There’s no reason to let cold weather put a damper on your outdoor adventures. From insulated hiking pants and streamlined mid-layers to cushy socks and high-performance jackets, this gear will keep you warm and toasty all winter long, whether you’re hitting the city streets, slopes, and trails or recovering by the fire – or at happy hour – with an aprés beverage or two.
1. Mammut winter hiking pants
Winter hikes can make you feel a bit like Goldilocks – freezing at the start of the trail and too hot once you’re halfway up the mountain. To regulate your internal thermostat and help you find a happy medium, Mammut’s winter hiking pants are insulated with stretchy, windproof soft-shell material, but they also feature zippered, ventilated mesh openings on the outer legs to cool you down. Add in an changeable hem, zippered pockets at the front and back, and versions for men and women, and you have a new wardrobe staple.
Mammut winter hiking pants, $159; mammut.com.
2. icebreaker MerinoLoft Helix vest
For intense insulation minus the bulk, icebreaker’s MerinoLoft Helix vest is a stylish solution. A slim-fit layering piece for men and women alike, it’s constructed with sustainable merino-blend wool panels and a pure merino lining to protect your core from gusting winds, and a recycled polyester face that literally lets light precipitation roll right off your back. Pop the collar up if it’s extra breezy, or fold it down to cool off; either way, it’s sleek enough to take you from the peaks to the streets without missing a beat.
MerinoLoft Helix vest, $225; icebreaker.com.
3. Seirus Magnemask Combo Hinged Headliner
For cold windy days on the mountain, a face mask provides essential protection for delicate areas – but you don’t necessarily want full coverage from start to finish. The Magnemask Combo Hinged Headliner from Seirus features a contoured neoprene panel that sits over your nose and under your eyes, and a neck scarf that attaches to it with magnets for easy-snap adjustments on the fly. The panel's positioning keeps your goggles clear of foggy breath, and the multi-purpose hood, scarf, and mask combination eliminates the need for any other headwear.
Magnemask Combo Hinged Headliner, $40; seirus.com.
4. Houdini M's Power Houdi
It’s not a new release, but Houdini’s Power Houdi is one of those classic garments that only gets better with age. Launched in 2003, it’s a thin fleece that remains a deceptively warm, lightweight option, perfect for a jog, a hike, a climb, or a run down the slopes. It’s made from Bluesign-approved Polartec fabric, with a high collar, a tight-fitting hood, extra-long sleeves complete with thumb loops, internal stash pockets, and zippered side pockets sized to hold lip balm, gloves, and anything else that needs to be kept within easy reach.
M's Power Houdi, $250; houdinisportswear.com.
5. Forsake Lucie Mid boots
You won’t necessarily be taking these out on the toughest trails, but for walks through slushy city streets and down muddy paths, Forsake’s Lucie Mid is a waterproof boot that’ll keep your feet warm and dry – and look cute doing it. The nubuck and suede uppers keep moisture at bay, while the sturdy outsoles provide solid support and remarkable traction on slick surfaces. They even come with an extra pair of laces, so you can change it up as the mood strikes.
Lucie Mid boots, $140; forsake.com.
6. L.L. Bean Merino wool ragg socks
What’s a pair of boots without the cushy socks to go along with them? L.L. Bean’s wool ragg version boasts a super-soft blend of Australian merino, nylon, and elastic that’s stretchy and machine-washable. They’re the ideal length and thickness for hikes and treks – they won’t slide down and rub on your heels, but they’re not too tight, either. Then factor in wool’s moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties, and you won’t want to take them off.
Merino wool ragg socks, $35 for two; llbean.com.
7. Marmot Highlander down hoody
Granted, you’ll probably want to add an outer shell when the snow really starts coming down, but for light flurries and drizzly days, Marmot’s water-resistant Highlander down hoody should do the trick. Between the windproof recycled-polyester ripstop fabric, the 700 fill-power-down insulation, and the tight-fitting elastic cuffs and hood, it’ll keep you snug as a bug, and the zippered pockets will keep your small gear handy too.
Highlander down hoody, $225; marmot.com.
8. Everlane oversized alpaca crew sweater
Form-fitting knits have their place, but there’s something about a roomy jumper, especially on exceptionally frigid days. Though it’s thin and breathable, Everlane’s oversized alpaca sweater serves as a stand-in for a warm hug – the relaxed fit gives you some leeway in the layering department, the high neckline offers extra coverage, and the company’s commitment to radical transparency means you can feel good about wearing it.
Oversized alpaca crew sweater, $95; everlane.com.
9. prAna Izzie beanie
There’s scientific debate aplenty over whether or not you really lose most of your body heat through your head, but the fact remains that a toasty topper adds a level of coziness you won't get anywhere else. With a tight ribbed cuff to keep the wind out of your ears and a sherpa lining for extra insulation, prAna’s cable-knit Izzie beanie complements any outfit.
Izzie beanie, $35; prana.com.
10. Stegmann EcoWool clogs
There’s nothing like a pair of slipper-like clogs for that cozy hygge feel, and Stegmann’s new EcoWool shoe marries comfort and sustainability to admirable effect. As part of the brand’s species preservation initiative, it uses wool from rare and often endangered breeds, like the Tyrolean stone sheep and Shetland sheep of Scotland, sourced from cruelty-free European farms, kept free from dyes and chemicals, and fully felted for a seamless appearance. Plus, with a cork and latex footbed providing superior anatomical support, they’ll keep your toes happy all day long.
EcoWool clogs, $140; stegmannusa.com.
