are anxious or lack confidence) and staying within a safe zone limit too.
Reconnaissance the Route
Understanding what the trail conditions are like before you go is one of the key pieces of advice we can give you. You can find that a trail you maybe did in summer is completely inaccessible in winter.
In snow, check for avalanche warnings, new snowfall and information on backcountry conditions. AllTrails is actually a pretty good way of finding out recently travelled conditions from other hikers if it’s a well known route. Otherwise, check with the authority handling the area you’re hiking in.
Even if snow isn’t an issue where you live, it could be that there has been a recent storm that’s made some of the trail inaccessible. Or flooding may be playing a part. Intense mud can also have a heavy impact too.
If in doubt, stick to lower elevations and only go as far as feels comfortable. You can always turn around and there will always be another day.
Of course, this can be a little disappointing if you’ve travelled (we’ve had loads of experiences where we’ve really wanted to do a hike on a trip, and it hasn’t been possible). But your health and safety are much more important.
The conditions on the trail will also determine what equipment and gear you need with you. For example, if a trail is used a lot, a hard snow pack or well-trodden surface will likely mean boots and micro spikes are all you need.
However, if you’re going to be breaking a trail a little bit more, then snowshoes are likely needed so you don’t end up sinking (which does look funny but takes so much effort to get out).
Crampons for hiking may be needed if you’re somewhere that experiences ice rather than so much snow, or varied conditions. Likewise, if it’s particularly muddy where you are, gaiters can make a world of difference. More on these later.
This is why it’s important to keep in mind your specific location in terms of what you need to bring. One set of hiking gear isn’t right for all.
Plan for Shorter Days
From our experience, hiking during winter takes longer than summer. Especially if there’s snow, you can typically expect to move slower.
This is still the same even if there isn’t snow where you are, as there can still be things that make hiking slower. Mud, slippery surfaces, rain and needing to take different paths due to weather all play a part.
You should always be planning your hikes with what is realistic for you. If you anticipate that you may be able to cover 1/3 less ground than you normally can (sometimes half) that can start to help you judge which routes are doable.
Hiking in winter also means you’ll probably need to get up a little earlier, depending on the length of your route and where you are in relation to it. Something we love about living in the mountains is that we don’t have to get up as early as we used to in order to go hiking.
Our main tip here is to just give yourself longer than you think you need for the route. Both to get there and to do the trail. It’s not a great idea to be hiking after dark in winter where you can avoid it as there is more scope for injury.
Pack Cold Weather Hiking Equipment
This is possibly one of the most important sections of our article. If you have the right cold weather hiking outfit and equipment, so much becomes possible.
Having the right gear makes all the difference to your comfort, safety and ability to push yourself outdoors. It also really boils down to how much you enjoy it and what you take away from it – the most important bit we think!
Hiking Poles
We wouldn’t say this is 100% of the time, as it depends on the conditions, but we very rarely go hiking in winter without hiking poles. Even if they’re just tucked away in our daypack, it’s good to have a lightweight pair.
We’d say they’re at the top of our winter trekking gear list. Here’s why: in snow, they can help balance you considerably, especially if using snowshoes or crampons.
They can also help you to determine how deep the snow or ground ahead of you is before stepping that way. They also help give you extra traction when on slippery uphill’s using crampons or micro spikes.
When cold weather hiking, it’s good to keep in mind that depending on the minimum temperature you might experience, some hiking poles are not suited to extreme temperatures and can shatter.
If this is you, opt for winter trekking poles or winter walking poles. Though, that said, the majority of hiking poles we’ve tested over the years have never struggled at all with cold temperatures (we think this is likely an err on the side of caution situation from manufacturers).
We each have our different favorites when it comes to trekking poles. Fay prefers the Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS trekking poles, which are fully foldable and tuck away nicely in the side of a daypack. Whereas Matt loves the rigidity of the telescopic Leki Sherpa Strong FX Carbon hiking poles.
If you’re deciding which hiking poles would be best for you, our guide to the best trekking poles covers what to look for in choosing a pair of hiking poles in more detail, alongside a number of incredible options on the market right now.
Mirco Spikes or Crampons
Whether it’s microspikes for hiking or boot crampons, these can all make a huge difference in winter. Microspikes allow you to have a chain and rubber attachment that hooks over your shoe or boots. Spikes for hiking boots can really easily be stowed away.
