2026 is starting out to be a great year for winter treks. We’ve already had multiple accumulations in January and February, so this winter gear was a great fit for my excursions. This is the gear that has become the best clothing and footwear in 2026 for winter treks.
1. Patagonia Men’s Daily Snap-T Pullover
It’s not hyperbole to say this because it’s true — I’ve tested many Patagonia products over the years, but this pullover is my favorite. The fit, the style — the durability. They are all a match for my active lifestyle. I wore one on a cross-country ski trip recently and felt warm enough for the cold weather but not overly insulated. The specs say it all: 100% Regenerative Organic Certified cotton French terry body fabric (say that three times fast).
2. Meindl Comfort Fit Camp Moc Slip-On
I’m a huge fan of this durable and comfortable shoe, which works great for everyday use but can also double as a hiking shoe or at a campsite. The best part is that it clips on easily for spur of the moment activities, which encourages you to get outside even more. The leather upper feels soft and the traction is outstanding. I tried them on a slippery driveway and they grip like the snow tires on your car.
3. Helly Hansen Unisex Panorama Pile Fleece Vest
I bought this zippered vest and, like always, everything Helly Hansen makes is durable and lasts a long time. There are plenty of zippered pockets for stashing your stuff, and the product is made from recycled polyester so it’s “save the world” sustainable. The color folds up for extra protection against the wind on a hike, and it’s available in brown, concrete gray, and black.
4. Snow Peak Polartec Thermal Pro Boa Fleece Jacket
Sometimes warmth for winter treks comes from the fact that a fleece is just thick and offers more protection than a thin “winter ready” shirt. This fleece jacket is just beefy and cozy, so during long walks it was my first pick — especially during a light snowstorm. Thanks to the 100% polyester (with a little spandex and nylon in the pocket) the entire fleece is light enough to keep wearing all winter long.
5. Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Hoodie
Staying warm is a fine art, especially in the Midwest where I live. You want to block the cold but also be mobile enough to go skiing or even for a winter run. This jacket allows you to hike and go for a brisk walk with great mobility, but somehow it still provides a protective shell. Inside is 800+ fill power down and the exterior shell is made from recycled material.
6. Huckberry Quilted Insulated Tanker Jacket
I love the style of this jacket, which has a water-resistant shell that snaps up tight (with both a zipper and buttons). The design is rugged enough for serious winter excursions but could also work in an office setting. The outer shell is 73% nylon and 27% cotton and the materials inside are 100% recycled polyester.
You can’t go wrong with the best clothing and footwear in 2026, especially if you are like me and love to head out in the cold and hit the hiking trails.