Matt and I have always gotten outside in the winter to a degree, but when it comes to truly spending a ton of time outside in the winter, I’ve historically hated it. I do not like being cold, like, at all. But I’ve also historically been unwilling to spend the kind of money that a lot of the winter gear costs to truly be warm outside in the winter. However, over the last two years, I have changed how I feel about that, and because of that, I’ve been truly enjoying my time outside – even in subfreezing temps!
Carhartt Insulated Bibs
This is single-handedly the piece of winter gear that has changed my life when it comes to hiking in the winter. They are heavy and bulky, but if I’m going out for a hike in the winter, they cannot be beat for keeping me warm and dry. I laid in the snow with my kids in these and my base layers were 100% dry and I was still so warm because of these insulated bibs. 10/10 recommend these!
A Quality Down Coat
I have two down coats that are pretty wonderful for hiking. If it’s an easier hike that doesn’t cause me to exert as much energy, I prefer to wear my long Eddie Bauer coat. But more often, when it comes to hiking, I prefer my Columbia down coat because it’s shorter and therefore easier to stuff in my backpack should it get too warm to wear.
Warm Base Layers
A lot of people really like merino wool base layers and I totally get that because they’re moisture wicking, but I am honestly, more of a fleece-lined base layer kind of girlie. I think it’s less itchy and fleece is just so, so cozy! I purchased these from Amazon and have been happy with them – if you’re between sizes, I would size up.
These Super-Intense Columbia Gloves
Okay, hear me out on these. They’re expensive. Like, I’m a little embarrassed about the fact that I spent almost $70 on these gloves (they’re way cheaper on Amazon). BUT they are so warm! And in addition to being exceptionally warm and waterproof, they had the best range of movement for my fingers. I find that to be incredibly helpful, especially having little kids who need things pretty often. They also have the pull-tight strap on the wrists that help ensure they stay on your hands.
Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots
I will sing the praises of my Merrell hiking boots at the top of my lungs for the rest of my life. I love that they’re comfortable, they fit my feet well, they’re high quality, the ankle support is great and the fact that they’re waterproof means that so long as snow or water doesn’t get down over the top of these boots, your feet will stay dry and warm. (I know these pics are from spring and summer, but that’s what I love about these boots. They’re perfect for all seasons!)
These Merrell Socks
Guys, I’m obsessed with these socks. They’ve gone from my hiking-specific socks to my everyday wear socks. They’re incredible! I have the shorter ones and the longer ones, but for hiking in the winter I like the longer ones because they’re just a little extra warmth on my legs/ Just know, they are a little tight, if you have muscular calves like mine, make sure they’re not too tight.
A Good Beanie
You’ve got to keep your earls warm when you’re hiking outside. I have two that I bounce between. A wool beanie I got in Iceland in 2017 – and I’m still wearing it 8 years later – the investment speaks for itself. Then I recently got this North Face Beanie and I’m thrilled with it too. It’s a bit more fitted so I like it when I know there’s a potential for precipitation that I might want my hood on for.
Hot Hands or a Reusable Hand Warmer
I didn’t even know what hot hands were until someone gifted me some that were leftover from an outdoor project, and they are such a game-changer. Not only are they nice to put into your pockets for hand warmth, but I also love to put them between layers near my abdomen – this is an especially useful tip for hikes while on crampy days of your period. Seriously. My mom got me this reusable hand warmer and they slip super easily into my pockets. But you obviously have to remember to charge it to be able to use it.
Fleece Lined Leggings
These are great to wear as stand-alone warm, cozy pants or to layer under your Carhartt bibs. I have some from several different brands. My Avalanche Outdoor Supply Co. fleece lined leggings are my favorites. I highly recommend leggings with pockets if you’re going this route because it’s nice to have an easy space to store your phone.
Quality Hiking Tops Meant for Warmth
I have invested in a handful of really nice, warm-weather tops made for outdoor adventures. My favorites are this cream bungee from Avalanche Outdoor Supply Co. and this one from Ascend. I also have this fleece lined set that I love wearing the top from. I’m early in the stages of investing in hiking tops for the winter, but these are fantastic!
A Classic Columbia Fleece Zip-Up
This is another thing I love for layering. I had my first Columbia fleece zip up (which I got used) for 12 years before the zipper went out and I just replaced it with a new one last year. It’s one of the best jackets I own because it’s lightweight, I can wear it on its own when it’s cool out and it makes for a great mid-layer when it’s super cold.
A Fleece-Lined Ski Mask
This is something I didn’t have before I went to Canada, but I can tell you, I was insanely jealous of my kids’ fleece-lined ski masks and I now have added this to my winter hiking gear!
You know what they say; there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. And, guys, I have to say that biting the bullet and investing in the gear has finally made a believer and, crazy enough, a winter explorer out of me. I know that a lot of these pieces are on the expensive side, but these high quality pieces will last you years! Many of my purchases, if I divide them by the number of uses I get out of them are down to pennies per wear – they’re that good! Invest in yourself to make your adventures happen all year long!
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