Hiking the mountains during the Swiss winters can be unpredictable. Braced against the rain, the heaving wind, and snow, I can take comfort in knowing my trusty gear will not let the elements through. 

Having the right gear when hiking can go a long way. It makes adventures more safe and enjoyable. I will share with you some of the items I have collected and cherish when on a winter hike. Many of these items are new and are the results of much research. 

I am no expert, especially not in this alpine climate. This information is based on my learnings as someone beginning to explore winter hiking. You can use it as inspiration as you explore the wet and wild outdoors in the winter, no matter where you are in the world.

Acquiring all this gear can be expensive, and I am not advocating that you spend all your monthly savings on top brands now. But having the right gear is important for your safety.

In this post I will cover the following topics:

1. Why the right gear is important

2. Winter hiking gear

3. The gear I carry

4. Getting the gear

Why the right gear is important

Safety. Safety outdoors is a key thing to observe while exploring the mountains and the hills. You need to ensure that you have the right gear to participate in your winter activity.

Keeping warm and dry. Some of the most beautiful hiking I’ve experienced have been in adverse conditions. Often this weather keeps many people home, meaning I have more space to connect with nature and enjoy the hills in silence. Having the right warm and waterproof gear keeps you comfortable while out and about. 

More enjoyable. Winter hiking is more enjoyable when you’re not worrying about the rain seeping through all your layers or snow getting into your shoes. Your gear should be ‘taking the heat’ for you so you can relax and soak up the Alps.

It is always better to be over-prepared than underprepared in any mountain situation. 

This is the gear I use to wander across hills and the lower Alps in Switzerland (below 2 200m), with temperatures ranging between -10°C and 5°C.

Winter hiking gear

What I wear on my torso:

• Long merino base layer

• Mid-layer

• Insulator

• Hardshell waterproof jacket

What I wear on my legs:

• Merino long janes

• Waterproof pants

• Merino socks

• Hiking boots

Merino wool for base-layers and mid-layer

Merino wool is not something I knew about in South Africa, but I wish I had. It comes from natural fibre grown year-round by Merino sheep. It’s a popular choice as a base layer for top and bottom because it is quite warm relative to its weight and it helps to regulate your body temperature. It is also a moisture-wicking fabric, which pulls moisture away from your skin by absorbing it into the fibres. Bonus, the natural property also prevents the bacteria that create a bad odour, so you can hike for days without smelling like it.

Because of these qualities, Merino makes for an excellent mid-layer. The mid-layer garment’s key function is to protect the wearer from the cold, the garment must also breathe to prevent the body from feeling hot and humid. Merino wool’s ability to transfer moisture vapour and release it on the outside of the garment ensures you stay comfortable and warm throughout your winter hike.

• Kari Traa baselayers: I fell in love with Kari Traa after a friend introduced me to them on a hiking trip. Although pricey, at around € 120 for a full set, these Nordic-inspired base layers made by women for women will do the job.

• Icebreaker Merino mid-layer: Clearly I am drawn to the Nordic pattern in my winter hiking clothing. My Icebreaker mid-layer is a 250 Vertex Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal Top Crystalline, which is 100% Merino. It keeps me toasty even in the cold Alps when I sit down for my coffee break.

Insulator jacket

My next layer is also my most flexible one: the insulator jacket. The insulator can be divided into two types: down and synthetic. Down can be warmer, but synthetic is easier to clean and dries quickly when wet. The insulator is my flexible layer and is the one I take off and pack in my bag when I get too warm when ascending a mountain.

• Arc'teryx Atom Jacket: I snagged this Arc'teryx insulator at an end-of-season sale last year and it was worth it. The puffy jacket I have is not hooded, which works for me as it would interfere with my waterproof jacket's hood. But the hooded ones are just as good.

Lightweight waterproof jacket

Come rain or snow, this is always on my back. Unless it’s summer, then it’s in my backpack. This was one of my choosiest buys and the one I love the most. Your waterproof hardshell jacket is your shield against the elements, the one that keeps you dry and protected, no matter the weather. Goretex is a style of waterproofing that is quite popular, and that is what I went for in my Patagonia jacket for all-year-round alpine adventures. It can even double up as a ski jacket. With a price tag like this, you want something that is multifunctional.

Also, make sure that your waterproof jacket is lightweight. Your warmth should come from your mid-layers and insulators, not from your outer jacket. It’s useful if you have armpit zippers and elastic cords to adapt to your climate and environment. Take care to re-waterproof it once a year at the end of the season. Patagonia has a whole set of instructions on how to care for your Goretex.

