Hiking in the winter is fun unless you are not freezing out in a thin layer of your single jacket. Though 30 degrees may not be too cold for some hikers who are adapted to the temperature, if you are new then you must prepare yourself in advance. The major and main difference between summer hiking and winter hiking is the clothes and temperature in itself.
30-degree weather can freeze you if you don’t prepare or wear appropriately according to the weather. This brings us to today’s topic, which is what to wear hiking in 30 degree weather?
Before jumping directly to the answer, I want you to know that all hikers have different opinions and advice when it comes to lawyering for cold weather, and most of them are correct. But what you need to do is opt for the right one. But don’t worry if you don’t have to look at all the advice, today I will give you different options that you can opt, and can enjoy your hike without any conflict.
What to wear hiking in 30 degree weather?
For hiking in 30 degree weather, you need three layers of clothes to protect you from the cold are – base layer which can be polyester Under Armour that helps in wicking away moisture, mid-layer which can be fleece which provides warmth, and the outer layer can be the synthetic jacket to protect you from outer elements.
However, the above advice doesn’t suit all hikers for 30 degree weather. Various reasons can impact the layering for cold weather like – are you going to hike in dry 30 degree weather? Or is it going to be snowy and windy out there?.
Above all is how your body adapts to the temperature, this matters as many hikers don’t feel cold at 30 degrees because their body generates more heat, and at the same time, you may be freezing because your body takes time to adapt to the temperature or take time to heat up.
Further, Your layering pattern and how many clothes will you carry with you on a hike also depends on two factors – what type of hike is it? Is it a day hike with no breaks or camping or do you prefer to spend some time on the trail?. Or if you are going on a multiday hike then, you will need to carry more clothes for layering in contrary to day hike.
Layering for hiking in 30 degree
Start with less layering. If it’s your first time and you feel too cold then go with three layers in starting. For a backup, you should always carry extra layering like a synthetic jacket for traping the heat when you stop.
I want to phrase the advice by an experienced hiker, which I think suits this situation. He says that if you start with too many clothes on you then you will feel warm at the start, and later when you stop after a hike you will feel more chill and cold. The best is to start with 3 layers and layer you can add an extra layer whenever you start feeling cold.
Base layer
The base layer is the first layer that wicks out moisture and keeps your body warm in cold temperatures.
You need to pay extra attention to your base layer material as it is can protect you from cold or can give you more cold. What I mean by that is, base layer helps in wicking out the moisture that is due to insulation or sweat. And if the material of the base layer is water-resistant then it will hold the sweat which makes it colder inside. Sweating is very normal when you are packed with layers of clothes and doing any activity.
So, my choice for the base layer is polyester or wool-t. You can also go with a blend of polyester and wool. Of all, the blend is the better option as you get the warmth of wool and the insulation of polyester.
Mid layer
The mid-layer is, to trap the heat and provide warmth at a cold temperature.
For mid-layer, most people choose fleece but you can also go with other options also. If you don’t sweat too much then you can also go with a hoodie, just make sure it is not 100 percent cotton.
If you don’t have fleece then choose any other jacket or vest to keep yourself warm on the trail.
Outer layer
The outer layer basically protects you from external elements like snow, rain, winds, etc.
For hiking in 30 degree weather, you can go with a mid insulation jacket. If it’s snowy out ok trail then go with mid insulated snow jacket.
Further, in rain, you should go with a rain jacket. Usually, when it rains the temperature decreases more, so for that you should always have a mid-insulated rain jacket.
Even if you are on a dry trail at 30 degrees, always keep a backup of an outer layer, especially if your hike will end in the evening. The temperature will go Bellow 30 degrees at night and it starts decreasing in the evening, so always keep a backup.
Note: when making choice for layering, the important thing you should keep in mind is the material of the clothing. Avoid cotton clothes at all, as they retain water for long and take more time to dry which will make you feel colder. Instead, you should go with synthetic or wool material. For more on this checkout article here- Does merino wool shrink?
