Written by Shawna (@shawna.go)
Learning to Love Winter
A few years ago, I decided to stop complaining about how much I hated winter and do something to make it more enjoyable. I started simple - extending hiking all year long. Now, I keep adding new activities - snowshoeing, skating, and winter camping. And while I’m always happy to see spring blooms peeking through as the snow melts, my new mindset of embracing winter really helps make the cold days and long nights a lot more bearable!
Dressing for the Cold: Lessons Learned the Hard Way
One of the first things I learned when gearing up to spend hours outside in sub-zero temperatures was the importance of dressing appropriately for the weather. Wearing natural fibres and layering were two crucial lessons that I learned early on, and I quickly learned that merino base layers are an absolute must when I’m getting ready to head outside.
I decided to go winter camping for my final adventure of 2025. Think: blustery, snowy weather for daytime activities like skating and hiking, and -27 °C temperatures overnight in the tent. That’s where Icebreaker comes in!
Why Natural Fibres Matter in Winter
So why is it so important to wear natural fibres in cold weather? Merino wool naturally thermoregulates, keeping you warm in colder temps and cool in warmer weather. It self-adjusts based on what your body needs at any given moment. Unlike cotton, merino naturally pulls moisture away from your skin so it can be released into the air. If you’re spending time outdoors, this is critical for safety - damp fabrics can cool rapidly when the temperature drops. Fabrics like cotton trap moisture and take much longer to dry, putting you at greater risk for hypothermia. Merino will actually trap heat and act as insulation, even when wet.
Layering Smarter: Staying Warm Without Overheating
Reducing moisture is essential for managing damp fabrics, which is where layering becomes important. I tend to run hot while hiking, so I follow the advice: “Be bold, start cold.” If I start hiking with all my layers on, I quickly start sweating. Then I have to stop and remove my jacket and stash it in my pack. Instead, I prefer to start slightly chilly, wearing layers that are easy to remove, like gloves and a hat. A responsible hiker is always prepared, so I pack extra layers beyond what I expect to need. During snack breaks or when enjoying summit views, I can get cold quickly, so I use my extra layers to stay warm until I get moving again.
My Go-To Winter Base Layers
Winter hiking layering typically consists of a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer or shell layer. While synthetic base layers are an option, I prefer the benefits of merino.
For my winter adventures, I reach for the Icebreaker Oasis 200 Leggings and the Oasis 200 LS Crewe. The 200 series is a midweight option, making it suitable for warmer weather as well. Merino is naturally odour-resistant, so even if I work up a sweat, it doesn’t get the stink that synthetic fabrics do - if you know, you know. This means these pieces will last for years without the need to discard them due to odour issues.
Mid-Layers That Move With You
I usually skip a mid-layer bottom since I run warm, but I prefer a mid-layer in lieu of a bulkier jacket on top. In the past, I typically wore a bulky fleece sweater as my mid-layer, but I recently upgraded to the Icebreaker Merino Blend 300 RealFleece Descender Long Sleeve Zip.
I can’t believe how much warmth this lightweight jacket provides, and it’s super packable, making it perfect for travel as well. Without the bulk of fleece, I feel more freedom; I’ve often complained about feeling restricted when hiking in winter layers, and the Descender eliminates that problem.
The jacket is packed with features, including thumbholes, cuffs that fold over into mittens, and a zip pocket for securing valuables. The hem is longer in the back for extra coverage and warmth.
Finishing the System: Outer Layers & Accessories
I finish with my outer layers, typically wind- or water-resistant pants, and stash a puffy jacket and rain shell (usually already stashed in my pack) so I'm prepared for all weather conditions. Of course, no outfit is complete without accessories - as a hiker, quality socks are essential for comfort. I learned the hard way that cheap socks can lead to blisters (on top of blisters), but once I switched to merino socks, that problem was solved. My wide feet tend to blow out the toes of most socks quickly, but the Icebreaker Hike Crew sock features toe and heel reinforcements for added durability. For nighttime in the tent, the Ski socks, which pull over the calf and are perfect for tall boots, kept me warm against the raging winds outside.
Why Merino Is Worth the Investment
I still wear Icebreaker pieces that are over 10 years old, and they perform as well as they did on day one. Merino fabrics are also incredibly soft, and I feel good knowing that Icebreaker sources its wool ethically. While merino may have a higher price tag than synthetic layers, Icebreaker is designed to last, making it a sustainable, slow-fashion choice that will remain a wardrobe staple for years to come.
About the Author
Shawna is a content creator and year-round adventurer from Centre Wellington, Ontario. She's hiked the entire 900 km Bruce Trail and is always chasing her next outdoor adventure — whether it’s camping under the stars, hiking new trails, or paddleboarding on Ontario’s lakes. Passionate about inspiring others to get outside and explore, Shawna shares real moments and adventures to show that nature’s always worth the trip.