From Snow to Summit: Hiking Year-Round with the Right Socks and Stove

Hiking in all four seasons can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience the outdoors—but it demands smart preparation. Your gear needs to adapt to the environment, and two of the most important tools often get overlooked: your socks and your stove. Whether you’re trekking in summer heat or winter frost, choosing the right combination of foot protection and cooking equipment can make or break your backcountry adventure.

The Power of Merino: Why Socks Matter More Than You Think

Merino wool socks are a year-round game-changer. Unlike traditional cotton socks, Merino wool wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and resists odor. In the winter, the natural crimp of Merino fibers traps warm air close to your skin, keeping your feet cozy even when wet. In the summer, Merino helps cool you down by moving moisture away quickly.

What’s more, Merino wool is soft and itch-free, making it a reliable choice for multi-day hikes where comfort is critical. Combined with good hiking boots, a solid pair of Merino socks can prevent blisters, reduce fatigue, and help maintain circulation in cold climates.

Cold-Weather Cooking with Confidence

Food is fuel, and cooking in unpredictable mountain weather is no easy task. That’s where the QUICKSURVIVE mini wood-burning stove proves invaluable. Compact and highly portable, it’s designed to light fast—even in rain, snow, or high winds. Unlike gas canisters that can struggle in low temps, this stove runs on twigs and wood, making it ideal for winter trekking or high-altitude adventures where pack weight and reliability matter.

Pair it with lightweight cookware, and you’ve got a year-round solution for hot meals, hydration, and morale on the trail. Its fold-flat design also saves precious space in your pack while offering the comfort of real flames in freezing conditions.

Pack Smart, Hike Smarter

Layering is crucial not just for clothing, but also for how you pack. Use compression sacks and dry bags to organize your gear efficiently. Keep your stove, socks, and food near the top for easy access—especially during rest stops in frigid temps. Plan your layering system with base layers, insulation, and shell protection to match expected weather changes throughout the day.

Year-round hiking isn’t just about pushing through tough conditions—it’s about adapting with the right tools, systems, and mindset.

Ready to Elevate Your All-Season Adventures?

Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA) offers innovative solutions to make year-round trekking more comfortable, lightweight, and accessible. Whether you're looking to buy ultralight packs, shop for day hiking packs, or a survival stove online, their ultralight, balanced-load systems help you move better and explore farther.

Visit Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA) to explore gear made for every season—from ultralight hiking backpacks and backcountry ski packs to waterproof hiking backpacks, ski equipment bags, and portable camping chair solutions that support your journey from snow to summit