Crampons for hiking boots are usually more full on and come in a bag to stow away or can be attached to the front of your pac. Usually in the mesh pouch at the front.
We’ve got to a point where we bring micro spikes for hiking when things aren’t quite as icy. For example, at the start of winter, if an area isn’t so bad or if things are generally more compacted but you just want a big more traction.
We’ve found our confidence has gone up massively since adding this extra layer of grip to our boots. Before that, we would shy away a little from going that bit further.
We would recommend these snow spikes for shoes. But they can also be attached to your boots as well.
Crampons take things to the next level on icy ascents or where the snowpack is solid. If you’re going to get some hiking boot crampons, then spend some time getting used to putting them on and walking with them.
Do this outdoors in the ice or snow where possible as otherwise they can ruin your surfaces at home. We always used to find putting crampons on really fiddly, but there have also been some hikes we’ve been on where we left them at home and really wish we’d brought them.
Crampons add a valuable safety tool to your kit and will allow you to go further. Even if you don’t end up using them, they make a huge difference to your confidence.
You also want to check what type of fixings your hiking boots have. Just as hiking boots have B ratings, e.g. B1 – B3, crampons come with C ratings (C1 – C3). You can use C1 crampons on B1 boots, C1 or C2 on B2 boots and C1-C3 on B3 boots.
C1 crampons are the most basic type, you simply step into them and use a series of straps to tighten them up. It’s important to make sure your crampons are properly fitted to secure them.
B2 and B3 boots have small lips or ridges at the back (B2) or both the front and back (B3). These ridges are for the technical bindings (similar to a ski binding) on C2 and C3 crampons.
The technical bindings allow a tighter and more secure fit for the crampon. However, if your boot lacks the technical mounting points, it is not compatible with these technical crampons.
These crampons are well worth investing in if you have the appropriate boots as they offer a more rigid attachment to the boot. However, they are not compatible with boots that do not have the corresponding lips or ridges.
Some crampons, for example those from Petzl allow you to change the binding system. This makes them suitable for different types and B ratings of boots.
It’s worth keeping in mind that crampons have a bar that can only be adjusted to a certain length. So, make sure you measure the extended length over your boot before buying, if you have larger feet. Though most manufacturers do make an extended bar you can order.
We personally think the best crampons for walking boots are the Grivel G10 which is a C1, or the Petzl Vasak for C2 and C3. Either of these will set you up well depending on your needs.
If you’re after crampons for shoes, then you need to essentially look at something that is a bit more like snow spikes for shoes. It isn’t really possible to connect traditional C1 crampons for hiking shoes usage as if your shoes aren’t rigid enough, the crampon can fall off.
Snow Shoes
Whether or not you need snowshoes for hiking will depend on where you’re hiking. If you’re planning to go into the backcountry on less groomed trails, we think they’re one of the winter hiking gear essentials.
When we first started hiking in the snow, we went through several ‘fun’ experiences where we thought we’d be ok without them. After a lot of post holing (where you sink down), snowshoes have become important, and one of our top tips for hiking in the snow is to use them.
In fact, snowshoes have helped us on winter mountaineering expeditions into the Spanish Pyrenes where we wouldn’t have been able to break ground otherwise. We both firmly believe that whilst they can feel like overkill strapped to your pack, they’re pretty important.
They also give you more of a workout. We always find that any distance you’d go normally in summer can feel like twice as long on snowshoes. So, keep that in mind!
There are different types of snowshoes, but generally, they’re pretty similar in terms of their use. And whilst some are marketed as ladies snow shoes or men’s snow shoes, there’s not a lot in it.
We both have the same snowshoes and would recommend the MSR Evo Trail. They’ve been through various iterations over time but stand strong for years.
We think they’re one of the essential things to carry for snow trekking and can be lashed to your daypack when not in use. Get used to putting them on before you head out too, as they can take some practice.
Shelter
We took a while to become accustomed to the idea of taking a shelter out on winter hikes, but they can make all the difference. And not just for emergencies.
The Lifesystem Survival Shelter is a great idea, packs down small and gives you extra peace of mind against the elements. They’re also fantastic for giving you a break from bad weather conditions that may set in.
For their weight and packed size, they’re an extremely good addition. Especially if you plan on spending plenty of time outdoors in cold weather.
