Two people in mountain gear hike up a rocky, snow-dusted slope with a rugged peak in the background.

Winter Hiking Essentials

Your complete guide to getting out on the trails in the winter

What gear do you need for winter hiking?

Winter hiking picks

Winter Hiking Essentials

What gear do you need for winter hiking?

Winter brings quieter trails, crisp air, and the best mountain views. But colder temperatures and shorter days adds risk, so your kit matters more than ever. What you’ll need depends on location: Southern England often stays mild, while Northern Scotland can mean snow, ice, and sub-zero days. This guide focuses on cold, snowy conditions, with essentials that apply anywhere in the UK.

How should I layer for winter hiking?

A solid layering system will keep you warm and adaptable if the conditions change.

Base layers

Wick sweat away

Mid layers

Fleece or lightweight down for insulation

Insulating layers

A warm down or synthetic jacket to throw on when you stop for breaks

Shell layers

Waterproof and windproof protection, with both a shell jacket and trousers

Don’t forget your extremities:

Hat
Gloves
Neck warmer

What boots and footwear do I need?

What safety gear is essential in winter?

Sunglasses

Provide snow glare protection

Ice axe

For steep, icy routes

Walking poles

Good for added balance, not essential

Hiking pack

Likely larger than your summer pack to fit extra kit

Dry bags

Even if your pack has a waterproof cover, rain and snow can still find their way into your pack. Keep your essentials dry with dry bags

Head torch & spare battery

Even if you plan to only be out in the daylight, sometimes hikes take longer than expected.

Map & compass

Having a physical map (in a waterproof cover) is beneficial even if you have a digital map on your phone. In cold temperatures, batteries can drain quickly, so having a physical backup can make all the difference.

Whistle

A safety essential for year-round use if something goes wrong

First aid kit

A year-round essential, make sure it's well stocked and everything is in date

Emergency shelter or survival bag

You never plan to need a survival kit, but it's better to have it and not need it.

Food & drink

Have plenty to account for any delays when out on the hill

Spare layers

There's nothing worse than wet socks, having a few spare layers for if the weather gets rough will make your day much more enjoyable

What should I consider before a winter hike?

Account for shorter daylight hours

Check the on-the-hill forecast, including avalanche forecasts

Let someone know your route and your expected timeline

Carry a map, compass, and GPS device to navigate the trail and know how to use them

Know your limits. It's better to turn back early than get yourself into a dangerous situation

Final thoughts: How do I prepare for winter hiking?

Winter hiking is rewarding but requires preparation. With the right layers, footwear, and safety kit, you’ll stay warm, confident, and ready for the challenge.