Plan Your Route Based on the Weather

Many of the hazards associated with winter walking can be mitigated before you’re anywhere near a fell, mynydd, ben or stob by planning your route carefully. Study a dedicated mountain weather forecast daily in the lead up to your hike. The Mountain Weather Information Service and the Met Office Mountain Weather Forecast cover the major upland regions of the UK and both give a detailed forecast. Particularly important aspects to look for in winter are: windspeed and direction – plan your route so that you are sheltered from the worst of the wind for as long as possible; and freezing level – this will give you an indication of how high up you can expect icy conditions.

Be Avalanche Aware

Avalanches occur across the UK during winter but they are most common in the Scottish Highlands. As a general principle, the danger is greatest after a period of heavy snowfall and on slopes of between 30-45 degrees. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service provides a forecast on where avalanches are most likely to take place, enabling you to plan a route that avoids slopes that pose a risk.

Layer Up

There’s no getting around the fact that your backpack is going to be heavier in winter. You will need a larger pack than in summer, upwards of 40 litres is recommended. A waterproof jacket and waterproof overtrousers are essential for their rain and wind repelling qualities. Meanwhile, it’s better to have multiple mid layers than a single thick one, as multiple layers that you can easily switch in and out allow you more control over your temperature.

Pack the Winter Essentials

As with any adventure in the mountains, a fully stocked first aid kit is vital. Lifesystems’ founder Mark Cobham pioneered the UK’s first travel specific first aid kit way back in 1989 when, as a young traveller, he realised there wasn’t a compact kit available on the market. Today, the brand’s highly portable, durable and water-resistant Trek First Aid Kit has your needs covered, including a primary care leaflet with instructions for basic emergencies. Another item that we wouldn’t set foot on a hill without is a whistle for attracting attention in an emergency.

As well as the usual hiking essentials, additional gear that may be required in winter include winter hiking boots, an ice axe, crampons, snow goggles, gaiters, spare gloves and a spare hat. Rather counter-intuitively, sunglasses and sun cream are hugely important on bright days, especially once you hit the white stuff. Short daylight hours mean that carrying a head torch (ideally two) is essential. The security provided by a torch that can take both a rechargeable battery and standard AAAs – such as Lifesystem’s Intensity 500 – is ideal in winter.

Be Prepared for Every Eventuality

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, especially in winter. All it takes is a lapse in concentration or an innocuous slip to transform an enjoyable hike into an emergency. Movement is what keeps you warm on the hill in winter and becoming immobilised is a serious problem, with hypothermia becoming a real possibility if you remain exposed.

Once the alarm has been raised by dialing 999, asking for the “police” and then “mountain rescue”, staying warm and dry is everything. Always, always, always carry a bivi bag or blizzard jacket – Lifesystems’ lightweight and easily packable Heatshield Thermal Bivi Bag reflects and retains over 90% of radiated body heat, perfect for such a situation. We’d also recommend carrying a group survival shelter, which is basically a large piece of tent fabric that can provide cover for your entire group.

Quick Tips

• When starting out, stay within your comfort zone by choosing areas and routes you are familiar with.
• Hiking alone in winter is asking for trouble. Share the trail with a friend and watch each other’s backs. Also, let someone else know your planned route and rough timings before setting out so that if, in the worst-case scenario, they have to call mountain rescue, they’ll have some idea of your location.
• Don’t rely solely on technology for navigation, as batteries and cold aren’t the best of buddies. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
• Take plenty of high energy food and a hot drink in an insulated flask. One of the most effective ways to help your body maintain its temperature in an emergency is to eat. You can replenish your water supplies at a mountain stream and make the water safe from bacteria and viruses using water purification tables.
• A device to ignite a fire can be useful in an emergency. Lifesystems’ Dual Action Fire Starter is a lightweight solution for situations where natural tinder is in short supply.