Brave the Chill: Must-Have Hiking Gear for Cold Weather!

Embarking on a family hiking adventure in the crisp Arkansas winter can be both exhilarating and rewarding. Typically, our winters are fairly mild. But, in the last few years (including this week), we have had some brutally cold weeks. Arkansans, for the first time in a long time, need real winter gear if we want to continue to enjoy the great outdoors. The Natural State offers breathtaking landscapes that transform into serene wonderlands during the winter months. It’s definitely worth braving the cold for! To ensure your family stays warm, safe, and comfortable, it’s essential to equip yourselves with the right hiking gear for cold weather.

In this article, we’ve gathered some fantastic gear that not only looks good but fulfills a necessary comfort and safety function. If you’re ready to brave the burr, keep reading to find your new hiking wardrobe!

The Benefits of Cold-Weather Hiking

If you’re like me, you absolutely hate being cold. I dread the winter, but one reason I loathe it is the lack of outdoor time. I have to force myself to go outside when it’s cold, so I get it, but the benefits are worth the extra layers needed. Before diving into the must-have gear, let’s explore why cold-weather hiking is worth considering:

• Burn More Calories: Hiking in colder temperatures requires your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, leading to increased calorie burn. Therefore, taking a little hike can help counteract those comfort food calories we tend to consume in cold weather.
• No Bugs: Say goodbye to pesky mosquitoes and ticks. The cold weather significantly reduces the presence of insects, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. If you’re a regular hiker in Arkansas, you know how significant this little perk is!
• Enhanced Clarity and Peace: The tranquility of winter landscapes can bring a sense of clarity and peace, providing a perfect setting for reflection and family bonding. The trails are not as busy. There are few out-of-state tourists. You may have some of the best landscapes in the state all to yourself.
• Improved Visibility: With the absence of dense foliage, winter hikes offer clearer views of Arkansas’s stunning vistas. For some of our forested hikes, winter is really the only time you get the full views.

Essential Hiking Gear for Cold Weather

As we’ve discussed, most of Arkansas, especially the good hiking regions, is well below freezing this week. Equipping your family with the right hiking gear for cold weather ensures safety and comfort during your winter hikes. We have chosen some time-tested and highly rated items for you. I have included some name-brand items that are a bit pricey. Remember, there are almost always cheaper alternatives with similar specs. If you need to gather gear on a budget, check out the links provided for details and specs, and then hunt for a similar product in your price range. Here are ten must-have items, readily available online:

• Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Jacket: This lightweight jacket features a water-resistant shell and is insulated with eco-friendly PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco, providing excellent warmth without bulk. View on Patagonia.
• The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Eco Jacket: Utilizing ThermoBall™ Eco insulation, this jacket offers superior warmth even when wet. Its durable water-repellent finish ensures you stay dry in light rain or snow. View on The North Face.
  
  
  

2. Essential Hiking Gear for Cold Weather: Base Layers

The best way to keep warm, without feeling like the Michelin Man, is to properly layer thin but warm layers. Layering allows you to add and subtract articles of clothing throughout your hike and as the weather changes. Effective layering starts with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from the skin, maintaining warmth.

• Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Crew: Crafted from 100% merino wool, this top offers exceptional warmth, breathability, and natural odor resistance, making it ideal for cold-weather activities. View on Smartwool.
• Thermajane Women’s Fleece-Lined Thermal Set: This set includes a top and leggings made from a stretchy, micro-fleece-lined material designed to retain body heat, making it ideal for temperatures as low as 20 degrees. View on Amazon.

3. Insulated Hiking Boots

When hiking in cold weather, keeping your feet warm and dry is essential! Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction prevent slips on icy trails and help prevent injury from frostbite.

• Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Boot: Combining style and functionality, these boots feature 200g insulation, a waterproof leather exterior, and a non-marking traction rubber outsole, ensuring warmth and stability on slippery surfaces. View on Columbia
• Merrell Men’s Moab Speed 2 Thermo Mid: Designed for cold-weather hiking, these boots offer 200g insulation, a waterproof membrane, and a durable outsole with aggressive lugs for enhanced grip on icy terrains. View on Merrell.

4. Thermal Socks

High-quality thermal socks also help prevent frostbite and keep feet comfortable during long hikes. I prefer Merino wool. It’s warm, provides cushion, and handles moisture well.

• Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks: Made from a merino wool blend, these socks provide warmth, moisture-wicking properties, and a seamless construction to prevent blisters. View on Darn Tough.
• Smartwool Kids’ Wintersport Full Cushion Socks: Specifically designed for children, these socks offer full cushioning, warmth, and a fun design to keep young hikers comfortable and engaged. They cover the full calf and are awesome for skiing as well! View on Smartwool.

5. Essential Hiking Gear for Cold Weather: Gloves and Mittens

If you’ve ever partaken in winter outdoor activities, you know it’s the extremities that suffer most: feet, hands, ears, and nose. Protecting hands from the cold is vital, but difficult considering we need them for balance and a hundred other functions. Finding a pair of mittens or gloves that are warm enough but still allow you to function is a must! I prefer a mitten with half fingers. This allows me to open and use my fingers when needed, but keep them covered when I’m not doing something that requires fine motor skills.

• Outdoor Research Alti Mitts: Engineered for extreme conditions, these mittens feature Gore-Tex inserts for waterproofing, PrimaLoft® insulation for warmth, and a durable shell to withstand harsh environments. These are best for longer hikes in extreme cold weather. View on Outdoor Research
• RIGWARL -5℉ Winter Warm Gloves: These gloves offer a snug fit with touchscreen compatibility, 3M insulation, and a windproof and water-resistant design. The combination of mitten and individual finger features provide maximum function, and the palm grip helps with grip when rock climbing or using hiking poles. View on Amazon.

6. Neck Gaiters and Balaclavas

These versatile accessories protect the neck and face from harsh winds and cold temperatures.

• Merino Lightweight Neckwear: This adaptable piece can be worn in multiple ways, including as a neck gaiter, face mask, or headband. Made from moisture-wicking and warm Merino wool, it offers thermal protection and comfort. View on Buff.
• Under Armour Storm ColdGear Balaclava: Featuring a thermal lining that retains body heat, this balaclava provides full-face protection and can be adjusted for different coverage needs. Unlike a gaiter, a balaclava provides extra head protection as well, which is one of the best ways to maintain body temperature in cold weather. View on Amazon.

7. Insulated Water Bottles

Hydration is just as important in cold weather as it is in the summer, but freezing temperatures can turn regular bottles into ice blocks. A high-quality insulated bottle should be at the top of your list of hiking gear for cold weather.

• Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle: This double-wall vacuum-insulated bottle keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. View on Hydro Flask.
• YETI Rambler 18 oz Bottle: Designed for extreme durability, this bottle features double-wall vacuum insulation and a leakproof cap, making it ideal for hiking in freezing temperatures. View on YETI.

8. Trekking Poles

Snow and ice can make trails treacherous, but trekking poles provide extra stability and reduce strain on your knees and joints.

• Black Diamond Explorer 3 Trekking Pole: These poles offer an ergonomic foam grip for comfort, adjustable aluminum shafts with Flicklock technology, and interchangeable snow baskets. They pack up quickly and are light and easy to maneuver. View on Black Diamond.

9. Headlamps

Winter days are shorter, and darkness can set in quickly. A headlamp ensures you can navigate safely if your hike extends into the evening.

• Black Diamond Astro 300: With 300 lumens of brightness, stormproof construction, and multiple beam settings, this headlamp is perfect for winter hiking. It also features dual power features, running on a rechargeable Lithium Ion BD 1500 battery or a backup AAA standard. View on Black Diamond.

10. Emergency Blanket & First Aid Kit

Cold-weather hikes come with added risks, including hypothermia and unexpected winter storms. An emergency blanket and a well-stocked first aid kit should always be part of your hiking gear for cold weather.

• SOL Emergency Blanket: Reflecting 90% of body heat back to you, this lightweight and compact blanket is smaller than a soda can but essential for emergencies. This bivvy is windproof, waterproof, and extremely durable. It also comes with a rescue whistle. View on REI
• EVERLIT 250 Piece Survival Kit: This IFAK was developed by veterans and survivalists and has everything you need to care for most hiking-related injuries and short survival situations. View on Amazon.

Must-Have Hiking Gear for Cold Weather: Final Words

Hiking in the cold can be a magical experience and excellent for mental and physical health… if you’re properly prepared! With the right hiking gear for cold weather, your family can safely enjoy Arkansas’s winter landscapes and avoid the winter blues while staying warm and protected. Now, get out there and explore the Natural State this month!

Want to turn your cold weather hike into a weekend of winter fun? Check out our new article on Affordable Winter Camping Gear!