Women’s Winter Hiking Essentials

If your a woman who loves to hike and travel-this blog post is for you! From the car to the trailhead to the brewery, I’ve created a comprehensive packing list. Comfort is queen and so is feeling comfortable in the clothes you wear. Nobody wants to wear jeans on their drive to a cabin stay, am I right?

Not only will this be a guide on what to wear on a winter hike, we’re including what to pack in the car and tips for planning too! Over the last decade I have packed my bags hundreds of time for overnight trips, day hikes, and cabin stays. I like to think I have this pretty dialed in.

Most of the items on this packing blog are great to use in every season, depending on where you live. I have personally tested each of these products and use them often, year over year!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you) Thank you in advance for your support!

Packing for your trip to the Oregon coast or the mountains of Washington starts at home. First, I start a note categorizing what I need for the trip depending on what type of trip it will be! Am I going to be hiking in rain? Will I be snowshoeing? Will I be staying inside a cozy cabin with a hot tub? Having a list can make things smooth and be sure you don’t forget anything.

Ever since I was a little girl going to my cabin in northern Wisconsin, throwing everything in a duffle bag was the way! To ensure I don’t forget anything and maintain my sanity-I am a bit more organized now.

Depending if you share your duffle bag with kids or your partner, you should opt for a bigger size. The Gregory Supply Duffle in 90 liters is a great bag to share or use for bulky items like jackets! If you aren’t going to be sharing-my go-to bag for a couple nights away is the Gregory Alpaca 60L Duffle.

Instead of tossing all of my clothing into a duffle bag, I prefer using packing cubes! That way I can pack a few days in advance. Plus, if items get stinky from hiking I use the packing cubes as a space to keep dirty laundry! Thule makes a great multi-pack that also washes great.

If your traveling by airplane or a roller bag is more your style-I have been using these Gregory Packs bags for years! I love how durable they are, truly built to last. My husband and I both have the Quadro Pro 28″ Hardcase Wheeled Luggage.

Typically when I travel I have a camera backpack and a hiking backpack. If I am driving or flying, I use my Peak Design backpack for my camera gear. This backpack has different compartments and is sturdy keeping my camera gear secure. Don’t forget your charging devices!

If I am partaking on a day hike, I like to have at least a 25 liter backpack. I want to ensure I am able to hike with my camera gear, emergency kit, plenty of water, snacks and layers! The Gregory Maya 25L is a great backpack if you don’t need to carry much and the hikes are shorter. If you want something a bit roomer, I opt for the Jade 33L backpack.

This is an important part of the adventure for all the comfort queens out there! I’ve learned my lesson of driving in my crispy Levi denim jeans to my destination. Being comfortable on your way to your destination is essential.

First things first, leggings on the road are a must. Comfortable in any season AND you can wear them a second time for your hike in the rain! Two of my favorite leggings are from Beyond Yoga, or Outdoor Voices!

On the feet in winter I’m always rocking my Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons AKA sleeping bag shoes! They keep your feet warm, and they slip-on. These shoes are a must post hike too. If it’s a very wet day, I will be rocking my very Pacific Northwest Blundstone Chelsea boots!

Stay well fed and hydrated for your road trip, nobody wants to fuel on fast food post hike! My Hydroflask All Around Travel Tumbler is filled at home with ice water. I do my best to drink it all before hitting the trail. It’s about being comfortable and well fed for adventures for all those comfort queens out there!

Let’s start at the bottom with footwear! Over the years I have a few different brands of hiking boots that I like wearing. What I have determined is that you must try them on-each hiking boot works differently on everybody’s foot! Having a hiking boot that you want to use in every season is ideal if possible. However, if you will be in the snow you will want a more waterproof boot.

If your going to be doing lower impact hikes that are shorter distance, I would opt for Hoka Shoes. These shoes are versatile for trails that aren’t covered in snow-like desert landscapes. Hoka’s are extremely comfortable for driving from the trailhead to a brewery, and even the airport!

If your going to be hiking in wet landscapes such as lush Oregon rainforests- I would opt for waterproof boots like the Danner 600. These are my go-to boots in pacific northwest winters. They keep my feet dry and warm. Plus, these boots don’t need to be broken in a ton before wearing!

