The UK winter can be brutal at the best of times, but it seems to be particularly nasty at the moment. However, as the old adage goes – there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.
As a general rule, you should never let the weather dissuade you from taking a trip into the great outdoors, and we know there’ll be plenty of you braving the elements.
With that in mind, we’ve created a guide to some of the walking and hiking gear essentials you are bound to need if you want to brave the somewhat inclement UK weather.
Read on to discover the essential kit you need to stay protected and comfortable on your next outdoor adventure…
Thermals and base layers are the clothing closest to your skin, underneath your mid-layers. They’re the key to staying warm throughout a hike in testing weather conditions.
These layers are thin, so they won’t get in the way of the rest of your clothing, but they really will help keep you warm! It’s also worth mentioning that base layers are supposed to be a pretty snug fit, so don’t worry if they feel a little tight.
You should think of base layers and thermals as non-negotiables when hiking throughout the winter. Good-quality base layers and thermals aid with muscle compression and moisture-wicking. They’ll also help regulate temperature, so you can keep going and operate at an optimal performance level.
Thermal clothing is widely available in different fabrics and styles that will benefit various climates, conditions and activities. In most cases, they will be made from a synthetic material and can be called base layers, thermals or compressions.
Mid-layers are worn underneath a coat or jacket and on top of a shirt or base layer. They usually are available as either fleeces or softshell jackets.
Decent mid-layers are great for insulation, trapping warm air in and keeping cold air out. They should also be breathable to allow moisture to wick from the body and form part of the layering system. This is the process by which you should layer your clothing to successfully regulate your body temperature.
Fleeces and softshell jackets have different qualities, so it’s always best to consider the activity you’ll be doing and how much protection you need when purchasing a mid-layer.
It’s not rocket science to work out that there’s a good chance you could get wet when out walking, hiking or climbing in the UK. So, suitable waterproof clothing is essential.
A waterproof jacket will help keep you warm and dry, especially if combined with the right underclothing.
You can buy jackets that either have a waterproof coating or a waterproof membrane. The latter is more breathable but often more expensive, too. You should also look for added features that’ll come to great use when you need them the most. For example, storm flaps prevent water from seeping in.
Your waterproof jacket should also be breathable, allowing sweat and vapour to escape, ensuring you stay dry from the inside. Waterproofs should also help you to regulate your temperature and stay comfortable.
Having a waterproof coat is a great start, but it’s no good if your bottom half is left to get soaked! Waterproof trousers are also advisable if you anticipate rain during your outdoor trip.
You can wear waterproof trousers without the need for overtrousers. Many types are also made to include soft-touch linings, adding a simple level of comfort that’s combined with wet weather protection.
Waterproof trousers use performance fabrics that offer rain protection, whilst also keeping you warm with excellent windproofing. The fabric is treated with a waterproof coating which repels water to keep you comfortable and dry.
Read more: Walking & Waterproof Trousers Buying Guide
Cold and wet hands are a pretty miserable feeling, so it’s worth investing in a decent pair of gloves before your next trip.
You’ll no doubt know that if your hands are really cold, even the most basic of tasks become difficult. So, if you need to pitch a tent or something similar, you’ll need full dexterity.
When out in the cold, ensure you’re hands are nice and warm. Furthermore, you can find waterproof gloves and touchscreen gloves, so you can still use your phone and stay up-to-date on weather changes without having to remove your gloves.
To shop the Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Sporting Gloves shown in the image, click here.
Cold and wet feet are one of the worst feelings you can have when out exploring the great outdoors. And, it’s entirely avoidable when you invest in proper hiking gear!
A pair of waterproof hiking boots are always recommended, but some decent socks are an absolute must. Or rather than a pair of socks, a few extra pairs is advisable, just in case you need to change them.
Their features can include:
It’s worth ensuring your socks are long enough to go higher than your footwear. This will prevent your hiking boots from rubbing on your ankles or legs.
It’s no good spending the time to pack away all the essentials, to then get caught in a wet spell resulting in your rucksack and all its contents getting soaked!
A dry bag will solve this, keeping everything in your rucksack nice and dry for when you need it. Many dry bags can also be used inside your bag to keep wet clothes separate from the rest of your kit.
Hydration is essential when you’re hiking, even in cold weather. So, make sure you have something in which you can carry water – this can be a simple flask, hydration pack or bladder that sits in your rucksack.
If you’re going hiking this winter, then you’ll obviously need to bear in mind that it gets dark pretty early. You need to be extra careful in the dark, so you must have a torch to help you see where you’re going.
Even in the summer, it’s worth having a torch with you just in case your hike goes on longer than you anticipated.
You can use a normal handheld torch, but it might also be worth investing in a head torch. This means that the light is always pointing where your head is facing, and you’ll be able to keep your hands free.
To shop the BioLite HeadLamp 750 Pro Level Rechargeable Head Light shown in the image, click here.
Here are a few other things you could consider taking with you on a hike to keep you sheltered and safe:
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our article on essential winter hiking gear. We’ve covered the absolute essentials, but which type of equipment you’ll benefit from will depend on the type of hike you plan on venturing out on. For example, if you’re a thrill-seeker who enjoys adventurous hiking routes, you’ll likely require additional, more advanced equipment.
At Winfields Outdoors, we offer a wide range of walking & hiking gear, with something to cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. So, if you’re interested in checking out our wider walking & range, click here.
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