What to Wear for Cold Weather Hiking
While we tend to think of needing bulkier outerwear in cold weather, wearing lightweight layers provides options for different types of conditions encountered. This is my approach to layering for cold weather.
Lightweight layers are key
I used to think that the hiking season was over once the colder rainy season began. And when I did get out in the winter, I tended to wear a heavy insulated jacket that had me sweating after hiking for more than a mile or so. It doesn’t take long to warm up, especially on hikes that have elevation gain. Then I’d be miserable for the rest of the hike since I didn’t have options for making adjustments. Plus, getting too wet from sweat in cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable — it can also increase the risk of hypothermia.
Over time, I learned that lightweight layers are the best way to stay warm and dry on the trail. Instead of relying on one bulky jacket, layering allows you to regulate your temperature as your activity level and the weather change. This method also means that I can utilize clothing and outerwear that I already have for hiking at other times of the year instead of needing purchase winter-specific outerwear.
I start with a baselayer — hiking tops and pants that provide some warmth without being too bulky. Over that, I add a lightweight mid-layer pullover or jacket that works well while I’m moving. I also carry a lightweight insulated synthetic or down jacket for breaks, or for hiking when temperatures are especially cold. Rain gear is another important part of my system during the wetter months, especially here in the Pacific Northwest.
Make sure your backpack has enough room to stow layers as you adjust throughout the day. Lightweight clothing that packs down small makes this much easier and keeps you from having to choose between carrying extra layers and having enough space for everything else.
Your First Layer: Hiking Tops and Bottoms
A hiking top and bottom form your first layers for warmth and comfort on the trail. These layers help regulate your temperature as you move, keeping you cozy without feeling bulky. They also wick moisture away from your skin, helping you stay comfortable as your body warms up on climbs or during steady effort.
This layer should feel comfortable to move in and dry quickly. I rely on baselayers that work across seasons, since they’re just as useful on cool spring and fall hikes as they are in winter.
For tops, I prefer synthetic or merino wool options that allow for ease of movement and provide extra warmth when conditions are colder.
For bottoms, I usually stick with wool leggings that include wind panels or softshell hiking pants, rather than layering additional baselayer pants under my hiking pants — this setup keeps me warm without overheating and avoids the hassle of removing an extra layer on the trail.
Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Hoodie
The Tern hoodie is one of my favorite hiking tops, and I wear it year-round as a base layer. It’s lightweight enough to layer over without feeling bulky, which I prefer to wearing a heavier top underneath multiple layers. The polyester and merino wool blend adds a little warmth and gives it the natural odor resistance of wool, while the polyester helps it hold its shape. I like that the fabric has some stretch, and the open knit allows good airflow. It also dries quickly and provides sun protection.
- sizes available: XS – 3XL
- fabric: 63% merino (18 micron), 29% polyester, 8% nylon, knit
See my full review of the Tern Hoodie
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tights
These heavyweight tights are made from merino wool with synthetic windproof panels across the front to block cold wind while remaining breathable. They include two pockets for small essentials and side zippers at the leg bottoms to make them easier to put on and take off. I wear them for winter hikes because they keep me warmer than regular hiking pants and offer the freedom of movement I like in leggings, along with the wicking and temperature-regulating qualities of merino wool.
- sizes available: XS to XL
- fabric: main body: 54% recycled polyester, 38% merino wool, 8% elastane; overlay: 85% recycled nylon, 15% elastane
REI Activator Soft-Shell Pants
These stretchy hiking pants are made from a heavier softshell fabric than typical lightweight hiking pants, providing extra warmth and wind resistance for cold-weather hikes. They feature articulated knees for mobility and zippered hand and back pockets for secure storage.
- sizes available: XS to 3X, options for petite and tall
- fabric: 63% nylon/26% polyester/11% spandex (bluesign approved)
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Mid-Layers
Mid-layers provide insulation by trapping body heat while remaining breathable, making them a key part of a layering system for cold-weather hiking. I usually start with a lightweight fleece or pullover for moderate cold, then add a warmer insulated jacket when conditions are colder or I plan to take breaks. A good mid-layer allows movement without overheating and can be stashed in a pack until needed.
Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie
The Ventus works well for days when a fleece isn’t quite warm enough, but a full puffy feels like overkill. I like the amount of warmth it adds while still breathing well when I’m hiking, especially when temperatures are cool and change throughout the day. It uses 3DeFX synthetic insulation that’s body-mapped to provide more insulation where you need it and less where you tend to get hot. The insulation also stretches with you, which I notice when I’m moving, and its design allows more airflow when I’m active.
I especially appreciate the ventilation under the arms, where the insulation is replaced with perforated fabric. The front zip also makes it easy to let out more heat when needed. For me, the Ventus is a useful mid-layer when I want a little more warmth and some wind protection without the bulk or restriction of a traditional puffy.
- sizes available: XS to 2XL
- i****nsulation: synthetic (3DeFX active stretch)
- fill weight: 25 gsm
- fabric: shell 20D ripstop nylon DWR treated; inner fabric: 20D ripstop nylon
- hood type: elastic binding
- weight: 6.5 oz (women’s small)
See my full review of the Ventus Hoodie
Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket
The Vario Jacket is a lightweight insulated mid-layer that provides a bit more warmth than the Ventus Hoodie while staying breathable. It has underarm vents to regulate temperature and a full front zipper for easy layering. For hiking in cold weather, I use this jacket when I want extra warmth but don’t need a heavier insulated jacket. It also layers well with the Ventus hoodie, replacing the need for an extra puffy.
