Gear Roundup: Winter Walking

Winter Mountain Walking — Essential Gear & Preparation

As the nights draw in and weather forecasters start talking about 'snow on the tops', the high country transforms into an entirely different realm. Winter strips away the forgiving nature of the hills: a gentle summer stroll can quickly morph into a serious alpine test where weather, terrain, and margin for error shift dramatically within minutes.

The most reliable winter hiking in the UK is found in Scotland, with snow guaranteed between January and March. However, navigating Scottish winter conditions is a skill unto its own—warranting dedicated training. Having completed a winter skills course at the Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre, I would recommend it to anyone considering taking their fell-walking into the fourth season.

⏱️ Winter Kit Essentials at a Glance

• Pack: 35-45L capacity for extra bulk and fast packing in cold conditions
• Technical Tools: T-rated walking axe (ankle-length shaft) & C2/C1 crampons
• Footwear: Stiff B1 or B2 rated winter boots (essential for crampon safety)
• Navigation: Laminated OS map pre-marked with bearings & magnetic compass
• Warmth & Protection: 3-layer system, synthetic belay jacket, ski goggles & 3-4 pairs of gloves
• Safety: Whistle, high-output torch with reactive beam, and survival shelter bag

The dramatic, snow-dusted ridges of the Langdale Pikes

Pack & Navigation Strategy

I step up to a large 36-litre pack in the winter. Cold-weather gear is inherently bulkier, but there’s a vital practical reason for the extra volume: efficiency. A large pack means you can shove gear in quickly rather than fighting intricate packing arrangements—extremely useful when spindrift is flying and your fingers are cold.

Essential gear layout for a full day out in the mountains

Navigating in winter is a core element of staying safe. A map and compass are non-negotiable. Pre-calculating route bearings onto your map saves you from precise, fiddly work in harsh conditions. Laminated OS maps are ideal for this, as you can write directly on them in chinagraph pencil and wipe them clean afterwards.

Axes, Crampons & Boot Compatibility

Walking in winter almost instantly conjures up thoughts of specialist gear, and none are more iconic than an ice axe. They provide invaluable stability on steep ground and offer a vital line of defence should you slip.

My DMM Raptor ice axe

Ice axes come with a 'B' (Basic) or 'T' (Technical) rating stamped onto the shaft. Both are fine for general walking, but I carry a 'T' rated axe—the extra mass makes it much easier to drive the pick cleanly into frozen turf and hard-packed snow. Ensure you select a straight or slightly curved walking axe sized so the spike hangs near your ankle when held at your side; short, aggressive climbing axes are designed for vertical ice walls and are awkward for general walking support.

The golden rule in winter is simple: don't fall over. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using a pair of crampons combined with solid footwork. Crucially, crampons must be paired with suitably stiff mountaineering boots (B1 or B2 rated). Attempting to strap crampons onto flexible summer walking boots is dangerous—the boot will flex underneath the rigid crampon bar, risking metal fatigue, snapped linking bars, or the crampon popping off completely mid-slope.

Black Diamond Serac crampons paired with stiff winter boots

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What may be a simple stroll in summer can become an absolute epic in winter.

Majestic views over Scafell and Scafell Pike in full winter coat

Layering Systems & Waterproof Protection

Managing body temperature and moisture control is the key to surviving winter walking. The standard 3-layer system remains the gold standard, though modern technical fabrics offer incredible versatility across mid-layers and active insulation:

1. Base Layer: Wicks sweat away from the skin immediately. High-grade synthetic active mesh or technical merino wool works best to prevent the rapid cooling that occurs when you stop moving.

2. Mid-Layers & Active Insulation: Gridded fleeces and highly breathable synthetic jackets allow moisture to pass through while trapping vital body heat.

3. Hard Shell Waterproofs: A robust, fully seam-sealed hardshell jacket and over-trousers form your windproof and rainproof fortress. Heavy-duty 3-layer Gore-Tex or equivalent membranes are necessary to withstand the punishing combination of gale-force winds, driven sleet, and sharp ice.

4. Stationary Belay Layer: Having a warm over-jacket stored right at the top of your pack is non-negotiable. While down offers impressive warmth-to-weight, UK winters are wet and maritime—the moment down gets saturated by driving sleet or spindrift, it completely collapses and loses all insulation. For British fell-walking, synthetic insulation (such as PrimaLoft) is vastly superior, as it continues to trap heat even when damp.

Spindrift whipping off the ridge at Helm Crag

Goggles might seem an odd addition at first, but when you're staring down 40-knot gusts of driving spindrift, you'll be glad you have them. I was once turned back from Helm Crag for precisely this reason. A basic pair around £20 is all it takes to keep you moving safely.

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Rule of Thumb: Glove Redundancy Always pack at least 3 to 4 pairs of gloves for an all-day winter walk. They get soaked quickly and can easily blow away in high winds. Carry thin liners, warm fleece mid-weights, heavy waterproof outers, and a dry spare set.

