No matter your outdoor adventure experience level, choosing the right gear can make or break your experience. Consider fabrics with breathable surfaces, functional pockets, and designs which minimise chafing to enhance your journeys.

Arc’teryx outdoor clothing is tailor-made to meet the requirements of specific activities like trail running and mountaineering, featuring ultralight waterproof shells and warm midlayers trusted by pro athletes.

Base Layers

A base layer is essential to creating an enjoyable multi-layer winter outfit, from its snug fitting and moisture wicking properties, to its ability to regulate temperature and prevent odor. For optimal wicking results it should cling snugly against your skin but shouldn’t restrict movement while active. For maximum wicking capabilities choose garments which sit snugly against skin without restricting breathing or riding up during activity.

The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew features a relaxed yet true-to-size fit that’s both comfortable and easy to layer over; while REI Merino 185 Half-Zip costs less but doesn’t fit as well or include a hood; Minus 33 Woolverino midweight pants cost even less but feel tighter around the legs.

Wild Rye Olivia onesies are constructed of head-to-toe merino fabric for maximum warmth and comfort, featuring a zip neck for temperature regulation as conditions shift or activity speeds up. Lululemon Swiftly Tech features a slim silhouette popular among runners and outdoor yogis, providing both performance and aesthetic benefits.

Jackets

An insulated jacket is the most essential cold-weather protection. We put these outerwear pieces through their paces while watching hockey games, running errands and riding our commute in frigid ski town Colorado.

Some winter parkas are windproof to help block bone-chilling breezes, while others feature membranes which repel heavy moisture and create an effective moisture barrier. Membranes tend to be more durable and breathable than DWR-treated jackets while they cost more.

Some of our favorite women’s winter jackets feature recycled down insulation and ethically-sourced materials and sewing. For instance, the TNF Triple C Parka offers eco- and ethical value; casual wearers may prefer something like the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka which is similarly warm but more practical for everyday use.

Trousers

Bushwhacking and scrambling over rugged terrain require durable fabric with good abrasion resistance. Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep skin cool and dry while insulating fabrics such as fleece provide warmth during chilly conditions.

Women looking for the ideal hiking pants should aim to find something breathable, durable, and comfortable with plenty of pockets for gear. Stretchy recycled designs like Black Diamond’s Notion or Patagonia’s Chambeau Rock Pants feature harness-friendly pockets with higher pockets that don’t interfere with crossing straps as well as an inconspicuous waist tie for seamless crossing straps.

Some brands, like REI Co-op and Outdoor Research, provide convertible hiking pants that zip off at the knees to create Bermuda-length shorts when the temperature heats up. Columbia offers budget options like Saturday Trail Stretch with tabs to secure rolled up legs as well as vent openings along thighs and calves which unzip to provide air circulation to keep cool when hiking in high heat.

Socks

Socks take quite the beating during day hikes (and thru-hikes!), from being exposed to rocks, dirt, grit, sweat and rain to fitting snugly enough not to slip down or bunch up during hiking. Our recommended Merino wool socks feature compression technology with separated toes to reduce friction as well as performance fit which closely encases your foot to prevent bunching or slippage – our experience speaks for itself here!

Clower appreciates this pair for its soft knit and moisture management features that help prevent blisters and hot spots. Additionally, its snug yet flexible fit in shoes provides light cushioning without overheating feet or overcrowding shoes; and both men’s and women’s versions feature slightly shorter cuffs for increased comfort.

Layering

Layering is the cornerstone of temperature regulation during outdoor activities. A base layer helps remove moisture while an insulating layer keeps in body heat while an outer layer protects from rain and wind.

Lightweight base layers are best suited to cooler to colder temperatures and activities with high levels of physical exertion, like trail running or climbing. A lightweight pair of long underwear or synthetic options such as polypropylene or Capilene might suffice as lightweight base layers in these situations.

Fleeces are an ideal mid layer material, offering superior warmth for their weight while being lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Look for ethically sourced fabrics like non-mulesing Australian Merino wool and GRS-certified recycled polyester to feel good about the choices you are making when dressing outdoors.