How to Gear Up for Winter Hiking: Clothing, Footwear and Equipment for a Safe Full-Day Trip

Winter hiking is an excellent mix of movement, fresh air and physical challenge – but only if you’re prepared. Winter doesn’t forgive mistakes: short daylight, rapidly dropping temperatures, wind, ice and snow can completely change the character of the route and demand a more cautious approach. The right gear isn’t about extra comfort – it’s the foundation of a safe return. This guide covers everything essential you need for a short to full-day winter hike in low and mid-mountain terrain, including clear recommendations on how to choose clothing and equipment you can rely on.

1) Planning a Winter Hike: Safety, Route and Timing

A winter hike doesn’t start with picking clothes and gear – it starts with choosing the right route, pace and time of departure. Winter conditions can remain stable for hours, but they can also change fast: shade on north-facing slopes creates icy patches, wind significantly increases windchill, and short days reduce your time margin for getting back.

Good planning helps minimize unpleasant surprises and keeps your trip under control.

Winter hiking emphasizes the importance of proper layering of clothing and a well-chosen backpack.

What to Check Before a Winter Hike

• Weather: temperature, wind, windchill, precipitation. Wind can reduce perceived temperature by tens of degrees.

• Daylight: in winter it gets dark quickly – plan to be back with a 1–2 hour buffer.

• Terrain: icy sections, steep slopes, shaded trails.

• Signal coverage: some valleys and ridges may have no reception.

• Tell someone your plan: share your route and expected return time with a contact person.

Specifics of Movement in Winter Terrain

In the field, count on the fact that:

• your pace will be slower than in summer,
• breaks need to be shorter to avoid getting cold,
• electronics discharge faster in low temperatures.

In winter, details matter. Haago heaters, an extra warm layer, and a reliable Stanley thermos can maintain comfort even in conditions where the body loses heat the fastest.

2) Layering: A System That Keeps You Warm

In winter, your comfort doesn’t depend on how “warm” a single jacket is. The real difference is made by proper layering – the well-known “onion system”. This approach lets you regulate temperature based on activity level while keeping your body dry.

Sweat and condensation are a bigger problem in winter than the cold itself – if moisture stays on your skin, it cools you down, reduces comfort and significantly impacts performance. Layering works because each layer has a specific role: moving moisture away from the body, providing insulation and protecting against wind and precipitation.

The most reliable strategy is a three-layer system, which balances moisture management, thermal comfort and weather protection. Proper layering ensures comfort both on the move and during breaks.

2.1 First Layer (Base Layer): Thermal Underwear

The base layer has one primary task: move sweat away from your skin as quickly as possible and keep it dry. If moisture stays “on you”, you lose heat faster – especially when you stop.

🔵 Ideal materials

➤ Merino wool

• naturally regulates temperature

• insulates even when damp

• excellent antibacterial properties (resists odour)

• ideal for longer and variable activities

➤ Synthetics (polyester, polypropylene)

• dry very quickly

• lightweight and durable

• a good choice for high-intensity activity or if you sweat a lot

🔵 What does not belong next to the skin:

➤ Cotton

• absorbs sweat and holds it
• cools you down as soon as you stop
• significantly increases the risk of getting chilled

👉 Practical tip:
Your base layer should fit close to the body without restricting movement. A loose cut reduces performance and moisture management.

2.2 Second Layer: Insulation

The second layer creates an insulating buffer between your body and the environment. Its job is to retain the heat your body generates while moving. At the same time, it helps further transport and spread moisture that the base layer has already moved away from your skin so it doesn’t build up next to the body.

🔵 Suitable materials:

➤ Fleece (various weights)

• quick-drying

• doesn’t feel cold when damp

• a versatile choice for most activities

➤ Primaloft / synthetic insulation

• excellent thermal efficiency

• insulates even when wet – crucial in winter

• suitable both for active movement and longer breaks

Merino thermal underwear Devold works exactly where you need it most in winter — keeps the body dry, maintains a stable temperature, and doesn't disappoint even during longer stops. The foundation on which all winter gear stands.

➤ Lightweight down jacket

• best warmth-to-weight ratio

• ideal as a backup insulating layer in your pack

• not suitable for high-intensity movement (you’ll overheat easily)

👉 Tip:
For a full-day winter trip, it pays to carry one spare insulating layer in your backpack. This is exactly what decides how comfortable you’ll be during breaks or when the weather turns worse.

