Winter Clothing

Winter is cold.  You need to protect yourself from cold temperatures, wind and wetness. 

Subpages:

Winter Clothing Layers 

Waterproof Breathable Fabrics

Winter Headgear 

Winter Handgear 

Gaiters

Winter Footwear - Socks 

Winter Footwear - Boots

US Military Guide to Feet 

Clothing

Showing up to a winter outing with the wrong clothing places you at real risk of hypothermia and frostbite. 

See our Winter Clothing Layers Page for more on how layering works.

Rule Number Two - Dress in Layers

Warm and DRY is the key to dressing in the winter.  Where the layers you need to stay warm and avoid sweating.  If you get cold, add a layer.  If you start to get too warm, remove a layer before you start to sweat. 

Layer Recommendations:

• Outer Layer - aka Shell Layer

  • Waterproof Breathable Jacket with hood

    • Armpit Zips are Fantastic - if you can find/afford a jacket with pit zips, you will be happier on winter hikes

  • Waterproof Breathable Pants

• Middle Layers - aka Insulating Layer

  • There are many options here

    • 2-3 Layers

      • Fleece Pullover or Jacket for daytime work use

      • Puffer Jacket added at night and when sedentary 

• Base Layer - aka Underwear

  • Synthetic or wool long underwear

  • Thickness depends on the outing we are going on

• Emergency Layer

  • A reusable mylar blanket or poncho liner can be used to augment your insulation if you find you are really cold

  • Great to pull out on long stops

Headgear

Contrary to urban tales, you don't lose most of your body heat through your head.  That said, it is still important to cover your head and neck, especially when not moving or sleeping.

See our Winter Headgear Page for more information.

Handgear

Handgear is vital to keep you hands functional and protected from frostbite. 

See our Winter Handgear Page for more information.

Recommendation if Building Snow Structures:

• Two pairs of Showa Best 282 

  • aka Smurf Gloves

  • Waterproof/Breathable TEMRES Technology

  • Acrylic Insulation

  • Allows you to work on snow blocks without getting hands wet

• One-two pairs of thick, insulated gloves or mittens in addition to Showas

Footgear

Proper footgear is vital for comfort and to protect your toes from frostbite. 

See our Winter Footwear Boots Page and Winter Footwear Socks Page for more information.

Socks

• • You must have a good sock plan for winter use

    • Socks are used to insulate feet from cold and protect from blisters

    • Winter boot are often insulated and breath poorly - resulting in sweaty socks

    • Plan to change socks frequently

    • Wet socks in the winter increases your risk of freezing and non freezing foot injuries

    • Discussed in our Winter Footwear Socks Page 

  • Wool Mountaineering socks

    • Smartwool Mountaineer 

    • Ideally pack 2 pairs per day on snow and one extra if sleeping in the snow

    • If your boots aren't waterproof, you'll want more pairs of dry socks to change into

Snow Boots

• • Waterproof, Insulated Boots

  • Full length boot preferred as they keep out more snow

  • Discussed in our Winter Footwear Boots Page 

Snow Gaiters 

• • Keeps snow out of boots

  • This is huge when making snow shelters and breaking a trail through the snow - otherwise your boots will fill up with snow and soak your feet

  • Discussed in our Gaiters Page