Winter

In our clothing guide we emphasize the importance of layers and modularity in the winter. A backpack carries layers that you might need, that you take off, and extra dry layers in case the ones you are wearing get wet. Dampness is a dangerous enemy in the winter months, exponentially increasing your chances of hypothermia and/or frostbite.

• Waterproof & Windproof Hardshell Jacket with Hood
• Insulated Down Jacket
• Wear/Carry a Midweight Layer such as a Fleece
• Wear/Carry a Long Sleeve Base Layer- made out of sweat wicking and fast drying material, light weight merino and tencel and perfect, but synthetic fibers can also do the job
• Insulated mittens (gloves are also fine, however mittens will keep your hands warmer)
• In a dry bag:
  • Extra pair of wool socks
  • Extra glove liners
  • Wool hat
  • Extra base layer
• Waterproof & Windproof Pants are a smart thing to have with you on extra long hikes, if you are planning on going above treeline and/or if the weather looks to be especially windy or wet at higher elevations
• Balaclava or Neck Gaiter- you probably don’t need to start out with one, but once you reach higher elevations your face make become too exposed
• Goggles- also something you don’t need to start out in but can become essential at higher elevations, especially above treeline. Just like skiing cold air and/or snow blowing in your eyes is not safe or fun. Snow blindness is also a real thing, most goggles are polarized to protect against the sun. Sunglasses are better than nothing, though they will not protect from wind as well.
• Water- Opting for bottles instead of a hydration pack is usually a better choice in the winter. Different people approach how to protect and carry their water in different ways. Here are some options: carrying your water upside down so that the water near the mouth remains unfrozen for longer, using an insulated sleeve (some are made to strap onto your waist strap, others are tighter and go around your bottle, similar to a coozy), filling your bottle with extra hot water at home, and others
• Resupplying water- If you are going to be above treeline or know there will not be any liquid water, carrying a pot and fuel system is your safest option, such as a jetboil. You can melt and boil snow to refill your waterbottles. As a bonus a hot drink is one of the best ways to warm up.
• Water Purification- If you know there will be liquid water, carry a way to purify it. There are TONS of options. Our Member Services Coordinator loves her Steripen.
• Food- The appropriate amount for your hike and an emergency food supply, even if it just protein bars or freeze-dried meals
• Traction/Snowshoes- If you don’t start out in one of the two, make sure to at least carrying microspikes (such as Hillsound Trail Crampons or Kahtoolah Microspikes). Depending on trail conditions, snow shoes make be the best and safest option for foot travel. Snowshoes ensure that you are not “post-holing” which can be dangerous for yourself and others. Snowshoes also can make travel through snow more efficient. Most snowshoes come with a crampon style foot base which will provide you with better traction on hard ice than microspikes.
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit with hand/feet warmers
• Trowel for using the bathroom
• Map of the area & compass
• Knife and/or multitool
• If you are hiking with your dog it is best to have water and snacks for them, some dogs may prefer to wear “booties” and jackets in the winter, while other long hair-ed breeds do not. Carrying and applying a paw wax (such as Musher’s Wax) can help prevent snowballing and ice buildup between the toes, it is also a good idea to carry vet-wrap in case of injury

Pro-tip- CHAPSTICK, maybe two. Sunscreen is also good to have.

Hiking Clothing Guide

Optional- If you are hiking solo, going on longer hikes where you will enter wilderness conditions, etc, a satellite tracking device with the ability to send out an SOS is a great thing to have.