Include clothing, gear, water setup, boots, and anything else you’d bring. Wind chill is optional to factor in, but feel free to include it in your answer.
Merino wool and down layers are your best friends. Here’s what I pack:
- Extra merino wool shirt (in case the first one gets sweaty)
- Puffy pants and jacket for long stops
- Heavy gloves and lighter gloves
- Extra hat
- 2 liters of water
- Snacks for me and my dogs
- Lightly insulated boots (200-400g Thinsulate)
- Wool socks
- Headlamp with extra batteries or power pack
Not much daylight in Alaska for long hikes, so good lighting is essential.
@Val
Do you prefer merino wool over synthetic materials in these temperatures? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Lyle said:
@Val
Do you prefer merino wool over synthetic materials in these temperatures? Would love to hear your thoughts!
I don’t have much experience with synthetics—I’ve stuck with merino and layer it accordingly for colder temps. Sorry I can’t provide a comparison!
@Val
Could you elaborate on how you layer your merino for colder temperatures? I’m curious about your approach.
@Val
Any recommendations for winter hiking boots for a newbie on a budget? I’m in the Midwest, where it gets very cold and snowy. Thanks!
Addison said:
@Val
Any recommendations for winter hiking boots for a newbie on a budget? I’m in the Midwest, where it gets very cold and snowy. Thanks!
I use Crispi Briksdal SF and Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 boots. I wouldn’t go for heavily insulated boots unless you plan to stay still for long periods—they can get too warm when you’re active.
Addison said:
@Val
Any recommendations for winter hiking boots for a newbie on a budget? I’m in the Midwest, where it gets very cold and snowy. Thanks!
Are you planning multi-day hikes? How cold does it get in your area?
@Vesper
No multi-day hikes yet—just a few hours at a time. It gets as cold as -4°F but usually stays around 15-20°F. The trails I use are semi-maintained, with lots of moisture and snow. Still learning and trying to build confidence for longer outings!
I’m in IL and we hike almost every weekend, even during polar vortex conditions. Here’s my setup:
In the bag:
- Water (7L total for me and 2 big dogs)
- First aid kit
- Extra beanie
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Snacks
- Extra socks
- Dog boots
- Hardshell jacket and pants
- Tub of beeswax/vaseline/ointment
What I wear:
Top:
- Merino base layer
- Insulated mid-layer
- Balaclava liner
- Beanie
- Gloves (liner and shell)
Bottoms:
- Merino socks
- Fleece-lined tights
Shoes:
- On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
Notes:
- Wear hardshell jacket and pants if it’s windy (make sure the jacket has pit zips).
- Apply ointment/vaseline as lotion before the hike—it keeps you warm and cozy without sweating.
- Always keep extra shoes, socks, and baselayers in the car for after the hike.
@Roux
Great tip about using ointment! Thanks for sharing.