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Winter Hiking Fleece, Merino Base Layers & Cold-Weather Trail Gear
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items Some of my favorite hikes happen in late fall and winter, when the trails are quiet and the air is crisp. Staying comfortable comes down to smart layers, warm socks, and boots with real grip, and these are the fleece jackets, merino base layers, and ...
Sections
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Fleece Jackets & Insulated Layers
Merino Base Layers, Socks & Warm Accessories
Waterproof Hiking Boots & Winter Traction
Fleece Jackets & Insulated Layers
Warm, packable layers that handle chilly trailheads and summit breaks.
The Patagonia Retro Pile fleece is my favorite layer for chilly trailheads and cozy weekends alike. The sherpa style pile is incredibly warm for its weight, and it looks great over a base layer. I have worn mine for years, and it still gets complimen...
Patagonia Women's Retro Pile Fleece Jacket
This Patagonia hoodie is the technical fleece I wear while hiking uphill in the cold. It breathes so well that I do not overheat, and the snug hood fits under a helmet or beanie. It dries fast if I sweat, and it has become the one layer I never leave...
Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoodie
The North Face Retro Denali jacket is a warm, rugged fleece with a classic look I love. The reinforced shoulders hold up to backpack straps, and the zip pockets keep my phone and snacks secure. My partner wears his on almost every winter hike, and it...
The North Face Retro Denali Jacket
The Columbia Steens Mountain fleece is the budget friendly layer I recommend for anyone just starting to hike in cold weather. It is soft, warm, and easy to layer under a shell. My son wears his to school and on our family hikes, and it has survived ...
Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
The North Face Nuptse is the puffy jacket I throw on at snowy trailheads and summit breaks. The down is incredibly warm, and it packs into its own pocket so I can stash it in my daypack. It is a classic for a reason, and it doubles as my everyday win...
The North Face Nuptse Packable Quilted Down Jacket
The Patagonia Nano Puff is my go to insulated layer because it stays warm even when it gets damp. It is lightweight, packs down small, and works under a rain shell on wet winter days. I have had mine for years, and it is the jacket I recommend most t...
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Merino Base Layers, Socks & Warm Accessories
Merino layers, cushioned socks, and accessories that stay warm even when damp.
The Smartwool merino base layer is the foundation of my winter hiking outfit. Merino stays warm even when I sweat, and it never gets smelly, even after a long day. It feels soft against my skin, not itchy, and it has completely changed how comfortabl...
Smartwool Merino Base Layer Crew Top
Darn Tough hiking socks are the only socks my partner will wear on the trail now. We find them cushioned, warm, and blister free, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. After years of heavy use, his pairs still look almost new, which makes them one...
Darn Tough Men's Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock
This Smartwool three pack of full cushion hiking socks keeps my feet warm and dry on long winter hikes. The merino wool regulates temperature, so my feet never feel clammy. Having three pairs means I always have a clean set for back to back trail day...
Smartwool Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks Three-Pack
The Carhartt knit beanie is warm, durable, and fits under a hood easily on windy summits. It is my partner's everyday winter hat and the one I grab for early morning hikes. It comes in plenty of colors, so our whole family has matching beanies for tr...
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
The North Face Etip gloves let me use my phone for trail maps and photos without taking them off. They are warm enough for cool mornings and thin enough to wear under mittens on colder days. I keep a pair in my pack at all times, and my kids each hav...
The North Face Etip Gloves
The Outdoor Research Snowcrew gloves are what I wear when temperatures really drop or when we hike through deep snow. They are insulated and waterproof, so my hands stay warm and dry for hours. They also work great for shoveling and sledding, which m...
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Insulated Waterproof Gloves
Waterproof Hiking Boots & Winter Traction
Waterproof boots, traction, and trail essentials for icy, muddy miles.
The Salomon X Ultra Mid GORE-TEX boots give great ankle support on rocky, icy trails. My brother wore his through a snowy winter hike, and his feet stayed completely dry. They are nimble and supportive, and I think they are one of the best all around...
Salomon Men's X Ultra Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
The KEEN Targhee boots have a roomy toe box that my partner loves on long hikes with thick winter socks. They are waterproof, supportive, and comfortable with almost no break in time, which I appreciate. He has owned several pairs over the years, and...
KEEN Men's Targhee Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Columbia Newton Ridge boots are an affordable, waterproof option that my son wears on our family hikes. They are sturdy, comfortable, and have good traction on muddy trails. I love that they hold up well for growing kids, and we do not have to sp...
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Oboz Bozeman leather boots are my favorite for cold, wet hikes because they are waterproof and so supportive. The leather looks great and breaks in beautifully, and the insoles are much better than most. I have worn mine on snowy trails and muddy...
Oboz Women's Bozeman Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots
Yaktrax Spikes slip over my boots and give me real grip on icy trails and sidewalks. I wear them for winter hikes and for walking our dog on slick mornings. They go on and off in seconds and pack flat in my bag, and they have saved me from more than ...
Yaktrax Spikes Winter Traction Device
The Osprey Daylite is the lightweight daypack I carry on every hike, with room for layers, water, and snacks. The padded straps are comfortable, and it holds a hydration bladder too. It is simple, durable, and affordable, and my kids have each claime...
Osprey Daylite Backpack
The Merrell Moab Speed Two waterproof boot is lightweight and comfortable right out of the box. My partner wears his on our muddy fall trails and snowy winter hikes, and his feet stay dry. I like that the grippy sole handles slick rocks, and he says ...
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Waterproof Hiking Boot
The HOKA Anacapa is a cushioned, waterproof hiking shoe that feels amazing on long miles. My partner has sensitive feet, and he says these are the most comfortable hikers he has ever owned. We love that the GORE-TEX keeps slush out, and the thick sol...
HOKA Anacapa 2 GORE-TEX Waterproof Hiking Shoe