Winter is a great time to gear up and get out for some cold-weather hiking, mountaineering, or snowshoeing adventures. The bugs are gone and so are the crowds, leaving the mountains and the hills to those who can’t live without their weekly dose of sun and snow. Here are 20 expert gift recommendations for the winter hiker and backpacker in your life.
1. Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket
A true classic, Patagonia’s Retro-X Fleece Jacket will keep them toasty warm on the mountain and in the pub. This wind-blocking, heat-trapping fleece jacket has a windproof barrier bonded to a cozy 85% recycled polyester fleece exterior. Y-Joint sleeves provide mobility through the shoulders and arms, while the vertical-zippered chest pocket and zippered handwarmer pockets provide plenty of storage for snacks and valuables. Available for men and women.
The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is a highly breathable, lightweight softshell jacket that excels as a wind shirt and a protective garment against light precipitation. Ideally suited for cold-weather pursuits, it provides excellent breathability without the weight of a heavier technical shell. Made with Schoeller stretch-woven fabric, it’s perfect for dynamic activities such as winter hiking, mountaineering, ice climbing, or XC skiing. You want a highly breathable wind layer with an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, stretch cuffs, and a zippered chest pocket. Available for men and women.
The Black Diamond LT1100 is a high-powered, long-burning headlamp with a removable and USB-C rechargeable battery, so you can carry a replacement battery if needed. While you may never need all 1100 lumens, the LT1100 has a very long burn time (14 hours at medium w/600 lumens), which is good because most winter hikes begin and end in the dark. This lightweight light has a headband pivot and is also helmet-compatible. Headlamps like this used to weigh a ton and require an external battery pack, so this 3.8-oz headlamp is a real innovation and a great addition to your winter kit.
Oboz Bridger 10″ Winter Boots are lined with a waterproof membrane and insulated with 400 gram Thinsulate. The uppers are covered with synthetic leather for added protection, along with a beefy toe cap, and snowshoe-compatible heel cup. An arched sole and front D ring provide gaiter compatibility, while aggressive lugs provide excellent traction on snow. The Bridgers feature a PU midsole and a nylon shank for added undercarriage protection, and come with a wool-covered, reflective insole for added warmth. They’re available in wide sizes. A 9″ women’s model is also available. Don’t know their size? Give them a $220 gift certificate to REI to buy a pair themselves.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a pocket-sized satellite messenger that can send an SOS message to Search and Rescue in an emergency when you’re out of cell phone range. It can also send email messages and text messages to friends and family, whenever you want to update them or share your GPS coordinates. It has an easy-to-use push-button interface but can also pair with a smartphone via Bluetooth to display GPS maps and navigational information. Weighing just 3.5 oz, it’s small enough to tuck into your pants pocket.
Dachstein Extreme Warm Wool Mittens are boiled wool mittens made in Austria that are popular with mountaineers. Made from very dense boiled wool, they’re windproof and virtually waterproof because they’re so dense. When the mercury drops to near zero or below, these are the mittens you want to be wearing. They’re also ideal for people who get very cold hands in winter or who suffer from Raynaud’s Disease. They’re not itchy at all and can be worn alone or with an outer shell mitt in extreme winter weather.
7. Sea-to-Summit Ether Light X Extreme Sleeping Pad
The Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated Extreme Sleeping Pad is a High R_value (R+6.2) winter sleeping pad suitable for winter camping and backpacking. It’s extremely comfortable with a full 4″ of insulation and dimples which mimic the air-sprung action of a spring mattress. The Extreme includes an inflation sack and is covered with a thick 40d/30d cover for enhanced durability and protection.
8. Feathered Friends Snowbunting ES 0 Sleeping Bag
The Feathered Friends Snowbunting ES 0 is an exceptionally warm down sleeping bag insulated with 900 fill power premium goose down. A favorite bag for mountaineering on Mt Rainier, in the Rockies, and Nepal, it has a waterproof Pertex Shield EX exterior shell fabric and a generous draft tube. Continuous baffles let you reposition the down where you need it most, while the unique draft collar features a waterproof/breathable facing to prevent moisture from condensing on the inside of the bag. A true winter camping and touring classic.
The outerU faceGlove is an ingenious face mask that prevents frostbite on your nose and cheeks while helping to eliminate ski mask fogging. It’s perfect for winter hiking or skiing and covers your nose and upper cheeks, which are the most sensitive to sun and wind damage. OuterU is a cottage manufacturer located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where the faceGlove was developed and is manufactured.
In winter, you need to insulate your water to prevent it from freezing. These Forty Below Neoprene Water Bottle insulation sleeves are designed to work with 1L wide-mouth Nalgene bottles and can be attached to a backpack hip belt in order to keep your water within easy reach. These Insulators are a favorite with winter hikers and high-altitude mountaineers on Mt Everest.
