Winter hiking can be magical with cold mountain air, snow-covered trees, and the peacefulness of no crowds on trails blanketed in white.

My favorite winter hiking outfit for temperatures in the 30s and 40s combines a lightweight merino base layer, an insulated jacket, thermal leggings, waterproof boots, traction and warm gloves.

The goal is to stay warm without becoming a sweaty mess once the trail starts climbing.

I tested this combination during a hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Colorado. The trail included packed snow, icy stretches and plenty of sunshine, making it a great day to see how the entire outfit performed.

Post updated 9-8-26

Start With a Merino Wool Base Layer

Layering is the foundation of a comfortable winter hiking outfit. Smartwool is one of my go to brands for layering from base layers to jackets.

My first layer was a lightweight, long-sleeve Smartwool all-season merino base layer crew.

Merino wool helps regulate body temperature, manage moisture and resist odor. The fabric felt soft against my skin and kept me comfortable as my effort level changed.

A lightweight base layer works well for active hikes in moderately cold temperatures. For colder days, I switch to a heavier thermal merino layer.

Avoid cotton for winter hiking. Once cotton becomes damp, it stays damp and can make you colder when you stop moving.

Add a Lightweight Insulated Jacket

Over my base layer, I wore a teal Smartwool Smartloft Jacket. It’s become one of my favorites for winter adventuring. As of October 2026, Smartwool has updated the jacket to the Smartloft Hybrid Jacket.

The jacket uses recycled wool insulation for lightweight warmth and has a water-repellent exterior for light snow. Stretch-knit side panels add breathability and make it easier to move on the trail.

I like that the jacket provides warmth without feeling bulky. When I started heating up in the sun, it packed easily into my daypack. For colder, windier or snowier conditions, I also carry a waterproof shell. 

Wear Thermal Leggings With Pockets

My go-to winter hiking leggings are Sweaty Betty Therma Boost Fleece Leggings.

The brushed, fleece-feel lining adds warmth while the stretchy fabric moves easily on the trail. My pair has a zippered pocket in the back and a side pocket that holds my phone.

Current versions have two side pockets plus a back zippered pocket. A woman can never have too many functional pockets!

These leggings work well on their own during moderately cold hikes. In extremely cold or windy conditions, I add a weather-resistant hiking pants over them.

Choose Waterproof Winter Hiking Boots

Keeping your feet warm begins with keeping them dry.

For winter hikers, my favorite are the Merrell Bravada Edge 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof Boots. They are lightweight, insulated and waterproof, with enough traction for sections of packed snow.

Here’s my winter hiking boots checklist:

• Waterproof protection

• Insulation appropriate for the temperature

• A grippy outsole

• Enough room for winter hiking socks

• Ankle support suitable for the trail

I pair my winter boots with Smartwool hiking socks. Thick socks are not automatically warmer if they make your boots too tight. Restricted circulation can lead to colder toes, the exact opposite of what you want. For this hike I wore the Smartwool hike full cushion crew socks.

Wear Traction Spikes

I used Kahtoola NANOspikes on the packed snow and icy sections of this hike. They are lightweight, compact and easy to pull over hiking boots. Kahtoola is my go to brand for traction spikes, and the NANOspikes are my favorite and most versatile. Kahtoola includes a stash bag with every pair of spikes making them easy for travel too.

They’re are designed primarily for hard, icy surfaces and packed snow. They worked for the conditions I encountered that day, but they are not the best choice for every winter trail.

For mixed terrain and snowy mountain trails, Kahtoola EXOspikes provide more aggressive cross-terrain grip. MICROspikes are better for steeper trails, deeper snow and more challenging frozen terrain.

In winter I always through a pair of Kahtoolas in my pack. Better to have them and not use, than to really need them to stay surefooted on the trail.

Keep Your Hands Warm

Cold hands can quickly turn a lovely winter hike into a miserable one. When it comes to winter hiking, keeping my hands warm without sacrificing dexterity is essential.

My Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves use temperature-regulating fleece and have touchscreen-compatible fingertips. I can check my route or take a picture without exposing my hands.

The gloves are available in small sizes, which matters because I have tiny hands and struggle to find gloves with a snug fit.

I also own the Vigor gloves in lightweight. The heavyweight version is my choice for colder or snowier hikes, while the lighter option work well on warmer winter days.

What I Carry in My Winter Daypack

For a shorter hike, I carry a small hydration daypack with room for:

• Water

• Snacks

• An extra insulated layer

• A waterproof shell

• Traction

• Collapsible trekking poles

• A warm hat or headband

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Small emergency supplies

Sun protection is essential in winter. Snow reflects ultraviolet radiation, and Colorado’s elevation adds to the exposure.

Follow this meteorologist’s advice before you head to the trailhead: check the forecast, and trail conditions. Temperatures can drop quickly once the sun dips behind the mountains.

Why This Winter Hiking Outfit Works:

For hiking in the 30s and 40s, this combination works beautifully. Colder temperatures, strong wind or heavy snow require additional insulation and more weather protection.

Being comfortable while winter hiking is a fine balance between staying warm and not overheating – and this outfit nails it. This look balances warmth, breathability, and mobility—three essentials for being comfortable on a winter hike. These pieces provide warmth without the bulk.

The most important winter hiking rule is simple: Dress in layers and carry more warmth than you think you will need. You can always remove a layer. You cannot magically produce one halfway up a snowy trail.

For more winter adventure ideas, check out post winter hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and for a more in-depth review on traction devices, read post Kahtoola EXOspikes on snow and ice.

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