Winter hiking essentials

Don't hike, especially in the winter, without the 10 essentials: map, compass, flashlight, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first-aid kit, pocketknife, matches and fire starter.

They could save your life, but they won't necessarily keep you comfortable. That's where winter hiking's other "essentials" — mostly clothing items that can be layered — come in:

Synthetic underwear

This may be the one true winter hiking apparel essential. Polyester underwear wicks moisture from the skin, preventing chills and keeping you warm when wet.

Rain parka

Gore-Tex is good but by no means essential. Less-expensive, coated-nylon parkas will do the trick. If air can escape, you'll stay drier and more comfortable.

Rain hat

Same rules as for parkas. But the Outdoor Research "Seattle Sombrero," a self-explanatory local Gore-Tex product, is the best all-around rain and foul-weather hat we've ever found.

Boots

Here's where larger investments pay off. A wide range of quality rainproof boots is available at local outdoor shops. Opt for fit over materials (such as Gore-Tex liners).

Make sure you have water, and it can be handy to have a cellphone .

Ron C. Judd, Seattle Times staff columnist