Cold mornings, wind at elevation, and long days outside the vehicle demand a clothing system that performs. We tested winter layers and essentials during a trip to White Pass, Washington—splitting time between skiing, camp life, and snow-covered trails—to find gear that keeps overlanders comfortable when temperatures drop.
Winter overlanding brings a different set of challenges than summer travel. Cold mornings, wind at higher elevations, and long days outside the vehicle mean your clothing system needs to work as hard as the rest of your gear.
Whether you’re setting up camp in the snow, exploring winter trails on a snowmobile, or waking up before sunrise for a day on the slopes, the right gear will help keep you feel comfortable and focused on the adventure.
The gear was tested during a winter trip to White Pass in Washington, where conditions ranged from wet snowfall to freezing overnight temps. We spent time on and off the mountain, splitting days between skiing and camp life, while enjoying downtime with the team at 10 Barrel Brewing as they rolled out their Scout Camper collaboration, Camp Coldie.
Between early mornings, long stretches outside, and plenty of time around camp, it was a solid proving ground for gear that needs to perform beyond just a quick day trip.
For this gear guide, we put together a winter-ready kit that works well for overlanders who split their time between driving, exploring, and spending time outdoors around camp. From dependable base layers and weatherproof shells to gloves, eyewear, and a few recreational accessories.
Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Crew & Pants
Description: The LIFA Merino Midweight base layers combine Helly Hansen’s LIFA synthetic fibers with merino wool to create a two-layer system that manages moisture while maintaining warmth. The synthetic LIFA interior pulls moisture away from the skin while the merino exterior provides natural insulation and odor resistance during multi-day use.
OVR’s Opinion: When you’re living out of a vehicle for a few days or more, base layers need to be warm, breathable, and able to handle repeated wear. The LIFA Merino system checks all three boxes and works just as well for winter activities as it does for relaxing around camp.
MSRP: Crew: $105 / Pants: $105
URL: www.hellyhansen.com
KÜHL Spekter Pullover Hoody
Description: The Spekter Pullover Hoody is designed as a versatile mid-layer built for comfort and performance. The fabric blend of polyester, cotton, lyocell, and elastane creates a soft and breathable layer that offers warmth without excessive bulk. Zippered kangaroo pockets, thumb loops, and a structured hood make it easy to layer under jackets.
OVR’s Opinion: This is the kind of hoodie that quickly becomes your go-to travel layer. It’s comfortable enough for long drives, warm enough for chilly evenings around camp, and functional enough to serve as a mid-layer under a shell when temperatures drop. We especially love the zippered pockets to ensure nothing gets lost while adventuring.
MSRP: $109
URL: www.kuhl.com
Helly Hansen Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket
Description: The Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket uses HELLY TECH Professional waterproof and breathable fabric to protect against wind, snow, and wet weather. Designed for movement in alpine environments, it features articulated sleeves, underarm vents, and a helmet-compatible hood.
OVR’s Opinion: A dependable shell jacket is essential when winter weather rolls in unexpectedly. The Verglas offers excellent weather protection while remaining breathable enough for active use, making it a solid layer whether you’re on the slopes or dealing with windy conditions at camp.
MSRP: $425
URL: www.hellyhansen.com
Helly Hansen Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Pants
Description: Built to pair with the Verglas jacket, these shell pants feature HELLY TECH Professional waterproof protection and reinforced construction for durability. Large ventilation zippers help regulate temperature during movement while the articulated design maintains natural mobility.
OVR’s Opinion: No matter how you spend your time in the snow, these shell pants provide dependable protection without feeling restrictive. They’re especially useful when setting up camp in winter conditions or heading out on the mountain for some snowboarding or skiing fun.
MSRP: $315
URL: www.hellyhansen.com
Hestra Ergo Grip CZone Vernum 5-Finger Gloves
Description: The Hestra Ergo Grip CZone Vernum gloves combine impregnated cowhide leather with Hestra’s ergonomic seam construction for excellent dexterity and comfort. A waterproof and breathable CZone membrane keeps moisture out while the lightly insulated lining provides warmth without sacrificing mobility.