What to wear in 30 degree weather on a short hike
If you are going on a short and quick hike then you will need to wear fewer clothes compared to if you ate going on a long day hike that involves breaks.
For day hike
Pants – if it’s not windy then simply go with nylon hiking pants, there is no need to wear thick pants unless it’s below 30 degrees.
Top – Wear the first layer of a t-shirt made of polyester and cotton. Sports wear works fine as they are efficient in wicking out the moisture and provide you ventilation. Add fleece or you can also wear a vest over the first layer if you feel there is no need for heavy cloth. Keep in mind never get yourself warm in the starting. For upper you can wear a
Head – a bunny or hat is best to pack in such weather.
Hands – I personally think that there is no need for gloves if you are going on a day hike in 30 degrees dry weather. But you can pack your gloves as backup, but in the end, there is no need if you are going to sit in your car after completing the hike.
Underwear – normal underwear works as fine as long underwear for hiking in 30 degrees or less temperature. There is no need to wear long or buy new underwear specially for hiking in cold. Normal underwear with hiking pants and gaiters over works fine.
For day hike and camping
Pants – there is no change in pants if you are going to take breaks in between or take out time for camping. But I would recommend you to pack or wear a gaiter.
Top – Start with 2 layers. Follow the thin layering rule and later when you stop, then you might feel cold. For that, you can pack an extra outer layer and layer it on when start feeling cold.
Head – if you have big hair then you may feel sweaty after a hike. You will feel colder in wet hair when you stop immediately. So for that, I do recommend you a nice hat.
Hands – select mid-insulated gloves. Thin gloves also work fine for a day hike. Though it is not necessary until the weather is windy, snowy, or it’s raining outside.
What to wear hiking in 30 degree weather for a multiday hike
Pants – for a multiday hike in 30 degrees, I recommend you to take one extra pair of pants with you so that you can change after one gets wet. If you want to know which pant fabric is good for you then check this article – Nylon vs Polyester Hiking Pants
Top – while planning for multiday hiking, all things remain the same but you need to pack a mid-insulated snow jacket or rain jacket as nobody exactly knows how is weather going to be on trial the next day, so always have a backup. There is no need to carry double jackets, one jacket is enough.
Underwear – carry extra pair of underwear as it gets wet easily when you do any activity. Don’t bother about the size of underwear, regular underwear is also good.
Hands and head – for multiday hiking you also need gloves and a hat to protect you from cold. During your multiday day hike, you will take more breaks which will bring down the temperature of your body and you will feel colder.
Along with gloves and a hat, I also recommend a scarf that you can roll around your neck. It helps in trapping the heat and keeping you warm, though don’t wear it at the beginning of a hike.
Essentials to carry while hiking in 30-degree weather
Headlamp
hiking in winters is thrilling and fun but at the same time, it also brings challenges to hikers. The first is, in winters, dark gets early.
Though it varies from place to place, in some places it starts getting dark at 5 O clock and in some, it may be later or early. So, it becomes important for every hiker to carry a headlamp with them, especially if you are on a multiday hike. There is no need for a headlamp for a short day hike.
Lighter
I always prefer to carry a lighter on a hike, doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter. But in winters, it becomes more important in high winds or if it’s snowing as it becomes difficult to start the fire.
Carry a matchstick if you don’t have a lighter. But lighter is a better option in winters as matchstick may get wet if you store it long in a backpack.
Extra clothes
Carry an extra light cloth for emergency or backup. Take a scarf-length cloth that you can wrap around your body. This will protect you in the situation when there are high winds or too cold.
It resists the air to enter inside the layers. This is also if you are on a multiday hike or you are going hiking and camping. There is no need for this on a short hike.
Warm water
Carry a water bottle of warm or mild-warm water if you are hiking at a 30-degree temperature. It is hard to drink cold water in cold. Not only you will drink it less but it will lead to dehydration.
