Winter Hiking: Essential Gear and Clothing for the Cold

The mountains don't close for November. Empty trails, crisp air, frost-tipped forests: winter walking uncovers a side of nature that summer never shows — provided you’re equipped for it. With biting winds on the ridges, snow that soaks through, and darkness falling by 5 pm, improvisation is a costly mistake. If you've already adjusted your kit for autumn walking, winter is the next step: the same principles, but with higher stakes. Here's how to dress and what to pack to stay warm, dry, and safe all the way through to spring.

Our Picks for Staying Warm While Trekking

Five trusted items from our collection of hiking jackets and winter range, chosen to cover all three layers and extremities—from the waterproof bestseller to the extreme cold balaclava:

THE WINTER JACKET

Fleece lined to tackle dry cold without layering up

Women's Winter Hiking Jacket Fleece Lined

£132.90

MODEL

Bright Pink/Grey / XS — £132.90 Bright Pink/Grey / S — £132.90 Bright Pink/Grey / M — £132.90 Bright Pink/Grey / L — £132.90 Bright Pink/Grey / XL — £132.90 Bright Pink/Grey / 2XL — £132.90 White / XS — £132.90 White / S — £132.90 White / M — £132.90 White / L — £132.90 White / XL — £132.90 White / 2XL — £132.90 Neon Green / XS — £132.90 Neon Green / S — £132.90 Neon Green / M — £132.90 Neon Green / L — £132.90 Neon Green / XL — £132.90 Neon Green / 2XL — £132.90 Apricot / XS — £132.90 Apricot / S — £132.90 Apricot / M — £132.90 Apricot / L — £132.90 Apricot / XL — £132.90 Apricot / 2XL — £132.90 Blue Camo / XS — £132.90 Blue Camo / S — £132.90 Blue Camo / M — £132.90 Blue Camo / L — £132.90 Blue Camo / XL — £132.90 Blue Camo / 2XL — £132.90 Black Camo / XS — £132.90 Black Camo / S — £132.90 Black Camo / M — £132.90 Black Camo / L — £132.90 Black Camo / XL — £132.90 Black Camo / 2XL — £132.90 Pink Camo / XS — £132.90 Pink Camo / S — £132.90 Pink Camo / M — £132.90 Pink Camo / L — £132.90 Pink Camo / XL — £132.90 Pink Camo / 2XL — £132.90 Light Green / XS — £132.90 Light Green / S — £132.90 Light Green / M — £132.90 Light Green / L — £132.90 Light Green / XL — £132.90 Light Green / 2XL — £132.90 Orange / XS — £132.90 Orange / S — £132.90 Orange / M — £132.90 Orange / L — £132.90 Orange / XL — £132.90 Orange / 2XL — £132.90 Grey Camo / XS — £132.90 Grey Camo / S — £132.90 Grey Camo / M — £132.90 Grey Camo / L — £132.90 Grey Camo / XL — £132.90 Grey Camo / 2XL — £132.90 Yellow / XS — £144.90 Yellow / S — £144.90 Yellow / M — £144.90 Yellow / L — £144.90 Yellow / XL — £144.90 Yellow / 2XL — £144.90 Violet / XS — £144.90 Violet / S — £144.90 Violet / M — £144.90 Violet / L — £144.90 Violet / XL — £144.90 Violet / 2XL — £144.90 Sky Blue / XS — £144.90 Sky Blue / S — £144.90 Sky Blue / M — £144.90 Sky Blue / L — £144.90 Sky Blue / XL — £144.90 Sky Blue / 2XL — £144.90 Mint Green / XS — £144.90 Mint Green / S — £144.90 Mint Green / M — £144.90 Mint Green / L — £144.90 Mint Green / XL — £144.90 Mint Green / 2XL — £144.90 Pink/Grey / XS — £144.90 Pink/Grey / S — £144.90 Pink/Grey / M — £144.90 Pink/Grey / L — £144.90 Pink/Grey / XL — £144.90 Pink/Grey / 2XL — £144.90 White/Black / XS — £144.90 White/Black / S — £144.90 White/Black / M — £144.90 White/Black / L — £144.90 White/Black / XL — £144.90 White/Black / 2XL — £144.90 Navy Blue / XS — £144.90Navy Blue / S — £144.90 Navy Blue / M — £144.90 Navy Blue / L — £144.90

