Colder weather doesn’t have to mean spending more time indoors on the couch. In fact, there are many great ways to stay active during the winter — the key is having the right gear.
If you plan on exercising in the great outdoors, it’s important to invest in winter gear that protects you from the elements, including freezing temperatures and snowy conditions.
We selected essential pieces of winter workout gear to help keep you safe and warm from head to toe while you’re running, walking, skiing, or snowshoeing.
Keep reading to see our picks of the 11 best pieces of winter workout gear to stock up on.
A quick look at our picks of the best winter fitness essentials
Best headlamp: Fenix HM61R Multi-Use Headlamp
Best beanie: Tough Headwear Running Beanie
Best neck gaiter: Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter
Best lightweight base layer: Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Long-Sleeve
Best vest: prAna Alpine Air Vest
Best insulated jacket: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Best hydration pack: CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack
Best convertible mittens: Kombi Opener Magnetic 3-in-1 Mittens
Best training pants: Craft Glide Pants
Best boots: Sorel Kinetic Breakthru Sneaker Boots
Best traction system: Yaktrax Pro Traction Device
How we chose
To make our selections, we used the following criteria:
Practicality: We chose items that are practical for a variety of outdoor winter workouts.
Materials: Whether you’re looking for a moisture-wicking base layer or boots that will keep you from sliding around on ice, we paid close attention to the materials used.
Value: We chose items that offer value for the cost in terms of usefulness, durability, and versatility.
Company reputation: We looked for trusted brands that provide detailed product information and great customer service.
Customer reviews: We read countless online reviews to see what people had to say about various products and brands.
Vetting: The products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
$ = under $50
$$ = $50–$125
$$$ = over $125
Healthline’s picks of the best gear for staying active in winter
Best headlamp
Fenix HM61R Multi-Use Headlamp
Price: $$
Available sizes: one size
Best for: early morning or evening workouts
The Fenix HM61R Multi-Use Headlamp runs on a 18650 battery, which performs well in cold weather. The bright light is useful for winter camping trips and for nighttime running, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
The versatile lamp functions as a right-angle flashlight and can clip to your belt, pocket, or chest strap for hands-free use. Plus, it has eight lighting modes, including a red light that works well for night navigation.
Pros
red light function for night vision
solid build quality
dust- and water-resistant
lifetime guarantee
Cons
gets hot on the brightest setting
some complaints that the magnetic charger cable is too short
Best beanie
Tough Headwear Running Beanie
Price: $
Available sizes: one size; available in men’s and women’s
Best for: running
Made from polyester and spandex, this breathable running beanie is designed to wick away sweat while fitting snugly to keep your head and ears warm during winter runs.
The cap features a thermal fleece lining that makes it suitable for temperatures of 10–40°F (-12–4°C), according to the company. Plus, the women’s version includes a ponytail hole to help keep long locks out of your face.
While the beanie is marketed toward runners, it’s thin enough to fit under a helmet for skiing or snowboarding or under a thicker hat for longer snowshoeing or cross-country skiing expeditions.
Pros
lightweight and breathable
thermal fleece lining
affordable
ponytail hole included in women’s version
Cons
some complaints about inconsistent sizing
Best neck gaiter
Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter
Price: $
Available sizes: one size
Best for: any cold-weather activity
The Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter can provide wind protection and keep your neck warm and dry during your outdoor excursion.
Made from 100% merino wool, the gaiter is designed to retain warmth even if it gets damp and to dry quickly. Plus, the two soft merino wool layers are breathable enough to cover your face.
Customers note that, in addition to keeping your neck and face warm, the gaiter can be used as a headband or ear warmer.
Pros
dual-layer merino wool
provides wind protection
dries quickly
versatile
Cons
too tight and short for some
Best lightweight base layer
Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Long-Sleeve
Price: $$
Available sizes: XS–XL women’s; S–XXL men’s
Best for: mild winter weather activities, high exertion activities, or people who tend to run warm
Great for mild winter weather or for use as one of several layers, this all-season base layer from Smartwool is an essential for any winter, spring, or fall wardrobe.
Made from a mix of 87% merino wool and 13% nylon, this long-sleeve shirt is designed to help you stay nice and dry and is a bit more durable than 100% merino wool tops. The shirt also features minimalist seams and offset shoulders for a more comfortable fit and to minimize chafing.