Snacks
Always carry snacks with you, as our body burn calories pretty quickly in winters or low temperatures. So, don’t let yourself starve, make sure to carry dry snacks and snacks that you can cook while sitting in your camp.
For better energy on the trail, you should also know what is best to eat before starting your hike. If you don’t know what to eat before your hike then check out here- What to Eat Before a Hike ?
Important note :
Depending on the weather conditions, you can go with sweatpants, thermal pants, or snow pants if there is snow.
Wool socks are very important in any weather conditions but become more important when you are hiking in 30 degree cold weather. To know the best hiking socks for women Check this article here – 10 Best summer hiking shoes
Clothing tips for hiking in 30 degree weather
If you feel cold
If you start with 2 or 3 layers and you start feeling cold, then add an extra outer layer over you. You can wear a puffer jacket (you can also layer with mid-insulated rain or snow jacket) to provide more warmth to the body.
When you start feeling cold, there are three parts of our body where we feel colder – neck, hands, and feet. Feet are already protected when you are wearing wool socks and hiking boots. But still, as a reminder, you should not wear trail runners or summer hiking shoes when hiking in a 30 degree or low temperature.
Cover your neck with a scarf or buff. Don’t wear insulated buffs in the starting as they get warm pretty fast. Or if you don’t have any of these then I suggest you pack any small wool cloth, that you can roll around your neck.
Covering your neck will insulate and prevent the air from directly entering inside over the top.
Hands are another part of your body that gets cold easily when you are hiking in 30 degrees or below. Wear gloves immediately when you start feeling cold, thin gloves are just fine for 30 degree weather.
Though most hikers prevent wearing gloves in 30 degrees but it’s not the same for all hikers. Even if you are adapted to cold temperatures, you should still carry gloves and wear them later if you feel cold.
You can also wear a gaiter if it’s snowy or to trap more heat. Those of you don’t know, gaiters are used by hikers to protect their lower legs from cold, they are similar to leggings.
Though I don’t recommend these on a dry trail at 30 degrees. But for the first time, you don’t know how your body responds to the weather, so you can carry it as a backup option. For a day hike, it doesn’t take up too much space in your backpack.
Moreover, you should also know that leg insulation is not that important when you are hiking in 30 degrees, as legs get warm easily because of the amount of heat they produce.
If you feel sweaty or warm
Sometimes wearing too many clothes also creates too much warmth inside that you will start sweating which will result in dehydration and can also give more chills later if not get dried.
If you are feeling sweaty then it’s better to release some heat or warmth to let the moisture out.
For that, you don’t have to take out your outer layer or mid-layer. Simply
Open the zips of your mid-layer that can be your fleece jacket. If you are going with a hoodie, then it’s better to wear a zipper hoodie, so that you can let it open anytime you want.
You can also roll up or push the sleeves of your jacket to let the air pass through your wrist.
If you are feeling too warm then push the hat or bunny up to improve ventilation around ears as they get warm and cold easily.
For down ventilation, open the side zips of your pants. If you don’t have then don’t worry, as legs are not adapted to cold or warmth easily.
Is 30 degrees too cold for hiking?
No, 30 degrees is not too cold for hiking, you can easily hike in 30 degrees with proper layering and knowledge.
Hiking in 30 degrees is not that difficult or at the same time, it’s not easy if it’s snowy or raining. In a situation like that, you need to have skills and proper gear so that your trip doesn’t get ruined by freezing in cold.
Conclusion- At last, I want you to stick to the thin layering formula, doesn’t matter if you are hiking in 30 degrees. Don’t wear bulky or thick clothes as they will create moisture and prove to be bad than good. The rule is to start with fewer layers, 2 is good to start with on a dry trail. For further journey, carry extra cloth layers with you. Also, never forget to carry small items like gloves, a scarf, or a bunny.
You may like – dangers of hiking
Do know that if you start with more layers, it will be more difficult to layer off.
