From Men's Health · Mike Richard · · 3m
I've Hiked All 7 Continents, This Is the Cold-Weather Boot I Recommend for Winter Treks
A hiker who's crossed all seven continents recommends the Oboz Katabatic Storm GTX boot for winter treks.
In brief
A hiker who's crossed all seven continents recommends the Oboz Katabatic Storm GTX boot for winter treks. Mike Richard, a hiker who has explored all seven continents, recommends the Oboz Katabatic Storm GTX boot for winter hiking in 2026. Originally reported by Men's Health.
Best Cold-Weather Hiking Gear of 2026
We're halfway through fall and winter is approaching. Colder weather and snow, freezing rain, ice, and sleet are all very real possibilities on the trail.
Oboz Katabatic Storm GTX Boot
This winter hiking boot is the best choice for cold weather with a zippered design for easy-on/easy-off, true GORE-TEX waterproofing, and Vibram Icetrek outsole for excellent traction in snow/ice.
Paka Sol Crew Base Layer
The Paka Sol Crew base layer is versatile, with Tencel-meets-alpaca construction that's breathable, quick-wicking, and extremely odor-resistant.
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
This jacket has stretchy design, durable 20D construction, and warm without overheating, available in Light, Medium, and Big weights.
Mammut Runbold Winter SO Pants
These pants are windproof, water-repellent, and have a soft fleece lining for balanced warmth and comfort in winter.
Showers Pass Waterproof Socks
These socks keep feet dry in wet, cold weather with true waterproof construction and merino wool for warmth and odor resistance.
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
This base layer offers buttery soft Merino wool that's slightly more relaxed and perfect for layering under hiking pants.
HydraPak HydraSleeve Insulated Reservoir
This water reservoir keeps water from freezing in winter with a two-piece design and insulated sleeve.
Icebreaker Merino 400 RealFleece Grid Peaksland
This midweight top has soft Merino wool, blended construction for durability and warmth, and a half-zip design for quick heat regulation.
Buff Polar Buff
This buff has warm, breathable Polartec fleece, stretchy design for ten different wear styles, and UPF 50 sun protection.
The North Face Denali Etip Gloves
These gloves offer better dexterity than typical ski gloves with touchscreen compatibility and a grippy silicone palm liner.
Arc'teryx Bird Head Toque Beanie
This beanie has a blended Merino/acrylic construction for softness, warmth, quick drying, and moisture wicking.
Spyder Clutch Rain Shell Jacket
This jacket is affordable with four-way stretch, solid DWR, excellent breathability, and a non-crinkly design.
Hyperlite Southwest 40 Backpack
This backpack has a featherweight design, extremely durable Dyneema fabric, and minimalist layout for organization.
What to Consider for Cold Weather Gear
Merino and alpaca wool are excellent for thermal regulation, breathability, and odor resistance in cold weather.
Mike Richard's Expertise
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008, kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack.
At a glance
Mike Richard, a hiker who has explored all seven continents, recommends the Oboz Katabatic Storm GTX boot for winter hiking in 2026.