Outdoor Research’s Prevail Heated Gore-tex Mittens are designed for people who get cold hands or need extra warmth on extreme winter adventures. With three heat settings, you can customize the level of warmth to fit your needs; the low setting provides 8 hours of warmth, the medium setting lasts for 5 hours, and the high setting lasts for 2.5 hours. The mittens are lined with synthetic insulation and have a waterproof and windproof Gore-tex insert that protects your hands from the elements. Note: Do not use this heated glove in conjunction with avalanche beacons.
The NEMO Switchback is a folding closed-cell foam pad that you can sit on to rest or lay on if you’re injured and waiting for help to arrive. It has an R-value high enough to prevent the cold ground from robbing your body of warmth and causing hypothermia. Many hikers strap them to the outside of their backpacks, especially in cold weather, because they’re considered a wilderness first-aid essential for insulating a patient from the cold ground.
A hiker’s favorite, the ultralight CAMP USA Corsa excels at ski mountaineering, adventure racing, low-angle glacier travel, and winter peakbagging. Built from 7075-series aluminum for dependable service and minimum weight, Corsa is hardly noticeable when packed. A hot-forged, aluminum head delivers a solid bite, and the rear adze adds chopping power.
Outdoor Research’s Crocodile Gaiters are hands down the most popular winter gaiters available today and with good reason because they are nearly indestructible and tough as nails for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Their waterproof/breathable Gore-tex uppers will keep your legs dry and warm when plowing through snowdrifts and down winter trails. Heavy-duty velcro front closures provide a secure and adjustable fit while hooks at the bottom assure compatibility with many kinds of boots.
Some winter adventures require a lot of gear, and rather than carrying it, some people drag it into the backcountry on a pulk. Made by SkiPulk, the Paris Pulk is vacuum molded from 1/8″ high-density polyethylene. Its signature orange color is easy to find in a whiteout. Its wide rims provide torsional rigidity and its design has proven to be effective in hundreds of expeditions and trips from the South Pole to the Canadian Rockies. Each Paris Pulk includes the base sled, secure straps, full-length poles, and channel kit (the channel kit includes the aluminum channels and backing plates, stainless steel nuts, bolts, and washers as well as the nickel-plated wirelock pins used to attach our poles to a sled). Wearable harnesses are sold separately.
The Polar Buff can be worn as a helmet liner, balaclava, mask, scarf, hood, or hat to give you warmth where you need it when you need it. One side is covered with an original Buff while the other is covered with a layer of Polartec fleece to help minimize heat loss. Super warm and comfortable, the value of this item is its versatility in winter conditions.
Weighing just 10.6 oz, the Feathered Friends EOS Hooded Down Jacket excels at keeping you warm on its own when conditions call for moving light and fast. Filled with premium 900+ fill power down, Feathered Friends’ down clothing and sleeping bags are prized by hikers and backpackers around the world. A women’s model is also available.
Cold feet sleeper? These GooseFeet Gear Down Socks are the perfect solution. Made from your choice of lightweight nylon fabric and filled with 850+ power premium goose down treated with DownTek for water resistance, these socks are designed to keep your feet warm and comfy all night long. They also make great back-country hut footwear. Elastic ankle cuffs ensure they stay put and keep the warmth in. These socks are conveniently packed into a small stuff sack (included).
The Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra is a necessity for added traction when you’re out hiking on local trails or deep in the backcountry. Their heat-treated carbon steel spikes are strong and durable providing years of use. The elastomer harness ensures compatibility with most shoes and boots and makes the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras easy to get on and off.
Darn Tough’s Over-the-Calf Mountaineering Socks are seriously warm. They have a streamlined performance fit (which means they won’t fall down) that is chock full of merino wool for superior wicking and all-day warmth. Guaranteed for life, Darn Tough will replace them if you ever wear them out!
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11 Comments
#1 on the Dachstein mittens. I have worn them at -40 F. with nylon shells and was comfortable for hours. If you rub a shoe wax like Snow Seal into them it will help them remain very water resistant, ken the wools of and keep moths from being “interested” in them. TIP: After I rubbed on the Snow Seal I heated the Dachsteins with a warm hair drier to help the wax soak in.
When I was a young man here in the south of the UK we used to get lots of snow and it could last for around two months. Helicopters sometimes dropped food for us. This era used to be very cold as well, but during the last 20 years we have only had two separate days of snow, and that was all gone within 24 hours. My judgement today is that our winters now tend to be mild and wet. The only product I’ve bought to manage real cold and biting winds is a padded hat (made my Lowe Alpine) that I can pull over my ears when I go to my nearest mountains area, 300 miles away. If I want to experience proper snow I have to go to Scotland, over 450 miles away. I’ve looked through the list and I like the look of the mittens so will investigate them.