Hiking in the winter is fun unless you are not freezing out in a thin layer of your single jacket. Though 30 degrees may not be too cold for some hikers who are adapted to the temperature, if you are new then you must prepare yourself in advance. The major and main difference between summer hiking and winter hiking is the clothes and temperature in itself.
30-degree weather can freeze you if you don’t prepare or wear appropriately according to the weather. This brings us to today’s topic, which is what to wear hiking in 30 degree weather?
Before jumping directly to the answer, I want you to know that all hikers have different opinions and advice when it comes to lawyering for cold weather, and most of them are correct. But what you need to do is opt for the right one. But don’t worry if you don’t have to look at all the advice, today I will give you different options that you can opt, and can enjoy your hike without any conflict.
What to wear hiking in 30 degree weather?
For hiking in 30 degree weather, you need three layers of clothes to protect you from the cold are – base layer which can be polyester Under Armour that helps in wicking away moisture, mid-layer which can be fleece which provides warmth, and the outer layer can be the synthetic jacket to protect you from outer elements.
However, the above advice doesn’t suit all hikers for 30 degree weather. Various reasons can impact the layering for cold weather like – are you going to hike in dry 30 degree weather? Or is it going to be snowy and windy out there?.
Above all is how your body adapts to the temperature, this matters as many hikers don’t feel cold at 30 degrees because their body generates more heat, and at the same time, you may be freezing because your body takes time to adapt to the temperature or take time to heat up.
Further, Your layering pattern and how many clothes will you carry with you on a hike also depends on two factors – what type of hike is it? Is it a day hike with no breaks or camping or do you prefer to spend some time on the trail?. Or if you are going on a multiday hike then, you will need to carry more clothes for layering in contrary to day hike.
Layering for hiking in 30 degree
Start with less layering. If it’s your first time and you feel too cold then go with three layers in starting. For a backup, you should always carry extra layering like a synthetic jacket for traping the heat when you stop.
I want to phrase the advice by an experienced hiker, which I think suits this situation. He says that if you start with too many clothes on you then you will feel warm at the start, and later when you stop after a hike you will feel more chill and cold. The best is to start with 3 layers and layer you can add an extra layer whenever you start feeling cold.
Base layer
The base layer is the first layer that wicks out moisture and keeps your body warm in cold temperatures.
You need to pay extra attention to your base layer material as it is can protect you from cold or can give you more cold. What I mean by that is, base layer helps in wicking out the moisture that is due to insulation or sweat. And if the material of the base layer is water-resistant then it will hold the sweat which makes it colder inside. Sweating is very normal when you are packed with layers of clothes and doing any activity.
So, my choice for the base layer is polyester or wool-t. You can also go with a blend of polyester and wool. Of all, the blend is the better option as you get the warmth of wool and the insulation of polyester.
Mid layer
The mid-layer is, to trap the heat and provide warmth at a cold temperature.
For mid-layer, most people choose fleece but you can also go with other options also. If you don’t sweat too much then you can also go with a hoodie, just make sure it is not 100 percent cotton.
If you don’t have fleece then choose any other jacket or vest to keep yourself warm on the trail.
Outer layer
The outer layer basically protects you from external elements like snow, rain, winds, etc.
For hiking in 30 degree weather, you can go with a mid insulation jacket. If it’s snowy out ok trail then go with mid insulated snow jacket.
Further, in rain, you should go with a rain jacket. Usually, when it rains the temperature decreases more, so for that you should always have a mid-insulated rain jacket.
Even if you are on a dry trail at 30 degrees, always keep a backup of an outer layer, especially if your hike will end in the evening. The temperature will go Bellow 30 degrees at night and it starts decreasing in the evening, so always keep a backup.
Note: when making choice for layering, the important thing you should keep in mind is the material of the clothing. Avoid cotton clothes at all, as they retain water for long and take more time to dry which will make you feel colder. Instead, you should go with synthetic or wool material. For more on this checkout article here- Does merino wool shrink?
