Skip to content

What to Wear Hiking in Cold Weather?

    This article may contain compensated links. Learn more in our disclaimer.

    What to wear hiking in cold weather?

    With so many options out there, you may feel confused as to what clothes to choose for hiking in winter. That’s why we are here to help you. We have made a list of the best clothing for hiking in winter and we have grouped them into categories, listed below. Check them out and find your new favourite winter hiking clothes!

    For more options, click the links below every section.

    Read more: What to Wear Hiking in Hot Weather?

    Table of Contents

    What to Wear Hiking in Cold Weather?

    Here is a list of some of the best winter hiking clothes.

    Everything from winter hiking socks to winter hiking jackets. For availability, more photos, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon. Just click on the name or image of the item.

    1. Best Hiking Pants for Winter (Men)

    Wespornow Men’s Fleece Lined Hiking Pants (click for more details)

    The ultimate winter hiking pants for men, 3-layer pants.

    Overall, the best hiking pants for winter, our favorite.

    Designed to offer next-to-skin comfort, these pants have a water resistant, breathable and quick drying outer layer, windproof mid-layer and fleece lining with great heat storage capacity. These pants feature ergonomic design with articulated knees and gusseted crotch. They also have a great pocket set – two front slant pockets, one zippered back pocket and one reinforcement-secured flap pocket.

    Reliable pants to keep you dry and warm in Arctic circumstances.

    MATERIAL: Polyester

    BEST FOR: Hiking, skiing, fishing, climbing or everyday wear

    More: Best Hiking Pants for Winter

    2. Best Women’s Winter Hiking Pants

    Camii Mia Women’s Winter Pants (click for more details)

    Neat looking and durable women’s hiking pants for cold weather.

    Overall the best women’s winter hiking pants, our favorite.

    These pants are waterproof and windproof on the outside and soft on the inside. The fleece lining makes them also extra warm. Useful pocket arrangement – two slanted hand pockets and two back pockets. Reinforced knees for mobility and high waist for great fit make them extra comfortable for outdoor activities.

    Additionally, these pants are breathable which is a must-have for activewear.

    MATERIAL: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex

    BEST FOR: camping, hiking, snow skiing, traveling, climbing, etc.

    More: Best Women’s Winter Hiking Pants

    3. Best Hiking Jacket For Cold Weather (Men)

    CIOR Men’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket (click for more details)

    An affordable well equipped ski and rain jacket for cold weather.

    One of the best hiking jackets for men, our favorite.

    With 10000 mm water pressure resistance and excellent heat retention abilities it beats most of the other winter jackets out there. Its stretchable gloves with thumb holes and internal drawcord hem make it super windproof. Cotton padding is what makes it warm. Amazing pocket arrangement – two hand pockets, one waterproof outside chest pocket, another one on the inside and one internal media pocket. An earphone line fastening and supporting fixture available inside the jacket.

    Outperforming winter jacket for such a low price.

    Relaxed fit style with a room for movement.

    BEST FOR: Any active outdoor activities

    More: Best Hiking Jackets For Cold Weather

    4. Best Hiking Jacket For Cold Weather (Women)

    Wantdo Women’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Windproof Ski Jacket (click for more details)

    Two jackets, three wearing options for a super affordable price.

    One of the best hiking jackets for women, our favorite.

    You can wear both layers separately. But when worn together and the elastic cuffs are put on, it turns into an insulated hiking jacket. Outside of the jacket is made of 5000 mm water pressure resistant Taslon fabric that makes it waterproof, heat resistant and durable. On the inside it features 70D*150D Pongee lining that has great heat retention qualities. Together with cotton padding and underarm vents it makes it the ultimate winter hiking jacket for all occasions.

    For your convenience the hood is detachable and you can wash the jacket in the washing machine. However, hand washing would be a better idea for longevity.

    BEST FOR: Skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing

    More: Best Hiking Jackets For Cold Weather, Best Packable Down Jacket for Women

    5. Best Merino Wool Base Layer for Men

    Minus33 Midweight Crew Neck Shirt 230 GSM (click for more details)

    A midweight mens Merino base layer long sleeve.

    Overall the best Merino wool base layer for men, our favorite.

    Made of 100% Merino wool, this high quality hiking base layer shirt is soft, lightweight and suitable for everything from hiking to walking with your dog in the park. At 230 GSM it’s neither too thin, nor too thick and bulky. Speaking of the bulkiness, Merino wool activewear is never really bulky, it’s just important to understand that it also isn’t always the same. Just like most of Merino base layers it’s highly durable, breathable and odor resistant.

