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Introduction
Layering for success
Clothing
Footwear
Equipment & accessories
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Winter Hill Walking Kit List
Introduction
What Do I Need For A Winter Hill Walk?
Cloudless skies and the crunching of snow underfoot are a few of the elements that make a winter hill walk so special. The setting may sound idyllic, but bad weather can move in fast. This can create a scenario where you must safely navigate off the hill.
These changing conditions mean you need to strike a balance with your kit. Being prepared for any eventuality is key.
This kit list will set you in good stead for a winter walk. But it does not encompass everything, and you should adapt it to your needs. If you need more advice or have any questions, drop into one of our shops for a chat.
Layering for success
A layering system allows you to adapt to varying weather conditions and terrain. It helps keep you dry and comfortable. For this system to work, the base layer, mid layer, and outer all must be breathable.
The three layers trap air between them, insulating your body. As you work harder on steep terrain, they remove moisture and excess heat through the fibres. An outer shell protects you from wind and rain.
Clothing For Winter Hill walking
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Clothing
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Base layer bottoms
These low-profile pants provide warmth and comfort, sitting under your outer pants. Synthetic or natural fabrics trap air between the fibres, and wick away moisture to keep you dry and warm. For a winter walk, you want to choose a pair that have a high weight/gm (200 or above) for warmth. Merino wool is a great insulating fabric, it wicks away sweat and keeps you warm. It is also odour-free, so you can wear the same pair for longer.
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Fleece
A fleece jacket acts as the mid layer in your layering system with a focus on warmth. It holds a layer of air between it and your base layer improving insulation. These jackets are often made from stretchy, thin materials. This provides unrestricted movement and breathability. This style of mid layer has a low-profile hood which can fit under a helmet improving warmth on cold days.
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Waterproof jacket
A waterproof jacket acts as the outer shell of your layering system. This protects you from wind, rain and snow while remaining light and breathable. These jackets are easy to pack into your rucksack so you're ready when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Breathable jackets allow you to stay comfortable even during strenuous walks. GORE-TEX and other membrane-based jackets have tough, durable outers. They are resistant to tears and abrasions.
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Waterproof trousers
Base layer bottoms
These low-profile pants provide warmth and comfort, sitting under your outer pants. Synthetic or natural fabrics trap air between the fibres, and wick away moisture to keep you dry and warm. For a winter walk, you want to choose a pair that have a high weight/gm (200 or above) for warmth. Merino wool is a great insulating fabric, it wicks away sweat and keeps you warm. It is also odour-free, so you can wear the same pair for longer.
Fleece
A fleece jacket acts as the mid layer in your layering system with a focus on warmth. It holds a layer of air between it and your base layer improving insulation. These jackets are often made from stretchy, thin materials. This provides unrestricted movement and breathability. This style of mid layer has a low-profile hood which can fit under a helmet improving warmth on cold days.
Waterproof jacket
A waterproof jacket acts as the outer shell of your layering system. This protects you from wind, rain and snow while remaining light and breathable. These jackets are easy to pack into your rucksack so you're ready when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Breathable jackets allow you to stay comfortable even during strenuous walks. GORE-TEX and other membrane-based jackets have tough, durable outers. They are resistant to tears and abrasions.
Waterproof trousers
Footwear For Winter Hill walking
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Footwear
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Walking socks
Socks that can wick away moisture will keep your feet dry, and warm and prevent blisters. Any socks with merino wool will do this and have the bonus of minimising odours. Flat seam toe boxes, and cushioned heels and toes will provide more comfort on your walks. Socks with some elastane will hold them in position on long days out.
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Walking boots
A pair of well-fitting hiking boots is paramount to a comfortable and safe winter hike. There are three categories for classifying hiking boots: B1, B2, and, B3. B1 boots are the most flexible and comfortable for use in summer and winter across a variety of terrain. B2 boots have a stiffer sole and midsole along with indents at the front for C2 crampons. B3 boots are the stiffest and offer more ankle support. These are ideal for technical winter walking and mountaineering. B1 and B2 boots are best for most people walking in summer and winter. They provide enough support, without being too uncomfortable. Sizes will vary depending on the brand. It's always a good idea to try on several pairs to get a feel of which fits best.
Walking socks
Socks that can wick away moisture will keep your feet dry, and warm and prevent blisters. Any socks with merino wool will do this and have the bonus of minimising odours. Flat seam toe boxes, and cushioned heels and toes will provide more comfort on your walks. Socks with some elastane will hold them in position on long days out.
Walking boots
A pair of well-fitting hiking boots is paramount to a comfortable and safe winter hike. There are three categories for classifying hiking boots: B1, B2, and, B3. B1 boots are the most flexible and comfortable for use in summer and winter across a variety of terrain. B2 boots have a stiffer sole and midsole along with indents at the front for C2 crampons. B3 boots are the stiffest and offer more ankle support. These are ideal for technical winter walking and mountaineering. B1 and B2 boots are best for most people walking in summer and winter. They provide enough support, without being too uncomfortable. Sizes will vary depending on the brand. It's always a good idea to try on several pairs to get a feel of which fits best.