Back-up Battery for Charging Electronics
It’s always a good idea to bring a battery pack for charging up your phone or anything else that may need it. Especially when hiking in winter!
Batteries can run out faster in colder conditions, so it’s a good idea to bring one, even if it stays in your pack most the time. It just gives you the peace of mind should you need it.
We used to use Powertraveller products, but they’ve since been discontinued. However, something like this one that’s rugged and has the option for solar when possible would work great.
Torch or Headlamp
One of the best winter hiking safety tips we can give is to carry a torch or a headlamp. Sometimes, you can find yourself out past dark and it’s a good idea to have one to keep you aware of the trail.
We personally prefer a headlamp to a torch as it means we can be hands free. Especially good if you’re using hiking poles.
We love the Petzl Actik. We’ve found it stays charged for a long time, meaning you’ve got no worries about it running out for your hikes. We’ve had ours for 6 years now and they’re still going strong.
Compass and Map
We know the reality for a lot of people is that you’ll use your mobile device for navigation (we do too). But it is always a good idea to carry a map and compass as a backup.
We think a map and compass should be an essential in your winter trekking equipment. Mobile devices can fail, and so having that option there gives you extra peace of mind.
A compass doesn’t need to be expensive. In our guide to the best hiking compasses, we go through a number of reasonably priced, small options for every budget.
Likewise, get to know the area you’re hiking with a paper map. Be sure you learn the basics of how to use a compass and map before heading out.
Knife
Carrying a pocket knife can be really handy when hiking, and not just in winter, but all year round. In winter, it can be really useful for any snags or pulls you might find, or anything that may get attached to your snowshoes or hiking poles for example.
We’d advise something small like this pocket knife. It also has plenty of other tools that are useful. And can be a great addition to your backpacking kit for the warmer months too.
First Aid Kit
We think a small first aid kid with the essentials tailored to hiking should be a part of your gear all year round. But one of our tips for hiking in the winter is not to forget it.
We think these Adventure Medical Kits are a really good idea. They’re waterproof and take up very little room in your daypack.
These packs also carry blister protection, which is vital to have in your hiking first aid kit. Each pack contains enough for two hikers as well, so if you’re hiking with someone else, you only really need carry one.
Sun Protection
If you’re planning to hike in the snow, don’t forget the sun protection! It may seem a little counter intuitive – why would you need sunscreen for hiking in December?
However, sunscreen is essential. We’ve made the mistake in the past of hiking in the snow and coming back with bright red faces. We learned this pretty quickly and have brought cream ever since.
The snow works like a reflective surface, so when the sun comes out, you’ll absolutely get sun burn. If you’re hiking at altitude, UV exposure is also higher, so you’ll need to make sure you wear a cream that is well factored.
We like to bring sunscreen that is at least factor 30 (but usually 45). We like this cream as it has a non-greasy formula and dries quickly.
We usually have a peak cap or baseball hat in our packs as well to alternate between a beanie and a cap depending on conditions. This also allows you to shade your face and keep your hairline and parting covered to prevent sunburn.
Practice Using Your Winter Trekking Gear
If there are some pieces of kit you’ve bought that you’ve not used before or aren’t familiar with, a snow hiking tip we’d really recommend is practicing with them.
For example, practice putting on and removing crampons. Practice attaching and releasing snowshoes. If you’re bringing hiking poles, practice using these in combination with your snowshoes.
It’s not just to keep you familiar, but it’s also to make sure that when needed, you know you’re in a good place mentally. Winter hiking is all about confidence.
This can help you keep as safe as possible. Your snow trekking kit should be familiar to you. Also check that it’s still working before you get it out and use it each year.
Carry Extra Food, Water and Clothing
Dressing for cold weather hiking and generally being as prepared as possible for us also usually means bringing extras where possible. We always bring extra snacks as hikes can feel more strenuous – and we make sure we eat them.
The same with water. It can be easy to not drink as much water as the heat in summer usually has you reaching for your bottle. Winter doesn’t do that, so we specifically make sure we stop to drink frequently.
Lastly, we always carry extra layers. This is usually extra mid layers, thicker gloves, waterproof pants and jacket if it’s not raining out. Getting clothes for winter hiking right will also be down to whether you’re a cold or warmer hiker.
If you feel cold more easily, always err on the side of caution and bring more. Look at your specifics too. For example, with us, Matt feels the cold in his hands more. Whereas Fay feels it in the ears.
