Winter Hiking Essentials For Beginner Hikers

Must-Have Winter Hiking Gear for Beginners: 

This winter, We have rediscovered the joy and challenges of winter hiking in New England.  When properly prepared, winter hiking is an incredible experience—fewer crowds, stunning snow-covered landscapes, and crisp, fresh air. But it also comes with challenges like freezing temperatures, icy trails, and unpredictable weather. If you’re new to winter hiking, like we were this year, having the right gear can make all the difference between an enjoyable trek and a miserable (or even dangerous) one.  Admittedly, we are still building up our gear, but here is what we have found works for us.

Here’s a breakdown of essential winter hiking gear to keep you warm, dry, and safe on the trails.

Proper Footwear: Warm, Waterproof Boots

Your summer hiking boots won’t cut it in the snow. Look for:

• Insulated, waterproof hiking boots – Brands like Salomon, Merrell, or Oboz make great winter options.  I use Sorels because they are waterproof and insulated.

• Gaiters – Keep snow from getting into your boots, especially if hiking through deep snow.  Nothing worse than having snow get in your boots!

• Wool socks – Avoid cotton; wool (like Smartwool or Darn Tough) will keep your feet warm even if damp.

Traction: Microspikes & Snowshoes

Regardless of what the conditions are at the trailhead, the trail will be snow or ice-covered eventually:

• Microspikes – Perfect for icy trails or packed snow. Kahtoola MICROspikes are a solid choice.  Different brands are also available for less money.  These are so important, we always carry extras, as learned on our first winter hike of the season. You can listen to that episode here: Around New England Podcast Link.

• Snowshoes – Necessary for deeper, powdery snow to avoid post-holing (sinking with every step).

• Trekking poles with snow baskets – Help with balance and prevent slipping.

Layering: Stay Warm Without Overheating

The key to winter hiking is layering so you don’t overheat and sweat (which can lead to dangerous chills). Consider how much layering you will shed and need to store during part of the hike and chose an appropriate size bag. Use the three-layer system:

• Base Layer (Moisture-Wicking): A lightweight wool or synthetic thermal top and bottom (avoid cotton).

• Insulating Layer (Traps Heat): A fleece or down jacket.

• Outer Shell (Waterproof & Windproof): A breathable, waterproof jacket and pants (GORE-TEX or similar).

Layering is key!

Hand & Head Protection: Keep Extremities Warm

• Gloves or Mittens: A two-layer system works best (thin liners + insulated waterproof mittens). I like to bring a spare dry pair.

• Hat & Neck Gaiter/Balaclava: Heat escapes from your head quickly—keep it covered! Even if you prefer to hike without a hat because you get too warm too quickly, keeping one in the bag for an emergency is essential!

Essentials for Safety & Comfort:

• Headlamp (with extra batteries): Winter days are short—always be prepared for darkness.

• Zip Ties.  Great to have to temporarily fix to hold a backpack together, or to fix a broken set of spikes.

• Insulated Water Bottles (or bottle covers): Hydration is key, but uninsulated bottles can freeze.

• High-Calorie Snacks: Your body burns more energy in the cold—pack trail mix, protein bars, or peanut butter sandwiches.

• Emergency Gear: A space blanket, whistle, and small first-aid kit can be lifesavers.

• Navigation Tools: A paper map & compass (in case your phone or GPS dies in the cold).

Final Tips for Winter Hiking Beginners

• Check the weather & trail conditions before heading out.

• Start early—winter days are short, and you don’t want to get caught in the dark.

• Know the signs of frostbite & hypothermia—if you start feeling numbness or confusion, turn back!  The mountains will always be there to try again another day!

• Tell someone your plan and estimated return time.

• Start off the hike slightly cooler, you will warm up fast! I bring my larger backpack for the winter hikes for the layers we shed.

With the right gear and preparation, winter hiking can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences in New England. So layer up, grab your microspikes, and enjoy the snowy trails!

What’s your go-to piece of winter hiking gear?  Is there anything we should have listed but we didn’t?  We are still learning too! Let us know in the comments!l

Different hikes and different seasons require different size bags.

My Most Challenging Hike…so far

The most challenging hike we have done… so far. I don’t know what was wrong with me that day. I had done this hike a few times before—granted, the last time was over 20 years ago. I mean, how much can change in 20 years? Okay, everything can, but I digress. Out of all the hikes we did in the last year or so, this was the hardest on my body and mind.

Mt. Chocorua—this gorgeous, distinctive mountain you see as you’re driving up Route 16 to North Conway—definitely taunted me this time. Some facts before I get into the day: 2,582 feet of elevation gain with over 7 miles of hiking. We hiked on August 23, 2024, and took the Brook Trail up and the Liberty Trail down.

It started like any other hike—lots of walking. What I love about this trail is that it follows a brook for a good part of the hike, making it truly stunning and enjoyable. The ascent is gradual at first and then nonstop up. We got lost a few times as the trail markings weren’t obvious, so we just went the most obvious way - up.

The views from the top are stunning—a full 360-degree panorama that helps with the exhausted feeling. At this point in the hike, I was tired. Like, you know that feeling when your body just wants to melt into the couch? That is how I felt about 3.5-ish miles from the car. Oh, and I had to go to the bathroom. Luckily, there is a toilet (if you will) not far from the summit. With a little relief, we started the slow descent down.

