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!