Checklist · 10 picks · 4 categories
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Snowshoeing doesn't take much gear, which makes snowshoers easy to shop for. Smartwool's Hike Classic is Treeline Review's best overall winter sock, and Grabber hand warmers are Outdoor Life's best overall, with about 11 hours of warmth in its test.
The Pike Trail gaiters are OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy full-length gaiters, and the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High its Editors' Choice. The Petzl Tikkina is its Best Buy headlamp, handy since winter sunsets come early, and Black Diamond Trail Back poles are its best bang for the buck. For snowshoes, the G2 pair is its best on a tight budget and comes with poles, and the MSR Evo Trail is Treeline Review's best overall. The splurges are the MSR Lightning Ascent, OutdoorGearLab's best overall snowshoe, and the Columbia Bugaboot III, Treeline Review's best affordable winter hiking boot, if you know their size.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they'd rather ski the snow than walk on it; the gifts for skiers page fits better.
Top pickmid pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for cold feet in winter boots
Treeline Review's best overall winter sock, praised for warmth without bulk and for durability.
Heads up. The fit could hug a little tighter
1 outlet. Treeline Review best overall winter socks.
$25-50
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budget pick · 10 pairs
Best for snack breaks and cold fingers on the trail
Outdoor Life's best overall hand warmer: cheap, light, and about 11 hours of warmth in its test.
Heads up. Single use
1 outlet. Outdoor Life best overall hand warmer.
$15-25
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Best gaitersbudget pick · Adjustable
Best for keeping snow out of their boots a few times a year
OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy for full-length gaiters on a budget: a basic set for the once-or-twice-a-year outing.
Heads up. The fabric wears from abrasion, it isn't fully water-resistant, and the boot strap is cheap
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best Buy full-length gaiters.
$15-25
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mid pick · Four sizes
Best for hiking through fresh snow
OutdoorGearLab's Editors' Choice full-length gaiter: roomy, comfy and easy to use, and Treeline Review's best full-length pick too.
Heads up. Narrow Velcro strip, a less-rugged boot strap, and the bottom fabric isn't reinforced
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab editors' Choice full-length gaiters.
$50-100
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Top pickbudget pick · Pocket-size
Best for getting back to the car after an early winter sunset
OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy headlamp for general use: light, simple, with excellent battery life. Winter sunsets come early, so pack one every time.
Heads up. Its beam doesn't reach far
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best Buy headlamp (general use).
$15-25
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mid pick · Telescoping
Best for balance on slick, snowy trails
OutdoorGearLab's best bang-for-the-buck trekking poles: rugged, durable for years and easy to share.
Heads up. Heavier and bulky when collapsed, and adjusting needs a tool
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best bang for the buck trekking poles.
$50-100
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes | mid | $150-200 | a first real pair for trails and rolling hills | 2 outlets agree |
| MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes | splurge | $300-500 | steep climbs and long backcountry days | 2 outlets agree |
| G2 Ratchet Binding Snowshoes | budget | $50-100 | trying snowshoeing without spending much | 1 outlet |
| Columbia Bugaboot III | budget | $100-150 | a first insulated hiking boot, if you know their size | 1 outlet |
Best snowshoesmid pick · 22 in
Best for a first real pair for trails and rolling hills
Treeline Review's best overall snowshoe: a solid, affordable all-rounder for rolling terrain, and an OutdoorGearLab Best Buy too.
Heads up. Not enough flotation for some, though optional tails are available
2 outlets agree. Treeline Review best overall snowshoes. OutdoorGearLab best Buy snowshoes.
$150-200
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splurge pick · 22, 25 or 30 in
Best for steep climbs and long backcountry days
OutdoorGearLab's best overall snowshoe and Treeline Review's best backcountry pick: stiff and precise, with excellent traction and a heel lift for steep climbs.
Heads up. The hinged binding isn't ideal on firm trails, and the forefoot straps are short
2 outlets agree. OutdoorGearLab best overall snowshoes. Treeline Review best backcountry snowshoes.
$300-500
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budget pick · Pick your size
Best for trying snowshoeing without spending much
OutdoorGearLab's best snowshoe on a tight budget: an inexpensive, secure-feeling pair that comes with poles, best kept to soft snow and groomed trails.
Heads up. Weak on sidehills, steep slopes and ice, and the carry bag is flimsy
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best on a Tight Budget snowshoes.
$50-100
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Best winter bootsbudget pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for a first insulated hiking boot, if you know their size
Treeline Review's best affordable winter hiking boot: a solid, all-around insulated hiking boot at a friendly price.
Heads up. The high collar is narrow, groundfeel is limited, and the leather needs breaking in
1 outlet. Treeline Review best affordable winter hiking boots.
$100-150
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Gaiters or warm socks. The Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High is OutdoorGearLab's Editors' Choice full-length gaiter, roomy, comfy and easy to use, and Smartwool's Hike Classic is Treeline Review's best overall winter sock.
The MSR Evo Trail is Treeline Review's best overall snowshoe, a solid, affordable all-rounder for rolling terrain. On a tighter budget, the G2 pair is OutdoorGearLab's best on a tight budget and comes with poles, though it's best kept to soft snow and groomed trails.
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