OVR’s Opinion: Dexterity matters when you’re working with gear in cold weather. Whether you’re setting up camp or enjoying some recreational time in the snow, these gloves provide the warmth you need without forcing you to take them off every few minutes. We found these to be incredibly warm and comfortable even in sub-20 degree weather.
MSRP: $175
URL: www.hestragloves.com
Smith Method MIPS Helmet
Description: The Smith Method MIPS helmet features lightweight ABS construction with a minimalist design built for durability and comfort. Eight fixed vents help regulate airflow while the self-adjusting Lifestyle Fit System provides a secure fit.
OVR’s Opinion: Many overlanders plan winter trips around skiing or snowboarding, and the Method is a reliable helmet that works well for both resort days and backcountry touring. Simple, comfortable, and durable, it’s easy to pack along for winter adventures. The helmet is comfortable and securly holds a pair of goggles in place while on the mountain.
MSRP: $160
URL: www.smithoptics.com
Smith Squad MAG Goggles
Description: The Squad MAG goggles feature Smith’s magnetic lens-change system paired with ChromaPop lenses designed to enhance contrast and clarity in snowy environments. The cylindrical lens design offers a wide field of view while maintaining a low-profile fit.
OVR’s Opinion: Changing weather conditions can drastically affect visibility in the mountains. The Squad MAG system makes lens swaps fast and easy, while the ChromaPop optics provide crisp vision when reading various terrain. The goggles are lightweight, comfortable, and provide fog-free clarity even in poor weather.
MSRP: $253
URL: www.smithoptics.com
Smith Sliders Sunglasses
Description: The Smith Sliders sunglasses combine lightweight frames with ChromaPop lenses designed to enhance color and clarity. Built with durable materials and everyday styling, they transition easily between outdoor activities and daily wear.
OVR’s Opinion: A reliable pair of sunglasses is essential for long drives, sunny trail days, and bright winter conditions. The Sliders offer excellent optics in a comfortable frame that’s easy to wear all day.
MSRP: $197
URL: www.smithoptics.com
Danner Arctic 600 Boots
Description: The Arctic 600 boots combine winter-ready performance with everyday comfort. Featuring Vibram Arctic Grip outsoles designed for traction on icy surfaces and 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, the boots provide warmth and stability in slippery conditions.
OVR’s Opinion: Winter campsites can be icy and uneven, making traction and warmth critical. The Arctic 600 offers dependable grip and insulation while still looking good enough for everyday wear during travel. They are incredibly comfortable while driving and provide ample warmth and grip in the cold. One detail that makes these boots stand out is the zipper that makes taking on and off the boots simple.
MSRP: $300
URL: www.danner.com
Farm to Feet Snow Waitsfield 2.0 Socks
Description: The Waitsfield 2.0 Snow sock from Farm to Feet is a lightweight, over-the-calf merino wool ski sock designed for comfort and performance in cold conditions. Built with U.S.-sourced merino wool, the sock naturally regulates temperature while wicking moisture and resisting odor. Targeted light cushioning adds padding in key areas without creating excess bulk inside boots, while a seamless toe closure reduces friction and helps prevent blisters. The blend of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra provides durability, stretch, and a secure fit for long days in winter footwear.
OVR’s Opinion: Cold feet can ruin a winter trip quickly. The Waitsfield 2.0 strikes a great balance between warmth and low bulk, making it ideal for snowboarding boots or winter hiking boots. The merino wool also helps keep odors in check during multi-day trips when laundry isn’t exactly part of the plan. These were ultra comfortable and provided much needed warmth throughout the day.
MSRP: $39
URL: www.farmtofeet.com
Ignik Ripple Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Description: The Ripple Rechargeable Hand Warmers provide portable heat in a compact, rechargeable system. The warmers heat up quickly and offer multiple heat settings, with battery life that can last several hours depending on the mode used. A magnetic charging dock allows multiple units to recharge from a single USB-C cable.
OVR’s Opinion: Cold mornings at camp are part of the winter experience, but frozen hands don’t have to be. The Ripple system is a smart upgrade from disposable hand warmers, providing reusable heat that can be kept in gloves, pockets, or sleeping bags for quick warmth. They charge quickly and pack up nicely in the included case. These are extremely convenient and portable making them a no-brainer to include in all cold weather kits.
MSRP: $129.95 (4-pack)
URL: www.ignik.com
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