Winter hiking can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! In this post, I’m sharing all the gear I bring to keep me safe and provide extra comfort while hiking in the cold. This women’s winter hiking gear list has everything from hand warmers to headlamps, ensuring your time in the snow is safe, warm, and fun!
Winter hiking is so magical you don’t want to miss out!
Winter Hiking Gear Essentials for Women
1) Winter Hiking Daypack
I recently got this day pack, and I am obsessed. It definitely is on the larger side, but that’s what makes it perfect for winter essentials and long hikes. With winter hiking gear, you’ll carry more supplies and lots of layers, so having space is a must. This is the Gregory-Jade 28L Moab Orange. Look for a pack between 25and 35 liters.
If you live anywhere with a lot of snow, these are very helpful and sometimes required while hiking through deep snow. Where I live right now, if there is 8″ or more of snow in the mountains, you are required to use them.
These are micro spikes, and they are great for icy rocks and iced-over trails. Whether there is a lot of snow or only a little, these are always a good idea to bring on any winter hike! They also pack down small, so you won’t even notice them in your pack. I will wear these instead of snowshoes if the snow is packed down. They are a must-bring for me!
This winter hiking gear can be helpful when moving through snow. You truly don’t need to buy anything special for trekking poles, but you will want them, especially on slippery snow or while wearing snowshoes.
Your safety is most important when going out on these cold winter hikes. Having a Garmin SOS satellite communicator is so nice. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but if you do, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can get help just in case. Most trails don’t have cell reception; if you had a serious injury and couldn’t find help, one of these devices could save your life. Time moves fast in the cold!
These emergency Bivys are also essential to your safety out in the cold. These reflective Bivys can help keep you just warm enough to survive a long time stuck out in the cold. These are designed to reflect 90% of your body heat back to your body! It weighs only 4 ounces, so there’s no harm in throwing it in your pack! This is a must-have for winter hiking gear.
This isn’t just winter hiking gear; it’s a necessity for all types of hikes! A first aid kit kind of speaks for itself. I love this one because it has so many different things inside, yet it is still small!
If you’re hiking in deep snow, you’re going to want these! These gaiters are essential for keeping the snow away from going inside your boots. No one wants wet socks.
Some packs come with a rain cover, but some do not. These are really nice to have for all seasons. It is especially nice to have one in winter because you can set your pack down on the snow and be confident that it’s not just getting soaked. Having this on while it is snowing during your hike is also good.
Light is essential for all hikes! I never go on a hike without one of these. You never know when you’re going to take longer than expected, and now you need to hike down partly in the dark. Relying on your phone battery for light isn’t a good idea!
Feel free to bring a lighter, but I would always have one of these in my bag as a backup! They can get wet, and they don’t run out of fuel. They’re much safer when you’re going into a cold environment where a fire could save your life if caught in an extreme situation.
This goes along with a lighter. This stuff is great; it burns as good as paper but lasts longer. You can also take a piece of the roll and not the whole thing if needed.
Here are a few reasons rope can come in handy: making a shelter with your bivy, making a makeshift belt, Straps if yours happen to break, or tying a split on if necessary. If you use a bright one, you can use it to tie along trees if you think you’re lost; that way, you’ll be able to retrace your steps if necessary.
Cold hands and feet are no fun. Add these to your winter hiking gear list. Feel free to use a rechargeable one, but if the battery doesn’t last or it won’t work, I would rather carry a few of these hot hands in my pack in case of an emergency.
Water: I would recommend NOT using a bladder. Bladder straws in freezing temperatures can plug your straw with ice, and drinking water can be very hard. If the temperatures are above freezing or near it, then it is probably fine to use a bladder. Otherwise, I would recommend either aninsulated bottle, or awide- mouth Nalgene .
Snacks: I would throw in some peanuts even if you don’t usually like them. High-caloric foods are essential for keeping your body warm in cold temperatures because you burn calories faster while cold. So bring your usual favorite snacks, but always bring extra! A few of my favorite hiking snacks right now are anything from BOBO even though they aren’t necessarily healthy, they hit the spot for me. “That’s It” is also really great to have on the trail instead of candy! They’re fruit bars, and they are delicious.
Winter Hiking Gear – Great Additions to Have
16) Jetboil + food
Here me out… Tea at the top? In all seriousness though it is recommended to bring something to boil water with if you’re going for a long winter hike. You might run out of water and need to boil some. Or you might get really hungry and want a mid-hike meal? I always bring a freeze-dried meal just in case. Not only do I bring food I bring 2X the amount of snacks… you burn a lot more calories when you’re cold and it is essential fuel for keeping you warm.
These are my two favorite ways to pee while hiking! The only reason I don’t always love a pee cloth is because it can sometimes freeze if you use in it in cold temperatures and keep it on the outside of your pack. You can always just bring TP and pack it out!
I love my reflection seat! it is such a great luxury item to have. Stop for lunch?… let me sit on my seat and not get wet from the snow. Hangout at the top? Perfect, my butt won’t be frozen while I sit on my little seat! Perfect.
According to north country(Adirondacks) winter hiking guide this is in the essentials list! Because not everyone is going up to alpine or into the backcountry… I would only recommend this for a very low temp hike or an all-day long winter hike. Never a bad idea though! Safety in these conditions is the most important.
Make sure to layer up correctly and bring all your essential layers as well! I made a full winter hiking attire blog post as well so make sure to check it out!
So there ya have it, friends! The ultimate list for women’s winter hiking gear! I hope this post encourages you to get outdoors during the cold season and enjoy all it has to offer. If you’re wanting more gear guides, be sure to check out this post here on the best winter clothing layers!
