Dressing for Winter Day Hikes

Earlier this week I wrote about my Top 10 Reasons for Day Hiking in the Winter. Now, I'm going to address what to wear on those winter hikes. Believe it or not, you can stay comfortable in chilly, windy, and even snowy weather.

The key to dressing for a winter day hike is wearing layers. For your base layer, choose moisture wicking fabrics that will keep you dry by transporting moisture off your skin. Avoid wearing cotton as a base layer because cotton holds in moisture which will make you colder once you start sweating. Shirts made of synthetic fibers or merino wool make excellent baselayers. Check out our long-sleeve performance shirt for men or our half-zip hoodie for women. Long underwear is a must on cold weather days. Don't forget about your hands and feet. A glove liner for insulation will keep your hands warm and dry. A thin, tight fitting, moisture-wicking sock will do the same for your feet.

The middle, or, insulation layer, is for keeping you warm. Avoid cotton and instead choose a shirt, vest or soft shell jacket made of polyester fleece or soft wool. A second sock made of merino wool or synthetic material should be light enough that your foot is not too tight in your boots.

Your outer layer should protect you against the elements without weighing you down. The goal is to maintain body heat while not creating condensation that could chill you during your day hike. A water-resistant or waterproof shell provides a great barrier against the wind, snow and rain. Breathability is another key factor. A jacket with zippers and vents is best because it gives you opportunities to regulate your body temperature during your hike. Hiking up a steep hill? Open a vent and enjoy the cool breeze. Headed downhill? Zip back up. A pair waterproof pants over your long johns will keep your legs warm and dry without weighing you down on your hike.  Waterproof gloves will keep your hands dry and can quickly be removed if you get too warm. As we all know, we lose much of our body heat through our head so hats are essential. Insulated, water-proof boots are a great investment if you're going to be hiking through snow/mud. They're heavier but offer more protection to your feet. No one likes hiking with cold, wet feet. A pair of gators, which cover part of your boot and prevent snow from entering the top of your boot will add a measure of protection.

Now that you know what to wear to stay comfortable in the winter, get out there and hike!