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WINTER WARMTH MEN

The second layer for those blustery crests from November to March

Men's Warm Walking Jacket

£143.90

MODEL

Fluorescent Green / XS — £143.90 Fluorescent Green / S — £143.90 Fluorescent Green / M — £143.90 Fluorescent Green / L — £143.90 Fluorescent Green / XL — £143.90 Fluorescent Green / 2XL — £143.90 Fluorescent Green / 3XL — £143.90 White / XS — £143.90 White / S — £143.90 White / M — £143.90 White / L — £143.90 White / XL — £143.90 White / 2XL — £143.90 White / 3XL — £143.90 Navy Blue / XS — £143.90 Navy Blue / S — £143.90 Navy Blue / M — £143.90 Navy Blue / L — £143.90 Navy Blue / XL — £143.90 Navy Blue / 2XL — £143.90 Navy Blue / 3XL — £143.90 Red / XS — £143.90 Red / S — £143.90 Red / M — £143.90 Red / L — £143.90 Red / XL — £143.90 Red / 2XL — £143.90 Red / 3XL — £143.90 Anthracite Grey / XS — £143.90 Anthracite Grey / S — £143.90 Anthracite Grey / M — £143.90 Anthracite Grey / L — £143.90 Anthracite Grey / XL — £143.90 Anthracite Grey / 2XL — £143.90 Anthracite Grey / 3XL — £143.90 Blue / XS — £143.90 Blue / S — £143.90 Blue / M — £143.90 Blue / L — £143.90 Blue / XL — £143.90 Blue / 2XL — £143.90 Blue / 3XL — £143.90 Brown / XS — £143.90 Brown / S — £143.90 Brown / M — £143.90 Brown / L — £143.90 Brown / XL — £143.90 Brown / 2XL — £143.90 Brown / 3XL — £143.90 Light Grey / XS — £143.90 Light Grey / S — £143.90 Light Grey / M — £143.90 Light Grey / L — £143.90 Light Grey / XL — £143.90 Light Grey / 2XL — £143.90 Light Grey / 3XL — £143.90 Black / XS — £143.90 Black / S — £143.90 Black / M — £143.90 Black / L — £143.90 Black / XL — £156.90 Black / 2XL — £156.90 Black / 3XL — £156.90 Black and Grey / XS — £156.90 Black and Grey / S — £156.90 Black and Grey / M — £156.90 Black and Grey / L — £156.90 Black and Grey / XL — £156.90 Black and Grey / 2XL — £156.90 Black and Grey / 3XL — £156.90 Beige / XS — £156.90 Beige / S — £156.90 Beige / M — £156.90 Beige / L — £156.90 Beige / XL — £156.90 Beige / 2XL — £156.90 Beige / 3XL — £156.90 Olive Green / XS — £156.90 Olive Green / S — £156.90 Olive Green / M — £156.90 Olive Green / L — £156.90 Olive Green / XL — £156.90 Olive Green / 2XL — £156.90 Olive Green / 3XL — £156.90 Yellow / XS — £156.90 Yellow / S — £156.90 Yellow / M — £156.90 Yellow / L — £156.90 Yellow / XL — £156.90 Yellow / 2XL — £156.90 Yellow / 3XL — £156.90 Dark Green / XS — £156.90 Dark Green / S — £156.90Dark Green / M — £137.95 Dark Green / L — £137.95 Dark Green / XL — £137.95 Dark Green / 2XL — £137.95 Dark Green / 3XL — £137.95

