What to Wear for Rucking in Winter

As winter approaches, dedicated ruckers start preparing for colder weather rucking. Proper layering and material selection are key to staying comfortable on those long, cold winter rucks. At Ruckliving, we believe the right clothing makes all the difference in having an enjoyable experience versus a miserable one. In this article, we'll share our top tips on how to dress for rucking success once the temperatures start dropping.

The Base Layer

Let's start from the ground up. A good base layer is your foundation for cold weather activity. For rucking, you want to avoid cotton at all costs since it holds moisture against your skin. Instead, synthetic or wool base layers work best. They wick moisture away while providing insulation. We're fans of wool base layers from brands like Smartwool and Icebreaker. For tops, choose crew neck styles to prevent any skin exposure at your waistline. On the bottom, go for legging styles that also offer ankle coverage.

When shopping for a base layer, pay close attention to the fabric content. Merino wool is a top choice for its softness, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking abilities. Brands like Icebreaker and Smartwool offer merino wool tops and bottoms designed specifically for high-output activities like rucking. For synthetics, look for polyester or nylon fabrics, staying away from cotton blends. Polygiene technology can help synthetic fabrics stay fresher for longer. Thickness is another consideration - lightweight 150-200-weight fabrics are ideal for high-energy activities done in cold but not frigid temperatures.

The Mid Layer

Next up is your mid-layer. This is where you add lightweight insulation without overheating. Fleece tops and bottoms are ideal for this layer. Go for quarter zips over full zips since the latter can lead to ventilation issues. For pants, avoid cotton sweatpants. They hold moisture and lack breathability. Opt for fleece or soft-shell pants instead. Brands like Outdoor Research and Patagonia offer great mid-layer options. An alternative to fleece bottoms is adding base layer leggings under a pair of durable running/hiking pants. This allows more customization of layers.

For mid-layers, fleece is hard to beat. Look for polyester or wool-blend fleece that provides warmth without significant weight. Features like thumbholes and high collars add extra coverage. For jackets, opt for 1/4 zips over full zips, as the latter can lead to too much ventilation and cooling. If you go full zip, look for internal draft flaps for extra protection. Hoods are beneficial but can impede helmet use. For pants, fleece is warmer than soft shell materials. But soft-shell offers greater weather protection and breathability. One trick is wearing base layer tights or leggings under soft shell pants for customizable warmth.

The Shell Layer

Time for the outer shell layer, your protection from wind, rain, and snow. For jackets, waterproof and breathable fabrics are key. Avoid solid plastic rain jackets, as they don't allow enough ventilation. Some great jacket brands are Outdoor Research, Marmot, Patagonia, and Arc'teryx. Look for features like helmet-compatible hoods, pit zips, and adjustable wrists and hems. For pants, soft shell styles work well since they resist light moisture while offering breathability. Hardshell pants can be overly warm and restrictive. Some of our favorite soft-shell pant brands are Prana, Outdoor Research, and Patagonia.

Your shell layer keeps you dry in wet conditions while blocking wind and snow. For jackets, two and three-layer waterproof/breathable fabrics are best. Brands like Gore-Tex, eVent, and proprietary fabrics from Outdoor Research and Patagonia excel here. Look for fully taped seams to prevent leaks. If going hardshell for pants, seek outside zips for ventilation. Softshell pants offer better breathability and mobility. For extreme cold, gaiters can add extra protection by sealing gaps between pants and boots. Adjustable hoods, cuffs, hems, and waistbands allow you to seal out drafts and snow while avoiding overheating.

The Extremities

Don't forget your head, hands, and feet! For your head, go for a thin wool or fleece beanie. Make sure to size it to fit so that it is not too loose. For gloves, waterproof shells with removable wool/fleece liners allow versatility. We like gloves from Outdoor Research, Hestra, and Black Diamond. Finally, socks and shoes complete your winter rucking kit. Feet sweat a lot, so good moisture wicking is key. Wool hiking socks paired with waterproof, insulated boots are your best bet. Some top boot brands are Salomon, Lowa, Oboz, and Merrell; but if you want to learn more, check out one of our previous articles about shoes for rucking.

Hands, heads, and feet see the most exposure in cold weather. For gloves, waterproof/breathable shells with removable liners allow you to regulate warmth. Look for cuff extensions to seal out drafts. Mittens are warmer than gloves but compromise dexterity. For your head, wool or fleece beanies insulate while wicking moisture. Make sure they fit under your helmet. Neck gaiters or balaclavas add face protection. For footwear, insulated, waterproof boots with aggressive traction like Vibram soles are ideal. Wool hiking socks help manage moisture while preventing blisters. We recommend trying on boots with any orthotics you use to ensure a good fit.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Now that we've covered the clothing layers, here are some additional winter rucking tips:

• Apply anti-chafe balms to prevent skin irritation under clothing seams and straps

• Stash chemical hand warmers in jacket pockets or gloves for emergency warmth

• Ensure all clothing layers fit comfortably over one another without tight spots

• Conduct a "test ruck" in new gear to confirm adequate warmth and comfort

• Avoid cotton and down, which lose insulating value when wet

• Carry extra wool socks for quick changes if your feet get wet

• Watch out for overheating - ventilate as needed, remove layers, and hydrate

• Wear bright colors for visibility if rucking near traffic

• Don't forget sun protection - the winter sun can still burn

• Invest in quality clothing - it's worth it for performance, durability and comfort

• Store an extra base layer in your vehicle in case you need to change it after

• Stay safe - alter plans if conditions are dangerous due to cold or storms

With the right winter gear, you can comfortably log miles all season long and maybe even set some PRs! Layer up without overheating using our tips above. Most importantly, get out there this winter and enjoy some frosty rucks! At Ruckliving, we'll be right there with you. Get in touch with us and let us know your favorite winter rucking clothing!