Kia Ora Reader!

Ok here we go... the first instalment in my Winter Tramping Tips Series!

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So many people avoid the trails over winter (especially solo hikers). And for obvious reason!

Not only is the weather typically colder and wetter than during the summer season, but many trails are 'closed off' or 'winterized' during these months, shortening the list of available trips (especially for beginner or intermediate hikers).

But the dropping mercury doesn't mean you have to hibernate during the winter.

In fact, there's some amazing tramping experiences to be had during winter, provided you are prepared and know what you're getting yourself into.

And if you prefer to get away from the crowds, the winter months are often much less crowded!

In this instalment, I want to talk to you about the essential clothing & footwear you need for a winter tramping trip in New Zealand.

Essential Winter Tramping Clothing & Footwear

If you're going to head out on the NZ hiking trails during the colder and less forgiving months, you'd better make sure you have the right gear to get you through the changeable conditions.

Let's be honest, NZ weather is unreliable at the best of times (even during the summer, where it's possible to see snow in some locations) so you should always be carrying plenty of layers and options regardless.

But in winter, there's a few things you'll need to prioritse:

Layering your clothes
Swapping out 'summer' options for winter ones
Winter accessories

Layering Your Clothing

Layering your clothing not only gives you plenty of options (even in winter, a day can change from an overcast drizzly mess to a crisp bluebird sky in a matter of hours) but also allows you to easily adjust your body temperature for the changing ambient conditions.

Why Layering is Important

Temperature Control: Layers let you manage your body heat. If you get too warm, you can remove a layer. If you get cold, you can add one. This is really important in winter where your body heat will fluctuate between being hot and sweaty while you're moving, to quickly cooling as you take breaks.
Moisture Management: Proper layers help wick sweat away from your body, keeping you dry. Wet clothing can lead to hypothermia very quickly in cold wintry conditions.
Weather Protection: Each layer serves a purpose. Together, they protect you from wind, rain, and snow.

How to Layer Up for Winter Hiking

Layering for winter conditions isn't much different from summer months.

However, it's more likely you'll be wearing all your layers at once (whereas in summer you might only need your outer layers occasionally).

Here's my suggested layering system for winter tramping:

1. Base Layer

Purpose: To wick moisture (think rain that has penetrated your outer layer) and sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and reduce the likelihood of developing hypothermia.
Materials: Merino wool or synthetic fabrics like polyester.
Example: A long-sleeve merino wool or polpropylene/polygiene top and long-johns (ideally worn under shorts or rain pants). Check out base layers like the Macpac 220gsm merino thermals, Patagonia Capilene shirt, and Earth Sea Sky Spider Leggings.
Bonus Tip: Don't forget your underwear! In winter especially, try to avoid cotton. Opt for similar wicking fabrics.

2. Middle Layer

Purpose: A layer of insulation to retain body heat. This layer is unique to winter and shoulder-season tramping, as its often unnecessary for summer conditions.
Materials: Fleece, down, or synthetic insulation like Primaloft or Polartech (this latter is a game changer for trampers!).
Example: A fleece or synthetic insulated jacket (avoid down, as it doesn't perform well if it gets wet). Some of my favourites include the Macpac Nitro hoodie or Tui fleece, Patagonia MicroPuff jacket or Enlightened Equipment Torrid.

3. Outer Layer

Purpose: Your outer layer is your final defence to protect you from the freezing wind, rain, and snow. Kiwi trampers tend to opt for rain jackets which are mid-thigh length and more durable. Or they'll wear shorter jackets with rain pants.
Materials: 2 or 3 layer waterproof and windproof fabrics like eVENT, Pertex Shield or Gore-Tex with at least 10,000 mm hydrostatic head (15,000 or 20,000 are much better if your budget can stretch) and a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.
Example: Earth Sea Sky Hydrophobia (if the budget can stretch) is widely touted as the best rain jacket for NZ conditions (which is why it's high on my wish list!), otherwise I love my Macpac Traverse paired with rain pants, or try the Patagonia Torrentshell.

Must-Have Winter Tramping Accessories

Although in summer you can get away without packing the following items in your kit, in winter these items become essential - so make sure you don't forget them!