2.3 Third Layer: Protection from Wind and Water (Shell)

The outer layer shields you from external elements – wind, wet snow, rain and sudden weather changes. Wind especially increases heat loss and can cool down even a well-insulated body in a short time.

🔵 Softshell vs. Hardshell: How to Choose?

➤ Softshell

• very breathable

• comfortable and quiet

• partially wind-resistant

• handles light rain or short showers, but is not fully waterproof

• ideal for active movement in dry conditions or around freezing temperatures

➤ Hardshell (membrane jacket)

• fully windproof and waterproof

• protects against wet snow and continuous precipitation

• better for exposed ridges and unstable weather

• also recommended as a “safety” shell in your pack for any full-day trip

Parameters Worth Paying Attention To

➤ Water column rating:

• minimum for winter conditions: 10,000 mm

• ideal for demanding mountain conditions and prolonged precipitation: 15,000–20,000 mm

➤ Breathability (RET / MVTR):

• RET < 6 = very good breathability

• RET 6–12 = sufficient for most activities

A hot drink in winter is not just comfort — it is part of heat management. A quality thermos and a well-packed backpack maintain energy and pace when the temperature drops and the day shortens.

Practical Design Features That Improve Comfort and Protection

Beyond membrane specs, real-world performance depends heavily on construction details. These determine how well the shell protects you in actual terrain, how quickly you can vent excess heat and whether you stay dry even when conditions get worse. The following features are often overlooked, but in winter they’re key for both comfort and safety.

➤ Hood

• should cinch down comfortably

• ideally helmet-compatible (or at least with a beanie)

• a well-shaped brim helps against wind and snow

➤ Ventilation zips (“pit zips”)

• crucial for temperature regulation on the ascent

• significantly reduce the risk of overheating and sweating out your layers

➤ Taped seams

• prevent water ingress through stitching

• essential in prolonged precipitation and wet snow

➤ Covered / water-resistant zippers

• protect the most vulnerable areas from leaks

• highly recommended on any hardshell

➤ Cuffs

• adjustable with hook-and-loop or elastic

• prevent heat loss and keep snow out

➤ Hem (bottom of the jacket)

• drawcord helps retain warmth

• also reduces wind blowing under the jacket

2.4 Accessories: Small Items That Make a Big Difference in Winter

Accessories often decide about overall comfort and safety. In winter, the extremities (fingers, ears, nose) lose heat fastest.

What you should definitely think about:

Gloves should be carried in at least two pairs: a thinner, breathable pair for hiking and a thicker backup pair for colder, windier conditions or longer static periods. A combination of fleece, softshell and waterproof materials will cover most scenarios without significantly compromising dexterity.

A beanie, balaclava or neck gaiter provides effective protection against wind and substantially reduces heat loss. The neck gaiter in particular is often underestimated – yet covering the neck and lower part of the face is one of the most efficient ways to stay warm even in unpleasant winds.

In exposed terrain or under intense winter sunlight, protective eyewear is also highly beneficial. It improves comfort in strong wind, prevents eyes from watering and helps with orientation in whiteout conditions, when contrast disappears and surface irregularities become hard to see.

Gloves protect hands from cold and wind — in winter, it's practical to have an extra pair in the backpack.

3) Footwear and traction: mechanical confidence on snow and ice

Reliable footwear is essential for safe movement in the terrain during winter. Even a lightly snow-covered or icy path can be significantly more challenging than in summer — your foot has less grip, slides more easily, and each step requires more energy. The right combination of shoes, socks, and traction accessories is crucial for comfort and safety.

3.1 Winter trekking shoes - what to focus on

Quality winter footwear must accomplish three things: keep your feet warm, prevent soaking, and provide a sure step on snowy or icy terrain.

**🔵 What to Focus on When Choosing**

• Insulation Synthetic fillings and natural insulation help retain warmth without unnecessarily weighing down the shoe. You will especially appreciate the insulation during longer breaks or slower progress.
• **Membrane** Protects against soaking from snow and melted water. To ensure the membrane functions correctly, it must be combined with a breathable functional sock that wicks moisture outward.
• Sole
  A deeper tread pattern and stiffer construction provide confidence on snow and icy terrain. Soft summer soles may lose traction in winter.
• Chimney Height
  Higher boots provide better protection against snow penetration and stabilize the ankle. This is especially appreciated in uneven terrain and when walking in accumulated snow.

