Winter hillwalking demands extra preparation, and getting your kit right is crucial for staying warm, safe, and comfortable.
Let’s take a look at the gear Anna Wells used during her remarkable Winter Munro Round in 2024. From durable clothing layers to essential equipment, here is some inspiration on what to pack for your winter mountain adventure.
Layers for Warmth and Flexibility
Staying warm and dry while hiking in winter conditions requires a good layering system. Here’s how Anna layered up for the cold:
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Parallax Trousers: Waterproof, windproof and breathable, Anna chose these lightweight, waterproof trousers for moving fast in the Munros. Parallax are designed for unrestricted movement in bad weather, they’ll keep you dry in snowy or wet conditions.
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Loki Fleece: A technical fleece like the Loki is perfect as a mid-layer, giving excellent insulation while allowing sweat to escape as you slog through snow. This is an ideal piece for warmth without adding bulk.
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Kepler Merino Baselayer Shirt: Merino wool is a fantastic base layer material, providing warmth even when damp and resisting odours—essential for multi-day outings. The Kepler merino T-shirt is light, comfortable, and regulates temperature well.
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Griffon Half-Zip: With its half-zip design this versatile mid-layer is easy to put on or take off, helping you regulate temperature. It’s a warm layer that works well on its own in milder conditions or as a midlayer in a full winter setup.
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Mello Tech Tights: Insulated tights help to keep legs warm and agile without adding weight, providing a great base layer for extra protection from the cold.
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Definition Jacket: Waterproof jacket for proper mountain conditions. Definition is our ultimate bad weather protection - the outer layer you need for winter hillwalking. It’s durable, waterproof, and has a great fit for layering. Essential for handling rain, snow, or wind on exposed ridges and summits.
Accessories for Comfort and Safety
Good accessories make a huge difference in winter conditions. Here’s what Anna used:
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Norden Beanie: A warm beanie like the Norden will keep your head insulated, which is critical for regulating your body temperature in cold weather.
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Kepler Draught Excluder: This neck gaiter provides extra warmth around your neck, which is an area that loses heat quickly. It’s compact, lightweight, and makes a noticeable difference.
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Frazil Gloves (with Handwarmers): Winter gloves that keep your fingers warm and dry are essential, and adding handwarmers is a smart idea for especially cold days. The Frazil gloves are windproof, and they work well in combination with handwarmers for long-lasting warmth.
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Ski Goggles: When the wind picks up, snow and ice can be blinding. Ski goggles protect your eyes and improve visibility, especially useful on exposed ridges or in a storm.
Safety Gear and Navigation
Safety should be top priority, so having the right tools can make all the difference:
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Qark Headtorch: In winter, darkness comes early, and a reliable headtorch is vital. The Qark offers powerful brightness and a long battery life, helping you stay safe if you’re out after dark.
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Map + Compass: Navigation skills are essential, especially in winter when paths may be covered in snow. A traditional map and compass are reliable tools for keeping on track.
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Spare Phone and Battery: Having a backup communication option is wise. Cold weather drains batteries quickly, so a spare phone and battery pack give extra security if you need to call for help or check your route.
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Kapar 2 Storm Shelter: This lightweight, compact shelter is essential in an emergency. It can provide warmth and protection from the elements if conditions worsen suddenly.
Technical Equipment for Winter Terrain
When tackling snowy or icy slopes, the right equipment keeps you safe:
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Crampons: Winter Munros often have icy paths, and crampons provide the grip you need on steep or frozen terrain.
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Carbon Marathon Ultra Twins: Lightweight trekking poles are invaluable for stability on uneven ground, especially in slippery or rocky areas. The Carbon Marathon poles are sturdy yet light, making them a great choice for long days.
Rucksack and Essentials
Your backpack needs to carry everything comfortably without weighing you down:
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Orion 45L Rucksack: With a 45L capacity, this rucksack gives enough space for all your winter kit without being cumbersome. Its ergonomic design and secure fit make it comfortable, even when loaded.
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Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is as crucial in winter as it is in summer. A durable water bottle is essential, especially one that can handle freezing temperatures.
Ready to Tackle Winter Munros
Anna Wells’ successful Winter Munro Round highlights how quality kit can support even the most challenging adventures. Ensure you’re prepared for the unique demands of winter hillwalking, so you can stay warm, dry, and safe as you tackle your own cold-weather challenges.
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