Keep Warm
When we were discussing this, we came to the agreement that one of the things that keeps you indoors more often than not in winter is feeling cold out.
We’ve spent a geekily long amount of time working on our layering system and ways to keep warm. So here are our tips for winter hiking when it comes to keeping warm and enjoying it!
Wear Layers
Layers are pretty much the go to when it comes to getting the balance right with winter hiking. When we first started out, we went for jackets that were as thick as possible.
Whilst they feel amazing when you first put them on at the parking lot, as soon as you start hiking you feel uncomfortably itchy and sweaty. So, we quickly learned that layers were key.
This allows you to have several options that you can put on and take off as you need to. Here is our key layering system (we also talk more about this in our what to wear hiking article).
Base Layer
A base layer will help keep you warm from the inside out. A good one will also help to wick moisture and is essential for your winter trekking outfit.
Even with the best transference and technology on your shell layers, you can still get sweaty at the core. A base layer will help keep that moisture away from your skin and stop you from shivering.
We tend to wear either sports/tech fabric tees, or merino wool. We usually go for merino when it’s colder.
Likewise, when it’s feeling particularly cold, you’ll want to add thermal tights, or merino wool tights to your winter hiking outfit. You can even do this down to your underwear if you feel you need the heat improvement.
We’d recommend something like this from Arc’teryx when it comes to a tech tee. They’re really comfortable and wick really well.
We also like these Meriwool merino full length sleeve base layers. These are the merino tights we would also recommend, which can be used unisex.
Mid-Layer
Mid layers make a really big difference when it comes to warmth. But getting the balance right between something that is light and warm is key for your winter hiking wear.
Some people will wear a straight up sweater, but these can actually not be very well insulated. They also don’t always fit under your other layers so well.
A hiking specific mid layer is always a good option here, one that is moisture wicking and insulating too. We love the Rab Nexus hoody. It’s been our go to for years at this point!
We always advise going for mid layers that have a full zip down, so you can adjust your temperature as needed. Sometimes in winter, half length zippers that need to be pulled over your head can feel really frustrating!
Outer Layer
Your outer layer when it comes to winter hiking wear should be a mixture of insulating material and waterproof/windproof materials. We believe you should have a separate insulating layer and a separate hard shell.
On top, we always go for a puffy when it comes to an outer layer when it won’t be raining, or isn’t wet outside. Then we will have a rain jacket/wind shell ready to go if needed.
Where you’re hiking will determine what puffy you go for. We’re pretty massive fans of Rab when it comes to our outdoor clothing. They are exceptionally well made and just fit us well.
We personally love the Rab Nebula Pro for colder temperatures. Whereas the Rab Xenair Alpine feels really light but incredibly warm for slightly less full-on temps.
When it comes to a rain shell, we’re big fans of the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0. However, our guide to the best waterproof rain jackets for hiking covers a whole number of options we’ve tested at length outdoors.
On the bottom, go for a winter hiking pant (we like these ones). Or winter leggings, like these. Likewise, keep something waterproof in your pack that can be slipped on. Our guide to the best rain pants for hiking covers a great range of options.
We personally love the Rab Downpour Eco Pants, they’re incredibly easy to get on. Even over boots.
Ensure Your Extremities Stay Warm
Without a doubt some of the most important snow trekking accessories are for your extremities. These are not only for your comfort, but your safety too.
Wearing gloves that are warm enough, and the right boots and socks will keep your fingers warm and even help prevent frostbite. Here are some of the items we’d suggest you bring or invest in to make more of hiking in winter.
Hats and Scarves
A beanie is a really good idea when it comes to a hat. We always go for something that’s lined. The ones you get that aren’t (it’s a personal peeve) can feel really itchy.
We always go for a waterproof one too. Again, this is a personal thing, but it rains a lot in the mountains where we live, so feels like a no brainer. We love the Sealskinz Cley Beanie.
We always bring a peak cap or baseball hat too. For days when it’s hotter or sunnier, it can help keep the shade off your face and head. Likewise, for if you get too hot in a beanie.
We like a Buff neck gaiter to wear around our necks too. These are great to pull up around your chin, lips and nose too if you’re feeling really cold.
Gloves and Hand Warmers
When it comes to gloves, we think having a layered approach is best. For most instances, and when it gets really cold, we’ll wear a liner glove and a thicker glove (ideally waterproof).
