13 Essentials Winter Hikers Always Forget
Hiking in winter can be a great way to enjoy solitude and an alternate view of pristine landscapes. But this serenity comes with unique challenges, and a simple oversight can turn your hike into a survival situation.
While you may have the obvious bases covered – warm layers, hiking boots, and a reliable backpack, certain essentials even experienced hikers sometimes overlook. These often-forgotten items can make your experience miserable.
Based on rescue reports from the U.S. National Park Service, here are 13 items that search and rescue teams wish every winter hiker carried – because they've seen firsthand what happens when they don't.
Emergency Blanket

Nobody plans to get stranded in the snow, and that's exactly why you should always carry an emergency blanket in your pack. These paper-thin, metallic sheets might look flimsy, but they reflect up to 90% of your body heat, making them essential for long winter hikes.
Emergency blankets weigh just a few ounces and don't add much weight to your backpack. Moreover, they are better to have than not need. Get the thicker, reusable kind; they're worth the extra few dollars and work better in windy conditions.
Snow Googles

Hiking during winter is all fun and games until the snow blinds you. The snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays into your eyes, and snow blindness can be brutal.
Everyday sunglasses might not cut it in snowy conditions, especially when the wind kicks up. Snow goggles create a seal around your eyes, protecting them from harsh winds and the sun's intense glare. They also won't fog up like regular glasses when you're working your way up steep trails.
Hand and Toe Warmers

While good gloves and boots are essential, hand and toe warmers offer an extra buffer against frostbite. They are a great way to improve circulation and keep your extremities warm.
It's important to use them before you need them. Hand and toe warmers need around 15-30 minutes to reach full heat. And yes, bring more than you think you'll need. Your fingers and toes will thank you later.
Insulated Water Bottle

Nothing's worse than reaching for your water bottle only to find it's turned into a block of ice. Regular water bottles will likely leave you stranded in freezing temperatures. However, a good insulated bottle will keep your water liquid and at a drinkable temperature.
To get the most out of your insulated water bottle, fill it with warm water before heading out and storing it upside down. Water freezes from the top down.
Microspikes or Crampons

Why risk hiking that icy trail with just your hiking boots? Microspikes and crampons are like winter tires for your feet. They provide traction on icy and packed snow surfaces.
The difference between microspikes and crampons matters, too. While microspikes are ideal for packed snow and light ice, crampons are great for heavy ice and steep terrain. Learn this lesson differently than I did – one slip can end your hiking season.
Power Banks

Power banks don't get the respect they deserve as hiking essentials. And it doesn't matter what time of the year you're hiking; a power bank can be a lifesaver. In cold weather, batteries die faster, which applies to your phones and GPS devices.
A dead device could mean losing your way or access to help. To avoid this, pack a high-capacity power bank (at least 10,000 mAh) and keep it warm. Batteries perform better when they aren't freezing.
First Aid Kit with Cold-Specific Items

Help might take longer to reach you in winter, so you need a first-aid kit tailored to this weather. During winter hikes, your summer first aid kit might be out of its depths. In addition to basics, you'll need items specifically for cold-weather emergencies.
This includes chemical heat packs, blister prevention patches, and moisturizing antibiotic ointment – dry winter air makes cuts heal slower. Medications for cold-specific issues also deserve a place in your first-aid kit.
Lip Balm with SPF

Chapped lips are uncomfortable but can also crack or bleed, leading to infection. Snow reflection on cloudy winter days can cause lips to get sunburned.
Get a balm with at least SPF 30 and reapply frequently. Lip balms with beeswax or shea butter last longer. Opening a lip balm with gloved hands can be tricky, so get one with a clip or lanyard.
Sunscreen

Trying to skip sunscreen while hiking in winter is a serious rookie mistake. Snow reflects UV radiation, meaning you're getting hit from above and below. Worse, cold air and wind can mask the feeling of sunburn.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, and remember often-missed spots under your chin and nose. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out and reapply every two hours or more if you're sweating.
Emergency Shelter (Bivy Sack or Tarp)

A bivy sack or emergency tarp might not seem overkill once you need one. Weather changes rapidly in winter, and sometimes, waiting it out is your safest option.
A good emergency shelter can help prevent hypothermia and provide crucial protection from wind and snow. It is advisable to practice setting up your shelter before you need it. Look for shelters with reflective surfaces to help retain body heat.
Waterproof Matches or Lighter

Standard fire starters can get damp from snow in winter conditions. You'd think this would be obvious, but you'd be surprised how many experienced hikers carry regular matches or lighters that are useless when wet.
Invest in stormproof matches or a waterproof lighter, and store them in a sealed container. While hiking, fire isn't just for comfort; it can be the difference between surviving and a disaster.
Whistle

Unlike your phone, a whistle never runs out of battery. A whistle with a pea-less design is best for winter hiking, as regular whistles can freeze up.
Furthermore, the sound of a whistle can travel further than your voice, especially in windy conditions or dense forests. Keep your whistle where you can reach it, even with gloves, and do not bury it in your pack. Every hiker should also learn the universal distress signal and other essential whistle calls.
Headlamp with Extra Batteries

With winter comes shorter days, and darkness can creep up on you faster than expected. A headlamp frees your hands for trekking poles or balance, which is essential for emergencies.
While LED headlamps are good, cold temperatures drain batteries quickly. So carry lithium batteries — they perform better in cold conditions than alkaline ones. Keep spare batteries in a warm pocket and take a backup light source.