Winter Hiking Tips for Conquering the Cold
A Guide to Cold Weather Hiking & Insoles to Keep You Going
Hiking in the cold can be invigorating and challenging. Serene, snowy landscapes have a unique beauty, but they also pose more risks for hikers. Staying warm and comfortable with smart layering, waterproof boots, and performance insoles for winter hiking can help you get through your next adventure.
Continue reading for tips on how to stay safe and warm with essential winter hiking gear and accessories like CURREX® HIKEPRO™ insoles.
In This Article:
Hiking in Winter: How to Stay Warm on the Trail
Depending on where you hike, cold temperatures can happen any time of year but especially in the winter. The trails you knew in summer will look entirely different covered in a blanket of snow. Along with being uncomfortable, extreme cold, biting winds and freezing precipitation increase your risk of injury or illness.
The key to staying warm on a winter hike is to stay dry and keep moving. You can do this by bringing extra layers, fueling yourself properly, and making other preparations when planning your trip.
How cold is too cold for winter hiking?
Whether you can handle hiking in the cold will depend on your experience and equipment. Many people struggle in weather below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can hike safely in subzero temperatures with cold weather gear.
Trekking through frigid, wintry weather can build your stamina and confidence, making you a better, stronger hiker overall. Your preparations and packing list will depend on the trail conditions:
- Cold weather. If the temperatures are chilly but the trails are clear, bring some insulating layers.
- Partial snow/ice. Even a thin patch of ice can spell trouble, so make sure you’re wearing boots with good traction and consider bringing a trekking pole.
- Snow and ice. If the snow is deeper than your boots, wear gaiters to keep your feet warm, bring along snowshoes, and be cautious navigating the trail.
- Mountain conditions. Cold, thin air and unpredictable weather happen at higher elevations. Always be ready to turn back.
#1. Be Prepared
Going for a hike in the winter requires special preparation. Trails are less maintained in the winter, visibility may be reduced, and weather conditions will vary. Before you set out, here’s how to plan ahead:
- Discuss your plans. A responsible friend or family member should know where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Carry a map. Trails may not be marked and extreme cold and lack of service makes phones unreliable, so carry a map and compass.
- Monitor the weather. On the days leading up to your hike and before you leave, check for any precipitation.
- Check trail conditions. Look for reports on trail conditions and any problems with access to parking or the trailhead itself.
#2. Choose Winter Hiking Boots with Traction
Outdoor retailers are good places to find cold weather hiking boots with good traction. Look for boots with deep lugs, winterized rubber soles, low-bulk insulation, and waterproofing features. You might also add hiking insoles or thermoregulating insoles for extra warmth and blister prevention.
Traction devices like microspikes that slip over your winter hiking shoes will also give you better footing on snow and ice. For deep snow, wear gaiters to block snow out of your boots and consider bringing snowshoes for easier navigating.
To ensure the right fit in your winter boots, read our hiking boot fitting guide.
Why You Need Hiking Insoles in Winter
Without the proper fit, your boots won’t protect your feet, and you may have to cut your hike short. In the winter, hiking boot insoles like CURREX HIKEPRO or CURREX EDGEPRO™ snow boot insoles can improve the fit and feel of your boots with enhanced comfort, security, and performance.
CURREX uses Dynamic Arch Technology™ to stimulate the muscles of your feet with flexible support to keep your blood moving. They also help manage moisture to reduce sweat and keep your feet dry, which is crucial in waterproof boots and freezing weather.
CURREX HIKEPRO Insoles: Comfort & Support
The best insoles for hiking in any terrain, CURREX HIKEPRO has flexible support and breathable cushioning that’s comfortable on long hikes, especially when paired with wool sock liners. Customized arch support, cushioning for icy trails, and heel grip for added stability help reduce fatigue and boost comfort.
CURREX EDGEPRO Insoles: Warmth & Support
Traditional heated insoles can cause your feet to sweat, and they may not work in all conditions. EDGEPRO winter sports insoles have fleece insulation for added thermoregulation and a mesh cover for managing moisture. The firmer support also makes EDGEPRO the best winter boot insoles for deep treks in below freezing temperatures.
#3. Layer Smart & Often
Wearing multiple layers in a strategic fashion will keep you warm and dry in cold, wet weather. Because your body’s temperature fluctuates based on physical exertion, stopping to add or remove layers helps you maintain warmth and avoid sweating.
How to Layer for a Winter Hike
Since sweat can make you colder faster, wearing extra layers and changing them often helps you stay dry and regulate your body heat. Here’s how to layer your winter hiking clothes:
- A base layer - Thin, breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics like synthetic or wool.
- Mid layer – Clothes that insulate or trap in heat such as a fleece jacket or pants.
- Shell layer – A waterproof outer layer to safeguard you from wind, rain or snow.
Pay special attention to your extremities and cover up exposed skin on your hands, neck and face to prevent frostbite. Wearing a hat will keep heat from escaping through your head, as well.
