As a seasoned winter hiker, I’ve learned some hard lessons about gear choices. Today, I’m sharing my experiences to help you avoid making the same mistakes I did. From the pitfalls of choosing subpar microspikes and snowshoes, to the bulky snow pants, I’ve navigated these mistakes so you don’t have to. Discover why investing in quality gear can enhance your winter hiking experience. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade your winter hiking gear, this guide will steer you in the right direction!

Winter Hiking Gear I Wish I DIDN’T Buy

(And What I Should Have Gotten Instead)

1. TRACTION DEVICES: AMAZON MICROSPIKES VS. KAHTOOLA MICROSPIKES 

What I Bought: Energetic Sky microspikes on Amazon for $20 

The Problem: These spikes seemed like a bargain at first, after a long season of consistent use they rusted and broke. Thinking it was just a fluke given the thriving reviews on these spikes, I ended up purchasing another pair and again used them heavily for another season, but they just didn’t last. IF you are someone who doesn’t plan on using spikes often, then these are a perfect option for you, just be sure you let them dry out completely before storing in their bag. 

What I Wish I Bought: Kahtoola Microspikes

• Why: Investing in Kahtoola spikes would have been a wiser decision. Renowned for their durability and effectiveness, Kahtoola spikes are a one-time purchase that ensures stability and safety on icy trails. They may be more expensive upfront, but their longevity makes them a more economical choice in the long run.

Read Next: My Secrets to Staying Warm in Cold Weather

2. SNOWSHOES: AMAZON MODELS VS. MSR LIGHTNING EXPLORE SNOWSHOES

What I Bought: Various Amazon snowshoes
(not linked because I wouldn’t even want you to try them) 

The Problem: I went through three different pairs of Amazon snowshoes, returning each due to poor performance. Snowshoes are supposed to lift you above the snow, and if they don’t do that effectively, they’re not worth carrying. 

What I Wish I Bought: MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes

• Why: The MSR Lightning Explores are a game-changer. Their superior design and build quality provide excellent traction and lift over the snow. Though pricier, their performance and durability justify the investment. My favorite feature is the heel lifts to reduce fatigue in steep snowy terrain. 
  

If you’re looking to try different snowshoes, or try them for the first time, consider renting them! Many outdoor retail stores, including REI, offer gear rentals. 

3. AN INSULATED JACKET…(YOU READ THAT RIGHT)

What I Bought: The NorthFace Freedom Insulated Jacket

The Problem: This might work well for skiers, but it’s not the right choice for winter hikers. I know you’re wondering why an insulated jacket wouldn’t be a great choice, but hear me out. Proper layering is absolutely vital for winter hikers – it can literally be life or death. You need to be able to release heat quickly and retain it when necessary, but here’s the catch: you can’t get *too* hot. 

What I Wish I Bought: A Puffy Jacket & a High-Quality Waterproof Shell

• Why: Having these two items separate will not only make you exponentially more comfortable on your winter hikes, it will also save weight in your pack when you shed layers. I’ll discuss this further on, but having more technical layers that achieve the same goal yet save space and weight will allow you to travel longer on your adventures. A down puffy jacket is warm yet still breathable, and a waterproof shell will hold in your body heat and protect you from wind and weather. 

4. SNOWPANTS OR BIBS: NORTHFACE SNOWPANTS VS. TREW GEAR CHARIOT BIBS

What I Bought: NorthFace Freedom Insulated Snow Pants

The Problem: They were too bulky, limiting my comfort and more importantly, my mobility. They also took up far too much space to be able to pack them in my backpack on warmer days or winter backpacking trips.

What I Wish I Bought: TREW Gear Chariot Bibs

• Why: As a woman in the great outdoors, finding the right balance between comfort and convenience is crucial. The TREW Gear Chariot Bibs offer that perfect balance. Not only are they less bulky than traditional snow pants and provide superior comfort and mobility whether you’re hiking or shredding the slopes, they eliminate the worst part of wearing bibs if you’re a woman: peeing. These incredible bibs have a zipper around the waist allowing you to unzip, pull down your base layer, and relief yourself with ease. Though the upfront cost is higher, their durability and performance make them a wise long-term investment. 

5. THE WRONG SIZE BACKPACK

What I Bought: A 30L Backpack

The Problem: This is a perfect size backpack for normal day hikes, but in the winter you want something large enough to comfortably fit all your winter layers and extra gear.

What I Wish I Bought: A 43L Backpack

• Why: A larger backpack in the 40-45L range is ideal for winter hiking, because it provides ample space for extra layers, food, cooking gear, and emergency gear without being overly bulky. This size strikes the perfect balance between capacity and manageability. I like to bring my stove and pot to warm up water for tea, and bring a foam seat pad to protect myself from the cold. Depending on the terrain, you may also be bringing an ice axe, helmet, and mountaineering gear, so having proper space is really important.