Expert Advice

How to Hike in the Cold Months: 2025 Guide To Adventure

Winter hiking doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this 2025 guide, we cover cold weather hiking gear, layering strategies, and trail-tested tips to help you stay warm and safe whether you’re exploring snowy mountains or chilly desert trails.

Snowy trails, crisp air, and the right gear: winter hiking at its finest.

Hiking in the cold months can be just as exhilarating as during warmer seasons. Crisp air, snowy landscapes, and quieter trails make winter hiking unforgettable. But cold weather hiking requires extra preparation to stay warm, safe, and comfortable.

Frost-covered Hyperlite backpack strap on a cold morning hike. — When your pack frosts over, you know it’s a true winter adventure. Check out our review of the Hyperlite Southwest 70 Backpack, as we love it for autumn backpacking.

In this 2025 guide, you’ll find expert winter hiking tips, layering strategies, and gear essentials to make the most of your cold-weather adventures in the Southwest and beyond.

1. Layering for Winter Hiking

One of the most effective ways to stay warm is by layering your clothing. Here’s the right way to do it:

Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking fabric like merino wool or synthetics. Avoid cotton, as it traps moisture and can make you colder.
Insulating Layer: Fleece, wool, or down are excellent at trapping body heat.
Outer Layer: Choose a breathable shell that’s waterproof or water-resistant to block wind, rain, and snow.

Hiker standing on icy river rocks wearing a red insulated jacket and yellow beanie. — Happy feet, warm layers, and the joy of hiking frozen riversides. This down puffy is one of our very favorite pieces of gear this year!

Pro Tip: Adjust your layers as you hike. Sweating can quickly lead to moisture and then chills once you stop moving. Never hesitate to adjust layers, and never put it off too long.

2. Stay Dry in Cold Weather

Moisture is your enemy when temperatures drop. Keep yourself dry with these essentials:

Waterproof Hiking Shoes: Insulated and waterproof shoes are key to warm feet.
Gaiters: Great for keeping snow and slush out of your boots. Kahtoola’s RENAgaiter Gaiters are a solid winter choice. Choose higher gaiters if you expect snow!
Extra Socks and Gloves: Carry backups. Wool socks and waterproof gloves or mittens keep extremities dry and warm.

Close-up of hiking boot sole with snow and ice stuck in the tread. — Traction is everything: winter trails demand the right footwear. We love La Sportiva shoes when it comes to cold weather hiking.

3. Cold Weather Hiking Food & Hydration

It’s easy to forget to hydrate in cold weather, but your body still needs water and calories.

Warm Drinks: Bring an insulated thermos filled with tea, broth, or cocoa for a morale boost.
Trail Snacks That Don’t Freeze: Choose easy-to-eat snacks like trail mix, energy bars, or dried fruit.

4. Plan Around Shorter Days

Winter means fewer daylight hours. Avoid hiking in the dark unless you’re prepared.

Start Early: Hit the trail in the morning to maximize daylight. It's astounding how quickly darkness falls in the cold months.
Know Your Route: Snow can hide trail markers, so carry a map and compass if you know how to use them, or have a GPS backup along with a tracker.
Always let someone know your plan.

Hiker in orange jacket walking across icy trail surrounded by snow and trees. — Careful steps and a little balance: navigating icy terrain on winter hikes. We love Keb Trousers by Fjallraven for cold weather hiking, as you can wax them to create some water-resistance and the reinforced butt and knees are incredibly durable.

5. Essential Cold Weather Hiking Gear

A few extra pieces of gear can make your hike safer and more enjoyable:

Headlamp or Flashlight: Crucial for short days and early sunsets.
Trekking Poles: Provide stability on icy or snowy trails.
Emergency Blanket: Retains heat if you get delayed.
Hand Warmers: Lightweight and great for emergencies.

Recommended Cold Weather Hiking Gear

Wondering what to pack for your next winter trek? Here are some of the best cold weather hiking gear picks for 2025 to keep you warm, dry, and safe on snowy trails:

Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots – Keep your feet warm and dry on snowy trails.
Down or Synthetic Insulated Jacket – A reliable midlayer for trapping body heat.
Waterproof Gaiters – Stop snow and slush from creeping into your boots.
Waterproof Gloves or Mittens – Essential for keeping hands warm in freezing temps.
Wool or Fleece Hat – Retain heat where it escapes most: your head.
Insulated Thermos – Keeps tea, coffee, or broth hot for hours on the trail.
Rechargeable Headlamp – A must-have for short daylight hours and evening hikes.
Hand Warmers – Small, packable, and perfect for emergencies.

6. Watch the Winter Weather

Conditions can change fast in the Southwest’s higher elevations.

Check Forecasts: Always check before heading out, and avoid severe weather days.
Know Snow Conditions: Be mindful of avalanche risks in mountainous terrain.

Hiker in purple hat and black jacket standing in deep snow with evergreen trees. — Breaking trail through knee-deep snow: this is winter hiking at its best.

7. Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Snow reflects sunlight, increasing your exposure. Even in winter:

Apply sunscreen and SPF lip balm. Or sport a sunshirt.
Wear polarized sunglasses to protect against glare.

Hiker in a canyon holding sunglasses, wearing layered cold-weather hiking clothes with sun overhead. — Winter sunshine can be intense! Sunshirts and sunglasses are still important in the cold weather hiking. PAKA's SOL Hoodie is a great sunshirt for winter, as it's a little bit thicker than most others on the market.

8. Keep Electronics Alive in the Cold

Cold weather drains batteries faster.

Keep Your Phone Warm: Store it close to your body or in an insulated pocket.
Bring a Power Bank: Always carry a portable charger for navigation or emergencies.

9. Respect Trails & Wildlife in Winter

Cold weather doesn’t mean nature rests, it just changes pace. Practice Leave No Trace:

Stick to Trails: Prevent damaging fragile winter habitats.
Observe Wildlife Quietly: Animals work harder to survive in winter. Give them space and keep noise low.

Packing It Out

Hiking in the cold months is an adventure like no other. From snowy mountain passes to frosty desert mornings, winter hiking in the Southwest offers beauty and solitude you won’t find in summer. With the right cold weather hiking gear, layering strategy, and preparation, you’ll be ready for safe and memorable winter adventures in 2025.

Hiker with backpack standing under canyon overhang at sunrise with frosty desert landscape. — Sunrise, sandstone, and frosty desert mornings: cold weather hiking magic. In cold weather, you'll want a little bit bigger backpack typically, as you will be carrying more layers and gear.

Happy trails, and stay warm out there!

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