Packing List for a Winter Day Hike

Not sure what to carry on a short winter day hike? Use the packing list below as a place to start. You can (and should!) customize any packing list to suit the climate and conditions you’re hiking in, and of course your personal taste.

Feel free to add or subtract items as they suit you, paying special attention to a subsection of “maybe” items that might or might not be worth carrying, depending on the details of your trip.

You can also download a condensed PDF version of this packing list.

Clothing and Footwear

• Appropriate footwear (for most people this means waterproof boots)
• Non-cotton insulating layers (think wool, fleece, down, and synthetics like Capilene)
• Weatherproof outer layer
• Hat, gloves and face protection (appropriate for your activity level)
• Extra socks

Food and Drink

• Snacks (or meals, depending on hike length)
• Water (consider an insulated hydration reservoir and sleeve, or a thermos, if temperatures are below freezing)

Comfort and Survival

• Sunglasses if you’ll be around snow or ice
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Navigation aid (guidebook, map/compass, GPS)
• Backpack (usually ~25 liters gives you plenty of space for everything, including clothing layers)
• Don’t forget your emergency kit!

“Maybe” Items You Might Need

• Ice grippers/micro spikes if there’s any chance you’ll be walking on ice (here are my favorites).
• Snowshoes if you’ll be walking in deep/loose snow
• Trekking poles for better balance
• Gaiters to keep snow out of your pants/boots
• Thermos of hot tea or hot chocolate
• Camp stove and pot to heat up drinks/food
• Face mask or other sun coverage if you’re going to be around snow and ice (the reflecting sun can really burn you)
• Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) if you’re hiking on or under avalanche terrain