Trekking Gear
Making Winter Morning Walks More Comfortable: The Right Gear
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.”
I heard this on a recent episode of the podcast Post Reports by the Washington Post. Investing in the right gear has made my pre-daylight morning walks much more tolerable, even comfortable.
If it’s important to you to remain active outdoors during cold months, I highly recommend investing in gear that will support this habit. It’s so easy to find excuses to not be active in the winter - “it’s cold”, “it’s raining”, “it’s icy”.
While investing in the right gear can be pricey all at once, I recommend adding gear little by little so that cold weather is more tolerable.
Links to gear (note, as an Amazon Affiliate I may earn commission off purchases):
Make Winter Trekking More Tolerable: The Right Gear
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.”
I heard this on a recent episode of the podcast Post Reports by the Washington Post. Investing in the right gear has made continuing to hike through the winter much more tolerable, even comfortable.
If it’s important to you to remain active outdoors during cold months, I highly recommend investing in gear that will support this habit. It’s so easy to find excuses to not be active in the winter - “it’s cold”, “it’s raining”, “it’s icy”.
While investing in the right gear can be pricey all at once, I recommend adding gear little by little so that cold weather is more tolerable.
Links to gear (note, as an Amazon Affiliate I may earn commission off purchases):
What's in my winter trekking backpack?
The contents of my trekking backpack vary by season. Here’s what’s in my backpack for cold weather trekking.
Changing Pad - Great for snack breaks where you may want to avoid sitting on wet rocks or fallen trees.
Pocketknife - Can be useful in a plethora of ways.
Charging bank - Great for ensuring I don’t run out of battery while shooting content and navigating trails.
Snacks - My go-to snacks are peanut butter crackers and fruit snacks. I also often throw in an apple.
Hand and foot warmers - Keep your hands and feet warm for up to 8 hours.
Crossbody - I prefer to keep my safety gear up front and easily accessible.
Bear spray & air horn - If you’re hiking in Tennessee, be sure you’re bear aware and prepared. These two items have helped me move a bear along on a trail before so I always keep them on me.
Emergency survival sleeping bag - Can increase chances of survival in any weather.
Tripod - If you’re a solo trekker, don’t miss out on documenting your adventures. A tripod can help capture shots you’d normally need a fellow to help with.
Dope hood/face mask - Keeps me warm and dry by preventing any cold air from getting in around my neck/face.
Hydration - Always stay hydrated on treks, even when it’s cold. I prefer a combo of water and Gatorade.
First aid kit (not pictured) - I also throw my first aid kit from my car in my backpack. It contains basics like an inhaler, Tylenol, bandaids, and athletic tape.
My goal is to make hiking as accessible as possible. Please note that the items below aren't all essential, many are items I've picked up to make hiking in certain conditions safer. All you need to really get started are good shoes, water, and a route.
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The Basics
These hiking poles are one of my favorite hiking items. They break down pretty small and don't take up too much space. They come in a set of two but I usually hike with one. It's great to have a second on hand if a friend joins you.
The Terra Hydration Backpack by Calpak is my go-to hiking backpack. It's got great organization but sits close to the body, making even the heaviest load not feel heavy.
This water bottle from Takeya is my go-to water bottle. I like that the mouth piece is covered and the bottle isn't too heavy.
Footwear
A bad pair of socks can absolutely ruin a hike. Be sure you have really a really solid pair that prevent blisters and dry out quickly if you're hiking in/near water. These work really well for me and come in a variety of sizes which prevents them from budging during wear.
These are my absolute favorite hiking/walking shoes for winter/fall. They are waterproof (no, seriously) and fit like a sneaker. The cushion is excellent and the lining keeps my feet warm on below freezing walks.
The only shoes I wear hiking are from Merrell. I got them about 4 years ago and they've held up so well. These are similar to what I have. They have a good tread, which helps when climbing up and down rocks or on gravel. I specifically looked for hiking shoes that dried quickly when wet and had technology built in to prevent ankle rolls.
I have these Hunter slides in lime green. They're one of two after-hike slides I wear. Super comfy and easy to clean!
Birkenstock slides. These are my second go-to after hike slides. Comfy. Easy to clean. Super lightweight.
Clogs are my slides of the Fall/Winter. They're perfectly warm to slide on after a cool weather hike.
Safety
Airhorns are great for scaring bears and other wildlife if you're on a trail where that may be present.
I recently added a bear bell to my backpack which can help wildlife know you're in the area so you don't scare them.
I also kayak a bit. I added an emergency whistle to my backpack, just in case.
Additionally, I have two She's Birdie alarms - one for my car keys and an extra for walking/hiking. She's Birdie is a loud alarm that also lights up. They're easy to clip onto your backpack, key ring, or bra strap so it's close and easy to pull to trigger the alarm.
Clothing
This is my favorite shirt to kayak or hike in if I'm going to be in sun exposed areas. It's lightweight and dries quickly.
Outdoor Inspiration
"Graceland at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache from the American South" by Margaret Renkl is a poignant and beautifully written collection of essays that intertwine the author's personal experiences with observations of nature in her home state of Tennessee. The book offers a unique perspective on the American South, capturing the beauty of the region's landscapes, particularly for hiking enthusiasts exploring the southern part of the US. Renkl's thoughtful reflections on love, loss, family, and the ever-changing natural world create a powerful narrative that resonates with readers who appreciate both the outdoors and the human spirit. With a lyrical prose that celebrates the complexities of life, "Graceland at Last" is a must-read for those seeking a captivating exploration of Tennessee's soulful landscapes and the profound connections between nature and the human heart.
Tech
The Hatch Restore Sunrise alarm clock makes getting up easier by mimicking the natural light from the sun in your bedroom to ease you awake.
This tripod is small, fits perfectly in a backpack, and comes with a remote - making it easy to capture photos of your solo or group treks.
Bags
The Luka Belt Bag by Calpak is my go-to, everyday purse. It's a crossbody that's big enough to hold all my essentials, while not being bulky.
The Water Bottle Holder by Calpak is my go-to bag for a short hike or walk, where I don't need to carry much but I want my hands free.
The Terra Hydration Backpack by Calpak is my go-to hiking backpack. It's got great organization but sits close to the body, making even the heaviest load not feel heavy.