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BEST SELLER

Waterproof and breathable — our most chosen outer layer

Women's Waterproof and Breathable Hiking Jacket

£71.90

MODEL

Fuchsia Pink / M — £71.90 Fuchsia Pink / L — £71.90 Fuchsia Pink / XL — £71.90 Fuchsia Pink / XXL — £71.90 Fuchsia Pink / XXXL — £71.90 Fuchsia Pink / 4XL — £71.90 Red / M — £71.90 Red / L — £71.90 Red / XL — £71.90 Red / XXL — £71.90 Red / XXXL — £71.90 Red / 4XL — £71.90 Black / M — £71.90 Black / L — £71.90 Black / XL — £71.90 Black / XXL — £71.90 Black / XXXL — £71.90 Black / 4XL — £71.90 Violet / M — £71.90 Violet / L — £71.90 Violet / XL — £71.90 Violet / XXL — £71.90 Violet / XXXL — £71.90 Violet / 4XL — £71.90 Green / M — £71.90 Green / L — £71.90 Green / XL — £71.90 Green / XXL — £71.90 Green / XXXL — £71.90 Green / 4XL — £71.90

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THE COSY BOTTOM

Fleece lining, water-repellent outer: Stay warm without overheating

Women's Fleece-Lined Hiking Trousers

£71.90

MODEL

Purple / S — £71.90 Purple / M — £71.90 Purple / L — £71.90 Purple / XL — £71.90 Purple / XXL — £71.90 Grey / S — £71.90 Grey / M — £71.90 Grey / L — £71.90 Grey / XL — £71.90 Grey / XXL — £71.90 Green / S — £71.90 Green / M — £71.90 Green / L — £71.90 Green / XL — £71.90 Green / XXL — £71.90

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FOR EXTREMITIES

Hat, neck gaiter and balaclava all in one fleece piece for extreme cold

Extreme Cold Weather Balaclava

£22.90

MODEL

Dark Grey / 56-58cm — £22.90 Black / 56-58cm — £22.90 Light Pink / 56-58cm — £22.90 White / 56-58cm — £22.90 Beige / 56-58cm — £22.90

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The Winter Layering Strategy: Three Layers

The principle remains the same throughout the seasons — we've thoroughly covered it in our guide how to dress for a walk — but come winter, it becomes non-negotiable: one layer to wick away sweat, one to insulate, and one to fend off wind and snow. A common rookie mistake in winter? Overdressing at the start. You want to begin slightly chilled: ten minutes into the walk, your body finds its rhythm and it's the sweat, not the cold, that becomes your enemy. A wet garment can lose up to two-thirds of its insulating power.

Base Layer: Stay Dry

Close to the skin, it's all about moisture management. Merino wool or technical synthetics, long-sleeve top, and — absolute rule — never cotton: it holds moisture, sticks to the skin, and turns every break into a shivering session. Merino stays warm even when damp and doesn't smell after two days; synthetics dry faster and are more budget-friendly. For your legs, a thin pair of leggings under your trousers provides the same service once temperatures dip below zero.

Mid Layer: Breathable Insulation

This is the layer that traps warm air. A classic fleece for continuous effort, a fleece-lined jacket when the chill sets in, and for breaks, windy summits, or dry frigid cold, a compactible down jacket — one that packs into a litre-sized space and pulls out easily at the first extended stop. In really low temperatures, don't hesitate to layer up: a thin fleece plus a down jacket, ready to shed a layer as soon as you warm up on the incline.

Men's Packable Walking Down Jacket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 (3 reviews)

£83.90

Pay in 4x £23.48 with no fees using Shop Pay

MODEL

Black / M — £83.90 Black / L — £83.90 Black / XL — £83.90 Black / XXL — £83.90 Black / 3XL — £83.90 Bordeaux / M — £83.90 Bordeaux / L — £83.90 Bordeaux / XL — £83.90 Bordeaux / XXL — £83.90 Bordeaux / 3XL — £83.90 Navy / M — £83.90 Navy / L — £83.90 Navy / XL — £83.90 Navy / XXL — £83.90 Navy / 3XL — £83.90 Blue / M — £83.90 Blue / L — £83.90 Blue / XL — £83.90 Blue / XXL — £83.90 Blue / 3XL — £83.90 Silver Grey / M — £83.90 Silver Grey / L — £83.90 Silver Grey / XL — £83.90 Silver Grey / XXL — £83.90 Silver Grey / 3XL — £83.90Add to cart

The right approach on the move: unzip before you warm up, zip up before you get cold. Thermoregulation is all about staying ahead — adjust to shifts in pace, not when sweat is already trickling down your back. That's why two medium layers are always better than one thick one: they offer two levels of adjustment instead of one and pack down more efficiently in your rucksack when the midday sun heats the south-facing slope.

