Hiking in cold weather conditions requires choosing the right clothing and gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. Proper layering and moisture-wicking fabrics are key for enjoying your hike safely. This guide covers how to dress from base layers to outer shells and what hiking gear is essential during the colder months.
Base Layers
Your base layers sit directly against your skin and are crucial for regulating body temperature. They wick sweat away to keep you dry while trapping heat close to your body.
| Base Layer Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Synthetic or Merino Wool | Keeps you warm even when wet from sweat or external moisture |
| Lightweight or midweight | Balances comfort across temperatures from cold to extremely cold |
| Tops and bottoms | Allows versatile layering for legs, torso and arms |
Choose synthetic fabrics like polyester or natural merino wool which both insulate despite wetness. Silk base layers also retain heat very well. Don’t choose cotton which holds sweat and makes you prone to chilling. Bring an extra base layer top to change into if your first gets soaked with sweat.
Mid Layers
Mid-layers provide insulation from the cold while allowing good freedom of movement. Fleece tops and bottoms are ideal for cold hikes.
| Mid Layer Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Fleece jacket | Breathable and durable while trapping body heat |
| Fleece pants | Wicks moisture and dries quickly to prevent chilling |
| Soft shell jacket | Blocks wind while allowing sweat vapor to escape so you don’t overheat |
Choose 100-200 weight classic fleece offering breathability with warmth. Add a soft shell jacket when facing extreme cold for wind resistance without overheating. For wet cold conditions, a water-resistant fleece provides insulation without soaking through.
Insulated Jacket
For extremely cold conditions, choose an insulated jacket filled with either synthetic or downfill. The table compares the pros and cons of each.
| Fill Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic (Primaloft) | Keeps insulating even when wet | Less compressible and heavier than down |
| Down (duck or goose) | Very compressible and lightweight | Loses insulating ability when wet |
Downfall offers superior warmth for its lightweight but loses all insulating capacity when soaked. Synthetic fills retain warmth better with moisture making them more versatile in damp cold. Water-resistant shell fabrics help extend the usefulness of down in wet environments.
Outer Shell Layer
Your outermost layer protects against snow, wind, and rain. Breathable, waterproof, and windproof fabrics are essential.
| Shell Layer Piece | Features | |-|-|-| | Hardshell jacket | Waterproof and breathable membrane like Gore-Tex plus durable water repellant (DWR) outer fabric | | Windproof fleece or soft shell jacket | DWR treatment to resist light moisture while allowing great breathability | | Hard shell pants | Fully waterproof external layer for heaviest precipitation |
Look for 2-3 layer hard shell designs offering a breathable water barrier and smooth protective face fabric. For aerobic activities in cold rain and snow, ventilation zippers help prevent overheating. Choose shell pants with side zips for easy on-off over boots.
Handwear
Waterproof, insulated gloves designed for winter sports activities make the best hiking hand protection.
| Handwear | Features |
|---|---|
| Insulated gloves with waterproof shell | Quilted insulation with laminated membrane provides warmth and water resistance |
| Heavyweight fleece gloves | Insulated gloves with a waterproof shell |
| Waterproof mittens | Great dexterity, warmth, and fast-drying |
Look for glove options offering moisture protection paired with removable inner lining for adaptable insulation. Always bring waterproof outer mittens for emergency cold or wet weather protection even when lighter gloves suffice most of the day.
Headwear
Upwards of 40% of body heat loss occurs through the head making quality headwear vitally important in the cold.
| Headwear | Recommended Features |
|---|---|
| Winter hat | The fleece interior wicks away moisture while exterior breaks the windchill |
| Balaclava or face mask | Can fit under a helmet while providing warmth for your head and ears |
| The fleece interior wicks away moisture while the exterior breaks the windchill | Winter Beanie |
Choose a hat style that fits under your outer shell hood offering protection for your head, ears, and forehead from exposure. Neck gaiters or face masks block wind chill around your nose and upper areas. Light fleece or polyester balaclavas add warmth without overheating active faces.
Footwear
Proper footwear prevents cold, wet feet which can quickly drain body warmth and energy.
| Footwear | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Insulated hiking boots | Waterproof with 200-400g insulation for warmth without excess bulk |
| Wool hiking socks | Wicks moisture, retains insulating ability even when damp |
| Lightweight liner socks | Prevents blisters and adds warmth by wicking moisture |
Look for waterproof boots with aggressive traction suitable for snow and ice. Mid-height styles offer ankle support while allowing more airflow for high-exertion hiking. Pair with moisture-wicking liner socks and merino wool or synthetic socks offering both cushioning and insulation.
