I’m primarily a three-season hiker and backpacker who likes to escape to Florida for winter adventures, but this winter we’ve had more cold and snow than usual in Western North Carolina, and I’ve been drawn out on the trails both for guiding—and to steal a second for myself amid a barrage of remote learning days.

I’ve been reminded that winter hiking can, in fact, be rather magical. Cold-weather hiking has a way of sharpening your senses. The air is crisp, the trail quieter, and every choice you make—from what’s on your head to what’s under your feet—matters just a little bit more. Over the years, I’ve learned that staying warm isn’t about piling on bulky layers; it’s about thoughtful systems that work together from your head to your toes. Here are some of my favorite go-tos...

The Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes of Winter Hiking

Head: Your head is ground zero for heat loss. A good beanie should be warm, breathable, and comfortable enough that you forget you’re wearing it. I like the Belong Designs Mesa Beanie because it’s soft and traps heat without turning your head into a sauna on climbs. And it’s made from recycled materials.

Neck: Just below that, your neck deserves just as much attention. A versatile neck gaiter can be the difference between cozy and miserable. I prefer it to a balaclava because it is quicker and easier to adjust temperature. The Appalachian Gear Company alpaca neck gaiter is my favorite, but sadly no longer available unless you find it on Geartrade or another second-hand site. Arms of Andes also features alpaca products and sells a similar neck gaiter. I’ve had good luck with their base layer and imagine this product performs as well.

Hands: Cold hands can end a hike faster than tired legs. Gloves are essential, but I also always carry hand warmers in my pack during winter. I’ll slip them into my gloves on breaks or stash them in a jacket pocket to revive numb fingers—especially after taking my hands out of gloves or mittens for a picture or other dexterous duties.

Core: Staying warm isn’t just about what you wear—it’s also about what you consume. In cold weather, I love packing a thermos with hot tea and honey. That warm sip can reset your entire system. Tea hydrates, honey provides quick energy, and the heat itself is morale-boosting in a way few things are when snow is crunching underfoot. And be sure not to skimp on the snacks; keep that furnace going with calories and use it as an opportunity for some treats. Chocolate chip cookies, anyone?!

Booty: Winter hiking is all about layers, with bonus points for layers that can be added or taken off quickly. The funluvin fleece skirt is one of my favorite layers. Worn over tights or hiking pants, it adds a critical layer of warmth around your hips and thighs—areas that can get chilled quickly when you stop moving. Best of all, it doesn’t restrict movement. You can climb, step over blowdowns, and keep your stride natural while staying warm. And they are fun, light, easy-on-and-off, and great for off-trail outings as well.

Feet: If there’s one place you absolutely can’t compromise in winter, it’s your feet. Start with quality socks. Farm to Feet wool socks have been my favorites for a long time. The wool insulates even when damp and helps regulate temperature over long miles. In really cold weather, I usually wear a pair of my performance trail socks and add a thicker Rugged Trail wool sock on top.

Boot choice matters just as much. I hike in Astral Pisgah boots during colder conditions because they’re the only waterproof shoe I've ever worn that doesn't feel like it's suffocating my feet. Plus, they are called Pisgah—named after the iconic mountain and National Forest in Western North Carolina. And my husband, Brew, has a song called Snowin on Pisgah, so it feels predestined, if not required.

We’ve touched our toes and are almost at the end of these cold-weather tips, but one final item to consider is Yaktrax or Nano/Microspikes for added traction. These devices slide over the bottom of your boots and add extra traction on snow and ice. They’re easy to put on, easy to take off, and they can turn a sketchy, slippery section into a confident stride. Even if you don’t end up needing them, having traction gives you options, and options are everything in cold weather.

The Big Picture: Systems, Not Just Stuff

Cold-weather hiking success comes down to thinking in systems. Every item you wear or carry should support the others. Manage moisture, protect extremities, fuel your body, and be ready for changing conditions. It also has a lot to do with trial and error - and personal preferences. By sharing some of my favorites I hope I can reduce the trials and prevent some errors. And I invite you to add your personal preferences in the comments. Because when you get it right, winter hiking isn’t something to endure; it’s something to be enjoyed—at least until you can get to Florida ; )