Winter Hike Must-Haves

Josh, our resident explorer and mountaineer, shares his top winter wardrobe essentials. From layering systems to must-have accessories, get his insider tips on staying warm and comfortable in the great outdoors this season.

When I first started exploring the outdoors, I vividly remember relying on hoodies without waterproofing or insulation. My warmest jacket was bulky, only making my hikes more challenging.  

I’d see others wearing more compact and streamlined layering systems: a base layer, mid-layer and outer shells. But I couldn’t help but wonder if they were warm enough. After popping into a Cotswold Outdoor in Edinburgh, I was introduced to the magic of layering. Having the right clothing and understanding how to layer properly transformed my outdoor experience and it will transform yours too!

Invest in a base layer made from synthetic materials or Merino wool. Synthetics tend to be cheaper while Merino wool offers premium comfort and natural odour resistance.  

There are so many benefits to wearing base layers. They’re sweat-wicking, keep you dry and stop you from overheating. Although you may start off feeling warm on your winter hike, sweating leads to damp clothes that make you colder once you slow down or stop. That’s why sweat-wicking materials are essential.

I’ve been wearing a Patagonia Merino wool long-sleeve base layer for about two years now. I find them great during winter, particularly for my sunrise hikes where I need to move fast in the dark to make it to the summit in time. They’re reliable wicking sweat off my skin and managing odour on those long mountain days.  

I've been enjoying my Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated Jacket on the nights I've spent on the mountain this season. It’s insulated and has a GORE-TEX shell, so it keeps me both warm and dry. Its built-in tech means it can withstand extreme conditions, so I’m looking forward to testing it out on my summit camps this winter.  

I’ll wear the trendy, colourful fleeces when I'm spending the day indoors. As a friend of the environment, I shy away from using my heating when it’s not necessary, so my non-technical fleece helps take the edge off. They’ve also been crucial for my evening walks in the Pentland Hills after work while I carry a waterproof jacket in my bag, should the great Scottish weather decide to show itself, ha! I’ve enjoyed wearing both my Passenger and Montane fleeces these past months.

For an adventure in the Scottish Highlands, the Mountain Equipment Lumiko has been my go-to mid-layer because it’s lightweight, warm and packable. It's a quick-drying fleece that’s made for mountaineering at high altitudes.

I have a variety of jackets for different activities and conditions. If I'm moving fast, I’ll wear my Rab insulated jacket, simply because it's very light, packs down and is well-ventilated. 

For an extra layer of warmth and protection, I’ll bring my Mountain Equipment belay jacket - a must for hiking in unpredictable conditions. I regularly hike at sunrise and camp on summits, so having a jacket that keeps me warm in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius is crucial. 

Winter walking is so much fun and provides an exhilarating experience, but it’s completely different to summer for obvious reasons! It's important to have light, warm, waterproof boots with exceptional grip and precision.  

Are you considering buying your first winter walking boot? The first thing to do is to get your boot fitting done at a Cotswold Outdoor store. This ensures you're buying the right size and fit for your feet. I’d recommend a boot with a GORE-TEX membrane that lets moisture escape while keeping your feet dry. If you’re hiking in icy conditions, it's worth investing in microspikes or crampons for added grip. Gaiters will also prevent snow from getting into your boots. 

These are unsung heroes making the outdoors 100 times more enjoyable in winter. Firstly, a headtorch and navigation tools are the number one pieces of kit that I consider very essential as the days get shorter.

My hands get cold quickly, so gloves are another accessory on top of my kit list. I'd also recommend Merino wool socks to keep feet warm and odour-free and a beanie to retain an extra bit of heat. Walking poles take the stress off my joints and provide stability while microspikes provide grip on slippery terrain.

Try to buy good quality kit. Because in the long term, opting for durable and reliable brands pays off. If you’re ever unsure, pop into a Cotswold Outdoor store for advice on specific pieces of kit. The Cotswold Outdoor in-store experts always tend to be knowledgeable and can be of real help to someone just starting out.

Thanks, Josh, for sharing your winter wardrobe essentials! Your insights on layering and must-have accessories will really help us stay cosy on our cold-weather adventures! Remember, you can always head in-store to try on kit and get personalised recommendations.