Equipment & Accessories For Winter Hill walking
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Equipment & accessories
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Crampons
Crampons attach to the bottom of your walking boots for hiking on hard packed snowy, or icy terrain. The spikes penetrate the snow, giving you grip and support. There are three categories for classifying crampons: C1, C2 and, C3. C1 is the most flexible and walking orientated pair. C2 is stiffer and features more aggressive spikes. These are ideal for technical routes. C3 is the stiffest and is best suited for ice climbing or technical mountaineering. The crampon rating should match the rating of your boot (a C1 crampon with a B1 boot and so on). C1 or C2 crampons and B1 and B2 boots are most suitable for winter hill walking.
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Backpack
A winter backpack should be lightweight, durable and adaptable. It’s important that it is comfortable for long days on the hill - offering support and venting for your back. Sizing and adjusting the straps to your frame will influence your comfort. It's worth taking the time to do this properly. Ice axe and walking pole attachments are useful features on technical routes. Backpacks compatible with hydration bladders will keep your hands free.
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Backpack cover
A backpack cover shelters the contents of your pack from rain and snow. The cover hardly weighs anything and is quick and easy to use.
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Ice axe
A straight shaft ice axe is an important tool on technical and steep, snowy and icy terrain. An ice axe will help you on ascents and is vital for controlled descents and emergency self-arrests. You should seek training on how to use an ice axe. It is a sharp tool and needs to be used in the correct manner to be effective.
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Compass
Everyone should always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. This is essential as snowy conditions may obscure paths, signs, and landmarks.
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Emergency shelter
Varying winter weather means you can soon become lost in the middle of a snowstorm and high winds. An emergency shelter protects you from the elements until the worst has cleared. It gives you a chance to use your map and compass to get back on track. It also plays an important role if there is an injury. It will protect the injured party from harsh weather until help arrives.
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Dry bag
Most backpacks are not fully waterproof. A dry bag will protect your electronics, spare layers, and much more from getting wet. Try to have one large bag acting as a pack inner liner. Then, a couple of smaller dry bags within that, grouping items together. It prevents everything from getting wet when you open your pack and helps organise items.
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Multi-tool
A multi-tool is not essential but having it in your pack can prove invaluable for an emergency or gear fix. They are lightweight and come with a host of features that can deal with most situations.
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Snacks
On winter walks it is important to keep your energy levels up and maintain your core temperature. It helps with concentration and agility, vital for technical sections. Snacks with a high energy-to-weight ratio (peanuts, chocolate, dried fruit, oats) are best. They take up little space in your pack and provide lots of energy for their size.
Crampons
Crampons attach to the bottom of your walking boots for hiking on hard packed snowy, or icy terrain. The spikes penetrate the snow, giving you grip and support. There are three categories for classifying crampons: C1, C2 and, C3. C1 is the most flexible and walking orientated pair. C2 is stiffer and features more aggressive spikes. These are ideal for technical routes. C3 is the stiffest and is best suited for ice climbing or technical mountaineering. The crampon rating should match the rating of your boot (a C1 crampon with a B1 boot and so on). C1 or C2 crampons and B1 and B2 boots are most suitable for winter hill walking.
Backpack
A winter backpack should be lightweight, durable and adaptable. It’s important that it is comfortable for long days on the hill - offering support and venting for your back. Sizing and adjusting the straps to your frame will influence your comfort. It's worth taking the time to do this properly. Ice axe and walking pole attachments are useful features on technical routes. Backpacks compatible with hydration bladders will keep your hands free.
Backpack cover
A backpack cover shelters the contents of your pack from rain and snow. The cover hardly weighs anything and is quick and easy to use.
Ice axe
A straight shaft ice axe is an important tool on technical and steep, snowy and icy terrain. An ice axe will help you on ascents and is vital for controlled descents and emergency self-arrests. You should seek training on how to use an ice axe. It is a sharp tool and needs to be used in the correct manner to be effective.
Compass
Everyone should always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. This is essential as snowy conditions may obscure paths, signs, and landmarks.
Emergency shelter
Varying winter weather means you can soon become lost in the middle of a snowstorm and high winds. An emergency shelter protects you from the elements until the worst has cleared. It gives you a chance to use your map and compass to get back on track. It also plays an important role if there is an injury. It will protect the injured party from harsh weather until help arrives.
Dry bag
Most backpacks are not fully waterproof. A dry bag will protect your electronics, spare layers, and much more from getting wet. Try to have one large bag acting as a pack inner liner. Then, a couple of smaller dry bags within that, grouping items together. It prevents everything from getting wet when you open your pack and helps organise items.
Multi-tool
A multi-tool is not essential but having it in your pack can prove invaluable for an emergency or gear fix. They are lightweight and come with a host of features that can deal with most situations.
Snacks
On winter walks it is important to keep your energy levels up and maintain your core temperature. It helps with concentration and agility, vital for technical sections. Snacks with a high energy-to-weight ratio (peanuts, chocolate, dried fruit, oats) are best. They take up little space in your pack and provide lots of energy for their size.
More kit lists
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:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))