What to wear in 30 degree weather on a short hike
If you are going on a short and quick hike then you will need to wear fewer clothes compared to if you ate going on a long day hike that involves breaks.
For day hike
Pants – if it’s not windy then simply go with nylon hiking pants, there is no need to wear thick pants unless it’s below 30 degrees.
Top – Wear the first layer of a t-shirt made of polyester and cotton. Sports wear works fine as they are efficient in wicking out the moisture and provide you ventilation. Add fleece or you can also wear a vest over the first layer if you feel there is no need for heavy cloth. Keep in mind never get yourself warm in the starting. For upper you can wear a
Head – a bunny or hat is best to pack in such weather.
Hands – I personally think that there is no need for gloves if you are going on a day hike in 30 degrees dry weather. But you can pack your gloves as backup, but in the end, there is no need if you are going to sit in your car after completing the hike.
Underwear – normal underwear works as fine as long underwear for hiking in 30 degrees or less temperature. There is no need to wear long or buy new underwear specially for hiking in cold. Normal underwear with hiking pants and gaiters over works fine.
For day hike and camping
Pants – there is no change in pants if you are going to take breaks in between or take out time for camping. But I would recommend you to pack or wear a gaiter.
Top – Start with 2 layers. Follow the thin layering rule and later when you stop, then you might feel cold. For that, you can pack an extra outer layer and layer it on when start feeling cold.
Head – if you have big hair then you may feel sweaty after a hike. You will feel colder in wet hair when you stop immediately. So for that, I do recommend you a nice hat.
Hands – select mid-insulated gloves. Thin gloves also work fine for a day hike. Though it is not necessary until the weather is windy, snowy, or it’s raining outside.
What to wear hiking in 30 degree weather for a multiday hike
Pants – for a multiday hike in 30 degrees, I recommend you to take one extra pair of pants with you so that you can change after one gets wet. If you want to know which pant fabric is good for you then check this article – Nylon vs Polyester Hiking Pants
Top – while planning for multiday hiking, all things remain the same but you need to pack a mid-insulated snow jacket or rain jacket as nobody exactly knows how is weather going to be on trial the next day, so always have a backup. There is no need to carry double jackets, one jacket is enough.
Underwear – carry extra pair of underwear as it gets wet easily when you do any activity. Don’t bother about the size of underwear, regular underwear is also good.
Hands and head – for multiday hiking you also need gloves and a hat to protect you from cold. During your multiday day hike, you will take more breaks which will bring down the temperature of your body and you will feel colder.
Along with gloves and a hat, I also recommend a scarf that you can roll around your neck. It helps in trapping the heat and keeping you warm, though don’t wear it at the beginning of a hike.
Essentials to carry while hiking in 30-degree weather
Headlamp
hiking in winters is thrilling and fun but at the same time, it also brings challenges to hikers. The first is, in winters, dark gets early.
Though it varies from place to place, in some places it starts getting dark at 5 O clock and in some, it may be later or early. So, it becomes important for every hiker to carry a headlamp with them, especially if you are on a multiday hike. There is no need for a headlamp for a short day hike.
Lighter
I always prefer to carry a lighter on a hike, doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter. But in winters, it becomes more important in high winds or if it’s snowing as it becomes difficult to start the fire.
Carry a matchstick if you don’t have a lighter. But lighter is a better option in winters as matchstick may get wet if you store it long in a backpack.
Extra clothes
Carry an extra light cloth for emergency or backup. Take a scarf-length cloth that you can wrap around your body. This will protect you in the situation when there are high winds or too cold.
It resists the air to enter inside the layers. This is also if you are on a multiday hike or you are going hiking and camping. There is no need for this on a short hike.
Warm water
Carry a water bottle of warm or mild-warm water if you are hiking at a 30-degree temperature. It is hard to drink cold water in cold. Not only you will drink it less but it will lead to dehydration.
