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Seasonal Gear Guide: Preparing for Winter Hiking in the UK

M Mystery Ranch UK

Seasonal Gear Guide: Preparing for Winter Hiking in the UK

Sep 27, 2024

Hiking in winter comes with more gear and preparation to ensure you stay safe while hiking in more treacherous conditions. From winter-appropriate clothing to an ice axe and snacks, here is our list of essential winter hiking items you should take with you on your next winter hike.

Winter Appropriate Clothing
Hiking Boots
Crampons
Goggles
A Winter Hiking Backpack
A Backpack Cover
Walking Poles
Ice Axe
Other Honourable Mentions for Winter Hikes
Pack All Your Winter Hiking Essentials Into One of Our Winter Backpacks

1. Winter Appropriate Clothing

Hiking in winter means dressing for winter. This means you should adopt a layering system to ensure you stay warm during a hike. Layering allows your body to adapt to varying weather conditions and trap air in between a base layer, mid layer and inner layer to help insulate your body. Certain materials will also help remove the moisture from between the layers with specific fibres such as merino wool. An appropriate layering system for winter clothing is as follows:

A base layer including bottoms
A fleece jacket
Waterproof pants
A waterproof jacket
Socks
Hats and neckwear
Gloves

2. Hiking Boots

Selecting the appropriate winter hiking boots is a must as you want to feel comfortable when hiking. Hiking boots are split into three different categories: B1, B2 and B3. B1 boots are the most flexible of the three meaning they are the most comfortable and can adapt to various weather conditions and terrain. B2 boots have a stiffer sole but specific indents for C2 crampons. B3 hiking boots are the stiffest form of boots available but they also offer more ankle support making them great for more technical winter hiking.

3. Crampons

Crampons are spikes that you attach to the bottom of walking boots to ensure you have grip and support when walking on hard, snowy and icy terrain. Like hiking boots, crampons also come in three different categories: C1, C2 and C3. C1 crampons are the most flexible like B1 hiking boots. C2 crampons are stiffer and have more aggressive spikes making them ideal for technical winter walking routes. C3 crampons are the stiffest out of all the categories meaning they are perfect for ice climbing and technical mountaineering. When choosing crampons you should make sure the crampon rating matches your hiking boots rating.

4. Goggles

Often forgotten, goggles are a winter hiking essential. Just like the rest of your body, goggles should also be used to protect your eyes and enhance your vision in snowy and windy conditions. Goggles can also shield your eyes from sunlight reflecting off of snow, which can be blinding on particularly sunny days.

5. A Winter Hiking Backpack

To ensure all your winter essentials are kept organised, you need a winter hiking backpack. You should make sure to choose a backpack that is lightweight, comfortable and built for winter conditions. By looking for features such as support, venting and storage, you can find a backpack suitable for your next winter hiking adventure.

What to Look for in a Winter Backpack?

When choosing the right winter backpack for you, you should consider the following:

The Fit: Not every backpack is the same. That’s why you need to know your torso measurements to find the right backpack for you. Remember to also try the bag on with your required equipment inside to make sure it is comfortable and can handle all your hiking gear.

Hip Belts: Hip belts are essential to hiking as they take the weight off your shoulders and move it onto your hips. You should always check the hip belt size before buying a backpack. Make sure to check the maximum and minimum size range to account for the different clothing you will be wearing.

Load Lifters: Load lifters help shift the weight of your backpack from your shoulders to your hips, adding to your comfort. Some lighter backpacks don’t often come with load lifters as they are not built to carry heavy loads so make sure to check for load lifters when choosing your winter backpack!

Weight and Pack Design: Simpler backpacks typically mean lighter backpacks as they come with fewer features. With all the equipment needed for a winter hike, we recommend you choose a backpack that has a large compartment design, multi-compartments, outside pockets for easy access, water bottles and ways of attaching tools like an ice axe. Why not check out the Bridger 45 if you are looking for a winter backpack with all the perks?

Pack Colour: With a snowy white landscape, you will be wanting a backpack that makes you easier to spot. We recommend yellow, orange or red backpacks that really stand out in snowy conditions. Our Scree 22 backpack comes in a neon yellow to increase your visibility. Our other hiking backpacks also come in a range of colour options to help you attract attention if needed. If you can’t find a backpack in a bright colour, you could always buy a bright backpack cover.

6. A Backpack Cover

A backpack cover adds an extra layer of protection between your items and the harsh weather conditions of winter. Plus, it weighs almost nothing so it’s a no brainer!

7. Walking Poles

For particularly tricky walking routes, walking poles offer added support on ascents, descents and uneven terrain. Walking poles work by spreading weight across your whole body, helping you handle your winter gear and offering four points of contact with the ground to help stabilise your body.

8. Ice Axe

An ice axe is essential when walking through areas of thick snow and ice. For particularly steep snowy and icy terrain, an ice axe can help you control your descents, avoiding slips and injuries. You should make sure to educate yourself on how to use an ice axe first before taking it on your next winter hike!

Other Honourable Mentions for Winter Hikes

Now that you have the essentials, it is also important to take these items with you on a winter hike to ensure you are prepared for any situation:

Compass and Map: A compass and map is a non-negotiable, particularly for snowy hikes as paths and signs may be covered by snow. Make sure you know how to use these items as they can be a lifesaver if you are lost on a snowy trail.

An Emergency Shelter: An emergency shelter can give you some needed respite during a snowstorm or if someone from your group is injured. It will also give you a chance to take a look at your map and compass too if you need to call the emergency services.

First Aid Kit: A first aid kit provides you with everything you need to handle minor injuries while on your hike. It can also be essential during an emergency as it may take emergency services longer to reach you so having some equipment on hand to deal with a more serious injury can make all the difference.

Flask: Having a hot drink can keep you warm during your hike and improve circulation. Plus, it’s a nice treat to have after a long walk.

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is a must during any form of exercise. Make sure you choose a lightweight but durable water bottle to keep your water secure.

Dry Bag: A winter hike typically means you will come into contact with wet weather, and with some backpacks not being completely waterproof, a dry bag is a must. Keep your electronics and spare clothes from getting wet by packing them all in a dry bag and then placing them into your backpack.

A Multi-Tool: A multi-tool can come in handy during an emergency. With a whole host of tools all in one place, you will be prepared for any situation.

Snacks: Long walks can be draining which is why it is a good idea to keep snacks with you to maintain your energy levels. From peanuts to chocolate, dried fruits and oats, snacks can provide you with a lot of energy while taking up little space.

Pack All Your Winter Hiking Essentials Into One of Our Winter Backpacks

It’s all good and well having all your winter hiking essentials together but you need to have somewhere to put it all. That’s where we come in! At Mystery Ranch, we have a range of hiking backpacks perfect for winter conditions. From our Scree 22 backpacks to the Bridger 45, we have something for everyone. Take a look at our Hiking Packs today to find your ideal winter hiking pack and start your next adventure.

FAQs

What size backpack for winter hiking?

For winter hiking, a backpack with a capacity of 30-50 litres is generally suitable. This size allows you to carry essential cold-weather gear, extra layers of clothing, food, water and health and safety equipment while maintaining manoeuvrability on the trail.

What do you wear hiking in the winter UK?

Hiking in winter calls for layers! Using a layering system allows for air to be trapped in between the layers to insulate your body and moisture to be removed from your body. We suggest a simple base layer, mid-layer and outer layer system for the most warmth and comfort.