If you plan to be snowshoeing or hiking in the snow, I would opt for a winter boot that is entirely waterproof. Oboz makes some of the best winter hiking boots in the market-truly going to keep your feet dry for multiple miles in the snow. The Oboz Bridger Insulated Waterproof boots will keep you dry, warm, and offer incredible ankle support.

Merrel also makes a great waterproof hiker that is not insulated if it would be snowy-but not too cold. The Merrel Antora 3 Thermo is a great option!

Socks can vary! Depending on the type of hike your doing, and the shape of your foot, once you find the brand you love, you will stick with it. If your hiking in a mild climate, I prefer something lighter like these Merino Wool Lightweight Crew Socks from REI.

If you will be snowshoeing, hiking through snow can be quite cold. Darn Tough Merino Wool Crew socks are a favorite of mine. If your boots are a bit taller like the Oboz, getting taller socks from Darn Tough is recommended.

Merino Wool is queen for your hiking base layers. If you sweat, you will stay dry! Its breathable, comfortable, and soft! Merino Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still maintain its ability to insulate. Each of these items below are also great clothing for backpacking! Women’s hiking clothes can be tough to pick through, which is why I’ve nailed down my favorites.

Kari Traa makes some of the best women’s base layers for hiking. I own a few of these Half Zip Base Layer tops. Not only are these great for cold weather hiking, and snowshoeing, I double down on this gear for skiing or snowboarding!

If your looking for a base layer top with varying colors, REI did a great job with this Merino 185. Take this backpacking, hiking, or snowboarding!

Matching base layer pants under your rain pants or snow pants are essential to stay dry and warm. Dependent on how cold it truly is, you may or may not need to layer! Kari Traa also makes merino wool base layer bottoms for women. For budget friendly I opt for the REI Co-op mid weight base layer tight.

Rain, snow, wind-having proper layers for the weather is going to keep you warm and comfortable on the trail. Before you embark on a hike, it is essential that you head to All Trails to check for trip reports and the weather. Seeing if there are closures, avalanche warnings, fallen trees are good indicators of whether or not you should complete the hike.

If I am going hiking in the winter having a rain shell and a puffy jacket is always in my backpack! Again, layers are key! Adding layers or subtracting them is where you want to be as you move about the trail.

If you want a lightweight puffy coat for weather over 25 degrees, I choose the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket that I can layer under a rain shell. If the weather is going to be colder, I would choose a jacket rated that is thicker! Columbia is budget friendly and cute! The Columbia Puffect Insulated Jacket is great for colder hikes such as snowshoeing!

If your going to be snowshoeing in winter weather climates, instead of layering a puffy jacket and rain shell, I would opt for a winter coat. If you ski or snowboard, this s when that jacket would be great to wear. Mountain Hardwear makes a Women’s Down Parka that is perfect for strolling the neighborhood to hiking in the mountains. For more budget friendly, REI Co-Op makes a Down Hybrid Storm Jacket and it comes in three colors.

For those milder days like I have here in Oregon but the rain won’t stop, I don’t leave home without a rain shell. My current obsession is the Torrential Rain Jacket from Patagonia. REI has a line of XERO-DRY that I own a few pieces from. This means that the material contains GORE-TEX, which is vital in very rainy climates. Their XERO-DRY GTX jacket comes in five colors and tends to go on sale!

Women’s hiking pants are dependent on your body type and preference! My favorite inclusive hiking pants are the Alder Apparel Open Air Pants. I can layer these over base layers or wear them in the hot of summer! Not only are they cute, Alder sizes up to 6X!

Prana Halle Pants were the first pants I got for backpacking nearly a decade ago. Breathable, stretchable, and comfortable.

When its on the cusp of winter hiking, isn’t too cold, hiking in leggings is my go-to! It’s comfortable in the car, cute, and breathable! Beyond Yoga Spacedye Out of Pocket High-Waisted Midi Leggings are super soft!

REI Co-Op Thermal Running Tights are great for hiking or trail running and everything in between. Great multi-sport leggings!

Don’t forget to pack your rain pants! Personally when I go snowshoeing I prefer to layer base layer + rain pants. Same with Cross Country skiing! Even if I am hiking in the summertime, rain pants are a great all-season necessity-especially in the pacific northwest. REI Co-Op makes XERO-DRY rain pants that I have worn for years.

For those who are going to be high in the mountains with cold climates, snow bibs are a must! Especially if you envision yourself backcountry skiing or snow camping, its a great investment.

