Gear Insight: Winter Hiking Gear (for Colorado hikes)
Gear Insight: Winter Hiking Gear (for Colorado hikes)
Hey guys, this blog post is long overdue... I think I should have published this at the start of winter instead of at the end but maybe you could still score some of this gear to add to your hiking loadout during the upcoming spring sales. I wanted to break down exactly what I wear and the gear that I use when I go winter hiking out here in Colorado. I get this question a lot on my Instagram page and wanted to break down each piece of clothing: from my socks, to my hiking boots, to the pants I wear and the layers underneath. I hope you can gain some insight from this blog post about winter hiking gear and that it helps prepare you for the wild weather that’s Colorado throws at us. It’s always important to bring extra layers and I typically step outside my vehicle when I arrive at the trailhead to see how I feel… If I’m just a little bit cold then it may be the perfect temperature because when I start hiking and my blood gets pumping I tend to warm up a bit. But if I’m really cold and my hands start to get a little frost nip just by putting my boots on behind my car then I know it's time to add another layer or at least put another thermal layer in my camera backpack.
Everyone has a different tolerance to heat and cold temperatures so although this may be a guide, be sure to check in with yourself and make sure you have what you need to be comfortable while you’re out there hiking in the cold. Some people may bring foot warmers, hand warmers and there are a few apparel brands that offer heated base layers and outerwear and even heated socks and gloves. Check out Gobi Heat for more on heated outer and base layers
-La Sportiva Hiking Boots
-MSR Snowshoes (I have the Men’s version of what’s tagged here)
-Outdoor Research Hiking Gaiters
-Snowboard Socks / Darn Tough Hiking Socks
-Fjallraven G1000 Vidda Pro Hiking Pants (pre-waxed)
-Under Armor long underwear
-Under Armor workout t-shirt
-Thermal Base layer (breathable, non cotton, moisture wicking)
-Mountain Standard Thermal Hoody (similar to Mellezana)
-Burton Snowboard Jacket, shell
-Nike Beanie (Just Do It)
-Colorado or Ogden Made neck buff
-Hand warmers (in case your hands get cold like mine)
-Photography Gloves by ProMaster
-Glove Liners by Mountain Standard
-SPOT GPS Messenger Unit (not apparel, but GPS safety gear I recommend bringing on any size hike)
A few pieces of my gear are from name-brand companies but I also use gear from smaller and more local brands such as Mountain Standard an apparel company based in Boulder, Co and Avalanche baselayers. While some gear may be more expensive, I recommend spending quality money on base layers and down jackets - these pieces of apparel can be essential to your hiking apparel all year round, and they should last a lifetime and if they don’t it should be covered by the brand's warranty program. It’s OK to use some gear that may be cheaper but spending a little more on stuff by North Face, Columbia, can be beneficial because of how high-quality that gear is. After doing a photo project here in Denver for a company that cleans and repairs top gear companies apparel I happen to know of a few places where you can purchase used or gently used coats from stores and big-name brands like Northface, Columbia and REI. Check out those links below if you’re trying to save some money but still purchase high-quality gear
Worn Wear - Patagonia Gently Used Gear (Patagonia Down Jacket originally $229 sold through Worn Wear at $124)
Renewed - The North Face Renewed Gear (North Face Fleece originally $150 sold at $75 through TNF Renewed Gear program)
The Renewal Workshop
REI x Columbia Used Gear (Columbia OmniTech Waterproof Shell originally $100 sold through REI Used gear at $47)
Thank-you for taking some time to check out my blog post about winter hiking gear - I’ll try and add some more insight when I come into a little more free time… busy week with freelance work and photoshoot prep. Keep adventuring out there, be safe and explore something new this weekend!
-Frankie Fr33Water