What to take on a Winter Hike

Get organised

My list below is what I use to double-check my gear as I pack my bag. I compartmentalise all my gear into drawbags to keep it organised in my pack. For this reason, I have found that it's easiest to list the gear according to its drawbag, represented by each subheading below.

I've also organised the list in the order I pack my gear – starting with the stuff that goes at the bottom.

Note: all items marked "*" are group items. Depending on your group size, you will need only one of these for the whole group.

Hiking equipment

Pack: Choose a 35-45 litre pack for an overnight mission or a 50-65 litre pack for multi-day missions. Ensure the pack has a solid internal frame and comfortable hip belt.
I prefer packs with a pocket on the top for all those items that need easy access.
Pack liner: choose a liner slightly larger than your pack.
Walking poles: my favourites are the Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles
Ice axe (weather and location dependant)
Crampons or spiked traction device (weather and location dependant)

*Snow shovel if camping (weather and location dependant, but helpful for making a flat sleeping surface)
*Tent, shelter or bivy bag (optional, but I almost always bring one of these if I stay at a popular hut, just in case it is full.) Photo Credit: Dave Greig @wilderness_lens

Sleep system

Sleeping bag I use 800-loft down sleeping bags to save weight. If you use 600-loft sleeping bags, choose bags that contain 100g more down than is listed below
Liner: my favourite for cold conditions is the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Liner
Sleeping mat
Inflatable pillow: my favourite is the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow

Here are the sleep systems I select for different situations:

Hut: 400g bag + silk liner
Tent in above-freezing weather: 400g bag + silk liner + sleeping mat with an R-value of 3-4.
Tent in windy conditions or light frost below the snowline: 400g bag + booster liner + sleeping mat with an R-value of 3-4.
Tent in heavy frost or above the snowline: 600g bag + booster liner (I rarely regret it) + sleeping mat with an R-value of 4-6.

Photo Credit: Ross Mackay

Clothing

When choosing clothing, there are several factors to consider.

First, ensure you minimise or eliminate your use of cotton – it makes you cold when wet and can be dangerous in winter conditions.

Second, select fast-drying fabrics as much as possible, as this reduces your need for multiple sets of clothes.

Third, choose garments that allow you to layer easily. Don't be afraid to put on or remove layers as often as necessary to keep you from sweating or getting too cold.

Make sure essential items are readily accessible near the top of your pack (e.g. hats, gloves, beanies, jackets, etc.). Here's what I take with me:

Accessories

Sun hat
Woollen or fleece beanie
Buff
Gloves: 1-2 pairs, depending on the likelihood of rain. I prefer fast-drying and windproof fleece gloves most of the time. If it is very cold, bring ski gloves.

Base layers

Activewear long-sleeve shirt for tramping: 1 per two-three days
Merino thermal long-sleeve shirt for the hut/camp (I like thermals that are 220gsm in weight)
Fast-drying undies: 1 per two-three days (avoid cotton at all costs!)
Long-john thermals or fleece tights
Hiking socks: 1 per two days
Thick woollen socks (for use at the hut)

Mid layers

Fleece. I choose one high-performance, ultra-fast-drying fleece for hiking and at the hut/camp. If you don't have one, bring a lightweight fleece for hiking and a mid-weight fleece for in the hut.
Shorts or hiking pants
Hut pants (optional)

Outer layers

Down/synthetic jacket. I prefer synthetic jackets because they stay warm even when wet. This means you only need one jacket for hiking and at the hut/camp.
Rain Jacket
Rain pants or alpine bib