- sizes available: XS to 2XL
- insulation: synthetic (3DeFX active stretch)
- fill weight: 40 gsm
- fabric: 20-denier ripstop nylon with DWR finish
- hood type: elastic binding
- pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets
- weight: 8.3 oz (women’s size small)
See my full review of the Vario Jacket
Himali Ascent Stretch Hoodie
The Ascent is a heavier-weight synthetic jacket that doesn’t feel bulky because of its athletic, articulated design and four-way stretch fabric. The super-soft fabric makes it comfortable to wear, and the stretch makes it a good option for active movement even with the thicker insulation, although it is slightly bulkier for carrying in a pack. Features include two hand pockets and one chest pocket with zippers, a larger hood that can accommodate a helmet, and elasticized cuffs on the sleeves.
- sizes available: XS to XL
- insulation: synthetic (Primaloft Gold Active+)
- fill weight: 100 grams
- fabric: Toray Primeflex nylon stretch shell with Eco-DWR finish
- hood type: elastic binding; helmet-compatible
- pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets, 1 chest pocket
- weight: 15.8 oz (women’s size small)
See my full review of the Ascent Hoodie
Women's Ascent Stretch Hoodie Men's Ascent Stretch Hoodie
Outdoor Vitals Zulu Down Jacket
An ultralight down layer that strikes a great balance of warmth and packability, the Zulu uses a seamless baffle design and high-loft 900-fill Muscovy duck down for efficient insulation without weighing you down. At just 9.5 oz (women’s small), it’s ideal for cool hikes where every ounce counts, yet still provides noticeable warmth.
- sizes available: small to 2XL
- insulation: 900-fill-power Muscovy duck down
- fill weight: 3.6 oz
- fabric: 15-denier Zero Stitch nylon
- hood type: elastic binding
- pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets; 2 internal drop pockets
- weight: 9.5 oz (women’s size small)
See my full review of the Zulu Down Jacket
Women's Zulu Down Jacket Men's Zulu Down Jacket
Outer Layers
In the Pacific Northwest, cold-weather hiking usually involves some mix of rain, wind, or snow, which is why I always bring a rain jacket and rain pants. Even on dry days, they’re handy for cutting wind and holding in warmth. I don’t usually put on rain pants unless the rain is heavier, instead relying on my regular hiking pants and adding gaiters in wet or snowy conditions to keep my lower legs and feet drier.
Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket
The Tushar is a minimalist-style rain jacket that does exactly what it needs to: keep you dry on trail. But it also has several features that make it a stand-out option, including a softer fabric feel inside and out, pit zips for ventilation, and a lightweight construction that packs down small for stashing in your pack.
- sizes available: men’s small to 3X
- fabric: 20D micro-Ripstop Nylon with mapped membrane application
- type of waterproofing: Toray Torain 3D 2.5 layer waterproof breathable lamination technology
- waterproof rating: lamination 1: 28,500mm hydrostatic head; lamination 2: 15,500 hydrostatic head
- breathability rating: lamination 1: 20,000g; lamination 2: 28,900g
- ventilation: pit zips
- pockets: 1 chest pocket
- weight: 6.2 oz. (men’s size small)
See my full review of the Tushar Rain Jacket
REI Rainier Rain Pants
I prefer to use rain pants with full-length zippers so they are easier to pull on and take off when hiking without needing to remove your shoes. These rain pants include zippered hand pockets – a feature not often found on rain pants, making them a practical choice for heavier rain on the trail.
- sizes available: XS to 3X, options for petite and tall
- fabric: 100% recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign approved)
- type of waterproofing: 2.5-layer HydroWall recycled waterproof/breathable membrane
- ventilation: full size zips
- pockets: 2 zippered side pockets
- weight: 10.6 oz. (women’s size small)
Footwear
In cold weather, I switch to waterproof hiking shoes to keep my feet warm and dry, and to handle higher water levels when crossing streams. Since my feet tend to run cold, I wear wool or alpaca fiber socks for warmth and moisture management, adding a thin liner sock underneath in the coldest conditions for extra insulation. Gaiters can be a helpful addition, especially when hiking in snow, to keep your feet and lower legs drier and warmer.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX: These waterproof mids from Hoka provide extra ankle support with a neoprene-like sleeve at the top that also helps keep debris out. I sized up a half-size to accommodate two layers of socks in winter without feeling tight. I’ve hiked in them on rainy and muddy trails, and the heavy cushioning keeps my feet comfortable while the Vibram Megagrip outsoles deliver excellent traction.
Wigwam Merino Hiker Socks: Sized slightly larger than normal to layer comfortably over liner socks, these provide warmth and cushioning for cold-weather hikes.
REI Wool Liner Socks: Thin but warm, these wool liner socks work well under thicker socks for extra insulation and moisture management.
Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiters: Waterproof and breathable, these gaiters attach to your boots and cover up to the knee, keeping your feet and lower legs warm and dry in rain or snow.
Hats, Gloves & Neck Gaiters
Keeping your head and hands warm is especially important in cold weather. I usually rely on the hood of my jacket rather than a beanie unless it’s particularly cold. In colder or windy conditions, I add a lightweight wool or fleece-lined hat for extra warmth without adding bulk.
To keep drafts off my neck, I prefer a neck gaiter over a scarf. Wool or fleece gaiters are noticeably warmer than thin synthetic options, providing insulation without restricting movement or layering.
My hands get cold easily, so gloves are always part of my cold-weather kit. I usually carry two pairs: a lightweight pair for most conditions and a pair of mittens for extra warmth when needed. I look for gloves that are touchscreen compatible so I don’t have to remove them to check a GPS or map.
These are the clothing choices I rely on for cold-weather hiking, and they help me stay warm, dry, and comfortable on the trail. Adapt these layers to your needs and enjoy winter hiking with confidence.