🔵 Socks: Small Detail, Big Difference

The right socks are half the success. Winter footwear alone is not enough — layering and moisture wicking work on the feet as well.

• Merino socks
  They insulate excellently, wick away moisture, and do not smell even during extended activity.
• Two-layer systems
  The inner thin layer wicks away sweat, while the outer layer ensures thermal insulation. They reduce the risk of blisters.
• Cotton socks
  Practically unusable in winter — they absorb sweat and feel cold.

👉 Tip:
If you tend to have cold feet, take an extra pair of dry socks in your backpack. Changing them after a long break can significantly increase comfort.

3.2 Crampons and snowshoes

Winter footwear is essential, but in some conditions, it alone is not enough. A traction accessory can determine whether you move confidently and efficiently.

🔵 Ice cleats

Ice cleats are ideal for situations where there is ice, compacted snow, or icy sections on the trail.

• minimum weight and immediate effect
• suitable for city sidewalks, suburban routes, and gentle slopes
• simple to fit even into a backpack pocket
• significantly increase step confidence on hard surfaces

👉 **Practical recommendation:**
When the temperature is around zero and it thaws during the day but freezes in the evening, spikes are almost always worth using.

🔵 Snowshoes

Snowshoes have a different purpose than crampons — they assist in deep, soft, or drifted snow, where without them, you sink significantly and quickly lose strength.

• distributes weight and prevents sagging
• saves energy during long winter expeditions
• suitable for higher altitudes, mountain meadows, and forest sections with loose snow
• stable even when combined with trekking poles

👉 Tip:
If the route includes sections where firm snow alternates with deep snow, it is worth choosing a model with quick-release bindings and more aggressive spikes under the shoe.

🔵 Návleky

Gaiters are an unobtrusive but extremely practical accessory that you'll appreciate in almost every winter activity.

• prevent snow from entering footwear
• protects pants from soaking and dirt
• reduce the risk of getting cold from wet socks
• We recommend always when the snow is above the ankles

👉 Tip: In addition to nonslip grips and snowshoes, gaiters also help stabilize the lower part of the pants and prevent snagging on bindings or spikes.

A backpack you can rely on even in winter. Robust material, easily accessible pockets, and space for a thermos or extra layers — exactly what you need when the weather changes faster than planned.

4) What belongs in a backpack for an all-day winter trip

In winter, it's always better to have a few extra grams in your backpack than to risk returning wet, cold, or without energy. A well-packed backpack saves you energy, helps when the weather worsens, and ensures you have all the essentials on hand — from warmth to navigation.

The following list is based on proven practice in winter terrain. It does not contain "unnecessary items," but things that really make sense.

Essential items

Thermos with a warm drink

• warm beverage helps regulate body temperature and increases comfort
• tea, broth, or isotonic drink — ideally 1 liter per person
• always fill the thermos with a hot drink to the brim (better insulation)

👉 **Tip:**
If you have a thermal chimney or a thermal cover, the drink will stay warm even after 8–12 hours.

🔵 Energetic Food

• quick energy: protein and energy bars, chocolate, nuts, dried fruit
• medium-fast energy: dried meat, mini sandwiches, salty snacks
• in winter, you burn more, so take food "for reserve" too

🔵 First Aid Kit

The contents of the first aid kit depend on the length of the trip, but the basics should always be:

• patches, sterile dressing
• bandage and triangular scarf
• disinfection
• replacement isothermal foil (very compact and efficient)
• personal medication

👉 Tip: An isothermal foil is mandatory equipment in winter — it weighs only a few grams, but it is invaluable in an emergency.

🔵 Nůž / multitool

• for food, minor repairs, working with material
• with snowshoes or crampons assist in emergency adjustments

🔵 Headlamp

• In winter, it gets dark early and darkness comes quickly.
• having a headlamp in the backpack is one of the most important principles of winter hiking
• ideally with a spare battery, or with a distinctive low mode that conserves energy

🔵 Powerbank

• the battery in the phone discharges 2-4 times faster due to the cold
• store the power bank and the phone in the inner pocket, closer to the body

👉 Practical advice:
Keep your phone in airplane mode or with data connection turned off if you primarily use it for navigation.

A warm drink in a quality thermos is essential in winter — it helps maintain energy and body heat.

