Disclosure: Links to external websites on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
This gear checklist for winter day-hikes is dialed-in for the Catskills. It’s a great jumping-off list for hiking in the winter or hiking in snow.
This checklist of hiking gear builds on Winter Hiking Gear: Survive & Thrive in the Cold which you should review before continuing. The winter-specific essentials listed here are all in addition to The 10 Essentials and a basic mountain hiking kit.
New to Read: Winter Hiking Essentials
Catskills Winter Gear Checklist
- Pre-Planning – research your route, emergency numbers, basic gear requirements
- Clothes – winter hiking requires many more layers than three-season hiking
- Traction – proper winter traction is crucial for your safety
- Food & Hydration – on winter hikes, you burn more calories, and faster
- Tweaks – hike smarter this winter
- Packing – more gear means more weight, and a brand new center of gravity
- Bonus: Master Checklist – a one-page cheat sheet
In the Catskills only two summits (Slide and Hunter) are higher than 4,000 feet, and no summits are above tree line. This list should not be used to prep for any hike in the Adirondacks — or for hiking any other mountain range.
Follow
Follow my instagram @totalcatskills to get the latest info in your feed — I’m also at Facebook.com/TotalCatskills.
Read More
Here are some more links to help your research on winter hiking essentials and techniques…
- Essential Winter Gear Guide
- REI Cold Weather Hiking Tips
- Winter Day-Hiking Gear List: Are You Prepared?
DISCLAIMER: WINTER HIKING IS POTENTIALLY DEADLY / PROCEED ON ANY COLD WEATHER HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK
This document does not address the risks intrinsic to winter hiking which include exposure to lethal weather, frostbite, hypothermia, deadly terrain, slips, falls, bone breaks and concussions in isolated areas where no help is available. Cell service is not available in remote areas. In the event of any injury, hypothermia can follow quickly — and potentially death. It does happen. Every wilderness hiker should plan on having to self-rescue. Before venturing into the wilderness, even on well-known and popular trails, you must have the requisite knowledge, skills, gear and experience. Never hike alone. A group of at least three is always advised. This PDF lists common winter day-hiking gear. It should be used in conjunction with your own research, self-education, and in-person training. One PDF ain’t it.
Hi, I’m Sean. I write this content to help hikers like you find amazing hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Gunks, Hudson Highlands, Taconics and beyond.
If you enjoy this resource and want to support independent hiking content, you can become a patron for just $3 at patreon.com/TotalCatskills/ 💛
All patron levels are entitled to access the private @TotalSean Instagram account where I post my latest trail photos and videos.
Follow for More
Follow my @TotalCatskills account on Instagram for great hiking inspo and an active, positive, inclusive hiking community.
I also stay active on Facebook and Twitter.
Open for Later
- Read the Secret Hikes
- Read the Most Difficult & Challenging Hikes
- Read the Longest Hikes
- You can Support Independent Hiking Content and get great benefits!