Whatever type of hiking you do, in winter it is important to protect yourself from the cold, but also from snow, wind and other bad weather. When practising walking and hiking, you need to be more vigilant and better equipped, especially if you hike in the mountains. Learning how to dress for winter hiking is an essential step before hitting the trails.
Essential clothing for winter hiking
To dress properly for winter hiking, the goal is to protect yourself from the cold. To do this, opt for thermal base layers in natural or synthetic fibres. They prevent the feeling of cold, especially at altitude. When temperatures are very low, we recommend choosing a long-sleeved t-shirt with a zip-up collar. For your lower body, thermal tights also help retain heat close to the body.
To ensure better insulation for your upper body, you can add a fleece or a down jacket. The thickness of your fleece depends on the climate and the intensity of your activity. Finally, you can also opt for a softshell jacket that acts as both a second and third layer. Extremely breathable and well-insulating, it is perfect for hiking in cold, windy or favourable conditions.
For trousers, choose a pair that is at minimum water-repellent with a windproof fabric. Your winter trousers can be lined or brushed to be sufficiently warm. The cut varies depending on the type of hiking. For active hiking, opt for a fitted cut that moves well with you. For low-intensity hiking, you can go for a slightly looser fit.
Clothing to protect you in bad weather
Rain or snow are quite common when hiking. If you are heading out for a simple few-hour walk on flat ground, anticipating weather conditions should not be too complicated. However, if you are going on a full-day hike or even a trekking trip, especially in the mountains, it is more difficult to know in advance. Packing weather-resistant clothing is therefore essential in winter.
For your upper body, you can add a waterproof jacket. Choose a jacket with wrist cuffs and a stand-up collar. It prevents rain from getting into your clothing. Another option is a rain poncho that goes over a windproof jacket.
For trousers, you can invest in a pair that is waterproof, breathable and suited to snow. Alternatively, you can use overtrousers that you pull on over your trousers in bad weather. It is also important to have gaiters, which are sometimes integrated directly into the trousers. They prevent rain and snow from getting into your shoes.
Accessories and footwear for winter hiking
Wearing a beanie, gloves or a neck gaiter is essential in winter. They prevent body heat from escaping and stop you from getting cold. For your head, you can wear a beanie, a headband or a balaclava. Replace your non-breathable scarf with a neck gaiter, which is better suited to hiking. Wearing a pair of gloves to protect your fingers is essential. You can add a thicker pair on top when you take a break or when it is very cold. Finally, bring a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Your hiking footwear must be suited to winter weather conditions. It protects you from precipitation, moisture and wet vegetation. It must be waterproof and sufficiently durable. To achieve this, look for footwear equipped with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex® or equivalent. Also opt for a high or mid upper in winter, rather than a low cut.
Dressing for winter hiking using the three-layer system is the most effective approach. It keeps the body well insulated with sufficiently technical garments that also ensure good breathability. In the mountains, always think about your safety. Bring a survival blanket, an avalanche safety kit and other equipment depending on the type of hiking (GPS, snowshoes, crampons…).
