While it can be tempting to stay in when it’s cold and snowy, if you live here in New England you run the risk of becoming a hermit and not getting any outdoor time for around four months! Yes, four if start counting from when it usually starts snowing in December to when it ends in March. But we can do it! It is possible to dress correctly so that your body is at a comfortable temperature, similar to how it is in the other seasons, as you hike. I want you to think of it as making a cake, from top to bottom you will need to layer up but just like making a cake is worth it 😉 so is gearing up for your winter adventures. So let’s take a look at some essential winter hiking gear for New England weather and temps. And let’s build that cake!
1st: Socks! 👣 Warm, wool socks are super important and I would get socks that come up mid calf or higher (crew height or higher). Your feet carry you through a hike and if they are cold or wet you will notice it with every step. Invest in some good socks. (Make it last tip: With wool socks I like to lay them out to dry instead of putting in dryer!) Here are socks I have and suggest:
2nd: Base layers for top and bottom. You will need a close fitting layer (want it to be snug and not really loose) that is the first thing you put on. This base layer will help lock in heat and wick away moisture as you build up a sweat with your winter activity. You want it to be moisture wicking and quick drying materials (never cotton!) because if you do build up a sweat you don’t want any wetness to linger and then turn cold against your skin. If you want a more detailed description of your base layer and the different materials out there REI has a great post about that here. Here are a few I like and use:
3rd: Mid layer. Think of this as your insulation, this layer will help keep you warm and traps and retains body heat. Materials for this layer can be a polyester fleece (which helps you stay warm and dries fast), wool or wool blend, or a down or synthetic insulated down jacket. I just like to put on something thick, generally the thicker the more warm it will be. Here are some I have and love:
4th: Outer layer/shell for both top and bottom. This will go on top and over all layers above. This final layer protects you and all the under layers from wind and rain. And remember, snow can translate to leaving a wet layer on your clothes! Here are the ones I use and love:
5th: Head gear! You want a hat with a thicker layer/band for your ears. On cold days you also want to wear or at least bring a neck gator/warmer. I like that you can tuck your chin and kind of shield your face from the wind while wearing one. I always bring mine. Here are some examples:
6th: Gloves.🧤Your fingers stay the warmest when they are together and not separated so for winter hiking or snow shoeing I always wear my insulated and waterproof mittens.
7th: Boots. You will want a pair that are insulated and waterproof if you are going to be hiking through or in the snow.
8th: Microspikes! And sometimes snowshoes. And gaiters (see below)! If you are not going to be blazing the trail (making the trail) yourself after a fresh snow, AKA the trail is packed down snow, then micro spikes will be JUST FINE. It is amazing how cheap and easy they are to put on and what a difference they make to help you grip the snow as you walk. (Tip: When walking downhill turn your body sideways slightly and step down that way. Make sure your foot with the spikes firmly grips the snow and then go step by step down)
Ok, so I know that seems like a lot but once you get all dressed once like this it just becomes a habit every time you go out and you don’t have to think about it so much. We dress like a cake (layers!) so we can work up an appetite and eat some! (You know I love to bake..food and hiking go hand in hand!) Also remember that while you may feel like all of this adds up price-wise, the gear I suggested I have had for years. You will not need be buying these things every year so the better the quality, the longer you will be able to use without having to replace. That is it for you New England winter hiking essentials and clothing. Good luck out there and let me know what about this list you found helpful. Drop any questions below!
See you out there 😍❄️
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The Early Bird Blog 