What to Bring When Snowshoeing: Top Accessories for the Day Hiker

A claim to fame for snowshoeing is that it is considered one of the least expensive outdoor sports, given that all you need are snowshoes. And true, you can be off and running or hiking pretty quickly. But like any other recreation, there are other items besides your snowshoes that you’ll need to bring to have a successful snowshoeing outing.

Please note that the accessories listed below (outside of the basics) are my personal preference, and each person is different in their needs. These accessories are meant for backcountry trails outside of the city. If you’re not interested or ready to snowshoe in the backcountry, you can always stay close to home and snowshoe in your local park, golf course, or within the town.

accessories to bring when snowshoeing

Here is all the gear I take on a day’s adventure in the backcountry.

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The Basics

First, let’s start with the basics and those essential for any snowshoeing day trip.

1. Appropriate Clothing

Appropriate clothing is essential on the list of what to bring snowshoeing. Like many others, I sweat when I hike.  So, I dress in layers to keep cool when moving and stay warm when sitting. Layers and clothing items might include:

  • Merino wool or polyester base layer top
  • polyester, fleece, or down mid-layer top for insulation
  • a hardshell outer layer jacket that can withstand the elements
  • Merino wool long underwear for cold days
  • hiking pants that are waterproof or water-resistant
  • non-cotton socks
  • waterproof hiking boots or shoes
  • warm wool cap
  • waterproof gloves (with glove liners for cold days)

Besides what I wear, I always pack extra dry clothing, including a spare cap, socks, and gloves. I may pack an extra shirt and pants for a long day. I want to be sure I am dry not only for comfort reasons but in the event of an emergency that would leave me stranded in the woods for a while.

Read More: 
Thin Shell Layering
Snowshoeing Dress Code: Tips for What Clothing to Wear

2. Water

Staying hydrated is also extremely important, even in the wintertime. I carry a tin cup (like this stainless cup/pot) in my pack, so I can heat water or purify melted snow or ice into water if needed.

I also carry two water bottles and do not fill them to the top, allowing space for the water to splash about as I hike. Not filling the bottles to the top helps keep the water bottles from freezing in frigid temperatures.

Read More: Hydro Flasks for the Cold, the Hot, and the Snuggly

3. Food

And I’ll take some food in my pack to keep me nourished. Snacks should be the ones least likely to freeze, but that can also provide some fuel on a strenuous hike. Some examples could include beef jerky, dried fruit, or trail mix. I may also carry hot chocolate or soup mix for a warm refresher along the trail.

Read More:
Nutrition for Winter Activities: A Beginner’s Guide
Snowshoeing Snacks and Nutrition Tips for Your Next Outing

Snowshoeing Accessories

In addition to the basics, there are always those little extra things that fall under the classification of “accessories.” As I prepare to head out for a day of snowshoeing on a backcountry trail, there are accessories that I take with me.

These accessories are optional but can be a handy addition to your snowshoes, depending on the conditions and type of trail.

1. Hiking Staff or Poles

At the top of my list is my hiking staff. Some snowshoers use trekking poles or Nordic walking poles for aerobic purposes. I prefer using a single staff to help balance on varying terrain, assisting with momentum when ascending and breaking my gait when descending.

A pole reduces stress on my knees and back and is handy for measuring snow depth. I use a lightweight, collapsible aluminum staff with a carbide tip and plastic snow basket at the staff’s end (this MSR pole also works).

Whether you choose to use poles or not is a matter of preference. Many snowshoers will go without poles for their outing, and that’s perfectly fine, too. For those snowshoers that do use poles, they tend to be especially helpful for steep snowshoe climbs.

Read More:
10 Reasons To Use Poles While Snowshoeing
Are Two Poles Better Than One?

2. Gaiters

Similar to poles, whether you choose to use gaiters or not is a matter of preference. They are especially helpful, though, when snowshoeing in deep snow. Since gaiters cover the gap between your shoes and pants, they can prevent snow and ice from accidentally getting into your shoes while on your outing.

Depending on your intent, there are several different sizes and features of gaiters. For example, you may wear a calf-length gaiter for extra warmth and to prevent snow seepage in several feet of snow, especially if wearing an all-season hiking shoe.

Read More:
Gaiters: How to Choose
Kahtoola NAVAgaiter: A Gaiter for Any Terrain

3. Traction Device

Bringing a pair of crampons or other traction devices is wise if snowshoeing in unpredictable terrain or on ice. The springtime is primarily known for trails with changing conditions. You may start your hike with minimal snow or ice but then progress to areas of deep and sinking snow. By bringing your snowshoes and a traction device, you’re prepared for whatever the trail may throw at you.

You may be thinking, why not just use my snowshoes for all conditions? The crampons/teeth underneath the snowshoe are intended for extra grip, but the crampons are not the primary purpose of the snowshoe. Snowshoes are designed to provide floatation and thrive in deep snow conditions.

Using snowshoes on pure ice or shallow, slippery snow can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the snowshoe teeth. However, a traction device such as Kahtoola Microspikes or Yaktrax Ascent is built specifically for navigating icy and slippery conditions where deep snow is not present.

Read More:
How to Choose the Best Trail: Tips for Learning When You Need Snowshoes
Yaktrax Reviews: The Ascent and Summit for Slippery Climbs

Accessories for Your Daypack

Now that you’ve decided what accessories to bring to help with your snowshoeing activities, let’s discuss the accessories to put in your pack. You’ll always want to bring a backpack for any day outing. It will help you store food, water, and other safety and convenience items you may need along the trail.

