Winter Hillwalking: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Winter in the hills can be absolutely magical. Frost-covered ridgelines, crisp mountain air, quieter trails and those views that make every step worthwhile. But after 21 years in the mountains, including my time with RAF Mountain Rescue, I’ve also seen first-hand how quickly those beautiful conditions can turn serious. Shorter days, plummeting temperatures and rapidly changing weather demand respect, experience and preparation.
For me, winter hillwalking preparation goes far beyond ticking off the big-ticket items on a kit list. It’s about the small details, the lessons learned over years in the mountains, and thinking a few steps ahead. It’s carrying those extra bits you hope you’ll never need, having a plan when things don’t go to plan, and making sure you’re equipped to look after yourself and your team when conditions become challenging. Because in the winter hills, good preparation isn’t just about staying comfortable — it can make all the difference.
Here are a few of my winter hillwalking essentials, along with some small tricks I use to stay comfortable and prepared when heading into the hills.
1. Two headtorches are better than one
One of the first things I make sure I have packed for a winter day in the hills is two headtorches.
With daylight disappearing so early, it’s easy to underestimate how much of your walk could end up being completed in the dark. Even with the best planning, things can take longer than expected. Poor weather, slower progress or an unplanned stop can all eat into your daylight hours.
A reliable headtorch is essential, but having a second one means you have a backup if your first fails, gets damaged or runs out of battery. Check both before you leave, and make sure you have spare batteries if your model requires them.
It’s a small addition to your pack that can make a huge difference when the light starts to fade.
2. Gloves, gloves and more gloves!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about winter hillwalking, it’s that one pair of gloves is never enough - threes the one for me :)
Your hands can get cold quickly, particularly when the wind picks up or you need to stop to eat, take photographs or adjust your kit. Gloves can also get damp from snow, rain or perspiration, and once your hands start getting cold, even simple tasks can become awkward.
I like to carry a selection of gloves so I can adapt to the conditions. Depending on the day, that might include:
Thin liner gloves for walking and tasks that need a bit of dexterity.
A warmer pair of gloves for colder conditions.
Waterproof or windproof gloves for when the weather turns unpleasant.
A spare, warmer pair or mitts kept dry for when I really need them.
The key is having options. You don’t necessarily need the most expensive gloves on the market, but you do need to think about warmth, weather protection and having a dry backup.
My little hand-warmer trick
Here’s a simple trick I use that makes a surprising difference.
I put a set of hand warmers inside a second pair of gloves and keep that pair tucked away in my rucksack. That way, when I need to swap gloves, I have a warmer pair ready to go rather than putting cold hands into cold gloves.
It’s a small bit of preparation that can make a miserable moment much more comfortable.
Just remember to follow the hand warmer manufacturer's instructions, avoid placing them directly against bare skin, and check the product's guidance on use inside gloves. Some warmers need airflow, so make sure the way you use them is suitable for the specific product.
3. Layers are your best friend
Winter hillwalking is all about managing your temperature. You might be working hard on an ascent one minute and standing in a freezing wind at the summit the next.
Rather than relying on one thick jacket, think in layers.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer such as a fleece, and carry a warm jacket for stops. Your waterproof jacket and trousers provide an important barrier against wind and rain.
The trick is to adjust your layers before you get too hot or too cold. If you sweat heavily on the climb, that moisture can leave you feeling chilled when you slow down.
I also carry spare dry layers in a waterproof bag. They might take up a little extra space, but they’re worth having if the weather catches you out.
4. Keep your spare kit dry
There’s a big difference between carrying spare clothing and carrying spare clothing that’s still dry when you need it.
I use dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks to protect important items such as spare gloves, socks and warm layers. A waterproof rucksack cover can help, too, but I don’t rely on it alone.
It’s also worth keeping your emergency kit somewhere you can access easily. When the wind is howling and your hands are cold, you don’t want to empty your entire rucksack just to find your spare hat.
A little organisation before you leave home can save a lot of faffing about on the hill.
5. Don’t forget the small essentials
It’s often the smaller items that make the biggest difference to comfort and safety in winter.
My winter checklist includes:
A warm hat and a buff or neck gaiter.
Spare socks and dry clothing in case of emergency overnight.
Hand warmers.
Plenty of food and snacks that are easy to eat in the cold.
Water and, if you have room, a flask of something hot.
A first aid kit and an emergency shelter.
A fully charged phone, kept warm and protected from the elements.
A map and compass, with the skills to use them, plus any appropriate navigation tools.
And remember, winter conditions can mean much more than cold fingers and an early sunset. Snow and ice can change a familiar route completely. If your planned walk involves steep, icy or snow-covered ground, you may need specialist equipment such as an ice axe and crampons, along with the training to use them safely.
6. Plan for the conditions, not just the route
It’s tempting to look at a route you’ve walked in summer and assume it will be much the same in winter. But the hills can be a very different place when temperatures drop, the wind increases and visibility deteriorates.
Check the mountain weather forecast before you set off, consider daylight hours, and be realistic about how long the walk might take. In Scotland, check the Scottish Avalanche Information Service when relevant to your planned area and conditions.
Have a clear idea of your route, escape options and the point at which you’ll turn back if conditions aren’t right. Sometimes the best decision is to choose a lower-level walk or save a summit for another day.
Being prepared doesn’t mean you have to push on regardless. It means having the knowledge and equipment to make sensible decisions when things change.
7. Learn from people who know the winter hills
You can have a rucksack full of excellent equipment, but kit alone doesn’t make you ready for winter in the mountains. Knowing how to use it, understanding the conditions and making good decisions are just as important.
That’s one of the reasons I think developing your winter skills is so valuable. Learning about movement on snow and ice, winter route planning, navigation and avalanche awareness can help you approach winter adventures with greater confidence.
Eleven Fort One Adventures offers a two-day Winter Mountain Skills course for hillwalkers looking to build their knowledge and confidence in winter conditions. It covers practical skills including winter navigation, movement on snow and ice, route planning and avalanche awareness,
with technical equipment such as ice axes and crampons provided.
You can find out more at elevenfortyone.co.uk.
Final thoughts: prepare well, enjoy more
Winter hillwalking doesn’t need to be something to fear. With the right preparation, suitable equipment and a sensible approach, it can be one of the most rewarding times of year to get out into the mountains.
For me, it comes down to the details: two headtorches, multiple pairs of gloves, a warm spare pair with hand warmers ready to go, dry layers and a plan that takes the conditions seriously.
Those little extras might seem unnecessary when you’re packing at home, but they can make all the difference when you’re high on the hill and the temperature starts to drop.
So, before your next winter adventure, have a look through your kit, check the forecast and ask yourself: what would make this day safer and more comfortable if the weather turned?
A little preparation goes a long way. See you out there!
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