Winter Gear Essentials for Outdoor Adventures

There’s no reason to let cold weather put a damper on your outdoor adventures. From insulated hiking pants and streamlined mid-layers to cushy socks and high-performance jackets, this gear will keep you warm and toasty all winter long, whether you’re hitting the city streets, slopes, and trails or recovering by the fire with an après beverage or two.

1. Mammut Winter Hiking Pants

Winter hikes can make you feel a bit like Goldilocks — freezing at the start of the trail and too hot once you’re halfway up the mountain. To regulate your internal thermostat and help you find a happy medium, Mammut’s winter hiking pants are insulated with stretchy, windproof soft-shell material. They also feature zippered, ventilated mesh openings on the outer legs to cool you down. With a changeable hem, zippered pockets both front and back, and options for men and women, these pants become a new wardrobe staple.

Mammut winter hiking pants, $159; mammut.com.

2. Icebreaker MerinoLoft Helix Vest

For intense insulation minus the bulk, Icebreaker’s MerinoLoft Helix vest is a stylish solution. This slim-fit layering option is crafted with sustainable merino-blend wool panels and a pure merino lining to protect your core from gusting winds. The recycled polyester face enables light precipitation to roll right off your back. You may pop the collar up if it’s extra breezy or fold it down to cool off; either way, this vest seamlessly transitions from the peaks to the streets.

MerinoLoft Helix vest, $225; icebreaker.com.

3. Seirus Magnemask Combo Hinged Headliner

On cold, windy days in the mountains, a face mask provides essential protection, but complete coverage is not always necessary. The Magnemask Combo Hinged Headliner from Seirus features a contoured neoprene panel that sits over your nose and under your eyes, accompanied by a neck scarf that attaches using magnets for quick adjustments. This design keeps your goggles clear of foggy breath, while the multifunctional hood ensures comprehensive coverage without needing extra headwear.

Magnemask Combo Hinged Headliner, $40; seirus.com.

4. Houdini M’s Power Houdi

While not a new release, Houdini’s Power Houdi is a classic garment that continues to excel. Introduced in 2003, it remains a warm and lightweight fleece, perfect for jogging, hiking, climbing, or enjoying a run down the slopes. Made from Bluesign-approved Polartec fabric, it features a high collar, tight-fitting hood, extra-long sleeves with thumb loops, internal stash pockets, and zippered side pockets for easy access to lip balm, gloves, and other essentials.

M’s Power Houdi, $250; houdinisportswear.com.

5. Forsake Lucie Mid Boots

You won’t necessarily be taking these out on the toughest trails, but for walks through slushy city streets and muddy paths, Forsake’s Lucie Mid is a waterproof boot that keeps your feet warm and dry while looking stylish. The nubuck and suede uppers effectively prevent moisture, and the sturdy outsoles provide solid support and remarkable traction on slick surfaces. These boots even come with an extra pair of laces, allowing you to switch it up as desired.

Lucie Mid boots, $140; forsake.com.

6. L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg Socks

What’s a pair of boots without the cushy socks to go along with them? L.L. Bean’s wool ragg socks boast a super-soft blend of Australian merino, nylon, and elastic that is stretchy and machine-washable. The length and thickness are perfect for hikes and treks; they won’t slide down or rub on your heels, yet they won’t feel too tight either. Plus, wool’s moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties ensure you’ll enjoy wearing them throughout your adventures.

Merino wool ragg socks, $35 for two; llbean.com.

7. Marmot Highlander Down Hoody

While you might prefer to add an outer shell when the snow really starts coming down, Marmot’s water-resistant Highlander down hoody works great for light flurries and drizzly days. With windproof recycled-polyester ripstop fabric, 700 fill-power-down insulation, and tight-fitting elastic cuffs and hood, this hoody will keep you snug. Additionally, the zippered pockets provide accessible space for your small gear.

Highlander down hoody, $225; marmot.com.

8. Everlane Oversized Alpaca Crew Sweater

While form-fitting knits have their place, a roomy jumper feels perfect on exceptionally frigid days. Although thin and breathable, Everlane’s oversized alpaca sweater serves as an excellent substitute for a warm hug. The relaxed fit allows flexibility in layering, the high neckline provides extra coverage, and Everlane’s commitment to transparency ensures ethical practices.

Oversized alpaca crew sweater, $95; everlane.com.

9. prAna Izzie Beanie

The debate continues on whether we lose most body heat through our heads, yet it’s undeniable that a warm beanie adds a notable level of coziness. Featuring a tight ribbed cuff to block the wind and a sherpa lining for added insulation, prAna’s cable-knit Izzie beanie complements any outfit.

Izzie beanie, $35; prana.com.

10. Stegmann EcoWool Clogs

Slipper-like clogs offer an incredible cozy feeling, and Stegmann’s EcoWool shoe harmoniously combines comfort and sustainability. This shoe features wool sourced from rare and often endangered breeds like the Tyrolean stone sheep and Shetland sheep of Scotland, gathered from cruelty-free European farms without dyes or chemicals. Reinforced by a cork and latex footbed for superior anatomical support, these clogs will keep your toes delighted all day long.

EcoWool clogs, $140; stegmannusa.com.