Winter Hiking Tip #1

Winter Hiking Tip #1: Let’s Talk Layers

“Be bold, start cold!” and “Cotton kills!” are the mottos to live by. When you step out of the car at the trailhead, you should feel cold. I know! I hate it too! But trust me, within ten minutes, you’ll be toasty warm.

Add and remove layers as needed so you don’t overheat or get too cold. Once your clothing is wet from perspiration, you’re at risk for hypothermia.

It took a lot of trial and error to dial in the perfect layering system, but I have finally found what works for me.

Just keep in mind, I hike cold, so I carry enough layers for a day on Everest.

Upper body:

• Base Layer: Merino wool quarter zip.

• Mid Layers: Arcteryx full zip fleece and Montbell synthetic vest.

• For Summit: Rab goose down hooded puffy.

• Top Layer: Wind/waterproof Arcteryx Beta SV hard shell.

Lower Body

• Fleece leggings

• Thermal hiking skirt

• Tall gaiters

• Waterproof shell layer

• Wool knee socks and two extra pairs

• 400 gram Oboz hiking boots

What you choose will be based on whether you hike cold or hot and what your budget is. But the layering system remains the same.

• Base layer should be merino wool, silk, or poly. It needs to wick moisture away from your skin.

• Mid layer is usually fleece.

• Puffy with hood can be duck or goose down, or synthetic. Remember, once down gets wet, it will not insulate. Synthetic fiber insulates even when wet.

• Top Layer must be wind/waterproof, and remember to go up a size, since you’ll likely be wearing it on top of several other layers!