The winter mountains can be a daunting environment and many hikers avoid heading out in the coldest season. But this means you are hanging up your for many months, especially in the UK. As a keen summer hiker, I remember my first winter mountain walk and there were many things I wished I’d known before setting off.
With these tips, maybe you will enjoy your first adventure in the wintry hills and mountains this year? On my first winter hike I ended top wearing all of my packed clothing and I was still cold. Not every winter’s day will be the same in terms of temperatures and conditions – from dry and windy to wet to snowy – but heading to higher altitudes in the hills and mountains will naturally mean it’s colder. When winter hiking I wear, as a minimum, fleece-lined or , a short and .
Normally one of these will be a or natural fibre top. I add a lightweight and also a winter . Winter waterproof jackets are usually sold as three-season or four-season jackets and tend to be made of thicker material that offers greater windproofing and waterproofing, as well as improved durability.
In my pack I will have a heavier insulated jacket, another baselayer, waterproof over-trousers, several pairs of gloves, headwear and spare socks. The key is versatility with so that you can add or remove layers depending on the weather. I suffer with so my hands are very vulnerable to the winter cold.
I usually wear a thinner to start the hike and have an extra two pairs of mittens in my p.