I’ve Hiked All 7 Continents—This Is the Cold-Weather Boot I Recommend for Winter Treks

ProsZippered design for easy-on/easy-off, even with gloved handsTrue GORE-TEX waterproofingExtremely warm but breathableVibram Icetrek outsole for excellent traction in snow/iceRugged, weatherproof, and ready for the nastiest winter conditions, this new-for-2026 boot is one winter hiking boot to rule them all. But, don’t let the chunky design fool you. These are among the most comfortable, streamlined cold-weather kicks I’ve ever worn (weighing 17.5 ounces), making them versatile enough for not only winter, but challenging shoulder season hikes too.Read More: Best Hiking BootsMaterialsUpper: 100% recycled polyester mesh with TPU overlays; GORE-TEX waterproofing; Solarcore insulationProsVersatile weight works as a base or mid-layerBlended construction feels great against the skinUPF 30+ sun protectionSpandex and thumb holes ensure a perfect fitLike most everything in Paka’s lineup, the Sol Crew leans on a combination of synthetic and natural fibers, giving you the best of both worlds. The Tencel-meets-alpaca construction is breathable, quick-wicking, and extremely odor-resistant. It feels great against the skin as a true base layer, and the dash of Spandex adds just the right amount of stretch. Plus, it’s versatile enough to double as a sun shirt in warmer weather with UPF 30+ sun protection.Read More: Best Hiking BackpacksMaterials67% Tencel, 14% Nylon, 14% Royal Alpaca, 5% Spandex Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsStretchy design accommodates extra layersDurable 20D constructionWarm without overheatingAvailable in several weightsPlenty of pocketsIf I had to pick just one favorite Mountain Hardwear jacket, the new go-to StretchDown Jacket gets the nod. It’s warm, packable, durable, and the stretch gives it an edge over most other down jackets, with the athletic fit stretching to accommodate beefier layers in deep cold weather. That’s gotten even better with the latest update to the baffling with DoppleWeave, which catches more down and keeps it from migrating much less—making for less cold spots. Plus, it’s available in Light, Medium, and Big “weights,” so you can dial in the exact warmth level that suits your hiking style.Materials85% Nylon, 15% Elastane with 750-fill RDS-certified downProsWindproof and water-repellentSoft fleece lining feels great against the skinBalanced warmth is great for layeringTrail-ready durabilityJust-right stretchConsLimited color availabilityI’ve worn Mammut’s Runbold IV hiking pants on three continents and they’ve never let me down. This winter-ready version is just as wind-resistant and water-repellent, but the addition of a light fleece liner adds even more comfort and a just-right level of warmth. Three zippered pockets add plenty of storage options, and mesh-lined zippered vents keep you from overheating on the trail. Bonus: It’s all made with eco-friendly, bluesign-certified materials.Materials93% recycled polyester, 7% spandexAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTrue waterproof construction keeps feet dryWarm in winterMerino wool helps fend off stinkGreat valueConsMore prone to overheating than traditional socksHold sweatKeeping your feet dry at all costs is doubly important in winter when unpredictable conditions can deliver freezing rain, ice, snow, or some combination of all three. These socks are phenomenal in wet, cold weather, making them invaluable for winter hiking. They're like wearing a wetsuit bootie on your feet (except with no hinderance in range of motion).MaterialsOuter sock: 78% Nylon, 15% Polyester, 7% Spandex; Inner Sock: 40% Merino Wool, 40% Acrylic, 17% Polyester, 2% Spandex, 1% NylonProsBalanced mid-weight constructionButtery soft Merino wool feels great against the skinSlightly more relaxed fitFlatlock seams eliminate chafingConsMight be too "baggy" for someSmartwool’s soft, natural, Merino-centric collection has been a favorite of mine for more than a decade. This OG base layer offers a more relaxed fit (compared to the suctioned-to-the-body vibe of most thermals) and a midweight warmth that’s perfect for layering under hiking pants, ski pants, or just about any cold-weather bottoms. Plus, Smartwool’s is among the softest Merino on the market.Materials100% Merino woolAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTwo-piece design maximizes versatilityYear-round useKeeps water from freezing in winterDurable constructionGood valueThe two-piece design adds a rolltop outer sleeve to a traditional HydraPak water bladder. The result is a setup that’s designed to keep cold water cold in the summer, but with the added benefit of keeping warm water warm for winter hikes. It also helps ensure that your water supply doesn’t straight-up freeze in deep cold conditions.Read More: Best Hydration PacksMaterialsBPA-free plasticProsVersatile midweight is great for winter layeringSoftest Merino woolBlended construction combines durability, weight, and warmthHalf-zip design for dumping heat on the goI’ve been a fan of Icebreaker’s RealFleece blend for years—it’s softer and more luxurious than traditional wool but with all the benefits of natural Merino. This midweight top makes this the perfect in-between top that layers well (on top or underneath) in colder weather. The half-zip design is also great for quickly dumping heat on the go.Materials57% merino wool/43% TENCEL lyocellAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWarm, breathable Polartec fleeceStretchy design is wearable 10 different waysUPF 50 sun protectionDries fastRecycled constructionThe OG Buff is arguably the most versatile piece of apparel in my pack. This winter-ready version upgrades to Polartec fleece that’s warm, buttery soft, and fast-drying. The stretchy construction allows for wearing it any of ten different ways, and UPF 50 protection shields your neck and face on harsh sunny days.MaterialsUpper: 95% repreve polyester made from recycled water bottles, 5% elastane; Lower: Primaloft fleece; 85% recycled polyester, 15% polyesterProsBetter dexterity than typical heavyweight ski glovesTouchscreen-compatibleBreathableGrippy, silicone palm linerMade from recycled materialsI appreciate a pair of midweight gloves that balances reliable warmth and weather resistance with enough dexterity to allow me to still use my phone, camera, and do the things that heavyweight ski gloves often make impossible on the trail. The Denali checks all of these boxes while adding a silicone grip and touchscreen-friendly fingertips to boot.Materials100% recycled polyesterAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBlended construction offers best of both worldsButtery soft fleece liningDries fast and wicks moisture away like a champConsExpensive (for a beanie)Arc’teryx’s Bird Head Toque brings a dash of understated cool to winter hiking headgear, and is amongst the most popular beanies you’ll find right now. I love the oversized classic “dinosaur bird” logo and bold color options. And the blended Merino/acrylic construction ensures that it’s soft, warm, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking—perfect for long winter days on the trail.Materials50% Merino wool, 50% acrylicProsGreat valueFully seam sealed with YKK Aquaguard front zipperLightweight and packableHelmet-compatible hoodSoft, "non-crinkly" designConsNon-GORE-TEX waterproofingFancy rainshells can be obscenely expensive. Spyder takes most of the next-gen technical features of the best shells I’ve personally tested—four-way stretch, solid DWR, and excellent breathability—and packages them into the surprisingly affordable Clutch that’s available for under $200. Bonus: It ditches the “crinkly plastic bag” vibe of most other rain shells, keeping you quieter on the trail.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFeatherweight designExtremely durable Dyneema fabricMinimalist layout streamlines organization100% weatherproofAvailable in larger sizes for longer expeditionsConsPriceyPrioritizes weight over comfortHyperlite leans heavy on next-gen Dyneema Woven Composite 3.9 fabric, ensuring the Southwest 40 is lightweight, extremely durable, and completely weatherproof—all essential for intense winter hikes. I love the roll-top design that keeps things dead simple with just the right amount of organization and nothing more. (I also like that it’s available in 55L and 70L variations for longer expeditions.)MaterialsDyneema Woven Composite 3.9Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.