With snow already in the Scottish Highlands it looks like winter is about to arrive our mountains and bring with it the inherent problems of poor visibility, cold weather and challenging terrain. To ensure you don’t get caught out when venturing into the winter hills it’s time to prepare for the harsher hiking conditions to come. Here is a check list of the things to consider before heading out. DRESS TO IMPRESS Make sure you are dressed for the conditions you are likely to meet when winter hiking. Warm and wicking baselayers are a must, they will keep you dry and comfortable close to your skin. Remember cotton is not acceptable wear in winter in holds a lot of moisture which will chill your body once you stop working hard. Marino wool is very popular for baselayers, as is woven polypropylene, hybrid merino/polypropylene mix baselayers are now available to give the optimum mix of comfort, warmth and moisture wicking. Your mid layer should provide insulation, consider replacing the mid layer fleece with a light synthetic insulated jacket, or maybe fibre pile to make sure you are warm enough. Make sure you have enough warm clothing for the conditions. Softshell pants (trousers) that will protect from cold winds and keep off a shower are essential, but you must also have reliable waterproof pants in your pack, for when the weather gets nasty. Make sure your waterproof jacket is up to the job, reproof if necessary, or upgrade if it is no longer keeping the rain out. Check uot our blog on waterproof jackets here: https://mountaintrails.ie/waterproof-jacket-not-waterproof/ Good walking boots are essential in winter, they should have a have an aggressive sole pattern for good grip in the wet and offer good support around the ankles in case of slips. Most importantly your
With snow already in the Scottish Highlands it looks like winter is about to arrive our mountains and bring with it the inherent problems of poor visibility, cold weather and challenging terrain. To ensure you don’t get caught out when venturing into the winter hills it’s time to prepare for the harsher hiking conditions to come. Here is a check list of the things to consider before heading out. DRESS TO IMPRESS Make sure you are dressed for the conditions you are likely to meet when winter hiking. Warm and wicking baselayers are a must, they will keep you dry
