Winter Trail
Don’t let the cold weather keep you off the trails. The following gear makes hiking in the winter months more comfortable and keeps it just a tad classy.
Garmont Integra
This burly waterproof hiker can handle the worst cold, muddy slop you want to stomp through thanks to 200 grams of Primaloft insulation and a rugged sole that can hold its own on snow and slick roots and rocks. Weighing just over a pound per shoe, they don’t feel like bulky winter boots when you are on the move. $180 ($150 without insulation); garmont.com
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
Developed with input and plenty of testing by high-mountain guides, these water-resistant nylon pants can take a beating. But don’t think they are too technical for a quick day hike; two-way stretch gives you plenty of room to move in them and they are low-key enough to wear for an aprés beverage. $80; eddiebauer.com
YakTrax Quick Trax
It’s not uncommon to encounter a bit of ice or slippy, hard-packed snow back on an isolated trail—but you don’t always want to pack full microspikes. These simple two-ounce slip-ons that fit in a pocket offer an easy solution, giving you just enough traction with two carbide spikes to keep you from landing on your butt. $8; yaktrax.com
Mystery Ranch Scree 32
Winter hikes require that you stash a bit more gear in your pack, and the clever Scree 32 holds your 10 essentials plus warm layers and lunch with aplomb. The three-zipper design makes it easy to access anything in a hurry and you can ditch the hip belt for shorter jaunts. $189; mysteryranch.com
Stanley Adventure Vac Bottle
There’s nowhere better to enjoy a spot of tea than far out in the backcountry with a wide panorama in front of you—plus hot liquids can be a lifesaver when the weather goes south. This 25-ounce, double-wall, vacuum-insulated bottle will keep that Earl Grey warm all day long. $28; stanley-pmi.com
Fjällräven Canada Wool Padded Jacket
Swedish brand Fjällräven knows a bit about being active in cold weather and this Scandinavian lumbersexual of a recycled wool and polyester shacket is the ideal layer to cut the chill without bogging you down when the weather can’t make up its mind. $180; fjallraven.com
NOSO Patches
Even the best gear wears out—which can put a damper on both enjoying cold weather and your budget. But this Jackson Hole, Wyoming startup encourages you to keep that gently worn gear with the rip in it and maybe even make it look better. And these arty patches (you can also customize them) stick better than duct tape. $5; nosopatches.
