CHOOSING WINTER HIKING JACKET: HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT ONE

Winters bring a great deal of excitement for hikers. Colder weather means more solitude and less crowd on the trails — you can explore and take pictures. An extra layer of clothing is mandatory in winter to protect you from the weather. Most hikers prefer wearing a jacket as their top layer.

When choosing a hiking jacket, you must look for a befitting product that matches your requirements. There are so many options that the search might leave you feeling confused.

This article covers all the necessary pointers to successfully purchase a winter hiking jacket.

What Are Winter Hiking Jackets Made Of?

Since you are going out in cold weather, the hiking jacket should deliver sufficient warmth and insulation. Here are the best fabrics to provide you with reasonable warmth.

Denim

One of the most versatile fabrics, denim is a winter favorite for many. While bringing a classic touch to your outfit, denim also covers your body against any abnormal changes in the weather. Denim is heavier and requires time to dry, but you can roughhouse it without much damage. This fabric is incredible at absorbing sweat.

Polyester

Polyester is an incredibly lightweight fabric to make jackets that provide the maximum insulation. It has tight-knit fibers, ensuring strength and durability. Polyester is wrinkle-resistant and also resists any moisture from coming through. It is available in many colors and stays in shape even after regular use. Polyester can tear if it comes in contact with a very sharp object. It is usually blended with other fabrics, such as cotton, to increase ventilation. You can find this in many colors.

Wool

Wool is a highly-breathable product that keeps you warm and comfy throughout the day. Wool keeps you dry and also absorbs any sweat build-up. It has a soft finish that does not irritate the skin or leave rashes. Wool has excellent temperature regulation, meaning you do not feel suffocated while hiking. Wool requires special instructions when washing to maintain quality.

Double Clothing

Double clothing is a specific weaving style where two fabrics are tied together to create a reversible product. It can give you a color variation and create multiple looks. Find one with filling, and you will get a quilted jacket. Double jackets are primarily lightweight and suitable for areas where winters are not as severe.

How to Find the Right Fit for a Winter Hiking Jacket?

Finding the right fit is essential to ensure that you buy a product that adds value to the hiking experience. Here are the steps to appropriately measure a hiking jacket.

Remove Excess Clothing and Try

The jacket is supposed to fit your body and the base layer. Take off any excess clothing like sweaters, scarves, or bulky pants. Just be in your regular t-shirt and leggings. Wear the jacket and see if it is easy to wear and remove. Next, see if the zipper/buttons are easy to close and open. Raise your hands up, sideways, and towards the back to ensure an adequate range of motion.

Take Measurements

Stand up straight, wearing only the base layer. Lift your arms to the side and ask someone to measure the widest part of your chest. If you are looking for more range of motion, record one inch extra for chest measurements.

Measure around the natural crease of your waistline and add an inch or two if you are planning to wear multiple layers under the jacket. Finally, Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed. Measure from one shoulder to the other to find a coat that doesn’t bunch up or sag down after wearing.

Measure your hips if the jacket is longer, and get a figure for the distance between your shoulder and arm to precisely fit.

By Measuring Another Jacket

You must have other jackets as a part of your essential hiking apparel. Take its measurements before buying a new one. Pick the jacket that has a similar style to what you are looking for. Put the jacket on a flat surface like a table or a bed with the front part facing upwards. Measure the chest and double its value to get your body measurements. Then measure the length from the collar base to the hem or as long as you want the jacket. Measure the sleeves and find the shoulder width. Compare it to the size guide provided by the company.

What Are the Main Types of Winter Hiking Jackets?

Jackets are available in different styles. Go for the ones that allow you to hike with comfort and convenience. Here are the most popular choices.

Bomber Jackets

Created for pilots, the bomber jacket is mainly made from a water-resistant exterior and a warm interior, usually made of fur. Bomber jackets are literally the most versatile option out there.

Wearing a casual t-shirt with leggings? Wear a bomber jacket.

Tank top with joggers? Bomber jacket.

Bomber jackets are unisex and designed for all genders. They are lightweight and warm, so you can hike with utmost convenience. Bomber jackets also have multiple safe pockets to help you keep essential accessories. They are easy to clean and effortless to maintain quality.

Trucker Jackets

Whether planning a hiking trip or trekking, trucker jackets are a great choice. These jackets have seen the outdoors since the beginning of time. Most people also refer to trucker jackets as denim. It blends perfectly with casual outdoor outfits and sportswear. Trucker jackets are insulating and block wind to the max because of their weight. They are a fashionable, unisex addition to your wardrobe that accurately represents the American fashion classics.

Shirt Jacket

If you feel one shirt is not enough, try adding a warmer and heavier layer. Known as a shirt jacket, it has a button-up body and extra pockets to keep warm. If you have a lightweight base layer, a shirt jacket will feel like a layer of clothing. Despite having insulating properties, these jackets are lighter than other counterparts. So, if the winter doesn’t hit you with all its might, consider wearing a shirt, jacket, or shacket for your next hiking trip.

Fleece Jacket

Fleece jackets are typically made from polyester, hence the moisture-wicking finish. They have a tight-knit design that restricts water from going inside the jacket. Polyester is mixed with other materials to create a lightweight, soft, breathable fabric that protects your body from cold without making you feel uncomfortable. They also dry up much more quickly than others.

