Winter Walking Packing & Kit List

 

Essential Clothing

ü Walking boots/shoes –

o   Winter walking requires waterproof boots.  “Goretex” or other breathable fabrics will leak under the stress of winter snow, puddles, mud.  Leather waterproof boots, preferably thermal lined and winter rated are essential.

·         Good quality walking socks-

·         Should be all wool and as thick as can be found and work well in your boot.  We use DarnTough tactical socks.

·         Base layer tops and tights for legs

·         Merino Wool synthetic blend such as WoolX or Icebreaker, 200 to 260 thickness.  Merino can be worn multiple days- if hung on hangar overnight will lose almost all odor from days exertion.

·         Mid-layer tops (eg. fleece) and Puffy jackets

·         A puffy or midlayer fleece needed for temperatures below freezing

·         Trousers

·         Hiking pants, may be thermal lined, but should be synthetic that dries quickly.  “Cotton clothing kills” in winter, never wear.

·         Hat for warmth or shade

·         A baseball type cap with a visor works well and can be worn under a jacket or poncho hood, good for keeping rain off eyewear

A thermal hat is needed for below-freezing weather.

·         Gloves

·         Carry several options for variable weather.

·         For dry mild cold I use possum-wool (New Zealand) gloves

·         For wet mild to moderate cold, Sealskin brand gloves, which keep warm even if very wet (above 0 C.), and can be used with a touchscreen

·         For very cold, thermal winter gloves

·         Waterproof jacket- 

·         We have settled over the years on Paramo jackets which are breathable in heavy exertion, although in really wet weather you will always retain perspiration in underlayers no matter what you wear.

·         Packa ponchos

·         The Packa is a custom raincoat with sleeves and a large pouch over the backpack. It’s very light and can be tucked into the pouch so you can tuck it away when rain stops and rapidly pull it on if rain returns.  Has a zipper and very good in high winds, unlike a typical poncho. If you use a poncho, a belt outside may help.

·         Waterproof trousers/rain pants

·         Depending on temperature, have a light pair of rainpants; Paramo pants are heavier and warmer

·         Walking poles

·         We use Leki Traveler carbon collapsible poles.  They improve safety from falls in slippery conditions and help with balance and hill climbs and descents.  Poles are controversial, they take some time to learn to use in a coordinated fashion, but they reduce weight on legs by about 20% by shifting exertion to the upper body.  Light poles are well worth the extra weight and have saved us from bad and even fatal falls many times.

 

Essential Extras

·         Day backpack (121-301 is usually ideal) plus waterproof cover or liner bag or Packa to keep dry

·         Zojirushi thermal bottles -these will keep tea hot all day!

·         Blister plasters/small first aid kit.  I carry an elastic wrap (Coban) which can be used for anything from sprained ankle or to wrap up a cut.

·         Antiseptic gel or wipes

·          

Useful Extras

·         Map and compass

·         GPS navigation device- phone or Garmin; in the UK, the Ordinance Survey app is essential and the best

·         Cellphone with a spare external battery pack & cable

·         Headlamps

·         Spare batteries

·         Energy snacks

·         Extra rechargeable battery pack for your phone

·         Neckwear / headscarf, for example a 'Buff

·         Sunglasses- needed in pack in case of bright sunny day after snow

·         Tissues/toilet paper & ziplock for trash

Don't Forget

·         Credential – some routes have stamps to collect

·         Money- have small bills or change for donations at churches or shrines you visit