    It’s made to be worn a lot.

    FABRIC WEIGHT: 230 GSM

    More: Best Mens Merino Wool Base Layer

    6. Best Merino Wool Base Layer for Women

    Minus33 Ossipee Women’s Base Layer 230 GSM (click for more details)

    A high quality midweight Merino thermal top for women.

    Overall the best women’s Merino base layer, our favorite.

    It’s warm, very lightweight and highly versatile. Made of 100% Merino wool, it’s a great choice for everyone who wants a fully natural base layer. It can be worn on its own or under a midlayer. At 230 GSM it’s neither too thin, nor too thick and bulky, and suitable for any season. Only during the winter, and when it’s chilly, of course, you won’t be wearing it on its own — it’s not that warm.

    The top shares all the best features of Merino, which includes durability, breathability, outstanding moisture management and odor resistance. Apart from that it’s also very fast drying and protects you from the sun (UPF 50).

    FABRIC WEIGHT: 230 GSM

    More: Best Merino Wool Base Layer for Women

    7. Best Merino Wool Base Layer Pants For Men

    Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Mens Bottom Pants (click for more details)

    High quality, multi-purpose Merino base layer pants for men.

    Overall the best Merino wool base layer pants, our favorite.

    The best part about these mens base layer pants is that they are versatile. You can use them for almost any purpose, except for maybe a wedding, haha. They can be your Merino wool long underwear, jogging pants, everyday pants or ultra lightweight work pants. Thanks to their design they look good everywhere and for everything.

    The pants are lightweight, extra comfortable and super easy to take care of — they are machine washable, dry fast and doesn’t really smell. Perfect choice for busy people.

    Comes with a pair of Merino wool hiking socks.

    FABRIC WEIGHT: 250 GSM

    More: Best Merino Wool Base Layer Pants For Men

    8. Best Merino Wool Base Layer Women’s Bottoms

    Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Womens Pants (click for more details)

    Super comfortable Merino wool thermals / women’s bottoms.

    Overall the best Merino wool base layer women’s bottoms, our favorite.

    These Merino wool long underwear women’s bottoms are versatile, and that’s the very best part about them. At 250 GSM, they feel and look good everywhere and for everything. Wear them for a night in a tent, or when going for a jog with your dog. At 250 GSM they are suitable both for summer weather and rather cool evenings — thanks to Merino wool’s natural properties and moisture management.

    The pants are very lightweight, extra comfortable and super easy to take care of — they are machine washable, dry fast and antibacterial (doesn’t absorb odors). You can wear them both as a base layer or mid-layer. All in all, perfect choice for busy women.

    Comes with a pair of Merino wool hiking socks.

    FABRIC WEIGHT: 250 GSM

    More: Best Merino Wool Base Layer Women’s Bottoms

    9. Best Mid Layer for Hiking (Men)

    Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Fleece Jacket (click for more details)

    Ultrasoft mid layer fleece jacket for a budget friendly price.

    Overall, the best mid layer for hiking, our favorite.

    This classic fit fleece jacket has a full length zipper that allows you to wear it open or closed, and have a full control over the body heat. It has a collared neck that also can be worn up or down. The two side pockets have zippers. Features like elastic cuffs and adjustable drawcord at the bottom hem are great for insulation.

    MATERIAL: 100% Polyester

    BEST FOR: Hiking, camping, traveling

    More: Best Mid Layer for Hiking

    10. Best Mid Layer for Hiking (Women)

    Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Fleece Jacket (click for more details)

    Modern, classic-fit fleece mid layer for women.

    Overall the best women’s mid layer for hiking, our favorite.

    This supersoft fleece jacket has a full length zipper that makes it versatile. It has a collared neck that allows you to close it up for greater warmth or leave open for more breeze. The jacket is lightweight and designed for active wear. Both of its side pockets are secured with zippers.

    There are elastic cuffs and an adjustable bottom hemline for extra warmth.

    MATERIAL: 100% Polyester

    BEST FOR: Hiking, camping, traveling, outdoor sports

    More: Best Mid Layer for Hiking

    11. Best Fleece for Hiking (Men)

    MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hoodie Fleece Jacket (click for more details)

    Well equipped thick fleece jacket with six pockets.

    The best fleece for hiking if you need a lot of pockets.

    The Polar fleece makes it thick and warm. It’s also ultra soft, windproof and resists pilling, shrinking and wrinkles. For extra warmth there is a stand collar with a hood, thumb holes and a bottom drawcord that blocks wind. There are also several pockets – two chest pockets, two pockets on the upper arm, one on the lower left arm and a “kangaroo pouch” on the lower back.

