Winter Travel Gear Checklist: Stay Warm and Ready!
Quick answer: For winter trips, dress in three layers: a moisture-wicking base layer (synthetic or wool), an insulating mid layer (fleece or puffy) and a waterproof, breathable shell. Add a warm hat, waterproof gloves, wool socks, goggles, an insulated water bottle or thermos, snacks, sun protection, a headlamp and first aid kit. In avalanche terrain, every person needs a transceiver, probe and shovel, and the training to use them.
Winter adventures call for the right gear to keep you warm, safe and ready for anything. Whether you're hitting the slopes, snowshoeing or exploring backcountry trails, this checklist covers you from head to toe.
Download the printable checklist (PDF)
Base layers
- Thin synthetic hat or balaclava to keep your head warm and dry
- Moisture-wicking long underwear top and bottom: synthetic or wool in light, mid or heavy weight depending on activity and how cold you run
- Liner gloves in thin polypro, silk or wool
- Liner socks to keep feet warm and dry
- Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight Crew Men's base layer top
- Helly Hansen W Lifa Merino Midweight Crew Women's base layer top
- Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight Pant Base layer bottom
- Wilderness Technology Base Layer Top Budget synthetic top
Mid layers
- Light or midweight fleece top with a zip neck
- Fleece or insulated vest for core warmth
- Light or midweight softshell
- Wind shirt to block wind
- Light fleece pants
- Midweight to heavyweight wool or synthetic-blend socks that fit your boots without being tight
- Patagonia M's Durable Down Hoody Warm, packable insulation
- Patagonia W's Durable Down Hoody Women's insulation layer
- Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion OTC Socks Merino ski sock
Outer layers
- Wool or fleece hat
- Neck gaiter, plus a neoprene face mask for extreme cold and wind
- Waterproof insulated gloves or mittens
- Waterproof, breathable jacket with a hood (GORE-TEX or equivalent)
- Waterproof, breathable pants with side zips; bibs add coverage
- Gaiters for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Patagonia M's Powder Town Jacket Waterproof shell
- Patagonia W's Insulated Powder Town Jacket Insulated shell
- Helly Hansen W Emiko Shell Bib Waterproof bib
- 686 Men's Dojo 20K Pant Waterproof pant
- Howl Team GORE-TEX Mitt Warm waterproof mitt
- Showers Pass Neck Gaiter Face and neck protection
Food and water
- Insulated hydration pack so water doesn't freeze
- 1.5–2 liter thermos: hot drinks can be a lifesaver
- Snacks and lunch with a mix of fats, sugars, protein and carbs
- Emergency quick-energy food like gels or electrolyte tabs
Miscellaneous
- Goggles (amber lenses are versatile) and sunglasses with a strap
- Snowsport-specific backpack
- Sunscreen and lip balm: you can sunburn in the snow
- Hand and foot warmers
- Anti-fog cloth, ski or snowboard speed wax, a bandana and a nature guidebook
- Giro Axis Goggle Quick-change lenses
- Grabber Body Warmer 8-Pack Backup warmth
Avalanche gear
- Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
- Probe
- Collapsible shovel
- Snow saw
- Mammut Alugator Light Shovel Packable avalanche shovel
- Mammut Probe 280 Speed Lock Fast-deploying probe
- BCA Snow Thermometer For snowpack observations
Avalanche transceivers are available in-store, where our staff can walk you through them. Take an avalanche course before traveling in avalanche terrain.
Backcountry safety
- Map, compass, GPS or satellite messenger
- Whistle
- Waterproof lighter or matches
- Knife or multi-tool
- Watch
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- First aid kit with blister care
- Emergency space blanket
- Repair kit: buckles, straps, cord, wire, tape, Seam Grip and zipper parts
- ID
- Surviveware Large Premium First Aid Kit Well-organized kit
- Surviveware Survival First Aid Kit Compact survival kit
- Gear Aid Seam Grip WP Field Repair Kit Field repairs
Snowshoe-specific gear
- Snowshoes sized to your weight and conditions: about 15" for kids, 20–30" for 100–150 lbs, and 25–45" over 150 lbs
- Waterproof, insulated boots (GORE-TEX)
- Gaiters
- Telescoping or adjustable poles
- Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX Waterproof men's boot
- Rossignol Altiridge Mid R-Shell Dry Waterproof women's boot
- CAMP Backcountry 3.0 Poles Adjustable poles
- Outbound Snowshoe Kit Starter snowshoe kit
Pack smart, stay warm and enjoy your winter adventures. With this checklist, you'll be ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Winter gear FAQ
How should I layer for winter hiking or snowshoeing?
Use three layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid layer and a waterproof, breathable shell. Remove layers before you sweat and add them when you stop.
What size snowshoes do I need?
About 15 inches for kids, 20 to 30 inches for 100 to 150 pounds, and 25 to 45 inches for over 150 pounds. Go larger for deep, fresh powder.
What avalanche gear do I need for the backcountry?
Every person needs an avalanche transceiver, a probe and a shovel, plus training. A snow saw is useful for snowpack tests.
How do I keep my water from freezing?
Use an insulated hydration sleeve and blow water back out of the tube, or carry a thermos of hot liquid.