I have to admit, I’m no extreme sport guru or an athlete in any sense, but I am trail-obsessed, especially through the winter months.
Hiking is my way to stay outside, push and increase my limits, and maintain a connection to my body and the earth. I love spring and summer months on the trail in the beautiful PNW where I live, but there’s something especially enchanting about winter hiking.
The catch: gear. When the temps drop and the windchill bites, your winter hiking gear has to be taken more seriously than it does in temperate, pleasant climates. I learned the hard way last winter, specifically when it came to footwear (more on this later). Frozen, wet feet? No bueno.
As you know, here at Outside, we spend thousands of hours field-testing pieces. Here are the winter hiking staples we recommend, from ways to illuminate your path, to the layers and boots that will save you from cold, dark, unpredictable winter conditions.
The post New to Winter Hiking? Start With This Gear. appeared first on Outside Online.