    The hoop and loop shoulder pads allow you to attach badges.

    MATERIAL: 100% Polyester

    BEST FOR: Tactical sports, hiking, climbing, mountaineering

    More: Best Fleece for Hiking

    12. Best Fleece for Hiking (Women)

    Helly-Hansen Women’s Daybreaker Fleece Jacket (click for more details)

    Classic and comfortable women’s mid layer fleece.

    The jacket is lightweight and warm. It’s made out of ultralight Polartec (100G) fleece fabric which makes it also a little stretchy. Full length zipper makes it versatile and you can wear it open or closed. The bottom hem line sits lower at the back giving extra care for the body parts that are more sensitive to cold. Flatlock seams make it less bulky. The two hand pockets have zippers.

    This outdoor fleece jacket can be worn in all seasons.

    MATERIAL: 100% Polyester

    BEST FOR: Hiking, skiing, horseback riding, active outdoor sports

    More: Best Fleece for Hiking

    13. Best Winter Hiking Socks for Men and Women

    DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Socks (click for more details)

    Durable short crew hiking socks for men and women.

    Overall, the best winter hiking socks, our favorite.

    Great price for three pairs. Targeted cushioning and padding reduce the risk of blisters, aches and aid. Reinforced design reduces slipping and bunching, as well as makes them more durable. Ventilation mesh lanes are great for airflow optimization and odor prevention. While Merino wool that they are made of allows them to adjust to different temperatures and seasons.

    According to the manufacturer, this wool is sourced in an animal friendly way.

    MATERIAL: 40% Merino wool blend

    BEST FOR: Winter hikes, traveling or everyday wear

    More: Best Winter Hiking Socks

    14. Best Gloves for Hiking

    Mountain Made Cold Weather Genesis Gloves (click for more details)

    Anti slip hiking gloves with zipper adjustable fitting.

    Overall, the best gloves for hiking, our favorite.

    These super light gloves have strong heat preservation abilities. They are cell phone friendly and their rubber like coating offers a great grip. The zipper allows you to adjust the glove to the hand and keep it in place. The lining is moisture absorbent and quick-drying that prevents excess sweating. Great for 32F and warmer temperatures.

    Note that they are hand stitched which means better quality and comfort.

    Available in several sizes and are suitable both for men and women.

    MATERIAL: 88% Polyester, 6% Spandex, 6% PVC Rubber

    BEST FOR: Hiking, cycling, driving and everyday use

    More: Best Gloves for Hiking

    15. Best Accessories for Hiking in Winter

    Gaiters, microspikes, hiking watches?

    See our guides:

    A woman with a backpack in the mountains
    Photo by julie aagaard from Pexels

    Warm Winter Clothes vs Winter Hiking Clothes

    What is the difference between the two?

    Why can’t you just wear any knitted sweater, any winter jacket and thick jeans?

    The main difference is the material. Regular winter clothes are made of thick and heavy materials that won’t work well for hiking. Winter trench coats are long and heavy, and aren’t moisture wicking. The same goes for sweaters and jeans. If these clothes get soggy from the snow, they will be extra heavy and won’t dry as fast as special winter hiking clothes.

    So, what to wear hiking in cold weather? Something that is made of warm, but lightweight and fast-drying materials. Acrylic, nylon, polyester and Merino wool are all great materials.

    Natural fibers like Merino wool have long been known for breathability and comfortable wear.

    Natural fibers like Merino wool have long been known for breathability and comfortable wear. But the new generation fabrics like acrylic, nylon and polyester are made to offer the same qualities. In some cases synthetic materials are more durable and pilling resistant. While in other cases Merino wool’s ability to resist odors and adjust different temperatures may be exactly what you need.

    In general, wool and, particularly Merino wool, is a great material for winter garments. It has a natural ability to adapt to temperatures, therefore it provides warmth in winter and has a cooling effect when it gets warm. So you can be sure that you won’t overheat wearing Merino wool. It’s not the case (not always, though) with other materials.

    Lots of progressive synthetic fabric blends offer great breathability, too. Airflow keeps the moisture level low, thus making your hiking trip much more enjoyable. In many cases lightweight garments are also packable. They don’t take up much space in the luggage and don’t wrinkle as much.

    What is your experience with winter hiking clothing? How would you answer a question, what to wear hiking in cold weather?

    Featured photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

    Disclaimer for Amazon Associates: MakeAdventureHappen.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.