hiking · How To Guide ·May 26, 2026

How to Stay Hygge in the Hills - The Art of Cozy Tramping.

Man, Woman and dog hiking in the canterbury hills in winter wearing down jackets

Here's the Further Faster guide to cozy winter hiking, inspired by Hygge.

“Hygge” is a term that the English-speaking world has now come to know as “coziness.” Its Danish roots have a broader meaning that’s hard to define but comes down to enjoying the quiet side of life, either alone or surrounded by friends and family. Building connections, enjoying good food and, yes, being cozy! Denmark’s official website has a great definition here.

Now, winter hiking and camping aren’t for everyone, but just like the Danes use Hygge to help them through the darkness of winter in their homes, it can help you learn to love being outside in winter just as much as a summer day on the trail.

Here are our top five tips for getting Hygge in the Hills:

1. Let there be light - but not too much!

What comes up most when you search “Hygge” is candles and low lighting. When you’re in a hut or a tent, you already have limited light sources, so this one's pretty easy! You can get a portable camping lantern with different colour options (orange is a great cozy colour) or shine your headlamp through a piece of clothing to make softer light. If the hut permits, candles are the #1 source of hygge light! The key is low and not bright white. If you’re in for a drizzly, wet hike to your evening spot, waterproof/stormproof matches are a great piece of mind so you can get that candle lit. Another option, if candles are a no go, could be a fireplace if your hut has one! Bringing some easy light tinder or a fire starter is a really great idea here, in case you have to go foraging for wood and its damp. Side note here, make sure if you use wood that's already there, or even if there wasn't any and you had to get your own, make sure there's plenty left for the next person so they can have some of their own Hygge too!

2. Leave your phone out of it.

Hygge is all about connection. Be it nature, the people around you or a good book. And something our phones are really good at doing is pulling us away from that connection. I’m not saying don’t bring your phone, especially these days, they are a great safety tool to have in case of emergencies but only use it for emergencies. If you’re on a solo trip, bring that book and break out the cards or the deep and meaningful chats when you’re with people.

A woman and dog hiking near a frozne lake

The friends don't have to be human!

3. Treat Yo’ Self!

My favourite of the hygge ideas! 🤤 Especially in winter, your body needs calories to keep ya warm! So, make sure you pack food you like to eat and treats for while you’re walking and for after dinner (and make sure there’s enough of it too!). There are some really great Dehy and Freeze Dried meals out there that are hearty and will hit the spot. You can take the ingredients for a picky dinner with salamis, cheese and crackers or cook your own hearty dinner - there is no right or wrong way here as long as you enjoy it! And of course snacks - bikkies (chocolate, gingernut…) and some Whittaker's (or any chocolate) are a good way to end the night, and to eat throughout the day. And just at all times really….

4. Take time to pause.

It’s very easy to just want to rush to the summit or to the hut. Get that peak bagged, shovel food in, sleep and then leave, but it’s a very different experience when you take time to pause. Spending your time looking around and soaking up all the beautiful nature that surrounds us. The sights and sounds. Take more breaks on your journey. When you start to feel chilly, stop for a berry tea, a hot chocolate and a biscuit - if you have a good down jacket to put on during these breaks and something to sit on, you won’t even notice the cold. And don’t forget a warm hat and gloves.

Badger the dog and Jacob with a hot drink in the port hills

5. Get comfy.

You think this would be hard in a hut or a tent, but it is not! It just takes a little pre-planning and a few more items to take on your trip:

Hut booties are a godsend. Like a down jacket for your feet.
Get a sleeping bag liner that’s fleecy for that extra layer of warmth.
You can fill a Nalgene drink bottle with hot water and use it as a hot water bottle in your bed at night (make sure the lid is really tight, though!)
A pair of thick, fluffy socks is a must.
Bring some comfy clothes to change into when you get to camp - sweat pants go well, and a nice fleecy mid-layer or woolly jumper will add to those good feels.

So, if you’re into solo hiking or you love to adventure with your friends, you can give winter hygge hiking and camping a go. It all boils down to getting away from your phone, spending some time being in the moment, and doing things that make you feel happy!

Happy Hygge! And let me know your tips for winter hiking and camping!

Top 5 tips for Hiking Hygge: