Winter is one of the best times to hike in much of Australia: fewer snakes, fewer flies, cooler climbs and clear days. But a winter walk can go from a frosty start to a sweaty climb to a windy summit in a couple of hours. The trick to staying comfortable isn't one big jacket. It's layers.
The three-layer system
Almost every outdoor guide uses the same idea, because it works:
- Base layer: next to your skin. Its job is to move sweat away and keep you warm even when it's damp.
- Mid layer: the insulation. It traps warm air.
- Outer layer: the shell. It keeps wind and rain out.
You add and remove layers as you go, so you're never too hot on the climbs or too cold at the top.
Base layer: what goes against your skin
This is the layer that matters most, and the one people get wrong. Cotton is the worst choice in winter: it soaks up sweat and then chills you the moment you stop.
Merino is the classic base layer because it stays warm when damp, handles sweat, and doesn't smell after days of wear. For winter, choose:
- A merino thermal top as your main base layer on cold days, or a long sleeve merino tee on milder ones.
- Merino thermal bottoms or leggings under your pants on cold days, or for camp and sleeping.
A close fit works best for thermals, so they can do their job against your skin.
Mid layer: warmth you can take off
- A fleece for most day walks. It breathes well and stays warm when damp.
- A light down or synthetic puffer for breaks, summits and camp. Down is warmest for its weight, but useless when wet, so keep it dry.
On the move, you'll often only need your base layer and shell. Put the mid layer on when you stop, before you get cold.
Outer layer: wind and rain
A waterproof, windproof and breathable rain jacket with a hood goes on every winter walk, even on a clear morning. Add waterproof overpants for alpine areas or Tasmania.
Don't forget the extremities
You lose a lot of comfort through your head, neck and hands:
- Beanie or headband.
- Neck gaiter: pull it up over your face in the wind.
- Gloves or hand warmers: fingerless merino hand warmers let you use your hands for zips, a camera and the stove.
- Merino socks: warm when damp, and less blister-prone than cotton.
Layering in action
- Frosty start: thermal top, fleece, shell, beanie and gloves.
- Steep climb: strip down to your base layer before you start sweating. Sweat is what makes you cold later.
- Windy summit or lunch stop: fleece back on, then the shell, then a beanie.
- Camp: dry thermals, puffer, beanie, and warm socks.
Our winter kit
Our merino thermals are made in Melbourne from 95% superfine Australian merino and 5% elastane, to hike in, sleep in and wear for days. Add a long sleeve 100% superfine merino hiking shirt for milder days, merino leggings with side pockets, and our neck gaiter and hand warmers for the cold bits.
Planning a big winter walk? Read our Larapinta Trail packing list for desert nights, or what to wear on a day hike.