1. Gloves

Make sure to keep your hands warm and dry, especially if you use trekking poles to walk with!

I personally love my RAB Power Stretch Pro gloves (so warm and lightweight!), but any fleece-lined or merino glove will do the trick, and bonus points if they're waterproof too (like these Sealskinz Kelling gloves).

🔥 HOT HIKING HACK: If you want waterproof gloves but don't want the expense (or the extra weight) pack a pair of rubber washing-up gloves to slide over your normal gloves. Not the most fashionable, but insanely effective!

2. Beanie

As humans, we lose heat fastest through our extremities - hands, feet... and head! It's why we make sure to keep babies' heads warm and rugged up when they're too young to regulate their own body temperature.

A beanie is a must-have accessory for the winter months.

And in winter I switch from my ultralight ultrafine merino beanie to a thicker and more insulated one like this Buff Janna beanie or this Macpac thick knit.

3. Neck Gaiter (Scarf)

My Nanna always told me never to leave the house without a scarf.

Neck gaiters are the modern tramper's version of a scarf (but yes, you can bring a scarf instead if you prefer!).

Neck gaiters (who even thought of that name??) protect your neck from the biting wind and rain, and can be pulled up to cover your face. Most can even double as a beanie too!

They come in all styles and materials, so you can choose from lightweight but moisture wicking wool, right through to fleece-lined for those really cold trips.

Winter Tramping Footwear

Like I said before, so much of our body heat is lost through extremities like the feet.

In winter of course, your feet are wet and cold the majority of the time. So you might find some changes are in order.

As you might already know, I'm a massive fan of using trail runners when I'm out and about.

But more often than not, in winter I switch over to boots. There's a couple of reasons for this:

Waterproof Lining: Not only does this give you the obvious protection against pouring rain, the inevitable puddles and sucking mud, but it also creates a warmth barrier around your feet.
Ankle Support: Although I'm a proponent of trail runners for building natural ankle support, in winter when the ground is slipperier and I'm a little less stable on my feet I prefer to have a bit of extra ankle support.

Although there are some downsides (boots typically take much longer to dry out than trail runners, for example) it is possible to keep your feet mostly warm and dry in a good pair of boots (on an intermediate tramping track) which is a huge moral boost at the end of a big day tramping.

And don't forget the socks (and gaiters)!

A good sock system (yes, that's right) is also key to a comfortable and enjoyable winter hike.

In rainy, cold and damp conditions the skin on your feet becomes softer and more prone to blistering.

For these kinds of conditions, I find the system that works best for me is another layering system:

Base Layer: A pair of liner socks. My personal preference is Injinji toe liners. A crew-cut version would be best for winter tramping. These help prevent soft skin between your toes from rubbing against itself leading to blisters.
Outer Layer: A pair of thicker warm socks, ideally wool. My preference are the Smartwool hiker socks. These provide enough padding against the less malleable stiffness of the boot, and extra wicking properties when your feet get wet!

🔥 HOT TRAMPING TIP: You might notice that many stalwart kiwi trampers also wear gaiters, ankle or knee-length, throughout all seasons but particularly during winter. Not only do gaiters protect against prickly shrubs (like the dreaded matagouri and gorse) but they also help to keep water out of shoes, further prolonging the life of your feet on a long tramp!

I hope you've enjoyed the first instalment of this Winter Tramping Series!

If you skipped to the end, here's a summary of the important points:

Layering Your Clothing is Crucial: Use a slightly heavier than usual base layer for moisture-wicking, a middle layer for insulation, and an outer layer for weather protection.
Essential Accessories: Pack gloves, a beanie, and a neck gaiter to keep extremities warm and protected against the exposure of the cold winter conditions.
Proper Footwear: Swap out those trail runners for waterproof boots with good ankle support, and layer thicker socks with liners and wool for warmth and comfort.
Gaiters are Helpful: Use gaiters to keep water and debris out of your boots.

Stick around for the next instalment, where we'll be talking about all the essential winter tramping gear you need to pack for your winter adventure!

Happy Tramping! 🥾
Michelle xx
LongWhiteGypsy.com

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