Clothing and Equipment for Winter Mountain Walking

The following list of clothing and equipment for winter mountain walking should be useful in deciding what to wear/take in winter conditions (i.e. snow and ice is widespread):-

Base-layer top (Synthetic or synthetic/wool blend. Never cotton – “cotton kills”)
Base-layer leggings (optional – if you feel the cold)
Socks
Trousers (possibly thick soft-shell)
Fleece/insulation layer (x2 if you feel the cold)
Hard-shell waterproof jacket (with a good range of large pockets)
Waterproof over-trousers (with side zips if possible)
Boots (fairly stiff to ensure suitability for crampons – B:1 absolute minimum or B:2 would be preferable)
Gaiters (optional)
Hat
Fleece buff or scarf
Thin thermal gloves (optional)
Thicker waterproof/insulated gloves (but not ski-gloves) (plus spare pair)
Goggles (ski goggles)
Crampons (compatible with and fitted for your boots)
Ice-axe (simple walking design, not technical climbing tools – eg DMM Cirque)
Ice-axe leash (optional, if preferred)
Map (Harvey maps are definitely recommended but OS Landranger 1:50000 and/or Explorer 1:25000 are also fine)
Compass
Whistle
Camera and case (optional)
Mobile phone and waterproof case (optional, but ubiquitous)
Head-torch plus spare batteries
Rucksack – probably 40 litres (or 50-60 litres if camping)
Dry-bags for packing stuff in
Bivi bag/survival bag
Personal medication (and simple treatments, eg blister kit)
Trekking poles (optional – if you prefer them)
Thermos flask and/or water bottle
Lunch snacks
Notebook & pen

WAG Bag for toilet waste

Clothing and Equipment for Winter Mountain Walking