A typical layered array of gloves

With daylight fading early, a high-output headtorch is essential. I carry a Petzl Tikka RXP for its reactive lighting technology, which adjusts brightness automatically and saves battery life in freezing conditions.

Wide open winter views across Ribblesdale

Full Winter Gear List Breakdown

Category	Equipment Choice	Primary Function
Carrying	36L Mountaineering Pack	High volume for bulky cold layers
Footwear	B1 / B2 Rated Stiff Boots	Essential rigid platform for crampon safety
Hard Shell	Heavyweight 3-Layer Waterproofs	Full wind and driven rain shield
Insulation	Heavyweight Synthetic Belay Jacket	Stationary warmth (retains loft when wet)
Hardware	DMM Raptor Ice Axe (T-Rated)	Ankle-length walking axe for balance & self-arrest
Traction	Black Diamond Serac Crampons	Frozen turf & hard snow grip
Lighting	Petzl Tikka RXP + Alpkit Backup	Reactive lighting for dark descents
Safety	Blizzard Survival Bag & Whistle	Emergency shelter & signalling
Eyewear	Ventilated Ski Goggles	Spindrift & whiteout vision protection

The rewards for lugging this extra gear are immense. Frozen landscapes, crisp alpine air, and solitude offer a grandeur that summer walking simply can't match. Is there anything you think I've missed from this list or a piece of kit you never leave home without in winter? Let me know in the comments below!

First Look: Arc'teryx Bora Mid GTX Hiking Boot

Arc'teryx Bora Mid GTX

If you have any interest in the great outdoors you'll no doubt have come across Arc'teryx in your time, the gear engineers from Canada. They caused a bit of a stir a year or two ago by releasing their first pair of hiking boots and, Arc'teryx being Arc'teryx, these are a little bit different to others on the market. Now that they have been around for a while, it is possible to pick them up much cheaper than the RRP.

Side view of the futuristic Bora Mid GTX boots

One of the key features is how the waterproof membrane has been incorporated into the boot. Most moots have it sandwiched between the outer fabric and the inner, as you would expect, but Arc'teryx have done things a little differently - more about that later.

So, what do you get for your money?

• Materials:
• Upper: TPU high abrasion protection film
• Lining: 2 layer stretch nylon monomesh, stretch Gore-Tex, air-permeable EVA foam core
• Insole: Ortholite footbed
• Sole: Vibram Arc'teryx Hiking outsole
• Arc'teryx Adaptive fit
• "Y" groove split heel for improved braking
• Spherical heel shape for stability and smooth stride
• Weight: 1.24kg/pair

Arc'teryx Adaptive Fit
The water resistance of these boots is provided by a separate, stretchy liner made from air-permeable foam and stretch Gore-Tex. On the top-end Bora2 boot, the Gore-Tex liner boot is removable - on this pair, it is sewn in along the footbed. This bootie, being stretchy, forms around the shape of your foot to provide a satisfying, sock-like fit. Arc'teryx refers to this as 'Arc'teryx Adaptive Fit'.

The stretchy 'Adaptive Fit' liner

In addition to this, the liner construction only has one seam and also allows the Gore-Tex membrane to extend to the very top edge of the cuff, considerably higher than traditional constructions, further increasing waterproof/breathable protection. I have found that wearing normal hiking socks with this liner creates the best fit though some have reverted to thinner types to take into account the extra padding in the liner.

Upper Construction
These boots utilise advanced textiles and Arc'teryx's signature thermolaminated construction. The upper is a single, unified, seamless piece. Made from a PU coated nylon textile, it is air permeable for ventilation and hydrophobic decrease drying time.

Example of the one-piece upper used across Arc'teryx's range of footwear

Sole
The Bora Mids use a specially designed Vibram sole with a number of distinct zones. The toes have a flatter area designed for climbing with grooves for increased traction. Lugs down the centre and along the edges provide further traction while the heel features a "Y" groove to provide extra braking during descents. The heel is also curved to create a smoother ride.

View of the Bora Mid's Vibram sole

Curved heel with added braking grooves

Other Features
They include a number of additional features that you'd expect to find on a pair of hiking boots including locking lace hooks with added reinforcements for longevity. Something you don't find on many boots are added pull loops on the top of the liner. These help to get the boot on - a task that would be a challenge without them. They have to be pulled on like a pair of socks rather than the time old tradition of pushing your foot in. The liner also makes it a bit of a challenge to insert aftermarket insoles, but it can be done!