#4. Keep Moving
Moving is a lot harder when your muscles are cold and stiff. While you want to keep moving so your muscles continue to generate heat, you also want to conserve energy since winter hikes tend to take longer. It is both easier and safer to stay warm than it is to get warm by:
- Hiking in the sun instead of the shade. Just be sure to wear sunblock.
- Finishing your hike before nightfall. Remember, daylight hours are shorter in the winter. Carry a headlamp just in case.
- Starting with shorter or uphill trails. You can warm up your muscles and better prevent injuries.
- Finding a steady pace. Though trail conditions might change, keeping a steady pace maintains your body heat for longer.
- Taking short, but frequent breaks. Use this time to grab a snack, remove wet layers, and add new insulating layers.
#5. Stay Fueled & Hydrated
Staying hydrated and snacking often will help you stave off the cold and defeat post-hike fatigue. Your best and only real heat source is your body’s metabolism, which burns calories to keep you warm. Winter hiking involves a lot of physical activity, so you’ll want to stay fueled with the following tips:
- Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need.
- Choose snacks that won’t easily freeze such as nuts, chocolate or cheese.
- Stow food and water close to your body or in an interior pocket to prevent freezing.
- Pack a warm drink like coffee, tea or even water to stay warm from the inside.
- Flip your water bottles upside down since they tend to freeze from the top.
It's easy to get dehydrated as we tend to feel less thirsty in cold weather. Warm drinks encourage you to drink more. If you have a reservoir, sip through it often and blow back into it when finished or buy an insulated cover to keep the drink tube from freezing.
#6. Pack the Right Gear
You should never go for a cold weather trek without gear that is rated for those temperatures and conditions. Cold weather hiking gear encompasses the Ten Essentials plus some that are modified for winter hiking to prepare you for your hike and unexpected emergencies.
Winter Hiking Gear Checklist
- Navigation: a map, compass, GPS device and personal locator beacon or a signal mirror/whistle.
- Traction devices: microspikes, snowshoes, a trekking pole, or crampons if you’re mountaineering.
- Sun protection: UV-rated sunglasses or ski goggles and sunscreen.
- Water: both plain and with electrolyte replacement solutions.
- Extra food: high energy snacks that are easy to access and won’t freeze solid.
- Proper footwear: cold weather hiking boots including hiking insoles and gaiters.
- Extra clothes: socks, gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, extra base and mid layers.
- Headlamp and batteries: store spare batteries close to the body to keep warm.
- First aid kit: basic and emergency first aid for sprains, wounds and gashes.
- Instant hot packs: hand and toe warmers.
- A knife or multi-tool: durable and large enough for use with gloved hands.
- Fire devices: waterproof fire starter like survival matches and a backpacking stove.
- Emergency shelter: thermal emergency bivvy, heavy duty sleeping bag, insulated liners, sleeping pads.
Your packing list may vary depending on your plans, but it’s always best to be prepared in case of emergencies such as camping overnight or potential injuries.
Other Safety Considerations for Cold Weather Hiking
Weather, trail conditions, and navigation problems are typical hazards for winter hikers. For most of these, you can plan with the right equipment. For others, such as cold-related injuries or illnesses, you’ll need to know when to turn around or get help.
Frost Bite
Frost bite has different degrees of severity, but it all looks the same until the skin thaws. Symptoms include cold, waxy and pale skin as well as pain, tingling or numbness. Blisters occur with superficial and deep frostbite, requiring immediate medical attention.
Always cover any exposed skin and keep your extremities warm by placing your hands under your arm pits, using hot packs, or warming your toes on your hiking partner.
Hypothermia
When your body temperature drops below normal, it can be life-threatening. Signs of hypothermia include varying degrees of shivering, clumsiness, and slow thinking or confusion.
To prevent hypothermia, avoid becoming wet from sweat or snow, keep your body fueled and moving, and pack plenty of insulating layers. Remember to keep an eye on your hiking partner so you both stay safe.
Slips and Falls
Hazards like slipping on patches of ice, collapsing through snowbanks, or falling down slopes reinforce the importance of wearing winter hiking boots with good traction. Keep a keen eye on the ground below and ahead of you.
Use your microspikes and trekking poles if you’re unsure and stay aware from ridges on mountains since they can be unstable. Only cross bodies of frozen water if the ice is at least four inches thick. If you can, try to go around them instead.
Avalanche
If you are hiking in avalanche territory, check with the park for the latest safety information and avalanche forecast. Because this article may not include everything you need, consider taking a course on avalanche safety.
Elevate Your Winter Hike with CURREX
Winter hiking is a unique and rewarding experience. By investing in the right gear, layering strategically, and staying fueled and hydrated, you can enjoy the beauty of the winter wilderness while keeping your feet warm, comfortable, and supported. Upgrade your winter hiking experience with CURREX hiking insoles and winter sports insoles.
References:
Musambi, E. (2021, July 7). What Temperature Is Too Cold for Hiking? Trail and Summit.
Winter Hiking Tips. (2021, January 5) U.S. National Park Service.
Ray, T. (2013, April 10). Cold Weather Hiking. American Hiking Society.