Autumn/Winter Mountaineering Clothing and Equipment

Written By Bryn Williams
Autumn/Winter Mountaineering Clothing and Equipment Bryn Williams Mountaineering

Autumn/Winter Mountaineering Clothing and Equipment - Bryn Williams Mountaineering

Autumn into winter is my favourite time of the year to start heading out to the hills as the colours are changing and the end of the day is sometimes rewarded with stunning sunsets. The clothing and equipment choice become a vital part venturing into the hills during the winter months so here’s an idea of what I’ll be taking with me.

Clothing

Start cold and avoid getting too warm and sweaty early in the day. My clothing choices would generally be:

Start of the day:

  • Long sleeve base layer with high neck

  • Light windproof layer

  • Insulated (synthetic) gilet/vest

  • Thin gloves, buff, thin hat

  • Soft-shell trousers

  • Gaiters

As height is gained or it starts to cool down:

  • Soft-shell jacket (with hood)

  • Lightly Insulated gloves (not too bulky)

  • Water-proof trousers (with full length zips and ideally high waist/bib style)

Poor weather:

  • Water-proof jacket (fixed hood which can be easily adjusted with gloves on)

  • Synthetic insulated jacket (slightly larger size which allows it to be worn over the top of all other layers plus fixed hood)

  • Big insulated and waterproof gloves

  • Thicker beanie hat

Equipment

During the winter months you’ll end up carrying more equipment and clothing than in the summer months, so for starters think about the size of your rucksack. A 40ltr would be ideal with compression straps (for holding an ice axe and walking poles), supportive waist belt and a pocket within the lid to stashing snacks and random bits and pieces.  The equipment I use in winter will differ from summer – always remember that you might need to use it with big gloves on and in darkness.

Within my rucksack would be:

  • Map (including spare and a case or lanyard)

  • Compass (with large base plate) 

  • GPS (to assist with the map and compass)

  • Flask (0.5 – 1ltr with hot drink)

  • Water (0.5 – 1ltr)

  • More food than summer (mix of slow energy release snacks and some quick hitters)

  • Head torch (brighter and more robust than the one I carry in the summer)

  • Phone within a waterproof case

  • First aid kit

  • Spare gloves or mitts

  • Spare hat and buff

  • Group shelter (big enough for your team to get in)

  • Blizzard survival vest (one per team member)

  • Walking pole(s)

  • Sunglasses and lip cream 

  • Clear goggles (that can be used in darkness)

Essential Winter Kit

Most of the equipment above will be carried within the autumn months and as winter arrives I’ll then add some essential kit to the list:

  • Winter Boots – Fully rigid winter boots (B3 rated). I like the extra support in winter and makes for kicking steps on short snow patches much easier as far more stable.

  • Crampons – must be compatible with the boots you use and robust. A mountaineering crampon would be ideal for most journeys and if using a B3 boot will allow a ‘clip-in’ style that gives a snug and secure fit. Stash them in a crampon bag rather than using point-protectors. 

  • Fix it kit – the usual boot laces and duct tape, plus some zip ties and a multi-tool for fixing crampons.

  • Knowledge – One of the main differences in winter is the knowledge required to use the winter equipment competently (ice axe, cramponing skills) along with understanding the differences in and challenge in navigation and avalanche awareness. A winter skills course can be a good way to take your summer walking skills into the winter environment. 

Bryn Williams
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