Puffer Jacket

Every explorer has one of these in their wardrobe. Puffer jackets are made from synthetic fibers that create an insulated coating to keep you warm on hikes on chilly days. Don’t fall for their incredibly lightweight body because puffers are bound to keep you toasted — even in the most frosty settings. These jackets are available in full-sleeved and sleeveless versions, allowing you to pick something based on the climate. Puffer jackets are available in different lengths, but hikers mainly prefer one with a waist length. Pick one that comes with pockets.

Rain Coat

If the winters in your area come with a considerable amount of pouring, don’t hesitate to add raincoats to your wardrobe. Raincoats are made from synthetic materials to protect your body against unwanted moisture and water contact. Most modern versions come with maximized ventilation to help increase breathability and avoid moisture build-up. Match your raincoat with waterproof hiking pants, and you are good to go.

What Properties Should a Winter Hiking Jacket Have?

Look for the following properties if you want to hike with comfort wearing a jacket.

Comfort

No matter how good a jacket looks, it’s useless if you don’t find it comfortable. Since winter hikes require more energy and stamina, your jacket should not be distracting.

Any product that doesn’t fit, is too heavy to carry, or bothers you as you hike is rendered uncomfortable. Besides this, hikers need a flexible range of motion to move around. If your jacket is coming in the way, you probably need a new pair.

Since you are hiking in the winter, the jacket should provide warmth and snugness. Look for products with an insulated exterior and an extra warm interior. There are plenty of lightweight options like bomber and puffer jackets that are comfortable and suitable for both men and women.

Durability

Winter hiking jackets are not cheap — mainly if you focus on quality and brand. You need to buy something that can counter extreme weather conditions on hiking trails without losing its quality. Always look for something from a reputable brand with an exchange policy. Plus, the material should boast sufficient sturdiness and resisting properties.

A durable product ensures long-lasting use without any damage or deterioration. The durability of the fabric is based on various factors. To determine durability, look for the stitching strength, quality, and ability to hold shape.

Denim, polyester, and wool are popular and durable winter jacket options.

Temperature Management

You require jackets to keep you cozy and snug during hikes. Plus, they should protect you from external changes such as snow, wind, and rain. But this does not mean that a jacket should have no ventilation. Look for a product that features different air pockets to maintain breathability.

This helps eliminate any unwanted sweat build-up. Jackets with adequate temperature management are much better companions for hikers as they provide better control in case the outside temperature fluctuates.

Insulated jackets are a top choice for cold weather, but you can also look at softshell versions with removable liners to accommodate both frosty cold winters and somewhat milder ones.

Style

Let’s not compromise on style. Hikers prefer buying clothing that looks stylish and compliments their body types. Pick jackets that make you look fashionable. Pair the fitting tops and hiking pants with your jackets.

Don’t forget that the color you choose also plays a crucial role in finishing a look. Most neutral tones like brown, black, gray, red, and military green blend well with all kinds of outfits. There are multiple options available online and in-stores. Some websites even have the opportunity to virtually try the jacket.

Ladies usually have a knack for colors. Don’t hesitate to put your hands on something delightfully sassy if you are one of them. You will find your Instagram hiking pictures looking way too attractive with a bit of style.

While looking for style, don’t forget to pack hiking essentials for pros.

How to Care for Your Winter Hiking Jackets?

You can buy the fanciest jackets from the most expensive brands, but failure to care for them deteriorates the quality much more quickly. Here are the tips for maintaining the quality of your winter hiking jackets.

Cleaning

The first thing to keep your winter hiking jackets looking brand new is getting them cleaned regularly. The best way to get your jackets cleaned is by getting them dry-cleaned. It removes any stains and debris that build up after exploring outdoors.

Winter hiking jackets are used seasonally. You can get them cleaned before the season start before putting them back.

If you stain your hiking jacket, get it cleaned by a professional service as soon as possible. Always prefer a professional cleaner to maintain its quality.

You can use cold water to remove stains from jackets made of water-resistant materials such as polyester. Avoid putting your jackets in the washing machine or using chemicals without professional consultation. Also, let them air dry to protect their waterproof properties. Putting jackets in a dryer might leave them looking worn-out and utilized.

Storing

To ensure that your jacket holds its structure, use a sturdy plastic hanger with wider shoulders to hand it. This reduces any unwanted stretching or changes in shape. Hang your jackets freely in the wardrobe for as long as you use them.

Once it’s time to put your winter hiking jackets away, check all the pockets and remove anything in them. Use plastic storage bags for safe storage. This eliminates the possibility of any debris and dust build-up, keeping the jackets clean and available for use at all times. Keep insect-repellent sachets in the bag as well. Avoid directly storing jackets in a cardboard box because it discolors fabric.

Fold the jacket properly instead of randomly shoving it inside the container. Ensure the room where you put it is dry and free from excess humidity.

Stay Warm During Winter Hikes

Hiking in winter is fine, but you need to protect your body with an extra layer of clothing. Measure yourself before starting the search for a new winter hiking jacket. There are different styles to match your hiking attire. After using, don’t forget to clean and store your winter hiking jackets properly.