Outer layer: wind and snow defence

The final barrier: a waterproof and windproof jacket, with a breathable membrane, adjustable hood, and sealed seams. At -5°C with no wind, it might stay in your pack, but as soon as it gets blustery or snow begins to fall, it’s essential. Wind chill can turn a mild -2°C into a biting -12°C. Underarm ventilation zips are a blessing on steeper climbs, preventing that sauna effect.

If you prefer a single piece rather than two separates, a 3-in-1 jacket combines a waterproof shell with a zip-in fleece lining. Wear them together in winter, separately during the mid-seasons. It's an investment that replaces two jackets and adapts from November through April.

Women's 3-in-1 Waterproof Fleece Hiking Jacket

£165.90

Payez en 4× £41.48 sans frais avec Shop Pay

MODÈLE

Camouflage Rose / XS — £165.90 Camouflage Rose / S — £165.90 Camouflage Rose / M — £165.90 Camouflage Rose / L — £165.90 Camouflage Rose / XL — £165.90 Camouflage Rose / 2XL — £165.90 Bleu / XS — £165.90 Bleu / S — £165.90 Bleu / M — £165.90 Bleu / L — £165.90 Bleu / XL — £165.90 Bleu / 2XL — £165.90 Violet / XS — £165.90 Violet / S — £165.90 Violet / M — £165.90 Violet / L — £165.90 Violet / XL — £165.90 Violet / 2XL — £165.90 Noir Bicolore / XS — £165.90 Noir Bicolore / S — £165.90 Noir Bicolore / M — £165.90 Noir Bicolore / L — £165.90 Noir Bicolore / XL — £165.90 Noir Bicolore / 2XL — £165.90 Rose Vif / XS — £165.90 Rose Vif / S — £165.90 Rose Vif / M — £165.90 Rose Vif / L — £165.90 Rose Vif / XL — £165.90 Rose Vif / 2XL — £165.90 Violet Foncé / XS — £165.90 Violet Foncé / S — £165.90 Violet Foncé / M — £165.90 Violet Foncé / L — £165.90 Violet Foncé / XL — £165.90 Violet Foncé / 2XL — £165.90 Rose Pâle / XS — £165.90 Rose Pâle / S — £165.90 Rose Pâle / M — £165.90 Rose Pâle / L — £165.90 Rose Pâle / XL — £165.90 Rose Pâle / 2XL — £165.90 Camouflage Bleu / XS — £165.90 Camouflage Bleu / S — £165.90 Camouflage Bleu / M — £165.90 Camouflage Bleu / L — £165.90 Camouflage Bleu / XL — £165.90 Camouflage Bleu / 2XL — £165.90 Blanc / XS — £165.90 Blanc / S — £165.90 Blanc / M — £165.90 Blanc / L — £165.90 Blanc / XL — £165.90 Blanc / 2XL — £165.90 Noir / XS — £165.90 Noir / S — £165.90 Noir / M — £165.90 Noir / L — £165.90 Noir / XL — £165.90 Noir / 2XL — £165.90 Camouflage Gris / XS — 179,90 € Camouflage Gris / S — 179,90 € Camouflage Gris / M — 179,90 € Camouflage Gris / L — 179,90 € Camouflage Gris / XL — 179,90 € Camouflage Gris / 2XL — 179,90 €Add to cart

Lower layers: keeping your legs cosy, not overheated

Your legs generate their own warmth, so there’s no need to layer them like your upper body. A fleece-lined pair of walking trousers with a water-resistant outer is usually enough for most winter walks. If temperatures drop below -10°C or you're tackling deep snow, wearing leggings underneath helps. Avoid ski suits—they're like saunas when walking—and instead, check out our collection of walking trousers and leggings designed for stride flexibility. Here's a pro tip: gaiters over your boots keep the snow from creeping in at your ankles.

