Winter Day Hike Essentials
It’s that time of year again! If snow covered peaks and icy trails are calling your name, then we have the perfect packing list to get you outside and on the trail this winter. Packing for a winter day hike can be feel like a daunting task for those just entering the hiking world. There’s definitely a delicate balance between keeping your pack streamlined and light, and being underprepared.
Need help packing for your next snowy weekend adventure? Use our checklist below to help ensure you have everything you need for a fun and enjoyable time. I’ve linked some of our favorite pieces of gear under each category, but we recommended experimenting to find out what gear works best for your specific needs, style, and budget!
General Hiking Gear
Hiking Backpack: Big enough to comfortably hold gear, but small enough to not be bulky. A hip belt and chest strap are a must
Gaiters: For when you don’t want to wear a soft shell pant, and opt just for warm leggings. Wear these over your boots to help keep snow out.
Trekking Poles: Optional, but we highly recommended on most hikes, especially in deep snow.
Micro Spikes: We always keep a pair of spikes in our bag until after all the snow as melted from the trails (this means that sometimes they stay in my bag until July in the Rockies). Slip these babies on your boots and you’ll be able to walk over ice and packed down snow with confidence.
Snowshoes (optional): Depending on how much snow you expect to come across, snowshoes may do more good than micro spikes. Do your research on trail conditions, and ask park rangers if the snow is packed down or if you will need the flotation that snowshoes provide.
Clothing
Base Layer: There are a few different materials and weights you can go with on these (depending on the weather where you will be hiking), but we always start my layering system with a warm base layer.
Mid Layer: We always include a fleece as part of my layering system, and put it on over top of my base layer.
Insulating Layer: Next in your layering system, include an insulating layer. We typically prefer down in the colder months, but if you’re more of a synthetic lover, we recommend this jacket.
Soft Shell Jacket: The final piece of gear in our top layering system is a breathable shell to seal out wind, water, and snow.
Base Layer Leggings: We usually hike in a pair of these to help keep my legs warm throughout my hike.
Soft Shell Pants: Although our legs tend to stay warm in just the base layer pants on winter day hikes, we will sometimes wear a pair of insulated pants if we will be in deep snow, or the temperature really drops.
Gloves: Always always always bring at least one pair. We typically start by wearing a glove liner, and will switch into my insulated mittens if it gets really cold.
Fleece Hat: A lot of body heat escapes through your head, so wear a fleece hat to seal that warmth in.
Balaclava: We usually wear one of these on really cold hikes when we want as little skin as possible exposed.
Sunglasses: When the sun starts bouncing off the snow and right into your eyes, you will be thankful for these.
Footwear
Winter Hiking Boots: Anything warm and waterproof. Make sure it’s something that will be comfortable as your feet swell and are put to work for a few hours.
Sandals, Crocs, or Flip Flops: Great to leave in the car for changing into after your hike.
Wool Hiking Socks: Choose something warm, knee high, and breathable. Avoid cotton – especially in the winter!
Extra Socks: Because there is nothing worse than hiking in wet socks. This is especially important if it’s cold.
Navigation
Paper Map, Print Off of Route, or Downloaded App: Have your itinerary written down to avoid getting lost in the first place, but be sure to have some way of being able to navigate yourself if your original plan gets derailed. Paper maps and compasses are the most reliable, but print offs of the webpage where you found the hike, or apps such as Atlas Guides or AllTrails will help as well. Just be sure to bring an external charger for your phone if relying on it for navigation. Also be aware that most hikes do not have phone service, so have all maps downloaded ahead of time.
Food & Hydration
Waterbottles: We usually carry 2 one-liter bottles, depending on the distance of the hike. If you are in need to extra hydration, fill one bottle with water and the other with powdered gatorade.
Water Filter: On shorter hikes we usually don’t need to refill, but we always have it just in case we am out longer than expected. Ensure this is kept in the warmest part of your pack to make sure it doesn’t freeze (which can damage the filter).
Lunch: A filling meal that will fuel you for the rest of the hike. Always great to throw some salty foods and fruit in there.
Snacks: Little pick-me-ups for throughout the hike. We;ve been loving yogurt covered raisins and chocolate covered freeze-dried fruit recently. You could pack anything that’s quick and easy to eat.
Extra Food: Always bring extra food in case you are out longer than expected.
Hot drink or snack: Some people opt for hot chocolate, soup, or coffee while on the trail to warm up mid hike. We personally like to keep it in the car waiting for us afterwards. Regardless, this is a nice little reward for braving the cold.
First Aid
Bandaids: A handful of bandages for small injuries.
Ace Bandage: These are lifesavers on the off chance a more serious injury happens.
Wilderness First Aid: Taking a WFA class can do wonders in helping you feel prepared and confident in case of backcountry. injuries
Misc
Hand Warmers: We are always thankful for these on long winter hikes.
Camera: Phones can work great, but we always opt to bring a Sony A7riii with one or two lenses and extra batteries. Pro tip: Keep your extra batteries in an inside picket with a hand warmer to ensure they don’t die from the cold temps.
ID Card: In case you need to be identified in an emergency.
External Charger: Especially important if you are using your phone as a navigation device.
Trash bag: Can just be your sandwich bag from lunch or an extra plastic bag from the car. Helps keep your pack clean to have somewhere to out trash.
Toilet Paper: Odds are you’re gonna have to go to the bathroom while out there… just be sure to pack it out!
Headlamp: In case you end up hiking into the night.
Two Itineraries: Always be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. It’s good practice to leave 1 itinerary with friend (just text them before you leave), and 1 under front seat of the car you park at the trailhead.
Download this page into a printable check list!
Have questions on gear or about what you should bring on your next hike? Shoot us a message – we’d be happy to help out!