Checklist · 13 picks · 5 categories

winter hiking kit

Edited by Zach · updated Oct 30, 2026 · How I pick

Links to Amazon are affiliate links. I earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you, and it never decides a pick. How I make money

Trail traction Kahtoola MICROspikes Best for icy, packed winter trails$50-100Shop on Amazon
Budget winter boots Columbia Bugaboot III Best for your first insulated hiking boot$100-150Shop on Amazon
Deep-snow gaiters Outdoor Research Crocodile Classic Gaiters Best for deep snow and real winter cold$50-100Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

Winter trails are quiet, snowy and honestly gorgeous, but your summer setup won't cut it. The two big upgrades are grip and dry feet.

Microspikes slip over your boots for icy paths, insulated waterproof boots keep your toes warm, and gaiters stop snow from sneaking in at the top. Traction, boots, socks and the winter gaiters come from Treeline Review's reviews, and the other gaiters, headlamp and poles are OutdoorGearLab award winners. Outdoor Life picked the hand warmers. Each card shows the drawback the testers called out. Start with spikes, boots, warm socks and a headlamp, since winter sunsets sneak up fast.

Who this is not for. Skip this if you only hike when it's warm; the Day Hiking list has daypacks, water filters and summer trail shoes.

plan my budget pick an amount ↓

Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.

My budget

Pick a budget to see your plan.

see the plan, item by item

Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.

The must-haves

0 of 4 on your list · tap one to see your options

Showing all 13 picks

More filters

01 Traction

the first pick is the one I would start with

Compare these 3

Pick	Tier	Price	Best for	Evidence
Kahtoola MICROspikes	mid	$50-100	icy, packed winter trails	2 outlets agree
Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device	mid	$50-100	light grip for hiking and trail running	1 outlet
Hillsound Trail Crampon	splurge	$50-100	steeper, icier trails and winter backpacking	1 outlet

Best ice cleats

mid pick · Pick by shoe size

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Best for icy, packed winter trails

Treeline Review's best traction for hiking: the best bet for most people for most uses, with a strong mix of grip, durability and price.

Heads up. May need minor adjustments on the trail, depending on how it fits over your shoes

2 outlets agree. Treeline Review best traction for hiking. OutdoorGearLab editors' Choice snow and ice cleats.

$50-100

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no cost to you.

mid pick · Pick by shoe size

Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device

Best for light grip for hiking and trail running

Treeline Review's best overall traction device: light and versatile, the top pick for most hikers and trail runners.

Heads up. Pricier than similar models, and not for steep ice or deep loose snow

1 outlet. Treeline Review best overall traction device.

$50-100

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

splurge pick · Pick by shoe size

Hillsound Trail Crampon

Best for steeper, icier trails and winter backpacking

Treeline Review's best traction for backpacking: a secure fit and aggressive spikes for serious winter conditions.

Heads up. Overkill for casual walks and trail runs, and it can ball up with packed snow

1 outlet. Treeline Review best traction for backpacking.

$50-100

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

02 Boots

Best winter boots

budget pick · Pick by shoe size

Columbia Bugaboot III

Best for your first insulated hiking boot

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

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

splurge pick · Pick by shoe size

The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Insulated

Best for lots of winter miles in a light boot

Treeline Review's best overall winter hiking boot: wonderful all-around boots that are comfy, light and full of thoughtful features.

Heads up. Protection drops once fully soaked, and the women's version can be hard to find

1 outlet. Treeline Review best overall winter hiking boots.

$200-300

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

03 Stay dry

Compare these 3

Pick	Tier	Price	Best for	Evidence
Outdoor Research Crocodile Classic Gaiters	splurge	$50-100	deep snow and real winter cold	1 outlet
Pike Trail Adjustable Gaiters	budget	$15-25	snow in your boots a few times a year	1 outlet
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters	mid	$50-100	hiking through fresh snow	1 outlet

Best gaiters

splurge pick · Five sizes

Outdoor Research Crocodile Classic Gaiters

Best for deep snow and real winter cold

Treeline Review's best winter gaiters: amazing for cold or wet winter activities, with a panel that protects against spike damage.

Heads up. Can be too warm in mild conditions

1 outlet. Treeline Review best winter gaiters.

$50-100

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

budget pick · Adjustable

Pike Trail Adjustable Gaiters

Best for snow in your 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

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

mid pick · Four sizes

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters

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

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

04 Stay warm

Compare these 3

Pick	Tier	Price	Best for	Evidence
MOGGEI Merino Wool Hiking Socks	budget	$15-25	stocking up on warm socks	1 outlet
Smartwool Hike Classic Full Cushion Socks	mid	$25-50	cold feet in winter boots	1 outlet
Grabber Hand Warmers (10 Pairs)	budget	$15-25	summit snack breaks and cold fingers	1 outlet

Top pick

budget pick · Pick by shoe size

MOGGEI Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Best for stocking up on warm socks

Treeline Review's best affordable winter sock, with a good fit for the price.

Heads up. Can be itchy, and weaker on durability, warmth and odor control

1 outlet. Treeline Review best affordable winter socks.

$15-25

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

mid pick · Pick by shoe size

Smartwool Hike Classic Full Cushion Socks

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

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

budget pick · 10 pairs

Grabber Hand Warmers (10 Pairs)

Best for summit snack breaks and cold fingers

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

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

05 Safety

Top pick

budget pick · Pocket-size

Petzl Tikkina Headlamp

Best for getting back to the car after dark

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

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

mid pick · Telescoping

Black Diamond Trail Back

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

Shop on Amazon

Affiliate link.

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

Questions people ask

Do I need microspikes for winter hiking?

On packed snow or ice, yes. They slip over your boots and bite into slick trails. Treeline Review calls Kahtoola MICROspikes the best bet for most people. For deep, fresh snow you'd want snowshoes instead.

Can I winter hike in regular hiking boots?

On a short, mild hike, waterproof boots with warm socks can work. For cold days or long hikes, insulated boots keep your feet much warmer, and cold toes end hikes early.

What should I pack for a winter hike?

Extra layers, a hat and gloves, a headlamp, water that won't freeze (an insulated bottle helps), snacks and traction. Start early, since winter days are short.

winter hiking kit

plan my budget pick an amount ↓

The must-haves