This means you can take off your thicker glove if you get to warm, and still have something thinner. Especially good if you’re using trekking poles.
If you find your hands get very cold, you can also add hand warmers to your gloves. These just help to increase the temperature. These fit well inside gloves.
Boots, Socks and Gaiters
In winter, we would always recommend wearing more full on winter boots (depending on the conditions you hike in of course). If there is little by way of deeper snow, or mud, then a good pair of hiking shoes is obviously more than fine.
Where we live, and visit, we tend to get deeper mud and thicker snow drifts. So insulated hiking boots are best. You want something fully waterproof. Our guides to the best hiking boots and the best waterproof hiking shoes will cover you here for all eventualities.
Socks wise, we always recommend merino. We’ve tried waterproof but they just don’t feel as good as trusty Darn Tough. They’re just next level warm, comfortable and wicking. Plus, they work great for winter and summer treks.
Gaiters make a great addition to your winter trekking clothes too. Not only are they great for keeping your legs that bit warmer, but they prevent snow or mud from making your pants wet or muddy.
We’ve tried lots over the years and have settled on the Rab Kangri GTX being our favorite. They’re super adjustable and feel really comfy to wear all day.
Take Lots of Short Breaks
When it comes to hiking in snow tips, we think it’s important to remember to take lots of short breaks. Your body is likely working harder than it does in summer.
This could literally be to take a sip of water or to eat a snack. You will feel the workout of your hike more in winter than summer.
We always try to take a break about once every 30 minutes or so but do this based on you and your pace. We use taking photos as a reason to stop most the time.
Pack Hot Food and Drink
For years, we used to take cold lunches with us hiking in winter. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with this, the idea of hikes in January with a cold sandwich just don’t really cut it.
We actually found these Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jars a few years ago. They’ve pretty much changed everything for us when it comes to food on a cold hike now.
We’ll usually make more for dinner the night before and take this the next day. They’re great for hot pasta. If you take any cold weather hiking tips from us, let it be this one!
Likewise, we always take some tea with us in a Hydro Flask 16oz as well as our usual bottles. This allows you to sip on it through the hike and keep warm. Especially good if planning to go for a swim on route like Fay often does.
Eat Plenty of Snacks
Eating snacks in winter is really important. Maybe more so than summer to keep your energy levels high as you’ll burn more of it keeping warm.
Make them snacks you want to eat though and make them snacks that are also easy to eat. Go for things that are higher in protein and also carbs.
Snacks we love are things like Cliff bars, peanut butter pretzels, sausages, cheese. Generally anything that’s easy to much on will be good here for you.
Stay Safe
We can’t go over tips for hiking in winter without some winter hiking safety tips. There can be a lot more to consider in winter, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Here are our main winter hiking tips to get you started and have a solid plan to feel more confident.
Let Someone Know Your Plans
We think this is something that’s often forgotten or falls by the wayside, but really important. It just takes that edge of worry away.
You should tell someone where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. It’s also good to let them know when you think you’ll be back.
Tell them who you’ll be with too and the trailhead you’ll be parking at. Basically, all the information that would be helpful if needed.
Err on the Side of Caution
This is something we live by not just in winter, but all year round. Here are some of the main things we consider in our decision making for the outdoors:
- Whilst we still push ourselves, we plan for worse conditions, so there aren’t any surprises.
- If the weather starts to turn, we turn back.
- We have a cut off time where we head back to the car, to avoid hiking in the dark.
- If we’re with other people, we always base what we’ll do on the person with the least experience.
- Make choices about trails based on our experience level and consider upping the challenge level to harder than is marked.
Use Your Equipment, Don’t Just Carry It
A cold hiking outfit can be great in theory, including all the gadgets you’ll likely get. However, make sure you use them. We’d also suggest testing any gear before heading out this winter season.
It can feel really tempting not to put your snowshoes on, or get your crampons attached, because it’s effort. The reality is though, they can prevent a lot of sprains, injuries and sometimes more serious problems.
The same goes for hats and gloves. Keep everything feeling warm and you’ll generally have a better time.
Keep Electronics Warm and Dry
We pretty much always carry electronics in our jackets and closer to our skin where we can. Things like battery packs and phones keep their charge better when they’re warm. Likewise, this keeps them dry too.
