The White Mountains of New Hampshire are known for their varied and unpredictable weather. On the higher summits, you could encounter snow in August or find a warm, calm day with temperatures reaching seventy degrees. In this guide, we’ll explore what to wear for hiking in the Whites through all four seasons, helping you stay comfortable, safe, and prepared for anything the elements throw your way.
Being well-prepared is always better than finding yourself unprepared, as the right clothing and gear can be essential to your safety. A sturdy backpack is invaluable for carrying your extra layers and other key items, like The Ten Essentials, to ensure you’re equipped for any conditions.
Whether you’re setting out on a quick, two-mile summer hike or trekking above the treeline on Franconia Ridge in winter, the right clothing serves as your first line of defense for both comfort and safety on the trail.
Winter
The winter season is by far the most dangerous time to explore the trails, but it can also be the most magical. Dressing in layers is important for any season, but especially in the winter.
The Burgeon Outdoors team are no strangers to extreme weather. They say, “surviving the cold depends on your ability to use layers to regulate your temperature. Clothes don’t make you warm. You make clothes warm. Or another way to put it – if your body is like a furnace in your house and your clothes are the insulation.”
Modularity allows you to adjust your “insulation” to be appropriate at any level of exposure and any level of bodily activity. Avoid wearing cotton and instead choose items made from moisture-wicking materials such as wool, polyester, or Tencel.
- Lined pants or leggings, if you get cold easily, are planning a hike in very cold weather, or above treeline, soft shell outer pants are your friend. Not sure if you need them in the beginning? Put them in your backpack in case you want them later.
- Heavy wool socks
- Long sleeve base layer, midweight layer such as fleece or wool, insulating down layer, and a water/wind proof hard shell- Take layers off and put back on through your hike to ensure you arent excessively warm
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
- Wool hat
- Thin gloves, also known as “glove liners”
- Waterproof, insulated mittens or gloves- mittens are often a better choice for warmth
- Waterproof, insulated boots
- Although not completely necessary, we recommend waterproof below knee gaiters
- Goggles aren’t just for the slopes, many hikers carry and utilize them on above treeline treks. Sunglasses are another way to protect your eyes and ensure your visibility
A wise investement is in something called a “dry bag”. Even in a very small one, you can compress extra socks (which can double as mittens), extra base layers, an extra hat, and spare glove liners.
Things to keep in mind-
- Sweaty and/or wet layers are dangerous- clothes lose their ability to retain heat when wet, except for wool- carry extra layers, socks etc
- Protect yourself from the sun during all seasons, including your eyes, snow blindness is a real thing
- As you gain experience hiking in the Whites you will develop your own clothing and carry preferences- until then, pack heavy
- Hiking anywhere anytime the temperature drops below freezing can result in icy footing, we highly recommend carrying microspikes at the minimum, sometimes full crampons are necessary, in this case ensure your footwear is designed to be worn with crampons
- Hiking in the snow, unless the trail is packed and frozen, is best done wearing snowshoes, to prevent injury from post holing, to conserve energy and to maintain the condition of the trails, the White Mountains are aggressive mountains, aggressive snowshoes with crampon bases are often the best option
The Shoulder Seasons- Fall and Spring
- Leggings or hiking pants
- Base layer top- this depends on your preferences and the weather, start with a t-shirt or tank, with a long-sleeve over
- Layers- mid-weight fleece jacket or pullover
- Brimmed hat and/or warm hat
- Wool or wool blend socks
- Carry- down jacket, hard shell jacket
- Waterproof boots or other hiking shoes
In a dry bag:
- Extra pair of lightweight merino wool socks
- Pair of lightweight gloves
- Lightweight merino wool hat
- Extra base layer
Things to Keep in Mind
- You will likely encounter ice in the fall and spring months, carrying your microspikes and/or crampons is essential
- On the lower elevations and especially in the spring, expect conditions to be wet
Summer
- Shorts or summer weight pants/leggings- breathable
- Tank top or t-shirt- breathable, built in sun protection is a bonus
- Breathable socks- appropriate height for the footwear you choose
- Brimmed hat
- Carry- Long sleeve shirt, midweight jacket
- Hiking shoes, some hikers prefer trail runners, either way good traction is what you’re looking for
Rodgers Ski & Sport has all the gear from your favorite brands. For locally made technical outdoor apparel, check out Burgeon Outdoor at the Village Shops in Lincoln.
Dress Your Best for All Seasons
The Western White Mountains is beautiful year-round with the right clothing. Bundle up for winter or enjoy the sun during the summer. Whatever you choose, remember that Mother Nature may change her mind in 20 minutes, so bring options!
Carry Guide-
Please refer to our blog post “Carry Guide”, focusing on the items to have in your backpack throughout the seasons.
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