The Best Outdoor Gear for Winter Hikes and Bike Rides
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From snow-capped mountain hikes to scenic bike rides and cold-weather running, winter sports and activities require the right clothing and equipment, whether you’re doing them in your own backyard or road tripping to the nearest mountain. While you might not need gloves on every adventure, it's smart to have a pair handy for when the wind chill dips. Another must is a lightweight but insulated jacket can be used in most outdoor pursuits, and won’t feel like a slog to carry around.
From leggings to running beanies to down vests, we've rounded up some of the best winter outdoor gear to keep you going outside for longer. Thanks to materials like EVA foam and tech fleece fabrics to add insulation, they'll keep you warm and allow you to move around easily, no matter the activity.
RefrigiWear Roll Top Bag
If you’re going from city streets to a rugged day hike, the RefrigiWear 1954 Roll Top Bag is the perfect transition piece: both stylish and functional. It has ample pockets for storing hiking or biking gear inside and a zipper pocket on the exterior for stashing your phone or wallet. Colors range from bright yellow to black, so you can choose how flashy you want to be on the trail.
Ortovox Fleece Grid Hoody
The brisk air coming off the mountain has met its match with the Fleece Grid Hoody by Ortovox, made with warm, fleece merino wool. Despite the fabric, the hoodie is lightweight and easy to pack. For bike rides and winter sports, the hood is also thin enough to fit comfortably under a helmet, while the double-breasted pocket on the outside protects important loose items.
Danner Trail 2650 GTX
Danner’s fall and winter hiking boot is waterproof, meaning it'll stand up to slushy paths, and made with lightweight EVA foam to keep you powering up that steep mountain. The midsole is designed to combat uneven surfaces, like rocks, fallen branches, and gravel, that you’ll likely encounter while trekking. Depending on your taste, the boots—available in both men’s and women’s sizes—come in several colors from neutral brown, sand, or olive to a brighter red or tangerine.
Dasche K3 Jacket
If you’re headed out of town and need to save some space in your carry-on, the Dasche K3 Jacket is supremely packable, thanks to a self-stowing pocket. Available in four colors—blue, gray, black, and red—the water- and wind-resistant hybrid jacket has synthetic down that is targeted on key areas of your torso to keep you warm without adding extra weight.
Lululemon Run For it beanie
The Run For it Beanie is a match made in heaven for people with lots of hair: Its best feature is the ponytail opening in the back, which helps ensure the fabric lies flat over your neck and ears during cool runs. The water-repellent cap also has tech fleece fabric with reflective details for alerting on-coming traffic of your presence in the evening.
Backcountry Sundial Tight
Backcountry’s classic Sundial Tight was updated in 2020 with a high waist design for a secure and comfy fit. For those intense fall and winter hikes, the material is made with quick-drying nylon to keep your legs cool and dry while on the go. To store phones and credit cards, utilize the two side pockets.
Helly Hansen Neck Warmer
There’s no worse feeling than flying down the slopes or biking along a waterfront in the winter, only to have your neck feel like it’s on fire because of the biting cold. The Helly Hansen Neck Warmer made with microfleece features a combination of wind block fabric on the interior and soft fabric on the exterior to keep you warm without roughness.
Salomon NSO Pro Glove
Having a good, warm glove to wear on cold weather runs can make the difference between an unpleasant distraction and being able to go the distance. These gloves from Salomon have thermoregulation through the stretchy fleece construction, which allows hot hands to breathe while also repelling sweat. If you plan to run at night, the reflective branding will help alert passing drivers of your presence.