That’s good to hear. I had two Ether Lights (not the XT) fail on me in the same way, each after maybe 75 nights use. The failure was multiple leaks at the seams of the air sprung cells. Maybe it’s more rugged fabric that saves the XT? It’s a shame, because these cells do make this series of pads noticeably more comfortable than many competitors.
Thanks for putting together such a great list of winter hiking essentials! The Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket is a must-have for those cold days on the trails, especially with its windproof design. I’ve used it on several hikes and it really keeps me warm without being too bulky. Another fantastic product from Patagonia! If you’re looking for a versatile winter jacket that can handle both the trail and après-hike warmth, I highly recommend it
Very good list. I have owned a pair of the Hillsound Freesteps and Trail crampons of about 6 years and they are still going strong. Fantastic product.
Really like the Classic Retro-X fleece jacket you featured. I have a large collection of fleece jackets and one thing I have noticed is many manufacturers have recently moved to fleece jackets which do not look furry. I don’t know the technical term but I bought one jacket which was supposed to be on the warmer side and windproof, but it is not even remotely as warm as some of my old Polartec and even some LL Bean jackets. The furry and toasty warm jackets I own have been discontinued. Ugh. IMO this is probably due to companies listening to people who want form over function.
I’ll personally endorse the BD Alpine Start shell, Hillsound Ultras, DT Mountaineering socks (winter), and Nemo Switchback. I also have a InReach Mini II. And a Retro-X from the early 90s that was called something else back then. Can’t wear it out. Not that my opinion matters, but I like and use all of these. The Black Diamond piece is an absolute go-to for me if rain is not in the forecast. I imagine everything else on the list is at the same level.
#1 on the Dachstein mittens. I have worn them at -40 F. with nylon shells and was comfortable for hours.
If you rub a shoe wax like Snow Seal into them it will help them remain very water resistant, ken the wools of and keep moths from being “interested” in them.
TIP: After I rubbed on the Snow Seal I heated the Dachsteins with a warm hair drier to help the wax soak in.
When I was a young man here in the south of the UK we used to get lots of snow and it could last for around two months. Helicopters sometimes dropped food for us. This era used to be very cold as well, but during the last 20 years we have only had two separate days of snow, and that was all gone within 24 hours. My judgement today is that our winters now tend to be mild and wet. The only product I’ve bought to manage real cold and biting winds is a padded hat (made my Lowe Alpine) that I can pull over my ears when I go to my nearest mountains area, 300 miles away. If I want to experience proper snow I have to go to Scotland, over 450 miles away. I’ve looked through the list and I like the look of the mittens so will investigate them.
Philip you had any durability issues with your ether light XT over the years?
Nope.
That’s good to hear. I had two Ether Lights (not the XT) fail on me in the same way, each after maybe 75 nights use. The failure was multiple leaks at the seams of the air sprung cells. Maybe it’s more rugged fabric that saves the XT? It’s a shame, because these cells do make this series of pads noticeably more comfortable than many competitors.
If you haven’t I’d contact them – they’re pretty good about replacing broke gear.
Thanks for putting together such a great list of winter hiking essentials! The Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket is a must-have for those cold days on the trails, especially with its windproof design. I’ve used it on several hikes and it really keeps me warm without being too bulky. Another fantastic product from Patagonia! If you’re looking for a versatile winter jacket that can handle both the trail and après-hike warmth, I highly recommend it
Very good list. I have owned a pair of the Hillsound Freesteps and Trail crampons of about 6 years and they are still going strong. Fantastic product.
Really like the Classic Retro-X fleece jacket you featured. I have a large collection of fleece jackets and one thing I have noticed is many manufacturers have recently moved to fleece jackets which do not look furry. I don’t know the technical term but I bought one jacket which was supposed to be on the warmer side and windproof, but it is not even remotely as warm as some of my old Polartec and even some LL Bean jackets. The furry and toasty warm jackets I own have been discontinued. Ugh. IMO this is probably due to companies listening to people who want form over function.
I’ll personally endorse the BD Alpine Start shell, Hillsound Ultras, DT Mountaineering socks (winter), and Nemo Switchback. I also have a InReach Mini II. And a Retro-X from the early 90s that was called something else back then. Can’t wear it out. Not that my opinion matters, but I like and use all of these. The Black Diamond piece is an absolute go-to for me if rain is not in the forecast. I imagine everything else on the list is at the same level.
I see you have the inreach mini 2 on a lot of your lists do you think it is better than the inreach messenger?
Yes – it has a display.