Winter Hiking Gear: What I Wear and Pack for Cold-Weather Walks
Updated: 3 hours ago
Winter hiking doesn’t automatically mean buying a whole new wardrobe. It means thinking about the conditions you might meet and carrying enough to stay warm, dry and prepared if the walk takes longer than expected.
On my winter walk up Helvellyn, I chose the route from Wythburn via Raise Beck, Grisedale Tarn, Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike. I wasn’t ready to tackle Striding Edge alone, but this was still a long, demanding route with steep ground. Parts of the path beside Raise Beck were icy and wet, almost like walking up a waterfall. I was glad I had spikes with me for those sections.
That walk reminded me that choosing suitable gear is about more than comfort. It’s also about being prepared if conditions are harder than expected or something goes wrong. Here’s what I wear and carry, and how I choose kit for a winter walk.
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Start with layers you can adjust
I use layers so I can add or remove insulation as I warm up on a climb or cool down when I stop. A typical system includes:
Base layer: A breathable top that moves moisture away from my skin. I wear an Icebreaker 150 Tech Lite T-shirt.
Mid-layer: A fleece or other insulating layer for warmth. I always wear my Rab Nexus pull-on; I really need another one!
Outer layer: A waterproof shell to protect me from rain, snow and wind. My Mountain Equipment Saltoro jacket is part of my wet-weather kit.
Extra insulation: I carry a warmer layer for stops or if the temperature drops. My Rab Neutrino Pro Down jacket is my go-to winter insulation.
There isn’t one perfect combination for every walk. I consider how exposed the route is, how hard I’ll be working and what the forecast says. I try to adjust my layers before I get too hot or sweaty, because damp clothing can become uncomfortable when I slow down.
Choose footwear for the route and conditions
For winter walks, I wear my LOWA boots. Fit and comfort matter: boots that rub or leave too little room for your toes can make a long day miserable. I look for footwear that suits the terrain and gives me confidence on uneven ground.
Waterproof footwear can help in wet conditions, but it won’t keep your feet dry in every situation. Water can still get in over the top, and your socks can get wet. I wear waterproof socks from 360Dry, carry spare socks, and consider gaiters when the ground or weather makes them useful (use code SHESGOINGSOLO15 for 15% off).
Spikes and Crampons are not the same
On my Helvellyn walk, I found my spikes useful on icy sections of the path. Spikes fit over your boots and have short metal points or chains to improve grip on suitable icy paths. They can help in the right conditions, but they don’t make steep or exposed terrain safe, and they’re no substitute for winter walking skills. I use Unigear Spikes; I've found them sturdy, reliable, and easy to put on.
Crampons have longer, more substantial points and are designed for harder snow and ice, usually with compatible boots. Using them safely means knowing how to fit them and move in them on different terrain. An ice axe is also a technical tool: carrying one is not enough; you need to know when and how to use it.
I don’t feel equipped to head out in conditions that require crampons and an ice axe. If the route and conditions call for it, I’d choose a different walk or go with someone qualified who can help me build those skills. Mountain Training’s winter guidance explains the skills needed to move on snow and ice.
Keep your hands, head and feet warm
Cold hands can make it harder to use a map, phone or camera. I carry gloves I can manage in, and a warmer spare pair in case the first pair gets wet. I also bring a warm hat and socks that fit comfortably in my boots.
I use 360dry waterproof gloves and socks, but what works for me may not work for everyone. If you’re considering waterproof socks or gloves, think about fit, comfort and how they’ll work with the rest of your kit. I wouldn’t rely on any one item to prevent cold or blisters.
Pack for an Accident or a Long Wait
I don’t pack only for the walk I hope to have. If someone falls, is injured, or can’t continue, you may need to stop for a long time while you arrange help. Depending on your location, the conditions and the nature of the incident, mountain rescue can take hours to reach you. You could be waiting three or four hours or longer, so it’s sensible to be prepared for a prolonged stop.
If you’re waiting, you can get cold quickly, especially if you’re wet or exposed to wind. I carry spare warm layers, extra food and an emergency shelter, even when the forecast looks reasonable. Keep spare clothing dry and easy to reach in your pack. Food and a warm drink can also help you stay comfortable while you wait.
My emergency kit includes:
A warm spare layer, hat and gloves
Extra food and water
First-aid kit and any medication I need
Charged phone and power bank
Paper map and compass
Whistle
I carry my Garmin inReach Mini on more remote walks, but I don’t treat any communication device as a replacement for suitable clothing, navigation or planning. Phones may not have reliable signal in the mountains, and batteries can run down in cold weather.
Mountain Rescue’s safety advice includes carrying spare clothing, food and drink, navigation tools, a torch, a whistle and a first-aid kit. Its emergency guidance explains how to contact Mountain Rescue and what information to provide.
Pack for shorter daylight
A headtorch is important even if I expect to finish in daylight. Winter days are short, and delays can happen. I check that mine works before I set off and keep it somewhere easy to reach. A spare light or batteries can be useful on longer or more remote days.
I also carry a charged phone and power bank. I download the map I need before leaving, but I don’t rely on my phone as my only navigation plan. I carry an OS paper map and a Silva compass, and I need to know how to use them.
Think about comfort and small essentials
A few smaller items can make a cold day more comfortable: sunglasses for bright conditions, sun protection, lip balm, a buff and a flask with a warm drink. I also take trekking poles when the terrain and the walk call for them.
You don’t need every possible accessory. I try to pack what will be useful for the route I’ve chosen rather than filling my bag with things I don’t know how to use.
Check your kit before you leave
Before a winter walk, I check that my waterproofs, footwear and layers are in good condition. I make sure my phone and power bank are charged, my map is for the right area, and my emergency kit is packed where I can reach it.
If I’m taking spikes, I practise fitting them before I reach an icy section. If you’re carrying crampons or an ice axe, get proper instruction and practise using them in appropriate conditions. Equipment is only useful when it suits the terrain, and you know how to use it.
Choose kit that suits your day
My Helvellyn walk was beautiful, but also long, icy, and demanding. The spikes helped on the frozen sections; they didn’t make the route easy or remove the need to think carefully about the conditions.
Start with the essentials, choose equipment that fits well, and learn how to use it before you need it. Your kit should support the walk you’ve planned, not tempt you into conditions or terrain you aren’t ready for.
For more on checking the forecast, choosing a route and knowing when to change your plans, read my winter hiking safety guide.
Conclusion: Enjoying Winter Hiking with the Right Gear
My winter walk up Helvellyn showed me how much the right gear can help. I was glad to have spikes for the icy sections, but they didn’t make the route easy or remove the need to judge the conditions carefully. Your kit should suit your route, the forecast, and your experience.
Pack spare warm layers, food and an emergency shelter in case you have to stop for longer than expected. If conditions call for crampons and an ice axe, make sure you can use them—or choose a different route. For more on planning and deciding when to turn back, read my winter hiking safety guide.
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If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Ordnance Survey App. It lets you import GPX routes directly and mirrors the paper maps you should always carry as a backup. I use this app to plan all my hikes, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the great outdoors.
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