Layering Systems
Adapt your clothing layers using these layering principles:
- Keep skin dry – Wet fabrics lose insulating ability leading to chilled bodies
- Modulate insulation – Add or shed layers so you don’t overheat or get cold
- Manage sweat – Wicking fabrics keep sweat away from your skin preventing wind chill
- Block external moisture – Waterproof, breathable membranes and durable fabrics maintain warmth
Follow this complete layering guide from base to outer shell:
- Silk or synthetic long underwear
- Mid-weight long underwear top
- Fleece jacket mid-layer
- Insulated jacket layer
- Hard shell, waterproof jacket
- Soft shell or hard shell pants
- Lightweight long underwear bottoms
- Fleece pants mid-layer
- Wool hiking socks
- Waterproof insulated hiking boots
Adjust your layers to prevent getting wet from sweat or external moisture penetration. Keeping dry is the key to sustained body warmth and energy.
Hiking Equipment
Beyond wearing proper apparel, additional gear comes in handy for safe and enjoyable cold hikes.
| Gear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Trekking poles | Aid stability and distribute effort over 4 limbs instead of 2 |
| Fluids & food | Maintain energy reserves for generating warmth internally |
| Sunglasses & sunscreen | Bring spares for lost originals or doubling up the warmth |
| Headlamp | Early nightfall means carrying extended lighting |
| Knit hat & gloves | Bring spares for lost originals or doubling up warmth |
| Chemical hand & toe warmers | Use when extremities get painfully cold |
| Firestarter kit | Emergency backup if you need to stop and get warm |
| Survival blanket & whistle | Last resort emergency measures if injured |
Plan for shorter daylight hours carrying navigation aids like maps, compass, and fully charged GPS devices with extra batteries. Pack extra food and fluids keeping energy levels high to fuel your internal warmth. Spare hats, socks, and gloves come in handy if your originals get wet.
Special Considerations
Hiking in the cold presents some specific planning and safety considerations:
Stay Visible
Wear bright colors so search teams can locate you if injured or lost. Pack emergency signaling devices like whistles, flares, and electronic beacons.
Avoid Cotton Layers
Cotton soaks up sweat and weather moisture quickly robbing body warmth. Choose synthetic and wool fabrics instead.
Monitor Exposed Skin
Watch for frostbite on exposed ears, noses, cheeks, and fingertips which lose heat rapidly. Cover up before skin turns white.
Keep Hydrated
Dehydration drops your core temperature. Drink plenty of fluids and snacks often for energy to warm your body.
Follow the Leader’s Tracks
Hiking single file in the footprints of whoever leads allows safer footing and minimizes trail erosion.
Turn Back Early If Necessary
Don’t push to your limits where cold exhaustion or injuries can occur. Leave plenty of margin for the hike out by turning around early.
Conclusion
Dressing properly using a layering system matched to the cold conditions makes all the difference in staying warm, dry, and safe. Choosing a moisture-wicking base and mid-layers topped by wind and waterproof shells regulates body temperature during aerobic activity. Fleece insulation paired with highly breathable soft shell jackets provides adaptable warmth without overheating or moisture buildup. Always pack spare gloves, hats, and socks in case you need to change out wet originals.
Adjust layers over the course of your hike to prevent sweating or shivering. Finally, listen to your guide’s recommendations while keeping your own perceived comfort and energy levels top of mind. Turning back or stopping to add insulation beats pushing dangerously close to your limits in the unpredictable cold. Follow these clothing and guidelines and your next cold-weather hike promises to be a rewarding adventure undertaken safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Cold Weather
What clothes should I wear hiking in 30-degree weather?
For 30-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, wear a merino wool or synthetic base layer set, midweight fleece top and bottoms, insulated jacket layered under a waterproof hard shell. Choose waterproof insulated boots and wool hiking socks plus moisture-wicking liner socks. Add warm technical gloves and a winter hat that protects the ears, forehead, and nape of the neck.
Is cotton bad for hiking?
Yes, cotton is a poor choice for hiking base or mid-layers because the material absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away. Once wet from sweat or external water, cotton robs body heat rapidly causing chills. Choose synthetic or merino wool base layers instead along with quick-drying soft-shell pants and jackets.
What is the best fabric for hiking?
The best hiking fabrics efficiently wick moisture while allowing great freedom of movement. For base layers, merino wool or polyester blends excel by wicking sweat away from the skin. Mid-layers work best using soft shell synthetic blends like polyester spandex offering stretch, breathability, and quick drying performance. Outer shell jackets and pants should use tightly woven nylon or polyester with durable water-repellant coatings for waterproof, windproof protection.
Should you hike in sweatpants?
No, sweatpants are not recommended for hiking since the cotton fabric absorbs and holds moisture leading to rapid chilling once sweat-soaked. The loose legs can also get tangled in brush. Choose base layers or hiking pants using quick-drying synthetic fabric blends instead for superior comfort and performance.
What clothes should I wear hiking in 50-degree weather?
For 50-degree Fahrenheit weather, start with synthetic long underwear tops and bottoms. Add insulating layers like a fleece jacket and pants. Top with a waterproof, breathable outer shell jacket and pants to resist wind and light moisture. Use wool hiking socks inside waterproof hiking boots. Bring lightweight gloves and a fleece hat for cooler mornings and evenings. Adjust layers by removing the fleece or shell pieces as you warm up.