While this base layer is great for running, shoulder season hiking, and warm ski days, you may want to check out the company’s Classic Thermal 1/4 Zip if you plan on being out in colder weather for a long time.
Pros
lightweight and breathable
moisture-wicking merino wool construction
minimalist seams for comfort
Cons
some complaints that the thin material snags easily
not quite as soft or insulating as the Smartwool Classic Thermal 1/4 Zip
Best vest
prAna Alpine Air Vest
Price: $$$
Available sizes: XS–XL women’s; S–XXL men’s
Best for: winter hiking, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and running
The prAna Alpine Vest adds a stylish layer of warmth to your outfit without creating bulk.
It works well on its own or under or over a sweater, coat, or ski jacket for your next climbing, hiking, or cross-country skiing excursion. It’s also a good option for runners who get hot while wearing a full jacket.
The insulated vest has zippered pockets and a durable water-repellent coating. What’s more, the vest is made from recycled materials and folds into its back pocket, so it’s an eco-friendly and travel-friendly option.
Pros
quality construction
durable water-repellent coating
warm and comfortable
made from recycled materials
folds into its own built-in pocket for travel
Cons
some complaints that it runs big
armholes too large for some
Best insulated jacket
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Price: $$$
Available sizes: XXS–XXL women’s, XS–3XL men’s
Best for: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hiking, and cross-country skiing
A great option for snowboarding, ice skating, hiking, and cross-country skiing, the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket adds an insulating layer of warmth and helps protect against wind chill.
You can wear the lightweight jacket over multiple layers or under a wind shell or rain jacket for extra protection. It keeps your neck warm and has one inner and two outer zippered pockets.
Plus, this Fair Trade Certified jacket folds easily, so you can stash it in a small bag or backpack on your next rock climbing adventure.
Pros
easy to pack
Fair Trade Certified
lightweight and windproof
comfortable design
large range of sizes
Cons
stitching may unravel over time
fabric snags easily
body and arms are too long for some
Best hydration pack
CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack
Price: $$
Available sizes: one size
Best for: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking
Designed for hands-free hydration during days on the slopes, the CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack is a great way make sure you’re drinking enough water during your workout. You can also use it for other activities, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Thanks to its minimal design, you can wear the pack over or under your jacket.
The pack has a 2-liter (68-ounce) reservoir and an insulated hose to prevent freezing. It also features a zippered pocket for stashing a few small items, such as your keys and a protein bar.
Pros
quality construction
lightweight
comfortable design
waterproof material
small zipper pocket
Cons
some complaints of leaking issues
may be too small and compact for some
Best convertible mittens
Kombi Opener Magnetic 3-in-1 Mittens
Price: $$
Available sizes: XS–XL unisex
Best for: hiking, walking, running, skating, snowshoeing, and sledding
The Kombi Opener Magnetic 3-in-1 Unisex Mittens are a good option for outdoor winter workouts as they feature a magnetic closure seal and easily convert into gloves. They are also well insulated and offer water and wind protection.
According to Rachel MacPherson, a certified personal trainer and winter fitness enthusiast, “The Kombi Opener Magnetic 3-in-1 Mittens are my top pick for warm, durable mittens. They keep me warm when skating, sledding, walking, and hiking. The gloves [also] make it convenient to use your phone. When closed, the mittens are extremely warm and comfortable.”
Pros
convenient convertible design
synthetic leather material to improve grip
insulated and waterproof
Cons
tend to run small
stitching may unravel over time
Best training pants
Craft Glide Pants
Price: $$
Available sizes: XS–XL women’s, S–XXL men’s
Best for: hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing
These Swedish-made pants feature softshell fabric and bird-eye backing that provide warmth, ventilation, and protection from wind and water. The adjustable waist and elastic jersey at the back of the knee offer comfort and flexibility.
These outdoor training pants work well for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. And they fit snugly over boots to keep snow out.
Note that the company recommends sizing up if you are between sizes or plan to wear a base layer.
Pros
quality fabric and construction
fantastic freedom of movement
breathable and windproof
Cons
small pocket
fitted design that may be a downside for some