Snacks
Always carry snacks with you, as our body burn calories pretty quickly in winters or low temperatures. So, don’t let yourself starve, make sure to carry dry snacks and snacks that you can cook while sitting in your camp.
For better energy on the trail, you should also know what is best to eat before starting your hike. If you don’t know what to eat before your hike then check out here- What to Eat Before a Hike ?
Important note :
Depending on the weather conditions, you can go with sweatpants, thermal pants, or snow pants if there is snow.
Wool socks are very important in any weather conditions but become more important when you are hiking in 30 degree cold weather. To know the best hiking socks for women Check this article here – 10 Best summer hiking shoes
Clothing tips for hiking in 30 degree weather
If you feel cold
If you start with 2 or 3 layers and you start feeling cold, then add an extra outer layer over you. You can wear a puffer jacket (you can also layer with mid-insulated rain or snow jacket) to provide more warmth to the body.
When you start feeling cold, there are three parts of our body where we feel colder – neck, hands, and feet. Feet are already protected when you are wearing wool socks and hiking boots. But still, as a reminder, you should not wear trail runners or summer hiking shoes when hiking in a 30 degree or low temperature.
Cover your neck with a scarf or buff. Don’t wear insulated buffs in the starting as they get warm pretty fast. Or if you don’t have any of these then I suggest you pack any small wool cloth, that you can roll around your neck.
Covering your neck will insulate and prevent the air from directly entering inside over the top.
Hands are another part of your body that gets cold easily when you are hiking in 30 degrees or below. Wear gloves immediately when you start feeling cold, thin gloves are just fine for 30 degree weather.
Though most hikers prevent wearing gloves in 30 degrees but it’s not the same for all hikers. Even if you are adapted to cold temperatures, you should still carry gloves and wear them later if you feel cold.
You can also wear a gaiter if it’s snowy or to trap more heat. Those of you don’t know, gaiters are used by hikers to protect their lower legs from cold, they are similar to leggings.
Though I don’t recommend these on a dry trail at 30 degrees. But for the first time, you don’t know how your body responds to the weather, so you can carry it as a backup option. For a day hike, it doesn’t take up too much space in your backpack.
Moreover, you should also know that leg insulation is not that important when you are hiking in 30 degrees, as legs get warm easily because of the amount of heat they produce.
If you feel sweaty or warm
Sometimes wearing too many clothes also creates too much warmth inside that you will start sweating which will result in dehydration and can also give more chills later if not get dried.
If you are feeling sweaty then it’s better to release some heat or warmth to let the moisture out.
For that, you don’t have to take out your outer layer or mid-layer. Simply
Open the zips of your mid-layer that can be your fleece jacket. If you are going with a hoodie, then it’s better to wear a zipper hoodie, so that you can let it open anytime you want.
You can also roll up or push the sleeves of your jacket to let the air pass through your wrist.
If you are feeling too warm then push the hat or bunny up to improve ventilation around ears as they get warm and cold easily.
For down ventilation, open the side zips of your pants. If you don’t have then don’t worry, as legs are not adapted to cold or warmth easily.
Is 30 degrees too cold for hiking?
No, 30 degrees is not too cold for hiking, you can easily hike in 30 degrees with proper layering and knowledge.
Hiking in 30 degrees is not that difficult or at the same time, it’s not easy if it’s snowy or raining. In a situation like that, you need to have skills and proper gear so that your trip doesn’t get ruined by freezing in cold.
Conclusion- At last, I want you to stick to the thin layering formula, doesn’t matter if you are hiking in 30 degrees. Don’t wear bulky or thick clothes as they will create moisture and prove to be bad than good. The rule is to start with fewer layers, 2 is good to start with on a dry trail. For further journey, carry extra cloth layers with you. Also, never forget to carry small items like gloves, a scarf, or a bunny.
You may like – dangers of hiking
Do know that if you start with more layers, it will be more difficult to layer off.