I use a 2,100 cubic-inch pack with elastic bottle holders on both sides and a nylon hip belt for my daypack. Each person has varying needs for a backpack, but size and comfort are typically at the top of the list.

Read More:
Choosing a Backpack: Features to Consider for Backcountry Snowshoeing
Mystery Ranch Scree 32L Backpack Review: The Versatile Daypack

In my pack goes a variety of items that I bring on my snowshoeing outings, including the following:

1. First Aid Kit

For safety, I always pack a first aid kit. I know the contents of my kit and how to use it.

Basic first aid kits will want to include an antibacterial gel such as Neosporin, adhesive bandages, wraps for more significant wounds or fractures, pain and allergy medications, and medical tape. You never know when you might need it, so it’s always best to pack a first aid kit just in case.

Read More: Gear Review of Adventure Medical Kits: Ultralight and Watertight First Aid Kits

2. Emergency Blanket

Also in my pack is an emergency blanket. The blanket is a NASA-like aluminum foil material that helps hold in body heat when wrapped around you. You may invest more in a larger blanket, which can also serve as an emergency tarp or shelter.

You may not think you need an emergency blanket for a day hike, but you never know what could happen while on the trail.

Read More: Emergency Tips from Snowshoer Stranded for 30 Hours in Central Washington

3. Ice Grips

Also, along the line of safety, I carry a set of ice grips or an ice ax. The grip is a handle with a retractable plastic casing that, when slammed into ice, will reveal a long, sharp nail. Periodically, I will cross frozen water, and I always have my grips handy in the event of going through the ice.

I live in the Midwest, so I do not use mountain gear. But for those who snowshoe in the mountains, take the necessary accessories to provide you with a safe adventure. For example, if traveling in avalanche areas, you’ll want to complete the proper training and bring the appropriate gear (like a probe, transceiver, snow shovel, or a complete rescue package) and possibly an ice ax.

Read More:
Why Use Snowshoes on Your Next Mountaineering Adventure
Why All Snowshoers Should be Avalanche Aware (Even Beginners)

4. Gear for Fire

As I dig further into my pack, I have a few items to start a fire. These include:

  • candle
  • a box of waterproof matches
  • a fire starter

For full-day trips, I carry a miniature stove and gas canister.  In an emergency, starting a fire in winter and staying warm is critical to survival in the backcountry.

Read More: The Winter Campfire: A Primer for Snowshoers and Campers

5. Protection from Sun and Wind

There are three items you’ll want to bring with you while snowshoeing to help protect you from the sun and wind. These include:

  • sunglasses (ideally polarized)
  • sunscreen
  • chapstick

Even when hiking on cloudy days, sun prevention is essential. The mountains can pose an even greater need for prevention from the elements since it is at a higher elevation. The handy thing about winter accessories is that you don’t need bug spray.

Read More: 8 Reasons Why Winter Hiking Rocks

6. Hygiene

For hygiene, it’s best to follow the Leave No Trace principles. I pack the following items for hygiene:

  • a small amount of toilet paper
  • double duty plastic bag for packing it out (doggie bags will also work)
  • hand sanitizer

If the ground is not frozen, you can also pack a small shovel for doing your business instead.

Read More: Leave No Trace Principles for Snowshoers

7. Navigation

In a side compartment of my daypack, I stuff a map and compass. Of course, being able to read a map and compass is just as important as having one. A GPS could also be used for navigation if needed.

Even on a marked trail, always have a park map just in case. These items are all helpful in finding your way if you get lost.

Read More:
Preparing for the Worst (Just in Case): A Story of Survival
Compass and Map Reading 101

8. Whistle

Also, a whistle (like this one) is in that same compartment. If lost, it makes a valuable signaling device. Three blasts on the whistle or three signals of any type are international signs of distress.

9. Pocket Knife

While snowshoeing, a small pocket knife with a few useful tools (such as these five options or these self-defense knives) could be beneficial. The knife blade could be a cooking tool, protection, or emergency cutting.

Read More: Why It’s Smart To Carry A Knife While Snowshoeing

10. Light

Finally, an LED headlamp (like this one) fills the remainder of the side compartment in my pack. The light is helpful if I run a little late, as dark comes early in winter.

Read More: 
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11. Snowshoe Repair Kit

A final accessory is my homemade snowshoe repair kit. In the kit are the following:

  • small needle nose pliers (or carry a multi-tool and eliminate the knife)
  • about five feet of wire
  • plastic cable ties
  • boot laces
  • duct tape

Duct tape has limitations in cold weather but can still be useful. The wire, clips, and lace can all be used to attach a broken segment of decking onto your snowshoe frame and for rigging up a damaged binding.

If anything, at least bringing along a piece of rope while on the trail will help the emergency that your snowshoe breaks.

Read More: The Homemade Snowshoe Repair Kit

Bring What You Need While Snowshoeing

Well, that’s about it for accessories you’ll need to bring when snowshoeing on the trail; for me, that is. I know of people who take much less. And I know of people who take more with them. Some folks might add to their pack a GPS, cell phone, radio, binoculars, and the list can go on.

What you bring with you snowshoeing is all a matter of individual preference related to comfort and safety. Use this list as a starting point to make your choices of accessories and enjoy a day of snowshoeing out on the trail.

What about you? What accessories do you bring with you out on the trail? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

This article was originally published on November 21, 2005. Susan Wowk updated it to include relevant and additional information on February 15, 2021, and it was most recently updated on October 19, 2023.

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