What do you wear hiking in 20-degree weather?
For 20-degree Fahrenheit weather, wear an insulating base layer set of merino wool or synthetic long underwear. Add windproof insulated pants and a jacket for warmth without overheating. Top with a waterproof, breathable shell jacket and bib pants to block wind and moisture. Use knee-high wool socks and under-insulated, waterproof winter boots. Bring a thick fleece or synthetic balaclava, heavily insulated gloves, and an insulated hat that covers ears.
Is it OK to hike in jeans?
It’s generally not advised to hike in jeans since the material is not designed for comfort and performance while walking long distances. Jeans restrict movement, are slower to dry and the thick seams can chafe the skin. Hiking pants made of synthetic blends specifically for active use make a much better choice.
What do hikers wear in hot weather?
In hot conditions, hikers wear moisture-wicking synthetic or wool short-sleeved shirts that block ultraviolet rays. Breathable nylon hiking pants or shorts allow good airflow. Ventilated hiking hats shield the sun while wicking forehead sweat. Hiking shoes still get worn to protect feet, support ankles, and grip terrain. Light-colored fabrics help reflect rather than absorb and retain heat from sunlight.
How many hiking clothes do I need?
As a minimum hiking wardrobe, bring 2-3 base layer pieces, 2 hiking pants, 2 quick-drying shirts, padded hiking socks, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, and pants. This allows changing out wet clothing items and layering properly across warmer or colder conditions. More sets of insulating layers like fleece get added for cold weather while breathable synthetics prevail in the heat.
What shoes are best for hiking?
The best shoes for hiking offer lugged outsoles for traction plus sturdy cushioning and support during long miles carrying a pack. Waterproof leather or woven synthetics protect feet from moisture. Ankle-height hiking boots stabilize better for off-trail terrain while low-rise styles work well-maintained trails. Look for flexible midsoles that still provide stability and pronation control.
How should hiking boots fit?
Go up 1/2 to 1 full-size larger than your everyday shoes to allow room for heavy hiking socks. The boots integrate snugly without pinching across your toes, heels, arches, or ankle bones while supporting any orthotics. The heel locks in place without slippage while allowing a slight bit of lift when steeply inclined. Boots should break in within 2 weeks of hiking use to fully match your feet.
How do I choose a headlamp for hiking at night or early morning?
Look for LED headlamps offering a wide, even flood beam ideal for walking plus longer-range spot beams to illuminate distant objects. Waterproof designs withstand rain and splash while providing bright illumination even in slippery conditions during cold months. Dimmable settings allow adapting brightness levels to conserve battery power lasting through your night hike.
What should I look for in hiking gloves?
Look for gloves delivering durability, grip, and warmth paired with good dexterity for activities like setting up tents or preparing food on the trail. Leather palms hold up to heavy use while breathable fabrics like soft shell fleece allow ventilation to minimize sweating. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips let you use phones and GPS devices without removing gloves in the cold. Look for windproof insulating layers you can take off when approaching camp and active chores cause overheating while keeping protection ready for colder stretches of hiking.
How can I make hiking clothes last longer?
Protect pricey technical fabrics by washing in cold water and air drying instead of using heat which deteriorates material coatings faster. Wash shells or soft shell jackets even less frequently using wash-in treatments like Nikwax TX Direct to revitalize water repellency between laundering. Check gear after each trip and use gear patches, SealSkinz boot liners, or Tenacious Tape to stop small damage spots from expanding through abrasion or snags while underway. Store gear clean, dry, and loosely packed allowing insulation loft recovery.
Can I hike all day in running shoes?
Running shoes lack the durability and stability for all-day hiking with a pack, especially over uneven terrain. Their light traction wears down quickly while thin cushioning loses rebound after a few hours causing foot fatigue. Ankle support becomes crucial once your leg muscles tire later on long days. Use running shoes for moderate day hikes under 5 miles without extra weight but switch to true support hiking boots or trail shoes for longer distances.
What supplies should I carry hiking?
Carry essential safety and survival supplies even on short day hikes including extra food, water, headlamp, firestarter, knife, emergency blanket, and first aid basics. Water filters allow refilling from backcountry sources while trekking poles ease knee strain on long descents. Navigation gear like map, compass, GPS, and personal locator beacon tell people exactly where to find you if injured. A clean, spare base layer warms up emergency overnight camp spots.
Why are hiking poles useful?
Hiking poles provide stability easing strain on ankles and knees especially when carrying packs downhill. The arm thrust motion builds upper body strength while leveraging 60% more muscle groups than using legs alone. Adjustable length poles suit varied terrain angles. Anti-shock tips reduce arm vibration while extending point traction. Baskets stop the shaft from sinking into mud or snow. Versatile, shock-absorbing grip designs maximize comfort across long mileage days.
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My name is David James I am an adventurous hiker based in California. Through this weblog, I percentage my passion for exploring nature’s wonders, documenting breathtaking trails and hidden gemstones.