• Patagonia Triolet Jacket: This jacket is my gem! It is hardy against the elements and is also lightweight and versatile. It’s made from 100% recycled fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. The armpit zips provide extra insulation when I am warm, and there are plenty of pockets for me to gain access to important things. It did cost me a pretty penny, CHF 449, but its lifetime is upward of 7 years. I look forward to being a lifelong partner with this jacket.

Magic waterproof pants

Waterproof pants, or ‘Magic Trousers’ as they’ve been dubbed by Simon Barnes the author of Rewild Yourself, will change your life. It is a commitment to your outdoor life. Armed with these, we are no longer victims of foul weather but triumphant against the elements. Having this extra layer breaks the barrier to the ‘world out there’, and you can adventure no matter the weather. There are many varieties of waterproof pants. The ones I own treat me well. My only wish was to have elastic straps near the feet to stop snow from infiltrating my shoes when the going gets deep.

On my feet

Merino is the winner again for socks. Merino socks help to regulate the temperature and keep your feet dry while on longer hiking excursions. They also provide excellent cushioning for your feet. 

A good set of hiking boots can determine how you will enjoy winter hiking. It’s great to invest in something with a higher ankle length to protect you while hiking, and in something that is waterproof for trekking through mud and snow.

• Merino Trekking Socks: Merino socks are wearable all year round. These are the pairs I own, which are taller than just the ankle so I can tuck in my long jane base layer. You can pick up some good Merino socks at many outdoor stores.

• Lowa Khumbu GTX Women: My Lowa Goretex hiking boots are a versatile mountain trekking shoe. It offers great support and the Goretex lining means that I can venture into deep snow and my feet stay dry.

Accessories:

Headband: I like to use a headband when only my ears are cold. Sometimes a full beanie is too much, especially when I ascend, then I heat up quickly. 

Beanie: My beanie is useful for when temperatures get really cold, or when I stop to eat lunch or have a coffee and I am no longer moving. Then I quickly switch from my headband to a full, woolen hat. 

Buff: I have a winter and a summer buff that I never leave home without. My winter buff helps to keep my neck warm. It also helps to shield my face from any stray snowflakes or vicious rain.

Gloves: In winter, I hike with two sets of gloves: one a thin set, and one a ski set. My thinner ones are more versatile and easier to handle, yet sometimes the temperatures just get too cold, then I will switch to an old set of ski gloves. 

The gear I carry

The gear I haul along in my backpack depends on the kind of winter adventure I am setting out to do. For a shorter trek in the hills, I pack quite differently versus a full-day hike in the alps. The route and temperature can also determine the items I include on my journey. 

Half-day hikes:

• Deuter AC Lite 18 Litre Casual Backpack

• First aid kit. Always.

• Portable charger and cable (for cold temperatures)

• Water

• Thermos with warm drinks

• Snacks (health bars, fruit, biltong)

• Trashbag

• Wallet

• Navigation tools (map/phone) Note - the trails in Switzerland very well marked.

• Sunblock - you never know, and snow is very reflective

• Snow chains depending on terrain

Full-day hikes (in addition to the list above):

• Deuter Futura Pro 34 L Backpack

• Ski gloves

• Ski goggles

• More water

• Extra merino socks

• Sandwich

• Headlamp (depending on the time of day)

• Knife

• Cooking equipment if need be

• Beanie

• Additional fleece layer

Getting the gear

Getting new gear is not only a financial investment, it is also a commitment to your future in the great outdoors. Most items should last upwards of 5 years, depending on what it is. My big tip would be to avoid buying cheap. There are a few items I have, such as mid-layers and base layers, where I compromised on the quality and I regret it. 

The key is to shop sustainably. This is not only to leave a lighter footprint on the planet, it is also for yourself. Your equipment needs to perform well for a long time. Some brands take sustainability seriously as a core value and ensure that articles are produced with environmental and social responsibility in mind. These include Patagonia, Astrid Wild, and many more. Hunt for conscious brands and do your research to ensure that they are legitimate. 

There are different ways of collecting the items you need. There is a bustling second-hand market out there for pre-loved hiking gear. Facebook Marketplace is a peer-to-peer platform where you can pick things up second-hand. In Switzerland, we also have stores such as 2nd Peak and more to get cheaper gear. Shopping season sales are also a good way of sourcing hiking gear economically. This often means that the things on sale are often available before or after you really need them.

Lastly, taking care of your gear also helps it last longer, but we’ll talk about that next time.

Happy winter hiking!

Any winter hiking gear tips? Let me know or share your own and tag @inwilderplaces.