The Karrimor SF Quick Guide to Winter Hiking in the UK
The UK’s diverse landscapes make it a hiker’s paradise all year round, but winter brings its own unique challenges—and rewards. Crisp air, snow-dusted peaks, and serene trails await those who dare to brave the cold. However, preparation is key to enjoying a safe and fulfilling winter hike. Here’s your guide to gearing up for winter hiking in the UK.
Plan your route thoroughly. Winter conditions can transform even familiar trails into unfamiliar territory. Always research your route and be sure to check for any seasonal closures or warnings. Winter weather can change quickly and violently so study the weather reports and advance warnings. The MWIS is one preferred source of weather reporting here in the UK and you can find the Mountain Weather Information Service website here https://www.mwis.org.uk
Plan your route thoroughly. Winter conditions can transform even familiar trails into unfamiliar territory. Always research your route and be sure to check for any seasonal closures or warnings. Winter weather can change quickly and violently so study the weather reports and advance warnings. The MWIS is one preferred source of weather reporting here in the UK and you can find the Mountain Weather Information Service website here https://www.mwis.org.uk
Share your route and expected 'return to base' time with a friend or family member, preferably one who is competent with maps and navigation who can, in the case of an emergency, communicate your intended route efficiently.
The hours of daylight in the UK are much in short supply and many people have been 'caught out' with regards to timings. Make sure that your intended journey can be completed in the time available, or if you do intend to hike into the hours of darkness make sure you are competent enough to navigate the route at night (many navigation course providers in the UK have modules for night navigation).
When you're planning your winter hiking route, you may want to consider safety elements such as break points and escape routes.
Functional and adequate winter clothing systems are essential for both comfort and safety. Many outdoor clothing companies, outdoor retailers and outdoor publications share in-depth information on aspects to consider, such as a layering system including base layers, mid layers, and outer layers. As technology in design and available materials advances, clothing systems have become lighter, more mobile, and more efficient.
Insulated gloves, a hat, and a neck gaiter can make all the difference to comfort, and don't forget spares!
Insulated gloves, a hat, and a neck gaiter can make all the difference to comfort, and don't forget spares!
Summer or lightweight summer hiking boots may not cut it in winter, so consider a decent pair of hiking boots that are built for purpose. Waterproof, insulated boots with good ankle support are essential, and you may prefer a boot with a higher leg than in summer to allow for slightly deeper water or snow underfoot. Gaiters work well to improve insulation and water resistance in both winter and summer.
Socks are an essential element of footwear and often overlooked when considering footwear investment, but socks can make the difference between comfort and extreme discomfort when hiking.
Traction aids such as microspikes and crampons are essential for extreme conditions involving ice. When choosing your boots, mention to your supplier or retailer that you'll be using spikes or crampons to make sure that your boots are compatible.
As with most outdoor equipment, don't let the first time your footwear combination be on your first long hike. Short trial runs are essential for making sure that your choices work well together, giving you the opportunity to make changes before it becomes a problem in wild spaces.
Every item in your pack should serve a purpose, particularly when you're winter hiking and the likelihood is that you'll be carrying more clothing and equipment than for summer hiking. As well as additional clothing, hydration and food, and power-banks for mobile devices, you'll probably be carrying more safety equipment than you would for summer hiking. Your personal safety equipment may include a small first aid kit, emergency whistle, survival blanket, emergency bothy, and en emergency satellite communications and safety device such as the Garmin InReach Mini.
Due to the additional equipment that you'll be carrying for winter hiking, you may find that you need a slightly larger backpack than you rely on for your summer hikes.
Winter hiking can show you extremes of weather in just one outing, so you need to be prepared. As well as studying forecasts, make sure that even if you aren't wearing it, you're carrying clothing to cope with any adverse weather conditions. Many Karrimor SF users store 'wet-weather' gear in a Karrimor SF drybag in their rucksacks so that it's easy to find and pull out when it's needed, and the drybag protects the rest of the content in your backpack should you then remove your waterproofs later in the day.
Outdoor first aid courses are a good idea for anyone venturing into wild outdoor spaces no matter what time of year, but courses which cover cold-weather injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite could prove to be a lifesaving good investment.
No hike, no journey, no adventure, no expedition is worth your life or your health, so always be prepared to cancel plans or turn back if conditions deteriorate beyond the capability of your equipment, fitness, or expertise.
Successful winter hiking requires far more than physical fitness and good equipment, it also demands a strong level of knowledge and expertise. Many good courses are available from reputable training providers that cover navigation, winter hiking or mountaineering skills, survival and more. And don't just acquire the knowledge, hone and practice your skills and drills, practice with your equipment so that you're fully conversant with how to use everything (including with gloves on!) and always be keen to learn. Courses and learning opportunities won't only help to keep you safe, they also help you to get more enjoyment from your winter hikes.
Our brand ambassador Justin Miles, who is pedantic about safety and security in outdoor environments always says "Practice brings competence, gives confidence, and saves lives".
We asked Justin which pack from the Karrimor SF range he uses when he's hiking in the UK in winter: "For winter hiking in the UK, as in day hiking in Snowdonia when snow is in the mountains, I usually rely on my Karrimor SF Thor 40. I find that the 40 litre capacity of the Thor 40 is enough for me to carry additional and 'spare' clothing, food, fluid, and emergency equipment. I probably carry more emergency kit than many would consider necessary, but it's not just about me. There have been many occasions when, because I carried the equipment, I have been able to support people in need. I compartmentalise the equipment in my pack using Karrimor SF dry bags, which makes it easy to find what I need as well as protecting my kit, and then, in adverse weather, I cover my pack with a Karrimor SF rucksack rain cover."
We asked Justin which pack from the Karrimor SF range he uses when he's hiking in the UK in winter: "For winter hiking in the UK, as in day hiking in Snowdonia when snow is in the mountains, I usually rely on my Karrimor SF Thor 40. I find that the 40 litre capacity of the Thor 40 is enough for me to carry additional and 'spare' clothing, food, fluid, and emergency equipment. I probably carry more emergency kit than many would consider necessary, but it's not just about me. There have been many occasions when, because I carried the equipment, I have been able to support people in need. I compartmentalise the equipment in my pack using Karrimor SF dry bags, which makes it easy to find what I need as well as protecting my kit, and then, in adverse weather, I cover my pack with a Karrimor SF rucksack rain cover."
Winter hiking in the UK, from lowlands to uplands, can be an experience like no other. Landscapes are transformed, especially when under snow, and hikes that you've completed many times in summer months take on an entirely different level of challenge and beauty.
Winter and cold weather adventures are fantastic, but pack thoughtfully, respect the conditions, and know your limits.
Karrimor SF backpacks are rugged, robust, and geared up for adventures in the toughest of conditions, including extreme winter hiking. To find out more please visit one of our retailers who can help you select the right Karrimor SF pack, browse the Karrimor SF website, or contact us if you need help .
Karrimor SF users follow the ethos and ethics of 'Leave No Trace', but you can help us to educate and encourage more people to do the same as us by posting this link to your socials.
Karrimor SF users follow the ethos and ethics of 'Leave No Trace', but you can help us to educate and encourage more people to do the same as us by posting this link to your socials.
