Trail Talks: My Winter Essentials That Actually Earn Their Place
Cold days call for pieces that work - not because they're trendy, but because they've proven themselves in real conditions. Early mornings in Central Park. Long trail days in Westchester. Training through the season instead of hiding from it.
Here's what I reach for again and again, from head to toe.
Head & Face: The First Line of Defense
Hats: I love my race hats and my VITAL hat, but when temperatures drop, I go straight for my Smartwool Everyday Beanie. That performance merino blend keeps warmth where it matters without overheating on the move.
Sunglasses: Rudy Project is my jam. The coverage is excellent, but I'm truly bananas for their photochromic lenses that adapt with changing light—and I can add my prescription. Pure visual bliss for winter trail running. My go-to? Rydon Slim, perfect for smaller faces.
Buff: Headband, hairband, scarf—this thing multitasks. The Smartwool merino wool Buff is my secret weapon for blocking headwinds in Central Park when temps hit subzero. Game changer.
Gloves: I discovered performance wind mittens during my first NYC Marathon in 2021, and I haven't looked back. The pullover windcover feature is clutch when the temperature plummets. Currently wearing Smartwool Active Fleece Performance Wind Mittens (I lost my beloved New Balance NYC Marathon pair—still mourning that loss).
Layers: The Art of Temperature Control
Baselayer
My Patagonia merino wool capilene blend tops rule three out of four seasons for hiking and running. They move with me, manage moisture brilliantly, and resist odor amazingly well.
Jacket
Wind resistance plus light insulation is the formula. I bounce between my Patagonia nano air ultra light jacket and Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoody, whichever one is clean wins that day. Both pack small and punch above their weight in warmth.
Pants
For hiking between 20-50°F, my Arc’teryx Gamma pants are unbeatable. Below 20°F, I layer underneath with Patagonia Capilene or Smartwool merino wool baselayers. For winter hikes where I want that extra cozy factor, I love my Reprise Sage leggings - warm, made from non-toxic plant-based materials, and the side pocket is perfect for stashing my phone.
Foundation: What Touches the Ground
Socks
I have a few favorites. Injinji merino wool toe socks changed my life in 2022 when blisters were ruining my long runs. I haven't turned back. Also love Feetures and Darn Tough for their durability and comfort.
Shoes
This one's too personal to prescribe. It comes down to fit and sport. I rotate between Saucony Peregrines and Salomon for hiking, and Saucony, Brooks, and Asics for running. Winter hiking requires one non-negotiable: waterproof outer material. Beyond that? Try them on. Test them out. Here's a good place to start.
Gear That Changes the Game
Watches: I'm a Garmin devotee. Two years ago I invested in the Garmin Fenix with solar backup, and it's still killing it for endurance hikes and long runs where battery life matters.
Trekking Poles: Absolute game changer for long-distance hiking, especially on varied terrain. I stick with adjustable poles (not the fancy collapsible ones) because I shorten them for ascents and lengthen them for steep descents. My old faithfuls? Black Diamond from REI.
Packs: I'm a dedicated Osprey fan. My Tempest 22L came with me to the Dolomites and handles everything—shuttle buses, overhead bins, all-day comfort. But this is personal. You need to try it on, load it up, and test it again.
The Gift That Doesn't Come in a Box
If you're looking for last-minute, in-store gifts, these are solid picks for anyone who moves, explores, and stays grounded through winter.
And for the gift that truly delivers? VITAL gift cards give the adventurer in your life what they're really craving: movement, challenge, and community in the year ahead. Check out the VITAL 2026 Adventure Schedule for the full lineup of experiences that invite you to explore what's possible and live vital.
Save this list for your winter rotation, or share it with someone who refuses to let cold weather slow them down.
Because winter training isn't about surviving the season—it's about showing up for it. 🥾
xx Libby