I’m experienced with hiking but new to winter hiking. I’m curious about the layers others wear during the hike and what additional layers you carry for when you stop moving. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
For backcountry hikes, I start with a Marino wool base layer and fleece jacket, Marino wool pants, and hiking pants. I wear Darn Tough mountaineering socks and leg gaiters. I carry a down coat for extra warmth and a hardshell jacket for wind and precipitation. Accessories include a fleece balaclava, a cap, windproof gloves, with a warm beanie and insulated mittens ready to add as needed. The key is to wear enough to stay warm without sweating. Start cool and adjust as you go.
@Ripley
I find that most socks fit me well except Darn Tough. I prefer Smartwool or other generic 80% wool socks.
Top: Merino wool t-shirt, Patagonia fleece, Fjallraven shirt, Jack Wolfskin softshell. Bottom: Thermal underwear, Maier sports hiking pants, Falke TK1 cool socks. I wear GTX boots for snowy or muddy conditions, otherwise low GTX shoes. Accessories include a wool cap, Merino wool buff, and gloves. I always carry an extra puffy jacket for when I stop moving.
I wear a UA Cold Gear base layer, sun shirt, AD fleece, puffy jacket, and Wrangler ATG pants. For accessories, I have gloves, a beanie, and a neck gaiter.
In North Alabama, where winters are milder, I wear a budget-friendly setup: base layer tops from Target or Columbia Omni Heat, with wool base layer tights or thin leggings. For my second layer, I choose a sweatshirt or hoodie, and REI hiking pants or water-resistant joggers. My third layer includes an old insulated coat, possibly a beanie, and fleece gloves. I often shed the coat and sweatshirt as I warm up.
I’ve found ponchos to be the warmest, lightest, and most versatile layer for rest periods, thanks to the ‘mitten effect’ of sharing the same airspace among all limbs and the body. They can function as a makeshift shelter, a bothy bag for sub-zero conditions, or as rain gear. I use various types, from mylar to down, but for day hiking and ultralight backpacking, the Gatewood Cape is my favorite.
@Fynn
Using Mylar is a genius idea. I’ll definitely adopt that. Thanks for the tip!
I always start with high-quality wool as my base layer. For socks, I wear two pairs of woolen ones to keep moisture away and prevent blisters. I also carry a Nalgene bottle, which I fill with boiled water at night to use as a heat source in my sleeping bag. The next morning, it serves as drinkable water. Additionally, I always have a dry set of clothes for camp and a fleece insert for my sleeping bag to stay warm at night.
I wear Smartwool gear, including a beanie and gloves, and layers of Smartwool and Outdoor Research clothing for my upper body, with synthetic base layers and fleece-lined pants. I carry spare clothes, including additional Smartwool shirts, pants, and socks. This setup allows me to adjust my layers according to the weather and activity level.
For base layers, I wear UA Cold Gear and layer up with a North Face fleece or Patagonia R1 fleece, topped with a thicker windproof fleece or wool anorak or a shell in bad weather. For my head and hands, I use a wool ear band, gaiter, liner gloves, and mittens if it’s below 10°F. My footwear includes Darn Tough wool socks and Keen polar boots.