Extremities: where heat is won or lost

Head, hands, feet: these are the gateways for cold. Your body prioritises core warmth over your extremities, which is why your fingers might get cold while your body sweats. Keeping your head covered can literally warm your toes:

• Head and Neck: Opt for a beanie or fleece balaclava which doubles as a neck gaiter—one piece replaces three accessories. Our range of hiking hats and beanies covers everything from alpine sun to deep freeze.
• Hands: Choose waterproof gloves—bare fleece gets wet on snow contact. Cold hands? Slip thin liners beneath them, handy for using your phone or adjusting zips without exposing your skin.
• Feet: Waterproof, high-ankle boots with grippy soles, and merino wool socks—with a spare pair in your pack. Leave the after-ski and moon boots in the chalet—they offer no ankle support and grip poorly on slopes.

Essential winter gear

Beyond clothing, a few key pieces of equipment make the difference between an enjoyable winter walk and a struggle:

• Head torch: No compromise here—by December, the sun sets by 5:30 pm, and an hour's delay can leave you in the dark.
• Thermos: Half a litre of hot tea beats any pep talk at a lunchtime break. Cold water tends to freeze in hydration bladders, so opt for bottles tucked within your pack.
• Walking poles with snow baskets: They provide balance on icy terrain and save your knees on slippery descents.
• Light traction devices or snowshoes, depending on the terrain: The former are for icy paths, the latter when the snow gets deeper than 20-30 cm.
• Survival blanket, energy snacks, and a charged battery: Cold speeds up the depletion of phone batteries—keep yours warm by storing it close to your body.

Safety: short days, weather, and snow

Winter is less forgiving than summer, but three habits keep you safe. One: start early and aim to be back two hours before dark, leaving room for unexpected delays. Two: check the mountain weather both the night before and on the morning of your hike—a change in temperature or rising winds can alter your plans. Three: in snow-blanketed slopes, check avalanche forecasts before setting off; resources from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service, the national association for the study of snow and avalanches, explain how to read risk bulletins and when to turn back. Always inform someone of your route and expected return time—especially in winter, it’s a safety net that weighs nothing in your pack.

Winter walking essentials

Three adjustable layers rather than one thick jacket, never wear cotton against your skin, take care of your extremities as you do your core, wear fleece-backed trousers without overheating, and pack essentials like a head torch, thermos, and survival blanket. Begin your hikes feeling slightly cool, anticipate your zipping needs, and respect the short daylight hours. The rest—the silence of snow-laden forests, paths all to yourself, the low angle of January sunlight—the mountains will provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the three-layer rule work in winter? Start with a breathable base layer (merino or synthetic, never cotton) to wick away sweat, add an insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket) to trap warm air, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to keep the elements at bay. In winter, consider adding both a fleece and a down jacket, adjusting based on your activity level.

What trousers should I wear for winter hiking? Fleece-lined walking trousers with a water-repellent exterior cover most outings. In temperatures below -10°C or deep snow, wear thermal leggings underneath and gaiters over your boots. Avoid ski suits—they're too warm once you start walking.

What is the 3-6-9 rule in hiking? It's a guideline for children's hiking distances: around 3 km by age 3, 6 km by age 6, and 9 km by age 9. In winter, reduce these distances by a third—the cold is more fatiguing, and the days are shorter.

What is the ideal outfit for winter hiking? Long-sleeve technical base layer, fleece or insulated jacket, waterproof windproof jacket, lined trousers, beanie or balaclava, waterproof gloves, merino socks, and waterproof walking boots. In your backpack: a down jacket for breaks, spare socks, a head torch, and a thermos.