For snowboarding and high alpine snowshoeing, I own the Mountain Hardwear Powder Maven Bibs. Comfortable moisture wicking, everything you need for women’s winter hiking. If your looking for something slightly warmer, REI Co-Op makes insulated snow-bibs that also come in petite sizes.

Women’s Hiking clothes aren’t complete without accessories. They can wrap up the entire outfit and keep every part of your skin warm from the elements. Of course, it depends on what type of winter hike you will be on and the temperatures.

One can never have too many beanies! From functional to aesthetically pleasing and everything in between, I suggest trying the all on. Certain brands will fit your head the best. Flipside makes a Merino Wool Watchman Beanie that will keep you warm and dry as you hit the trail.

The North Face makes incredible beanies as well, I own a few! Especially loving the The North Face Oh Mega Fur Pom Beanie-super cute!

Whenever I am snowshoeing or headed out on a windy, high elevation day, a neck gaiter is essential! Keeping the wind contained with a neck gaitor will keep your core body temperature warmer. Since I was 15 I’ve been using Turtle Fur neck gaitors-I truly have had one for 10 years. Their products are built to last!

As a female hiker that has cold fingers, I have gloves in my hiking bag most months out of the year. Especially since I am hiking at sunrise and sunset at higher elevations it is often cold year round.

Since I’m a photographer, fingerless gloves give me more mobility with my fingers to use my camera and smart phone. Patagonia Better Sweater gloves are a classic that will last a lifetime! The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are also smartphone compatible, meaning you never have to remove them to use your phone on your adventure.

If mittens are your thing, Flylow makes Unicorn Mittens! The name really says it all, they’re super cute and are a great multi-sport purchase. I would wear these snowboarding, XC Skiing, or snowshoeing! Plus they come in two unique color pallets.

Before you know you are going to love snowshoeing, I would encourage you to rent first! That way, you know you’ll like it before spending the money. For entry level snowshoes for nothing too steep, I love Tubbs Snowshoes for women. If you think you’ll be doing something more advanced and steeper, I suggest MSR. The MSR Lightning Ascent are for those who will embark on winter camping and steep terrain!

If you like the overall support of Trekking Poles or will be snowshoeing, I consider these a 10 essential. Even if they stay strapped to your pack, trekking poles can be a great utility in the case of an emergency. I have had Black Diamond Trekking Poles for a decade and have had no reason to replace them!

If your looking to spend a little bit less, the REI Co-Op Trailmade Trekking Poles will be perfectly fine! Keep in mind the weight of the poles if you plan to take them backpacking, the lighter the better!

Don’t forget about going to the bathroom in the woods! Being a woman, I never hit the trail without my Kula Cloth. It is an antimicrobial pee cloth that can be attached to the outside of your backpack. Every women needs one!

If your like me and don’t just get to my destination to turn around, I always pack my Rumpl Blanket with me! This blanket fairs well in every season! As long as its not pouring rain I lay my blanket down and have a picnic at my destination. Hiking is not a race so mind as well enjoy it right?

From the cabin to the car, staying hydrated is key! When I leave my house for a road trip, I have a water bottle for the car. The Hydroflask Travel Tumbler is going to keep me hydrated in the car, and at my cabin or hotel stay.

Inside of your hiking backpack is a preference. Water bottle vs. hydration pack. If I am hiking more than 4 miles, I prefer to have a hydration pack. It keeps me hands free and I am able to sip freely as I move about the trail. If I am hiking under 4 miles I tend to use a Hydroflask water bottle that will be enough for the duration of my hike.

If your hiking a local trail, or headed into the cold mountains, knowing what to do in an emergency is essential! Always tell somebody close to you where your going and check in with them after the hike.

As an experienced hiker, I like to know that I can contact authorities in the event of an emergency. I invested in a Garmin In-Reach years ago and pay for the subscription service. This also gives me capabilities to text my husband when I am backpacking. As a solo female traveler, this is a MUST!

My backpack always has an emergency kit in it as well, you truly never know what could happen and it’s best to be prepared. Be sure to update your emergency kit year after year!

As always, feel free to message me on Instagram or shoot over an email if you have any questions! Getting outside in the winter can be a bit intimidating at first! I encourage you to go with experienced hikers, rent gear, and shop used too! Happy Trails.