Maine Winter Hiking Essentials

Want to make sure you have everything you need for your next Winter hike?! Use this 10-item checklist and you’ll be good to go! Planning ahead and packing these essentials will help keep you safe and comfortable and make for a positive outdoor experience.

1. Spare change of clothes

First things first, you should always should pack a spare change of clothes. Maine weather can change on a dime, so it’s crucial to have an extra shirt, hiking pants, underwear, socks, etc. There’s nothing worse than getting wet and not having any clothes to change into. If I’m hiking under 5 miles, I’ll put my extra clothes in a dry sack and leave them in the car to change into after I’m done hiking (if needed). If i’m hiking over 5 miles, I’ll bring them with me and stick them in the bottom of my pack.

2. Hats and mittens

For Winter hiking, I like to start “cold” by wearing thin gloves and a lightly lined hat and packing a warmer hat and pair of mittens to wear at the summit.

3. Microspikes

This is arguably one of the most important pieces of Winter hiking gear. They provide amazing traction and help prevent slipping and sliding on ice and loose snow. I’ve tried a few brands and the Kahtoola microspikes are by far my favorite.

4. First aid kit

Speaking of first aid kits, this is another must-have item, because injuries are never predictable or fun. Having a first aid kit handy could save your life, especially since emergency personnel may take a while to reach you. Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked with emergency blankets, multi-sized bandages, pain relievers, disinfectant, etc.

5. Navigation tools (paper map and compass)

These two go hand in hand for a reason. You should always look over the trail you’ll be hiking prior to actually hiking it, so you know what to expect in terms of length and difficulty. If you hike often, you may want to invest in some kind of satellite communication system, like this Garmin inReach. It allows you to send messages and SOS signals if something were to happen to you while hiking. It comes with me on every outdoor adventure.

6. Food and extra food

Hiking can easily turn into an all-day outing. Think of all the calories you eat normally, then add on the calories you burn while hiking. That is how much food you should be bringing with you. Pack foods with high calories and a lot of protein, such as: nuts, protein and granola bars, and candy. If possible, also store your food in a dry sack to prevent it from getting wet.

7. Water, water, and more water

Water is important. You can never depend on having access to a reliable water source. A good rule of thumb is to always bring at least 2 quarts of water per person while hiking. In the Winter, water can freeze quickly while hiking in below freezing weather, so either try and use an insulated water bottle or keep your water close to your body.

8. Flashlight or headlamp

Sometimes, hikes don’t go as planned. One of the most common (and most dangerous) situations is people hiking past their turnaround time because they want to summit. Without a proper flashlight or headlamp, it would be nearly impossible to find your way back down the mountain. My current headlamp is from Black Diamond.

9. Weather appropriate Clothing

In the winter, high quality merino wool base layers and wool socks combined with a nice insulating layer like this fleece followed by a down jacket is key. Wearing insulated hiking boots with good traction will also make a big difference.

10. Pocket knife

Last but not least, a pocket knife is extremely versatile and can come in handy in a number of situations. I never hike without one!

I hope you found this essential hiking checklist both insightful and helpful! Be sure to have it handy the next time you’re packing for a Winter hike, it might help make your hike more enjoyable!

Stay safe and hike happy, friends!