![\"Pinterest](\"https:\/\/www.freshoffthegrid.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Winter-Hiking-Clothes-PIN-100x100.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p>\n Hiking season doesn\u2019t have to end with the arrival of winter. With the right winter hiking clothes, you can enjoy your favorite day hiking trails all year round! In this post, we\u2019re sharing the essentials that helped us embrace winter and actually look forward to cold-weather hiking.\u00a0<\/p>\n There\u2019s a Scandinavian expression we love: \u201cThere\u2019s no bad weather, only bad clothing.\u201d For years, we dreaded winter\u2014mostly because we didn\u2019t know how to layer properly. So we would grit our teeth to get through the darker days until we could hike again in the spring.<\/p>\n But once we invested in the right winter hiking gear, everything changed. It is no exaggeration to say having the right clothes reshaped our relationship with winter. Now, winter hiking<\/a> has become one of our favorite outdoor experiences that we look forward to every year!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In this post, we\u2019ll cover the basics of layering, tips for staying warm and dry, and offer our recommendations for our favorite cold-weather hiking gear.<\/p>\n Winter clothing needs to keep you both warm and dry\u2014staying dry is critical. Cold and wet conditions rapidly lower body temperature, as water cools you 25 times faster than air1<\/sup>, which can quickly become dangerous.<\/p>\n There are two main ways to get wet: outside<\/strong> and inside<\/strong>. External sources include rain, melting snow, ice, or puddles.\u00a0 Waterproof layers will block this external moisture.<\/p>\n The less obvious risk is internal moisture from sweat. Overheating can lead to sweat, which cools your body fast once you stop moving. Aim to stay comfortably warm without overheating by adjusting your layers based on exertion levels. This brings us to our next point\u2026<\/p>\n Layering is the foundation for staying comfortable in any winter activity. Adjusting layers helps you match your exertion level to stay warm without overheating. Here are the basics\u2013we\u2019ll go into further details in the sections below!<\/p>\n Layering isn\u2019t a \u201cset-it-and-forget-it\u201d system. As soon as you feel too warm, stop to adjust\u2014unzip, push up sleeves, or remove a layer. If you start feeling chilly, add a layer\u2014staying warm is easier than regaining warmth.<\/p>\n Frequent adjustments are key, especially on varied terrain. Also, have a large daypack to store extra layers\u2014without one, you might be tempted to keep layers on and overheat.<\/p>\n Layers are key for staying comfortably warm and dry while hiking in the winter<\/a>. In these sections, we\u2019ll cover all the different winter hiking layers, as well as our tried and true favorite pieces to point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n A good base layer traps heat, wicks moisture, and should be soft, cozy, and close-fitting. Opt for merino wool or synthetics\u2014avoid cotton. Wool resists odors, while synthetics dry faster.<\/p>\n Tried & True Favorites<\/strong><\/p>\n Midlayers are where the bulk of your insulation will come from, trapping your body heat to keep you warm. It\u2019s usually a good idea to pack two midlayers that you can layer as needed: a fleece-type jacket and a down or synthetic insulating jacket.<\/p>\n Our Favorite Fleece Jackets<\/strong><\/p>\n Tried & True Insulating Jackets<\/strong><\/p>\n A weatherproof shell blocks external moisture and wind. For winter hikes, we usually choose a rain jacket as our shell. Look for synthetic, waterproof materials with stretch fabric, zipper vents, and an adjustable hood. Ensure it\u2019s roomy enough to fit over your mid-layer\u2014consider sizing up if needed.<\/p>\n In our closet<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.freshoffthegrid.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Crater-Lake-Winter-Hiking-1.jpg)
![\"Megan](\"https:\/\/www.freshoffthegrid.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Winter-Hike-3.jpg)
The number one rule of winter hiking: Stay dry!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.freshoffthegrid.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Winter-Hiking-Layers.jpg)
Layering for Cold Weather Hiking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The layering tip everyone forgets: Keep Adjusting!<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"Half](\"https:\/\/www.freshoffthegrid.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Yosemite-Winter-2.jpg)
What to wear hiking in winter<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Winter Hiking Jackets, Shells, and Baselayers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Base Layer Top<\/h4>\n
Insulating Mid Layer(s)<\/h4>\n
Outer Layer Shell Jacket<\/h4>\n
![\"Megan](\"https:\/\/www.freshoffthegrid.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Crater-Lake-Winter-Hiking-4.jpg)