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

Gear Review: Mountain Equipment G2 Ultimate Mountain Pant

Ultimate
NOUN

1. (the ultimate)

   
   

   the best achievable or imaginable of its kind:

   "the ultimate in decorative luxury"

The name suggests that these are the best things going - time to delve in a little deeper to find out whether they match up to it.

Mountain Equipment G2 Ultimate Mountain Pant

I bought a pair of these a while ago from an eBay seller who consistently sells ME seconds and samples. I suspect they work for the company but, suspicions aside, these were a bargain at £75, given the fact that their RRP is £180. £180 is a lot for a pair of trousers that are not waterproof but there is a lot going on that does justify some of it.

Firstly, they are made entirely for Gore Windstopper fabric which is 100% windproof, a godsend in the winter, as they help to reduce the chill of a January northerly. That fabric is actually constructed in the same way as Gore-Tex with a waterproof membrane sandwiched between two fabric layers. The difference here is that the outer fabric is a softshell material and the seams aren't taped. What you are buying is a non-waterproof waterproof. If that makes sense. The trade here is vastly increased breathability.

Secondly, a lot of thought has gone into these trousers, as is the case with many of the pieces from ME in the last couple of years. The legs are shaped and articulated in a way that gives you unrestricted freedom, enabling you to easily make those high strides on many a Lakeland scramble. The seams that form the articulation in the knee panels are finished off with laminated plastic that maintains the trousers windproofness. There are other details that I like which I'll mention a bit further down.

Knee articulation and wind-proof seams

Here's the technical spec from Mountain Equipment:

• Windstopper soft shell fabric
• 2 zipped hand pockets and 2 thigh vents
• Removable and fully adjustable braces
• Integrated belt with double press-stud waist closure
• Reinforced kick strips and bonded hem for durability
• Internal gaiters
• Ankle zips with internal gusset panel to accommodate larger mountain boots

The Fit
I wear a large pair which equate to a 34" waist and they are very comfortable - not too tight and not too loose. A real Goldilocks pair of trousers.

The G2 Pants in the tame surroundings of our house

The Details
There are a few details that I really like on these trousers, the first being the zipped thigh vents. Despite their subtle differences to waterproof materials, an additional membrane will always decrease breathability and lead to heat build-up when you're working hard. The thigh vents go some way to help alleviate this and they work really well. The only criticism is they could be a bit longer - like the ones on the Montane Terra trousers.

Thigh vents with mesh-backers

These trousers are designed to stay in place all day thanks to the double snap closure, integrated belt and - if you are that way inclined - removable braces. I, personally, really like the braces as they prevent the trousers from slowly sliding down as the day passes. Despite initial appearances, the braces fit comfortably over a baselayer and underneath the rest of your gear.

Braces in-situ

Double snap closure and integrated belt

Down at the bottom of each leg are a couple of useful additions; the first of which is the ankle zip. This allows you to increase the volume of the lower leg to accommodate larger footwear, such as winter climbing boots. In addition to this are reinforced insteps to protect against crampon spikes and the internal gaiters which have lace hooks to seal out the elements; snow in particular. If you've ever stepped into a deep drift and felt a cold, snowy embrace at the top of your boot, you'll know why these are useful.

The adjustable lower legs

Conclusion:

There are a superb pair of trousers suited to the colder months of the year thanks to their windproof material. Over the last year, they've been my go-to trousers for any time the forecast is looking cold, windy or rainy which, in the UK, is most of the time. Pick them out on a warmer day and you may find your legs getting a bit sweaty. The thigh vents work to a point but they are fairly small.

The fit and freedom of movement are second to none thanks to some clever stitching and those articulated knees. They're pretty tough as well; a fair bit of use to date has yet to tarnish them in any shape or form. Word is that the seam tape on the knees has a tendency to peel off over time but I haven't experienced this yet. The current incarnation of these pants has done away with it altogether.

If you're reading this and considering buying a pair, I would say go for it - you won't be disappointed.

