The Best Cold-Weather Gear to Keep You Warm All Winter

Cold weather has a way of exposing bad gear fast.

The right setup doesn’t just keep you comfortable — it keeps you outside longer.

Whether you’re running on icy roads, snowshoeing quiet trails, or camping below freezing, these winter-ready picks deliver serious warmth, smart design, and the kind of reliability Midwest winters demand.

Ciele Athletics TRBeanie
Designed for people who run in chilly temps, this new beanie has all the makings of a long-term staple. It’s made of 100% merino wool, which regulates temperature and keeps odor in check. Plus, it has reflective detailing for nighttime visibility. Wear it cuffed, uncuffed, or double cuffed. $80

Vallon Freebirds
Skiing or snowboarding this winter? You might want these goggles. They pair a retro design with high-quality Zeiss optics to protect against the wind and deliver razor-sharp vision in most conditions. They also offer interchangeable lenses, so you can adapt to shifting light and keep your performance dialed in. $189

Patagonia Hi-Loft Nano Puff Hoody
Warmer than Patagonia’s other Nano Puff styles, this jacket is built to handle anything winter throws at you. The shell is made with rip-resistant recycled polyester, and there’s PrimaLoft insulation in the hood, front body, and back body. In summary: a durable hoody you’ll wear on cold-weather outings for years. $329

NEMO Coda Sleeping Bag
With a limit rating of 10 degrees Fahrenheit, this mummy-style bag is designed to keep you from ever muttering, “Brrr.” The 800-fill, water-resistant down is ideal for frigid weather, and an insulated collar provides 360-degree protection from drafts. When things get too hot, a zippered foot area offers instant ventilation. $390 and up

Outdoor Research Stormbound GTX Down Mitts
Not really a mittens person? Neither were we. Then we tried these. The 700-fill down and synthetic insulation keep our hands balmy even on freezing days, and the Gore-Tex waterproof inserts seal out snow and moisture. (Also great: the interior finger stations.) We may never go back to gloves. $150

La Sportiva Lumina 200 Down Jacket
If you’re searching for lightweight heat, look no further than this jacket, which boasts one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios in the world. It weighs only 221 grams, of which 103 grams is 1,000-fill Italian down. (Translation: serious insulation.) What’s more, elastic inner cuffs stop any heat from escaping. $379

Rtic Essential Tumbler
When you’re outside in the cold, you need a warm beverage. Think coffee or something stronger. Enter this reliable tumbler, which boasts a ceramic lining that prevents metallic taste and keeps drinks hot for up to six hours. Starting at 18 bucks, it won’t break the bank either. $18 and up

Hollow Boot Socks
You know the old saying about how it’s hotter than two hamsters in a wool sock? Someone might need to update that to an alpaca sock. These bad boys are three times warmer than sheep’s wool thanks to Peruvian baby alpaca fibers, which have a hollow core that traps heat more effectively. $50

SCARPA Moraine Polar GTX
This handsome hiking boot is all about warmth and comfort. Whether you’re hiking in January or snowshoeing in February, your feet will stay toasty courtesy of PFC-free Gore-Tex and PrimaLoft insulation. Plus, a Recco reflector makes you searchable by rescue professionals for added peace of mind. $219

MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes
Hike virtually anywhere — from flat trails to rolling hills — with these durable snowshoes. The steel crampons and traction rails offer the grip you need when it’s snowy, and the bindings securely hug your feet. They’re also compatible with nearly any footwear, from hiking shoes to snowboard boots. $170

Author: Shawn Donnelly is the managing editor of Terrain.

Top image: Courtesy of Vallon, MSR, La Sportiva, and Outdoor Research.