Winter walking: what you’ll need
Mark Pawlak 
Trekking Gear, trekkingholidays 
camping, outdoor activity, trekking, trekking gear, trekking holidays, Walking, walking gear, winter, winter walkingDuring the colder months, it’s all too easy to find excuses to avoid the great outdoors, wrapping up warm and staying in with yet another hearty (and fattening) meal. However, as tempting as it is, staying indoors during winter can be a mistake as nature gears up for a spectacular display of her powers and begins to bless us with some of the most fabulous views you’ll see all year.
Winter Walking with good gear. Image: Flickr/Nick Bramhall
Winter walking is a wonderful way of getting out and enjoying these views, as well as learning to appreciate nature and the frozen ground under your feet. It’s also a great way of keeping fit and active during the cold season, as good food and excess layers of clothing make it easier to pile on the pounds.
But winter walking is a little different from the walks that you’re used to completing in the summer and you need to prepare for them accordingly. Staying warm is your first priority, as lower temperatures can cause problems: look out for clothing designed to deal with cold weather. Companies such as The North Face are especially good for this, with many of their items specially designed to trap body heat and repel water during bad-weather walks.
Invest in a waterproof jacket and a warmer coat as standard, as well as lighter ‘base layers’ to go underneath your clothing. Depending on where you’re planning to go, overtrousers and fleeces may also be a good idea, but these may not be necessary for infrequent walkers or those who plan to take advantage of warmer routes. Whatever you wear, a hat is the most important item of clothing; since you lose up to 70 per cent of your body heat from the top of your head.
Once you’ve got your headgear sorted, it’s time to consider your feet. The right footwear can make all the difference during a winter walk and it’s important to think long and hard before investing. It’s likely that you’ll encounter icy ground or snow, so look out for something with added grip to help you keep your footing.
Snow boots are a good idea, as many are designed specifically for icy conditions and most are suitable for crampon attachments; companies such as Hi-Tec also offer snow boots with added lining and waterproof material, in order to keep feet as warm as possible.
You also need to put together a decent survivor pack in case of emergency, such as being stranded or suffering a fall; while the chances of these are minimal the worst can always happen and if it does you’ll be grateful you took precautions. Take plenty of high-energy snack bars and a flask of tea/coffee on any walk, and make sure to stop for snack breaks regularly to keep your energy levels high.
Other safety equipment such as a first aid kit, a small torch and a Swiss Army knife should also be included, as well as a fully-charged mobile phone to keep in contact with the outside world. You should also plan your route carefully before you set off, and consider leaving a map/route plan with someone in order to help track you down should you get lost.
Winter walking is undoubtedly a little more complicated than during the summer months, especially with regards to the equipment and safety procedures that need to be observed. However, with a bit of perseverance, winter walks can also be just as rewarding, especially with the sun shimmering off the frosty fields and plenty of firm crunchy ground underfoot to enjoy. It requires a little motivation, but wrap up warm and get out there; aside from the benefits of the extra exercise, you’ll soon discover a whole new world.
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3 Comments to “Winter walking: what you’ll need”
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Mark Pawlak
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One other thing not to forget is tissues. Winter walks leave my nose running faster than Usain Bolt! But there is nothing better than getting out in the crisp winter air.
Its amazing the amount of people who are not aware of the basics……a group asked to follow me up Snowdon last April……it was drizzling in Pen-Y-Pass, and they were wearing trainers, trackie bottoms and hoodys carrying nothing more than a carrier bag with a can of coke and a kitkat…….they were advised to go to the nearest pub instead….and good thing too as it was blizzard conditions up top!!
Always waterproofs! It doesn’t matter what the forecast says, always carry your waterproofs.
Daysack essentials for me in cold weather for short walks ( not on big hills) less than 6 hrs are waterproofs, spare thick layer, thermos mug (full) some fruit and snacks – maybe one main meal, and a wooly hat of some kind. And always plenty of water – easy mistake to make when it’s cold and all you are thinking about is the warm stuff.
And a sense of humour – waterproofed, naturally.
And an emergency 5iver so you can call your mum when it all goes wrong…