winter hiking gear list
*Specific gear choices will ultimately depend on the hike (length, exposure, terrain), weather conditions at elevation, and your individual needs/preferences. This is an example, not a guide.*
Please note: orange text is linked to the specific or similar product
Backpacks
+ Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 2400
+ Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20L or 30L
Footwear
+ Salomon Toundra (400g insulation)
+ Salomon X-ultra (200g insulation)
+ Hoka Speedgoat Mid goretex (not insulated)
Other gear
+ Snowshoes: Tubbs Flex VRT
+ Water bottle pocket: Hyperlite bottle pocket
+ Phone pocket: Hyperlite shoulder pocket
+ Traction: Hillsound Ultra or Hillsound Trail Crampon (better when icy and not needing full crampons)
+ Crampons: Grivel G-10
+ Gaiters: Outdoor Research Crocodile
+ Poles: Black Diamond FLZ w/ snowbasket (not exact style, but similar!
+ Watch: Coros Apex
+ GPS Device: Garmin In-Reach mini
+ Map: Waterproof map options
+ Headlamps: Petzl Actik (I bring two + extra batteries)
+ Water bottles: Hydroflask 32oz and Hydroflask 20oz (20oz fits in front pocket)
Clothing (worn)
+ Base layer top: Lululemon Swiftly or Smartwool 250 or Ibex Woolies Pro
+ Base layer bottom: Athleta Rainier or Athleta Altitude
+ Socks: Darn Tough Boot sock
+ Buff: Skida snow tour
+ Liner glove: North Face e-tip
+ Fleece headband: Skida alpine
Clothing (options for in backpack)
I don’t carry all of this, but these are options I might bring based on terrain, conditions, weather
+ Storage for extra layers (to keep ’em dry) Osprey Ultralgiht Dry Sack
+ Fleece: Burgeon Highlander or Patagonia R1 Air full-zip
+ Wind layer: Patagonia Houdini
+ Shell: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch
+ Synthetic insulation: Arcteryx Atom
+ Down / extra insulation: Patagonia Down Sweater or Patagonia Fitz Roy (this is my oh shit puffy)
+ Extra/second bottom layer: Arcteryx Beta (shell) or Stio Pinedale (softshell) or Backcountry Insulated full-zip knickers
+ Skirt (10/10 recommend): Backcountry down
+ Hat: Skida alpine or Skida Hile Pile (this is the coziest and I will layer them; not best if snowing/windy)
+ Mittens: Outdoor Research Adrenaline or Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
+ Warmer buff or balaclava: Skida alpine
+ Extra socks: Darn Tough Boot Sock
First aid + safety
+ Power Bank + cables to charge phone & Garmin
+ SOL Emergency Bivy
+ Sit pad or Z-lite
+ Handwarmers + toewarmers
+ Ibuprofen, Benadryl
+ Pad (great absorber if you get a flesh wound)
+ Leukotape
+ Paracord
+ 2x latex free gloves
+ Whistle (on my pack or easily accessible)
+ Compass
+ Duck tape
+ ID
+ HikeSafe card, also reach through the hiking safety page here and 10 essentials!
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Have a question?
This could be a gear related question, hydration needs, how to navigate nutrition in the winter season, logistical questions (NH only), or best routes for the winter season.
Schedule a 1:1 virtual coffee/tea chat with Sarah to get into all of your questions so you feel prepared and confident on and off trail!