Sometimes daypacks can leak. This is also important when it comes to camera gear too. We always wrap our camera equipment, such as extra lenses in lens wraps (which also help with padding and protection).
If it starts raining heavily or snowing, put your camera way if it’s around your neck. Invest in a waterproof cover for your daypack too.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite
Both hypothermia and frostbite are important to consider when hiking in winter. These are both serious and can be fatal if not handled swiftly. So, let’s go through what some of the main causes and symptoms of each.
Hypothermia
Potential Hypothermia causes/risk factors:
- Cold temperatures
- Fatigue, dehydration and not eating enough
- Alcohol
- Not wearing the right clothes for weather conditions
- Being wet
Symptoms that could be the signs of Hypothermia:
- Feeling very out of it, seeming almost drunk or stumbling
- Slurring your words, brain fog and not being able to communicate well
- Shivering intensely
Frostbite
Potential causes/risk factors for frostbite:
- Bad circulation
- Cold temperatures
- Wearing wet clothes
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Medical conditions
- Being older or younger (can impact body heat regulation)
- Alcohol
Symptoms that could be the signs of frostbite:
- Skin may seem white, gray, blue, purple, brown or kind of mottled
- Blisters on the skin
- Joint stiffness
- Pain
- Tingling sensations, pins and needles or aching
- Skin texture may feel waxy or firmer than usual
Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Whether you explore off the beaten path or not, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is really important when it comes to getting outdoors in winter. For your own safety as much as anything else.
PLB’s can be a much cheaper way to ensure you have something on hand should a bad situation arise. They allow you to trigger an SOS alarm which can be picked up by emergency services.
We actually prefer a Garmin inReach, whilst not technically a PLB, it is pretty much the same system and allows two way communication. These are more expensive, but they’ve become an important part of our kit year round.
Enjoy Hiking in Winter
Hiking in winter can be so much fun, and it can offer you a whole range of benefits. We think winter hiking for beginners is about building up confidence and the skills to get out safely.
Like anything, the more you do it, the more likely you are to feel confident about it. Having the right support is key to anything, and when it comes to hiking, this is by way of knowing what to do and what to wear to be safe.
After years of hiking in winter and hiking in the snow, we can comfortably say we feel prepared for most eventualities and really enjoy what it has to offer. Whilst it takes more prep, it can be every bit as rewarding as summer hiking.
We hope our guide has given you some inspiration to get outdoors this winter, whether it’s that bucket list Christmas hike you’ve always fancied, or getting out more regularly in the darker months.
FAQ
We thought it would be good to cover in this section some of the questions and answers we wish someone had answered for us when we were first getting into hiking in cold weather.
What are the essential items to pack for winter hiking?
You’ll be well served here by looking at our what to wear hiking and day hiking checklist articles. These go into detail, season by season and are a great start to get together a list.
It’s worth keeping in mind that this will change a little based on where you hike. Also depending on what other considerations there are, difficulty of trail, altitude etc.
How can I stay warm during a winter hike?
There are a few areas we’d suggest looking at to keep you warm, and each of these together should really help.
Wear warm layers. As we’ve covered above, a solid layering system that you can use to regulate your warmth will really help here. Include extremity cover too.
Food. Be sure to bring warm drinks and warm food. This makes all the difference.
If possible, hike in sunnier areas (though consider melt on snowpack and access the risk). This will keep you warmer. Also consider hiking on an incline or hillier area where possible as this will keep your body temperature up.
What types of clothing are best for layering in cold weather?
We always advise that lightweight tech layers are best for layering in cold weather. But generally, a base layer (something merino) and a mid layer, which can be a tech hoody. Then your top layer can either be a puffy or waterproof shell (or both) depending on the weather.
Bottoms wise, we’d suggest a similar system. Merino tights, lined hiking trousers and a waterproof rain pant shell you can add if it rains. Generally breathable, moisture wicking layers are best all round.
How can I prevent frostbite or hypothermia while hiking in winter?
It’s vitally important to keep both frostbite and hypothermia in mind whilst hiking in winter. You should keep yourself as warm as possible and your hiking in cold weather outfit should keep your extremities as covered as possible.
You want to keep your body as regulated and warm as possible. So, keep eating warm food and drinking warm liquids, but also cooler liquids too, to avoid dehydration.
What footwear is recommended for snowy or icy trails?
We’d recommend hiking boots that are well insulated for snowy or icy trails. Something insulated will keep your feet warmer in colder temperatures.