The Liberty Trail was a great trail to descend. It wasn’t hard on the knees, and even with no babbling brook to see and listen to, it was still gorgeous. But with every step closer to the car, I just wanted to be done. And you know when you’re taking a different trail down, you have those doubts like, "Are we going the right way?" But mostly, "Are we there yet?" Towards the end, I was dragging my poles, ready to see the car—most importantly, our car. Mike was a little ahead of me and broke the good news: he saw the car. Still doubting him, I asked, "Our car?" Yes, he assured me, our car. It was the best thing I saw all day!

Since then, we have hiked Mt. Osceola—a 4,000-foot mountain—and the previous year, we hiked to the Hermit Lake Shelter on Mt. Washington. So, I wasn’t a total rookie, but this hike made me feel like it. Earlier in the year, I was diagnosed with Graves' disease. I’ve spoken a little about my health issues on our podcast, and this is it: Graves'. Lovely name for an autoimmune disease, huh? At this point, my doctor had been working on dialing in my medication. Each month, she would either increase or lower my dosage, and it just throws me off each month. It’s hard to explain other than feeling like garbage and not myself. I had told her my energy levels were off—like, really low. I didn’t run any road races last summer after flopping a 10K, I’ve done many times before, in June. I was just not feeling normal. The hard part is that this day started off alright. I woke up with no warning signs that my energy was going to check out. Just before the peak, I started to feel tired as my energy dipped, and no amount of snacks or water made me feel better immediately.

We made it home, and Mike helped me out so much that day—okay, all the days—but I really appreciated him being the one to get the food. I felt so worn out after this hike that I just wanted to go home and get takeout. You know it was bad when I didn’t want to stop for food. So, we ordered burgers from one of our favorite spots, BRGR BAR. Legit, their burgers and fries are the best, in my opinion, and just what I needed to make myself feel better. They’ve been my go-to spot for burgers after every half marathon or anytime I really want a real, good, hearty burger. They also have adult milkshakes if you eat in house that are pretty delicious in my opinion.

After all that, would I do this hike again? 100% yes! I might try a different trail, as I’ve done this one a few times. Next time, I think I would hydrate with electrolytes better and fuel like I was running a half marathon. Here’s hoping my Graves' disease is in better control this year too! I have a lot of big & little hikes I want to do.

Want to hear more details about this hike and others? Check out our podcast: Around New England.

How We Plan Our Hikes

If you're planning a trip to New England and want to explore the beautiful outdoors we call home, we're here to help! We don't do anything too fancy when planning our hikes, but a little preparation goes a long way toward having a safe and successful day. Plus, at our age, it's all about staying safe and finding the best food afterward!

Mt Pemigewasset

Step 1: Decide the Day's Plan

First things first—how much time do we have? Are there any commitments that mean we need to be home by a certain time? If not, we're free to follow where the trails (and the weather) lead us—with the promise of delicious food at the end.

I keep a running list of hikes: some challenging, some moderate, and some easy. My go-to sources for finding new trails have always been books. One of my favorites is Foghorn Outdoors: New England Hiking - The Complete Guide to More Than 380 Hikes by Michael Lanza. This book is over 20 years old, so I double-check things like road closures, but the detailed descriptions and honest ratings make it a gem. Each hike is rated on a scale of 1-10 for views and difficulty—because let's be honest, isn't that why we hike?

Another book I recently picked up is New Hampshire's 52 With a View: A Hiker's Guide. by Ken MacGray It focuses solely on New Hampshire mountains under 4,000 feet. Some trails are still challenging, but all offer incredible views without the grueling climb—a definite win-win.

Mt Osceola

Step 2: Plan the Post-Hike Meal

Food is a key part of our hiking adventures. We always research dining options before we leave because cell service at the trailhead can be spotty. Where we go depends on what time we finish the hike. If we wrap up early, we're on the hunt for a cozy local coffee shop. If it's closer to lunch or dinner, we love finding a local restaurant for a well-earned meal and a refreshing drink.

Tuckerman Brewery

Bonus Step: Use the AllTrails App

In addition to books, we rely on the AllTrails app for planning. I love checking recent trail reviews and photos to know what to expect. It's a lifesaver when it comes to gear decisions—because nothing ruins a hike faster than being unprepared. Huge thanks to all the hikers who share their trail updates!

Tuckerman Ravine trail

The Night Before: Prep is Everything

A little prep the night before makes for a smoother morning. We pack our gear, lay out our clothes, and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in advance. That way, in the morning, Mike can toast my bagel (he's the morning person, not me) while I get ready. There's something so peaceful about hitting the trail early, so this routine helps us get out the door without a hitch.

If the weather looks iffy, we throw rain gear in the car—better to have it and not need it than the other way around. We also wear comfy shoes to the trailhead and pack our hiking boots to change into when we arrive. In the summer, we even keep an extra set of clothes in the car just in case we get too sweaty and want to freshen up before heading to eat.

Middle & North Sugarloaf

Want more tips and stories? Tune in to our podcast, Around New England, where we share all the details about our hikes and adventures. Let us know what you'd like to hear next—and happy hiking!

Mt Chocorua