What to Wear Hiking in 40-Degree Weather
Are you wondering what to wear hiking in 40-degree weather to stay comfortable on the trail without getting too cold or warm?
I live in Minnesota and spend a lot of time hiking in this weather since our fall and spring seasons are around 40 degrees. I’ve had plenty of time to perfect my outfits and learn what it takes to stay comfortable.
In this post, I’ll share what I wear and what has been the most beneficial for myself and others in this weather.
Here’s a quick look at what I recommend wearing:
- Merino Wool Base Layer
- Fleece Mid-Layer
- Weatherproof Outer Layer
- Long Pants
- Merino Wool Socks & Sturdy Boots
What to Wear Hiking in 40-Degree Weather
Below is what I recommend you wear on a day of hiking when it’s around 40 degrees. I’d build a layering system so you can remove and add when you need, and adjust this to your personal needs!
Base Layer
I always start my cold-weather hiking gear with a base layer. It’s the first layer of protection when it comes to the elements.
A base layer is the closest piece of clothing to your skin, so it should be moisture-wicking, lightweight, and keep you warm and dry.
I personally prefer clothes made out of merino wool because they’re moisture-wicking and keep me the warmest.
Other people also like polyester, nylon, and silk, so you might like these options as well!
Sometimes if it’s a warmer 40 degrees, like if it’s not windy, sometimes I’ll skip the base layer. But if it’s windy, raining, or snowy, I never skip the base layer!
Mid-Layer
As for the mid-layer, you’ll want something that will retain heat and keep you warm between your base layer and your outer layer. This is basically your insulator.
When it’s 40 degrees outside, you won’t need a very thick mid-layer since it’s not super cold, but you will want something that will still hold the warmth in.
Popular material choices for a mid-layer include fleece, wool, down, and synthetic insulation. The thicker the option, typically the warmer it is!
My personal favorite mid-layer is my adidas Polar Fleece Pullover which is made of a warm, comfortable fleece and is perfect for all seasons.
If it’s colder, you might want something a bit thicker, but at 40 degrees, I’ve found this pullover to be perfect!
Outer Layer
Since I’m from Minnesota, I’m pretty used to the cold and I often don’t need an outer layer for hiking in 40 degrees. But if you aren’t used to the cold, you might opt for wearing one.
Your outer layer will be your protection from the elements like wind, snow, and rain. So I always choose one that has a waterproof outside.
In 40 degrees, you definitely won’t need a super thick one and I would recommend some sort of rain jacket or windbreaker. It should definitely have a hood and be waterproof!
Pick one that is breathable and lightweight so if you get too warm it’s still easy to cool down.
Long Pants
As for pants, I usually opt for a lightweight long pair that will keep me warm but not too warm. I prefer ones made of materials like nylon.
Nylon tends to be pretty stretchy so the pants move with you as you hike, and I also love that it’s lightweight and dries quickly if it gets wet.
I’ve never found that 40 degrees is cold enough to need a base layer under my pants, but if you’re usually colder than I am, you might want one. Similarly to your top base layer, choose one made of merino wool for the best chance of staying warm and dry.
Merino Wool Socks
I’ll never go on a hike without merino wool socks because when my feet get sweaty, the socks wick it away and keep my feet dry.
My favorite brand is Darn Tough, which are made of merino wool and they even offer a lifetime warranty on their socks.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
You can never go wrong with a good pair of sturdy hiking shoes, and that’s no different when it comes to colder weather!
I’d choose a pair that has a nice, sturdy bottom with a good grip and if possible, choose a pair of hiking boots that are waterproof.
When it’s this cold, there’s always a chance for rain and snow, so it’s just better to be prepared with those waterproof hiking shoes. There’s nothing worse than having wet feet!
Hat & Gloves
I also always carry a hat and gloves in my day pack when the weather is around 40 degrees because I sometimes need them.
I don’t always end up having to dig them out, but sometimes when it feels extra chilly or it’s windy, they come in really handy.
Sometimes I’ll even go for a headband instead of a hat because it keeps my head cool while my ears stay warm.
Other Gear for Hiking in 40-Degree Weather
Aside from clothing, there are a few other things that I recommend having with you on the trail in these temperatures.
Hiking Backpack
Of course, you should carry a backpack with you that has all of the gear that you might need for the day.
This could be extra clothing, snacks, water, traction devices, a camera, or anything else that you want or need to carry with you.
There really isn’t a specific bag that you need for colder weather, but just be sure that it’s big enough to fit everything you need! I typically carry a 20L bag like my Osprey Tempest 20 for a day hike.
Be sure to carry the Ten Essentials in your bag along with anything else.
Hand Warmers
Something that I never go hiking in the cold without is a set of hand warmers to keep my fingers warm while I’m out on the trail.
I’ve used a pair of reusable hand warmers in the past and I’ve also used disposable sets. Either works great, and I just keep them in my pockets in case I get cold.
They even sell toe warmers that stick to the bottom of your sock and can help keep your feet warm. I’ve never worn them hiking, but I have worn them skiing and they’re amazing!
Crampons or Microspikes
Although you typically don’t need crampons or microspikes when hiking in 40 degrees because the temperature is above freezing, sometimes there is snow on the ground.
If you know that you’re hiking in higher elevations, I would recommend packing a traction device with you just in case you need them.
Tips for Hiking in Cold Weather
- Use a Layering System: Layering works best for cold-weather hiking. It makes it easy to take off or add clothing when you need and helps ensure that you don’t get too warm or cold.
- Avoid Cotton: Cotton tends to soak up sweat and doesn’t keep you warm and dry, so I recommend avoiding it at all costs.
- Bring Extra Clothes: You never know if the temperatures will drop, so I would recommend always having an extra jacket or spare pair of socks just in case!
- Wear Sunscreen: Even though it seems like you don’t need it, be sure to apply sunscreen! One of my worst sunburns came from hiking when there was snow on the ground and the air felt cold.
- Never Go Without the Ten Essentials: It’s important to always have the 10 essentials, especially in the cold when hypothermia and frostbite set in faster.
FAQs
Is 40 Degrees Good for Hiking?
Yes, 40 degrees is great for hiking because it’s cooler, there are fewer people, and the views are sometimes dusted in a white layer of snow, so it’s beautiful.
How Many Layers Should I Wear in 40 Degrees?
I would recommend starting with 3 layers on top for 40 degree hiking and 1 layer on bottom. You can add or remove as needed then.
Is 40 Degrees Too Cold for Hiking?
No, 40 degrees is not too cold for hiking as long as you’re prepared with warm clothes and layers!
Wrap-Up: Hiking in 40-Degrees
If you’re planning on going hiking this fall or winter and are wondering what to wear hiking in 40 degrees, it’s a pretty simple layering method!
I go hiking in these temperatures pretty often and always opt for 3 layers on top and 1 layer on bottom. This keeps me warm but not too warm, and I can take off as I need.
Now that you know what to wear, be sure to grab yourself a pair of microspikes so you’re prepared for those snowy trails!