You should also consider whether snow shoes or crampons/micro spikes will be the best for you in terms of traction. When it comes to snow shoes, whether you type in ‘snow shoes women’ or ‘snow shoes men’, you’re going to find the same clumpy things to attach to your feet.
That said, they’re excellent for distributing your load on the less compacted snow and stopping you post holing so much. Crampons are great for icy trails, whereas spikes can help give extra traction on slippery but not full on surfaces.
Are trekking poles useful for winter hiking?
Trekking poles are incredibly useful for hiking in winter. These can help you steady yourself, especially in more slippery conditions. They also give you greater contact points.
Be sure that the hiking poles you buy are rated to the temperatures you plan to hike in. Some carbon fiber poles can become brittle in colder temperatures.
We cover this in more detail in our trekking pole buying guide and our article on the best trekking poles.
How can I prepare for sudden weather changes in winter?
Layering, layering, layering. This is probably the most important thing to consider when thinking about the idea that weather may suddenly change in winter.
Think about what you may expect (such as snow, wind, rain) and bring clothing that’s right for that. Waterproof layers that are packable, extra puffy layers for cold. The same goes for things like gloves.
What foods are best to bring for energy during winter hikes?
This goes the same when it comes to tips for winter backpacking too – bring high energy snacks in the form of protein and carbs. You should bring things that are easy to eat.
When it comes to hot food, we love bringing pasta with mac and cheese sauce made from blitzed cashew nuts (seriously try it). We also love bringing noodles with things like tofu or a meaty alternative.
Snacks wise, peanut butter pretzels are always a winner for us. As are Cliff bars. Make it something you want to eat.
How do I keep my water from freezing on cold hikes?
When we went on a Winter Skills course years ago where we were doing some pretty intense hikes in February at high altitude and a lot of snow, we’d all brought narrow lidded bottles. The guide made us all go to the outdoor store and buy wide mouth bottles.
He said that there is a much better change of your drink freezing with a narrow mouth bottle. Nalgene bottles or Hydro Flasks are good for keeping your drinks from freezing so much.
With a Nalgene, we’d recommend you keep this under your puffy layer and wear the waist belt of your daypack over to keep it in place. This will keep it warmer. Or keep it upside down.
How can I find out if trails are open or safe during winter?
Most mountain areas will have information as to what trails are open, especially in National Parks. So, check in with whoever looks after the area you plan to hike in first.
If this doesn’t work, we also use AllTrails sometimes as a fall back option here. Usually, you’ll find a list of reviews below each trail and most people will add what the trail conditions were like at that given point. Though only use this as one point of reference.
If in doubt, err on the side of caution with your plans. Have some back up options close by or at lower elevations should you need them and don’t be afraid to turn back.
What should I do if I get lost on a winter hike?
Here are some key things you can consider if you get lost on a winter hike:
- Try to remain calm. This is easier said than done but being calm will help you find a way to get through the situation.
- Check your navigation. Look at any landmarks you can identify. This can help you get oriented and get on the move again.
- If weather is impacting your visibility, look to see if it shows any signs of clearing soon. It can sometimes be a good idea to just wait it out and get a better picture in clearer weather.
- Call mountain rescue. They will likely be able to help guide you off the terrain from your phone.
How can I protect my electronics from freezing temperatures?
Try to keep electronics close to your body. Your winter trekking clothes can usually help generate a decent amount of heat, and so does your body.
So, this is the best way to make sure nothing gets below it’s working temperature. We’d recommend putting things in pockets between layers.
What are some tips for managing snow and ice on trails?
When it comes to winter wear for trekking in ice and snow, bring crampons, micro spikes or snow shoes depending on the terrain. Practice using them beforehand and get yourself comfortable with them.
This can help you have a lot more confidence when it comes to your kit and allow you to go further. Not to mention less likely to get injured!
Are there special considerations for hiking with dogs in winter?
Just like you, your dog needs their own hiking in winter outfit. You should consider a warm coat if you dog’s body needs it. Likewise, add some paw protection in the form of boots.
Make sure you bring extra water and food for your dog, similar to what you would for yourself. A dog backpack can also be a good idea to help them be able to bring more of what they need.
Also keep in mind that you should check your dog for the signs of hypothermia or extreme coldness. Make sure your dog also has a light or high vis gear should they veer away from you.
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