🔵 Mapa + kompas

• a mobile phone is a great tool, but it is not a reliable source of navigation in freezing temperatures
• paper map always works
• The compass ensures orientation even in a whiteout or GPS outage

Spare gloves and a dry shirt

• in winter, you often sweat even during a mild ascent
• Changing into a dry first layer prevents rapid cooling during a break.
• spare gloves solve the situation when your first pair gets wet

🔵 Mini survival kit

Small but practical accessory:

• Firestarter or small matches in a plastic capsule
• whistle
• A piece of duct tape wrapped on a card or, for example, on a bottle.
• small knife or razor
• safety pins

👉 Tip: Pack your survival kit in such a way that it remains in your backpack permanently. It will save you from having to think each time you pack.

Optional but very useful items

🔵 Seat Pad / insulating pad

• protects against cold and moisture during a break
• keeps you warm even during short stops
• weight 30–80 g, but comfort enormous

🔵 Second thermos with a hot drink

• for longer trips or expeditions for two
• second drink (e.g., broth) provides energy and salt

🔵 Warm pads for gloves or shoes

• suitable for people who suffer from freezing fingers

• excellent during long breaks, waiting, or working with a tripod/tools

5) Short winter trip vs. all-day winter expedition – what changes?

Winter conditions have one important feature: the longer you are outside, the more cumulative cold, fatigue, and moisture manifest. Therefore, the equipment for a two-hour trip differs from the equipment for a full-day expedition — not only for comfort, but mainly for safety.

✅ On a short trip you mainly rely on returning to warmth quickly.
✅ On a full-day adventure you rely only on what you have on you and in your backpack.

Short winter trip (2–3 hours)

Suitable for stable weather, known routes, and places where you are close to a retreat (car, cottage, city).

Recommended equipment:

• 1–2 extra layers of clothing
  A spare insulating layer or a lightweight jacket for your backpack for chilly breaks.
• Lighter backpack
  10-20 liters is enough, just for basic equipment.
• Headlamp Even on a short trip, there is little light during the day. Returning at dusk is a common scenario.
• Thermos
  A warm drink significantly increases comfort and helps retain body heat.
• Basic First Aid Kit Adhesive tape, plasters, isotermic foil — nothing more, nothing less.
• Non-slip covers (if there is ice)
  On both urban and forest paths, they significantly increase stability and confidence in each step.

**Practical Difference:**
On a short trip, the priority is simplicity and low weight — just what you really need.

Quick energy that won't freeze. Quality jerky is the ideal fuel for winter routes — easily accessible even in gloves and ready to provide strength when the temperature drops.

All-day winter expedition (6–10 hours)

A long route means longer exposure to cold, more energy burned by movement, and greater demands on self-service and safety.

Recommended equipment:

• Complete three-layer system
  Base layer, insulating layer, shell. In the field, you often use ventilation and change the intensity of insulation.
• Spare insulative layer for a backpack
  Down jacket or synthetic jacket. In winter, it determines comfort during breaks and safety when the weather worsens.
• 1–2 pairs of gloves One pair of work/light gloves, one pair of thick gloves. Wet or sweaty gloves are a big problem in winter.
• Energetic Food for the Whole Day
  A mix of quick and slower energy. In winter, you burn more calories than in summer.
• Larger Thermos
  0.75–1 liter per person. For longer trips, feel free to take a second thermos.
• Full navigation equipment
  Map, compass, phone + power bank. Not all sections have signal, and electronics quickly lose capacity in the cold.
• Traction devices or snowshoes according to the terrain
• traction cleats → ice and hard surface
• snowshoes → deep, soft, or drifted snow

Important: On a full-day expedition, you do not have a "quick return." Therefore, it is advisable to have equipment in your backpack in case conditions worsen.

Preparation is key for safe winter hiking

Winter hiking offers great experiences if you dedicate thoughtful preparation. Proper layering of clothing, reliable footwear, and a well-packed backpack form the basis of safe and comfortable winter movement in the terrain. The longer and more challenging the trip you plan, the more important the details that keep you warm, dry, and in control.

If you want to continue further — to more challenging routes, exposed terrain, or if you plan to stay overnight outdoors — visit the second part of this series: a winter hiking guide for advanced hikers. There, we focus on working with icy terrain, using crampons and non-slip devices, choosing bivouac equipment, and handling crisis situations.