In the winter, there can be a thin line between a thrilling adventure and a risky ordeal. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to five indispensable gear items that help me thrive (and survive if I needed to) on the snowy trails. These aren’t just accessories, these essentials are vital for ensuring your safety and survival in the face of winter’s unpredictable nature. Whether you’re trekking through a winter wonderland or embarking on a snowshoeing adventure, these items should be on your checklist. 

Top 5 Must-Haves for Winter Hiking or Snowshoeing

So you can stay comfortable and safe in the snow!

1. MSR LIGHTNING EXPLORER SNOWSHOES 

First on the list is the MSR Lightning Explorer Snowshoes. These aren’t your average snowshoes; they’re a floating safety shield for your feet. With superior traction and stability, they help prevent slips and falls on treacherous terrain. The 360-degree traction frames and Pivot™ crampons ensure a secure grip on icy surfaces, keeping you safe while exploring the winter wilderness. This is big, because other snowshoes that don’t have this can be dangerous if using in icy areas. My favorite feature on these snowshoes is that they have a heel lift, which reduces fatigue and offers better traction in steep terrain, and can be set up effortlessly with your trekking poles.

They even make ‘floatation tails‘ to extend onto these snowshoes if you were to be hiking in deep powdery snow, or carrying a heavy backpack. These tails add an additional 5 inches to your Lightning snowshoes, offering far more floatation if the snow picks up. 

2. TRACTION DEVICES – MY PICK: KAHTOOLA MICROSPIKES

When the trail gets icy, the Kahtoola Microspikes are your best friend. These spikes are crucial for navigating icy paths and steep inclines. They provide unrivaled traction that could mean the difference between a secure step and a dangerous slip. Easy to use and lightweight, these microspikes are a small addition to your gear with a significant impact on your safety.

3. SOL EMERGENCY BIVVY WITH WHISTLE AND PARACORD

Never underestimate the power of a good emergency shelter. The SOL Emergency Bivvy is a lightweight, compact, and potentially life-saving piece of gear. It reflects 90% of your body heat, providing crucial warmth in unexpected situations. It also has a whistle for notifying rescuers and paracord for firestarter. If you get stranded or injured, this bivvy could be the difference between a safe return and a dire situation. For extra warmth, add an emergency blanket to your pack. 

4. NEMO ULTRALIGHT SEAT PAD

Don’t let the name fool you, this ultralight item won’t break the bank. I love bringing either a NEMO Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad, which can fit just you, or a NEMO Switchback sleeping pad if I’m hiking with a friend so we both have a warm seat and protect our bums from the snow. Sitting on cold, wet ground is not only uncomfortable, but can lower your body temperature, leading to hypothermia depending on conditions. This seat pad keeps you dry and insulated from the cold ground, preserving your body heat and energy, which is vital in survival situations. And in survival situations, if you have your bivvy from the previous item, you can use this inside to keep you a bit warmer. 

(for you AND a friend/loved one to have a warm seat)

5. GARMIN INREACH MINI 2: A LIFELINE IN YOUR POCKET

If you plan on winter hiking on a regular basis, consider a Satellite Communication Device, my personal recommendation being the Garmin inReach Mini 2. This device is more than a gadget; it’s your lifeline in the wilderness. With SOS capabilities, GPS tracking, and two-way messaging (so you can actually communicate with loved ones or rescuers, not just share a location), this compact device ensures you’re never truly alone, even in the most remote areas. In an emergency, the SOS feature can alert search and rescue teams to your exact location, potentially saving your life.