As the new year begins, what better way to welcome a fresh start than by embarking on a rejuvenating hike? Nature awaits, ready to inspire and invigorate your spirit. To assist you in preparing for this adventure, we've compiled an excellent list of the Top 30 Products ideal for a first-day hike in January. So, lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the crisp air, and prepare to explore the great outdoors!
Why Hiking is the Perfect Start to the Year
Reconnect with Nature: Embrace the beauty around you and find peace in the serenity of the wilderness.
Boost Your Mood: Physical activity releases endorphins, lifting your spirits and energizing your mind.
Set Intentions: Use this time to reflect on your goals for the year ahead.
Build Resilience: Overcoming challenges on the trail strengthens your resolve for the year to come.
Explore the Best Winter Hiking Gear
Check out our carefully curated list of products to ensure you are well-equipped to take on the trails.
Bonus: Read our Guide to First-Day Hikes to learn more about the offerings in all 50 States.
Clothing & Accessories
A cozy, lightweight fleece perfect for layering during chilly January hikes, the Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip fleece is made from soft 100% polyester MTR filament fleece for warmth. It features two side zippered pockets for security, a collared neck with zippered closure for comfort, and a modern classic fit designed for active outdoor activities, making it an essential for cold weather.
This 33,000ft men's lightweight fleece-lined jacket is waterproof and breathable, featuring a 3-layer design: an outer soft shell, a TPU membrane, and an inner fleece lining (8000mm waterproof, 1000g/m2/24hr breathability). It has 7 utility pockets, including 2 zippered hand-warmer pockets and 2 chest pockets. The jacket is lightweight and flexible, with a neck collar, drawcord hem, and chin guard for comfort, while the stretchy fabric enhances mobility. Additionally, it is stain and abrasion resistant, windproof, and retains heat while allowing airflow.
Experience comfort on the trail with our multi-purpose merino wool hiking socks, featuring a seamless toe and a 4-degree elite fit system for a natural feel. Designed with light cushioning, they provide comfort for extended hikes without crowding your boots, while the crew length prevents chafing and fits well with various footwear. Softer than standard wool, these socks wick sweat, neutralize odors, and regulate temperature, ensuring you stay comfortable in any season.
4. Cuddl Duds
Keep your family warm with Cuddl Duds cold-weather ready 2-piece thermal set featuring a soft brushed fleece interior, a matte exterior, and moisture-wicking fabric that quickly absorbs and evaporates moisture. Sets include spandex stretch for flexible comfort during active play, ensuring they stay cozy on chilly adventures. Thermal underwear offers 50+ protection against harmful UV rays, with a thumbhole sleeve top, modern rise leggings, and a functional fly for all-day comfort. Enjoy warmth without bulk in our stylish base layer sets, designed with a tag-free label to minimize irritation and provide a smooth, itch-free experience.
Windproof and insulated gloves to ensure your hands stay warm. Fabric Performance: Breathable, Lightweight, Moisture-Wicking, Quick-Drying. Ideal for cold conditions, these gloves are excellent for maintaining hand warmth.
6. Carhartt Hat
Carhartt is renowned for its high-quality outdoor apparel and equipment. Their fashionable, warm beanie is both soft and stretchy, ensuring maximum comfort.
This versatile accessory can be worn as a scarf, headband, or face cover, providing extra warmth in various styles suitable for most adults. Made from 100% natural, cruelty-free Merino wool sourced from content sheep in Australia, it’s perfect for year-round activities like hiking and camping, making it an eco-friendly choice for adventurers. The fabric naturally inhibits bacterial growth and odors, ensuring excellent temperature regulation and lasting freshness. Lightweight and soft against the skin, it moves with you, making it ideal for any activity in any season. Additionally, the brand is committed to the well-being of the planet, having recycled over 41 million plastic bottles into their products and achieving Certified B Corp status.
Columbia provides a diverse range of waterproof jackets designed for optimal warmth. Select the perfect jacket to suit your climate. It's essential for unexpected winter rain or snow. No need to worry if it begins to drizzle or the wind strengthens—this jacket's water-and-wind-resistant exterior has you protected.
9. Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion
The USA-made closed cell foam camping seat is a lightweight (2 oz) and durable option, providing excellent insulation and comfort on uneven terrain. Ideal for hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and stadium events, it features puncture-resistant foam and a bungee cord for easy transport. Its reflective ThermaCapture surface offers warmth with an R-Value of 2.6. When open, it measures 16 x 13 x 0.75 inches and folds to 12 x 2.5 x 2.75 inches, making it perfect for sitting on wet or snowy ground.
Ideal for outdoor activities, Oakley Plutonite Lenses provide complete UV protection, blocking all UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400mm. The lightweight Plutonite lens material from Oakley ensures excellent comfort, clarity, and defense against impact and UV radiation.
Footwear
These all-terrain, waterproof boots provide support, traction, and comfort on diverse trails. The waterproof membrane keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape. The upper is made of pig suede leather and breathable mesh. The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and enhances stability. Available for men, women, and children.
Reaching mid-calf, this sock height is perfect for casual and dress wear, providing a streamlined alternative to traditional crew socks. It offers comfort with no slipping, bunching, or blisters, thanks to breathable All Weather Performance fiber that keeps feet cool in summer and warm in winter. Lightweight yet strong, it features a thin cushioning layer and True Seamless technology for an ultra-smooth feel. The undetectable seam fusion and high-density knitting create a comfortable, durable sock without added bulk.
Slip these aggressive traction cleats on your boots for enhanced grip on icy paths, featuring 16 stainless steel spikes (3/8 to 1/2 inches) on each foot for stable footing on steep slopes. With a robust stainless steel framework and heavy-duty rubber webbing for durability, these cleats include thick elastomer binding that fits securely over most boots and come with a lightweight carrying bag. Ideal for hiking, the medium size fits women’s 4.5-8 and men’s 3.5-6, weighing just 0.84 pounds.
Stay warm and dry in Columbia's insulated boots with styles for men, women, and children, perfect for snowy first-day hikes. The waterproof leather upper features our seam-sealed membrane bootie construction and lightweight midsole, which provides long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.
Superfeet insoles are cut-to-fit; follow cutting guidelines. If between sizes, choose larger and trim. They offer medium to high arch support with an orthotic shape that stabilizes the foot on uneven surfaces, reducing stress on feet, ankles, knees, and back. Made from a durable EVOLyte carbon fiber and polymer blend, they provide stability for trails. The Moisturewick top layer minimizes odors, while the insoles feature medium thickness and dual-layer cushioning. Formerly Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort, these insoles enhance arch support and comfort for long walks on uneven terrain.
Hydration & Snacks
This 32 oz wide mouth insulated water bottle features a leakproof Flex Straw Cap, making it easy to fill with ice and sip. The stainless steel construction keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Its double-wall vacuum insulation maintains the temperature of beverages, keeping them hot or cold for long durations. TempShield insulation guarantees that drinks remain cold throughout the day, which is crucial for staying hydrated.
CamelBak provides a range of hydration packs suitable for all outdoor activities. The CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hiking Hydration Pack, 70oz, shown here, includes Body Mapping Technology for optimal ventilation in the warmest areas of your back, side cargo pockets and compression straps, a removable waist strap for added stability when necessary, a secure phone pocket conveniently located with a zipper closure for quick and secure access, and a trekking pole carry feature for easy removal or replacement of poles while running.
18. Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tablets
Drop these into water for a refreshing electrolyte boost. Nuun Sport offers proactive hydration with effervescent tablets that hydrate better than water alone. Each tablet replenishes electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise, containing 300mg Sodium, 150mg Potassium, 40mg Chloride, 25mg Magnesium, and 13mg Calcium. Keep a tube handy for hydration before, during, and after exercise.
19. Clif Bars
Convenient, nutritious snacks for mid-hike fuel, CLIF BAR energy bars come in a variety of flavors. CLIF BARs are non-GMO and made with whole food, plant-based ingredients like organic rolled oats for great taste and energy, designed with protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support active bodies during long, moderate-intensity activities. Produced in LEED certified bakeries using renewable electricity, they promote a sustainable food system and provide lasting energy for hiking, climbing, skiing, or biking, conveniently packaged for easy transport.
