What Clothes & Shoes To Wear Winter Hiking

Winter is an amazing time in Australia. The scorching heat finally drops to a nice chilly temperature, which is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, walking, running, hiking, bush bashing or respectfully canoodling on a park bench, depending on how you choose to live your life. When it comes to hiking in winter, having the right winter hiking gear is essential - but what exactly are you meant to wear when winter hiking? What materials are best? How does layering work? And is Gore-Tex a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane or a scary dinosaur? Well, our experts at Anaconda have created this helpful guide that will explain to you what winter hiking clothes and shoes to wear to make sure that you are not only warm during your next winter hike, but also comfortable too!

Quick Links

• What To Wear Hiking In Winter: The Art Of Layering
• How To Choose Winter Hiking Pants
• How To Choose Winter Hiking Socks
• How To Choose The Best Winter Hiking Boots

What To Wear Hiking Winter: The Art Of Layering

The first step on our wonderful journey into what to wear hiking in winter is mastering the art of layering. More specifically, thermal layering, and no we're not talking about the tendency of gases to form into layers according to temperature, but the layering of your clothing to make you feel as snug as a bug in a rug.

Base Layer

This is where it all starts, the base layer, which is basically any piece of clothing that touches your skin. But is regular underwear going to cut it when it comes to winter hiking clothes? Depends on how warm and comfortable you want to be, which is why thermals are ideal for winter hiking due to their insulating properties, trapping body heat while wicking away moisture. Their lightweight and flexible design provides warmth without bulkiness, allowing freedom of movement. Additionally, they maintain warmth even when damp, ensuring comfort and protection in cold, unpredictable conditions. For winter hiking clothing base layers, prioritise moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic blends. Opt for thermal long-sleeved tops and bottoms to provide full coverage, and choose a snug fit to trap warmth effectively without restricting movement. Always remember to avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can lead to discomfort in cold conditions.

Middle Layer

Now we reach the middle layer, also known as the 'insulating layer', which is all about trying to retain the heat that is radiated by your body. For a middle layer when it comes to winter hiking gear, consider insulating options such as fleece clothing like long-sleeve shirts, hoodies and jackets or synthetic-filled jackets. Look for lightweight yet warm materials that offer good insulation without bulkiness, and have adjustable features like drawstrings or cuffs that can help customise the fit and seal in heat. Basically, you want to ensure breathability to prevent overheating during your hike. If you aren't hiking in snow or can handle the cold, then you can skip the outer layer part and just finish your winter hiking outfit with a puffer jacket instead.

Outer Layer

But if you are hiking in a really cold area or in snow, then you're going to need an outer layer: we're talking about winter hiking jackets with waterproof and breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex (turns out it isn't a scary dinosaur). Windbreakers offer lightweight protection against wind chill, while waterproof rain jackets keep you dry in wet conditions. Softshell jackets provide a balance of warmth, breathability and water resistance, ideal for moderate winter hikes. Gore-Tex stands out for its exceptional waterproof and breathable properties, effectively keeping water out while allowing sweat to escape, keeping you comfortable during strenuous activities like hiking. Its reliability makes it a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts tackling winter conditions.

How To Choose Winter Hiking Pants

Now you could rush out the door to embark on your winter hike, but you'll get some awkward looks because you would have skipped the next important step: putting on your winter hiking pants. When choosing winter hiking pants, you will need to prioritise warmth, moisture-wicking, breathability and durability. Look for materials like merino wool, fleece-lined synthetics or softshell fabrics for better insulation and moisture management. Consider waterproof or water-resistant options, especially with Gore-Tex or similar membranes. And because they are going to be your new winter hiking pants, you will need to make sure that they have good mobility with features such as articulated knees and gusseted crotches. For colours, choose bright hues for visibility in snow-covered landscapes, enhancing safety, whereas darker shades can hide dirt but may absorb more sunlight. Adjustable cuffs and ample pockets are practical additions and will help keep you warm. Ultimately, you'll want to balance function and comfort, ensuring your new winter hiking pants are tailored to your specific hiking environment and conditions.

How To Choose Winter Hiking Socks

Whether you are walking, jogging, running, hiking, power walking or participating in any outdoor activity that involves moving the lower half of your body for an extended period of time in winter, you're going to need the right winter hiking socks. When selecting your winter hiking socks, you must prioritise warmth, breathability and durability. Choose materials like merino wool or wool-blend for excellent insulation and moisture-wicking. Ensure breathability to prevent sweat buildup and blisters - which is exactly not what you want to end up with after your hike. Look for reinforced heels and toes for durability and cushioning, which offer additional comfort and reduce wear. You'll want a snug and seamless fit in the toe area because this will prevent friction when hiking. A well-padded upper provides warmth without bulk, while a snug cuff prevents slipping and keeps out snow. Consider mid to high-calf lengths for optimal coverage. Finally, ensure socks fit well with your hiking boots for maximum comfort and performance. For more helpful information, check out our Hiking Socks Buying Guide.

How To Choose The Best Winter Hiking Boots

And finally, you've made it to the last, and arguably the most important part of winter hiking clothes: choosing the best winter hiking boots. In order to ensure you're choosing the best winter hiking boots for you, the main areas to focus on are going to be height, warmth, styling, traction, comfort, waterproofing and fit. Opt for boots with at least mid-height coverage for ankle support and to keep out snow. Insulation is crucial: look for fabrics such as Thinsulate or similar materials for warmth without excessive bulk. Ensure the hiking boots you are considering are waterproof, using membranes like Gore-Tex to keep feet dry while allowing breathability. Traction is vital: deep, multi-directional lugs on the outsole provide grip on icy and snowy terrain. Comfort features include ample cushioning, a supportive insole and a roomy toe box to accommodate thicker socks. For styling, prioritising functionality over fashion but consider options with a balance of ruggedness and aesthetics suitable for your environment. To get the perfect fit, try boots with the socks you'll wear while hiking. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes and your heel should stay in place to avoid blisters. And lastly, consider trying on your winter hiking boots in the afternoon when your feet are naturally at their largest to ensure a comfortable fit.

Find The Best Winter Hiking Clothes At Anaconda Today

And there you have it, you're all set up to go off on your winter hiking adventure in style, comfort and warmth. Make sure you also check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, loved ones and family. If you liked our What Clothes & Shoes To Wear Winter Hiking article, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

• Hiking Footwear Buying Guide
• How To Clean Hiking Boots & Properly Care For Them
• Jacket Outerwear Buying Guide
• Australia's Most Exciting Winter Hiking Trails

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive hiking and snow range for your next outdoor adventure