Branded pull loop at the top of the boot

First Impression
Technology is nothing unless the boots fit and, fortunately, I have found them very comfortable after a short period of wearing in. Their first proper outing was across the bogs of Bleaklow and they passed their first test with flying colours, including some brief bog submersions. They felt a little narrow, to begin with, but have started to give after a few miles and I can only see them getting more comfortable as time goes on. Their waterproofness and long term durability is yet to be tested but similar reviews have leant towards them being pretty sturdy and very waterproof, despite the unique design.

The Bora Mids on their inaugural day out on Bleaklow 

Gear Review: Scarpa R-Evo GTX Hiking Boots

Scarpa R-Evo GTX

The Scarpa R-Evos were the first everyday hiking boot to utilise Scarpa's 'Sock-Fit' technology, a boot building technique that has slowly been filtering down from their top-end mountaineering and ice climbing boots - more on that later. I bought my pair after a moment of weakness while trying them on in a shop. I was amazed at their instant comfort and parted with my hard-earned cash (plus a discount of course) in a flash. I think I'm quite lucky to have Scarpa shaped feet as they make some fine boots for all manner of walking, climbing and mountaineering.

Side view of the Scarpa R-Evo

I purchased them after getting fed up with two pairs of Salomon Cosmics which, despite their superlative fit, leaked badly after minimal wear (I bought one pair and subsequently had them replaced under warranty to no avail). Time to try another brand I thought. I had read good reviews of the R-Evos from other websites which prompted me to look at them in the first place. They are an extremely handsome looking boot with their two-tone grey-orange theme though the 'greyness' of mine has faded over time, becoming a sort of grey-brown colour which is a little disappointing.

As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, these fit me perfectly and were out walking almost directly from the box. One of their key features is the Sock-Fit, which I'll discuss in a moment but for now, here are their technical specs:

• Materials:
• Upper: Suede and Schoeller S-Tech fabric
• Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort
• Insole: Comfort Flex
• Midsole: EVA
• Outsole: Vibram Fagus Lite
• Sock-Fit construction
• Speed Lacing System
• Ankle Padding System
• Heel Tension System
• Weight: 1.3kg (pair)

Sock Fit
So - the Sock-Fit. What's it all about? Instead of a traditional tongue that is created from the same fabric as the boot and floats separately from the uppers - the Sock-Fit tongue is made from one piece of softshell fabric which is attached to the boot at the lacing points. In practice, this makes the boot 'one piece' which has the necessary stretch to flex and move with your foot - very much like a sock. The fabric Scarpa has used is Schoeller S-Tech which looks and feels like most normal softshell fabrics though has a certain 'squishiness' to it and undoubtedly has Gore-Tex sandwiched within it.

The softshell tongue that forms the Sock Fit

This softshell fabric extends from the tongue to two triangular windows at the ankle which allows the boot to flex here as well. Overall, the fit of these boots on me is superb; close and supportive yet unrestrictive and, ultimately, there isn't a hint of movement of the foot in the boot which helps to eliminate blisters.

Sole
They have a specially designed Vibram sole that I've found to grip well to most surfaces - I've yet to have a serious slip in these other than the odd skid on steep, wet grass. 18 months worth of walking (averaging about 20-30 miles per month) has started to wear the tread a bit so I'm not sure exactly how long they will last before a re-sole or the bin beckons.

The Vibram sole on the R-Evos

Waterproofing
As will all fabric boots the waterproofing is provided by a Gore-Tex layer in the boot which is all that is keeping the elements at bay. Thus far, the boot has performed admirably in bad weather, save for one curious incident during their early days where I ended up with a wet foot having just walked through some long wet grass on the slopes of Place Fell. While I've yet to replicate this and have since worn the boots during some fairly poor weather with no issue, I can only assume that it was the result of wet trousers leading to wet socks and a wet foot. As with any lined boot, feet do get hot and sweaty on warm days which has caused some friction around my ankle.

Other features
These are listed straight from Scarpa and, in all honesty, I have no idea how significantly they contribute to the overall comfort. Memory foam padding is evident around the ankle, the Heel Tension System supports your heel and prevents torsional twisting, and the Speed Lacing System allows for speedy adjustment of the internal volumes of the boot. In other words, you can tie the laces which I think is a real must-have feature for any pair of walking boots. A robust toe rand wards off scuffs and abrasions at the front of the boot.

Conclusion
These are a well-made pair of boots that fit me very well indeed - they are very comfortable. Obviously, if they don't fit you then they are as good as useless. They are my go-to footwear generally between Spring and late Autumn. I believe that the Sock-Fit actually works well, creating a close, secure fit around the foot but with the necessary flex required to make them comfortable. They look to be handling the English mountains rather well with no obvious signs of damaging wear and they have retained their waterproofness well beyond the lifetime of the previous Salomons. Being over a year old now you can pick them up well under the RRP of £180 which makes them much more affordable. If you have a Scarpa shaped foot and are in the market for a new 3 season boot, I'd recommend giving these some consideration.

The R-Evos tackling the Bad Step