The G2's on their way up Pike O'Blisco

Gear Review: Mountain Equipment Lhotse Waterproof Jacket

I thought I'd start off my foray into reviewing gear by having a look at one of my favourite pieces for the great outdoors; the Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket. I have to say, I do have a soft spot for the kit that appears from the Manchester-based brands HQ and this is no exception.

The Lhotse sits towards the top end of ME's jacket spectrum - a few rungs down the ladder from the 'hard as nails' Tupilak jacket. This makes it quite expensive (the RRP is around £300) though I did get mine for around £250 after a bit of shopping around. For that money you are getting some premium materials, attention to detail and a jacket that will serve you well, whether it's as an everyday waterproof that lives in your pack during spring and summer or for keeping the elements at bay during autumn and winter. This is courtesy of the Gore-Tex Pro fabric that is used throughout the jacket.

The Lhotse uses two flavours of the fabric, a 40 denier face fabric for the majority, with an 80 denier fabric for the shoulders and arms which provides extra abrasion resistance when wearing a pack. I would have liked to have seen some reinforcement around the hips as well but that starts to push the jacket into Tupilak territory (which is 80D throughout). The fabric is a bit noisy but this doesn't detract from its use.

Let's look at my particular one in a bit more detail:

Front and side view

Features
After parting with your hard-earned cash you get the following features:

• 3 Layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric
• A helmet-compatible hood
• Pre-shaped arms
• 3 large pockets
• Moulded YKK Aquaguard zips
• Two-way underarm pit zips with YKK Water Resistance zips
• Adjustable cuffs and hem
• ME's storm construction
• Weight - 530g

As you can see from the photo above, the fit is quite flattering (I'm wearing a medium over just a t-shirt). ME have spent a great deal of time refining the fit of their current range of jackets and long gone are the days of boxy and baggy waterproofs. This has a nice tailored fit with room underneath for mid-layers if required but doesn't feel overly roomy if put on over just a baselayer. The body is perhaps a touch longer than I would have liked but it does provide a greater overlap if you're wearing waterproof trousers as well. Adjustability is provided by a hem drawcord and sturdy cuff adjusters that allow you to seal out the elements.

The Hood
This is perhaps ME's pièce de résistance. The hood on this jacket is arguably the best I've come across in terms of fit and protectiveness. While designed to fit over a helmet it is unlikely that I will ever use it as such but it is adjustable to give a snug, protective fit over a helmetless head. The brim (or visor) is nice and solid and is un-phased by anything but the strongest of winds. It is 'grown on' and therefore offers the greatest protection against wind and rain.

The hood in action

Details
There are a few clever details that I like hidden within this jacket. The first are the dual tether drawcords. Instead, on one continuous piece of elastic running around the hem of the jacket, this actually has three. Two between the front zip and the hips (on either side) and one longer one around the back. I like this for two reasons - you can adjust the front and the back of the jacket independently and there are no loops of elastic to get caught on errant tree branches or rocks.

Those clever dual drawcords

The pockets are massive and can easily store gloves, hats and snacks with ease as well as the eponymous OS map if you so choose. I find the Aquaguard zips are a bit stiff but they are heavy duty and provide a weatherproof seal though strictly speaking, they are not waterproof. If you want waterproof zips you'll have to look at the Tupilak Ultra and forking out few extra pounds.

Those chunky YKK Aquaguard zips

The chest pocket easily fits an OS map

In Action
This is my go-to jacket if the forecast is looking questionable or downright foul and often comes along 'just in case'. While all modern jackets like to boast about breathability, they will always be overwhelmed if you're slogging up a mountainside and this jacket is no different though the pit zips help a lot. There are more breathable fabrics available but increased breathability often comes at the cost of durability. I'd rather have a tough jacket like this that will keep me warm and dry when the British weather turns nasty.

The combination of a great fit, an unrivalled hood and the tough Gore-Tex fabric make this a highly recommended jacket, despite its high price. It also comes in the startling Citronelle colourway that appeals to my sense of style - keep an eye out for a running theme.

The Lhotse in full protection mode on Bessyboot

An Icelandic trial for the Lhotse