A delicious, protein-packed snack perfect for hiking. Power Up chooses premium ingredients that are good for both nutrition and the environment. They offer a variety of flavors and mixes to match your tastes. This trail mix is also gluten-free and vegan.
Backpacks & Gear
21. Osprey Daypack
Osprey offers a variety of lightweight and versatile hiking backpacks for men, women, and children, all with plenty of compartments. These TSA-friendly bags are an ideal carry-on as well. Best of all, Osprey stands by their products and offers a lifetime guarantee to repair or replace any damaged products.
22. Deuter Backpack
Compact, ergonomic, and comfortable for day hikes, Deuter provides backpacks for men, women, and children, all backed by a lifetime guarantee. With a wide range of styles and options, they have something to suit every outdoor enthusiast.
These trekking poles provide stability and reduce knee strain on uneven or snowy surfaces. Black Diamond, based in Utah since 1957, manufactures high-quality outdoor gear, including trekking poles that come with a 2-year warranty. Features include 7075 aluminum shafts adjustable from 100-140 cm, an ergonomic cork grip, EVA foam grip extension, FlickLock technology for easy adjustments, and a fusion comfort strap for support.
These budget-friendly, collapsible trekking poles are ideal for hikers. The Trek-Z Ergonomic Trekking Poles (set of 2) encourage you to take more steps. They offer additional support and allow you to walk comfortably. The cork grip absorbs sweat from your hands, keeping them drier, while the EVA foam shafts ensure a firm grip in all-terrain conditions. Trek-Z hiking sticks make an excellent gift for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate lightweight and compact hiking gear!
25. Frelaxy Dry Bag
Protect your gear from rain or snow with these dry bags made of waterproof material. This set includes 5 ultralight Dry Sacks in five distinct colors and sizes (3L, 5L, 10L, 15L, 20L), allowing you to easily identify the contents. Perfectly designed for storing food, clothes, hats, and all outdoor gear. Ideal for backpacking, hiking, kayaking, boating, camping, cycle touring, travel, and more.
Safety & Navigation
The reliable handheld GPS is essential for backcountry navigation. It features a 2.2" sunlight-readable color display (240 x 320 pixels) and Topo Active maps with routable biking and hiking trails. It supports GPS and GLONASS for tracking in challenging areas, includes 8 GB of internal storage with a micro SD card slot, and has a battery life of up to 25 hours in GPS mode using 2 AA batteries.
National Geographic's travel guide covers recreational areas, trails, historic sites, nature hikes, seashores, camping, and campgrounds. This 544-page resource is the ultimate planner for national parks, featuring full-color photographs, detailed maps, historical context, and practical information on park locations, optimal visit times, and top activities.
Experience hands-free lighting for early morning or late evening hikes with Petzl headlamps, which retain 50% brightness halfway through their burn time. They use a CORE rechargeable or three AAA batteries, can be angled for optimal lighting, and include a battery indicator and glow-in-the-dark reflector. A lock function prevents accidental activation and battery drain when not in use.
LifeStraw is a compact device that safely filters water from natural sources, removing 99.999999% of bacteria (including E. coli and Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), and microplastics as small as 1 micron, while reducing turbidity to 0.2 microns. All claims are verified by US EPA, NSF, and ASTM standards. The microbiological filter provides 4,000 liters (1,000 gallons) of clean water with proper use. For each Lifestraw purchased, a child in need receives safe drinking water for a school year, and the device is made from BPA-free materials.
A lightweight yet comprehensive kit to ensure your safety on the trail, this emergency kit contains adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, a cold pack, and other versatile first aid items. Perfect for workplace and home use, it is housed in a soft-sided zippered case with clear plastic pockets to keep supplies organized and easy to find. It features two separate layers with individual compartments for quick and easy access to emergency supplies.
This list covers all the essentials for staying warm, safe, and prepared on your First-Day Hike—and more winter hikes whether you're exploring snowy trails, state parks, or hidden natural gems! Each item enhances comfort and adventure for a memorable New Year's Day outdoors. 🥾✨
Comments