What (Not) to Wear

Proper clothing is essential in the backcountry, especially at higher elevations, regardless of the season. Bring several layers, adding or subtracting as needed to keep from cooling down or overheating. Often only the base layer will be necessary, but insulating and wind/water blocking layers are necessary for summits and inclement weather.

Layers
  • Base layer: Wicking T-shirt to carry moisture away from your body
  • Middle layer(s): Insulation to retain body heat
  • Outer layer: Wind and waterproof shell
Do not wear cotton!  

Cotton does not insulate once it is wet.  It wicks heat away from your body and contributes to hypothermia. Hypothermia is not just a winter concern – it is possible to become hypothermic in any season, including summer. A cold rain or being wet at night when the temperature has dropped can cause hypothermia. Jeans and cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts are dangerous and should not be worn.


Recommended warm weather clothing

Wear synthetics and/or wool. Synthetic wicking base layers carry moisture away from your body and keep you cool. This quick drying also helps to keep you warm on summits. Wool, polypropylene, fleece and synthetic insulation are all warm even when wet.

  • Wicking T-shirt: polypropylene or polyester
  • Fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • Shorts or pants: Synthetic fabric
  • Hooded shell jacket and pants: For wind and water protection
  • Hat and mittens: May be necessary on summits
  • Socks: light wicking inner socks and heavier outer socks, plus dry spares
  • Boots: Hiking boots with good support and tread. Trails here are very rugged and sneakers are not recommended
  • Gaiters to keep mud, water, and rocks out of your boots.
Recommended winter clothing

Obviously, proper clothing is even more crucial in winter, which comes early and stays late in the High Peaks. Wear wool and/or synthetics. Wool, polypropylene, fleece and synthetic insulation are all warm even when wet. Down is also very warm, but it must be kept dry or it loses its insulating capacity.

  • Long underwear: polypropylene, polyester or wool
  • Shirt: Wool or synthetic fleece
  • Wool sweater or fleece jacket
  • Pants: Tight weave wool or synthetic
  • Fleece or down pants
  • Hooded shell jacket and pants: For wind and water protection. Essential on summits
  • Thinsulate or Primaloft jacket and down vest
  • Hat with good ear protection
  • Mittens or gloves with waterproof overmitts: Gloves are not as warm as mittens and are not recommended alone, but may be worn inside mittens
  • Socks: light wicking inner sock and heavier wool outer socks, plus dry spares
  • Winter boots: Felt-lined pack boots, double leather, insulated, or plastic boots, or military insulated Mickey Mouse boots. Should be roomy enough not to restrict circulation. Avoid single-weight hiking boots.
  • Ski boots: Should be for backcountry use, not lightweight touring or racing.
  • Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots.

Fleece or down pants are optional. A balaclava or facemask are also optional, though essential above treeline.


Skis and Snowshoes

Skis or snowshoes are required for safe travel in the backcountry during snow season.

In the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, the use of skis or snowshoes is mandatory once there is 8 inches (20 cm) of snow on the ground.

More information about winter hiking and skiing is available here.