If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
I’ll never hike without these.
Travel + Leisure
One of my hot takes is actually pretty cold.
Credit:Travel + Leisure
I believehiking in the winter timeis more fun than it is in spring, summer, and fall.
For starters, its possible to find a parking spot at popular trailheads.
I still live in Big Sky Country.
Amazon
(Did I mention you dont have to worry about death-by-grizzly?).
These leggings have become an essential part of my winter wardrobe,wrote one shopper.
One shopper described it as the perfect cold weather hiking base layer, and I couldnt agree more.
lululemon
Its also the brand behind the only socks Ill pay $27 for.
Smartwool was founded by two Colorado skiers, and its products are made in the U.S. Its designed to last for multiple seasons, justifying the high price tag.
One shopper, who wore them on a Scottish Highlands backpacking trip, called them invincible.
REI
I most recently sported them a few weeks ago while chasing the Aurora above the Arctic Circle.
Despite the leather construction, theres no break-in period.
They last for years.
Zappos
I kind of wish I had a reason to invest in its successor, theHoka Kaha 3 Frost GTX.
Between the air-permeable softshell insulation, hem adjusters, and storm hood, I stay plenty warm.
The Proton weighs just 12.7 ounces and can pack down to fit inside a hat.
REI
While synthetic down dries faster and performs better when its wet, real down offers a higher warmth-to-weight ratio.
The 700-fill power puffer packs down to fit in its inner chest pocket.
Even while snowboarding and spending a lot of time on his butt and knees, he stays bone-dry.
REI
Designers of the Marmot Waypoint also taped all the seams and added an interior sweat-wicking lining.
Meanwhile, zippers in the armpits allow for ventilation.
It even has a carabiner clip-in loop so I can attach it to my backpack.
REI
Its made of cruelty-free Merino wool, an antimicrobial fabric thats warm while boasting built-in odor control.
When it was warm, it protected my neck from the sun.
It seems like every European who hikes in harsh climates has at least one pair.
Travel + Leisure
Last weekend, I wore mine while cross country skiing in Montana.
Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats
For maximum traction on ice, I recommend Yaktrax.
You definitely dont want to be wearing them on hardwood floors or anywhere indoors.
REI
Even during its summer, the South Pole is covered in ice.
Weighing just 10 ounces and collapsing down to just 26 inches, theyre easy to pack and are TSA-approved.
More than 2,000 of these were purchased in the last month alone.
Amazon
Theyre easy to activate, too.
Simply expose them to air and shake them for 15 minutes before you want warmth.
They can last up to 10 hours.
REI
Currently, Im obsessed with my lightweight Deuter.
Shop More T+L-Approved Picks
Amazon
Amazon
Travel + Leisure
Amazon
Amazon
