02/20/2025
Winter hiking can have its challenges. A variety of conditions and temperatures, wind chills, and of course snow. One of the most important tools in a hiker’s kit to address some of these challenges during the winter season is a good layering system. A system made up of natural fibers like merino wool, or synthetic materials such as polyester. And no cotton.
A good layering system can take some experimenting to find what works best for you. Important word there is you. Everyone is going to have a system that works best for them. Though I have had mine pretty dialed in over the years, I still enjoy tinkering with it to this day out of interest of if there is something out there that might work slightly better or I may be intrigued by a new fabric or technology. Regardless of what I am using and whether I am on a winter day hike or backpacking trip, I like to apply the same general layouts featured in this post. Of course that is along with extensive research of my route, type of trip, the conditions and risks, and where I will be. I am a big fan of merino wool in the winter time for its temperature regulation and anti-microbial properties. Going as light as possible is also less of a focus of mine in the winter time, compared to when I am out on trail during the other three seasons.
Dressing for success with winter hiking and backpacking is all about layering. Temperatures I am generally in during the winter season can range anywhere from 40*F down to -25*F. My layering system is often adjusted throughout the day to address the temps and conditions. Helping me to stay dry, warm and as comfortable as possible. My different layers are as follows (see images in this post of what my layering systems may look like for comparison):
My Hiking Layer System For Chilly Temps (Image 5): TOPS - Merino Wool S/S Shirt, Polyester 1/4 Zip Grid Fleece, 3 Layer Waterproof Shell Jacket (with pit zips - a must for me with improved mechanical ventilation in winter) - BOTTOMS - Merino Wool Boxer Briefs, Windproof Water Resistant Soft Shell Pant - EVERYTHING ELSE - Polartec Power Wool Beanie, Polartec Alpha Wool Gloves, Merino Wool Toe Socks, Waterproof/Breathable Mid-height Shoes, Polarized Sunglasses
My Hiking Layer System For Cold Temps Near Or Below Freezing (Image 6): TOPS - Merino Wool L/S Shirt, Polyester 1/4 Zip Grid Fleece, 3 Layer Waterproof Shell Jacket (with pit zips - a must for me with improved mechanical ventilation in winter) - BOTTOMS - Merino Wool Boxer Briefs, Merino Wool Leggings, Windproof Water Resistant Soft Shell Pant - EVERYTHING ELSE - Polartec Power Wool Beanie, Polartec Alpha Wool Gloves, Waterproof Breathable Mitt Shells, Winter Specific Toe Socks, Waterproof/Breathable Mid-height Boots (with slight increase in cushion for increased comfort), Polarized Sunglasses
My Hiking Layer System For Cold Temps Near Or Below Zero Degrees (Image 7): TOPS - Merino Wool L/S Shirt, Polyester 1/4 Zip Grid Fleece, Synthetic Insulated Hooded Jacket, 3 Layer Waterproof Shell Jacket (with pit zips - a must for me with improved mechanical ventilation in winter) - BOTTOMS - Merino Wool Boxer Briefs, Merino Wool Leggings, Windproof Water Resistant Soft Shell Pant, Waterproof 3 Layer Shell Pant (with long side zips for easier on/off when needed) - EVERYTHING ELSE - Polartec Power Wool Beanie, Polartec Balaclava, Merino Wool BUFF, Merino Wool Glove Liners, Waterproof Breathable Insulated Gloves, Merino Wool Mountaineering Socks, Waterproof Insulated Mountaineering Boots, Knee High Waterproof Gaiters, Snow Goggles
Additional Clothing In My Pack For Around Camp Or In Emergency (This Includes Day Hikes) (Images 8 & 9): Extra Synthetic Insulated Jacket, Extra Socks, Extra Insulated Beanie, Extra Insulated Mitts, Extra Alpaca or Merino Wool Shirt, Extra Synthetic Insulated Pants, Insulated Socks and Oven Bags (possibly in pack depending on type of trip and duration)…. And one fluffy cat to help make sure that all of the proper layers are set for the trail 🙂.
What are some of your favorite layering options for winter hiking and backpacking? ❄️ Leave them in the comments.
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