Winter wear: More on clothing and safety:

The weather can be severe on the hills or mountains at any time but especially so during the winter and so you should always ensure that you take adequate clothing even when the weather looks good - it can change quickly for the worst. If necessary take extra clothing too.

It is important to be warm and comfortable but at the same time you should try not to sweat too much because that will make you feel much colder especially when you stop for a break.

Boots and Gaiters. Your boots will invariably have a Gore-Tex or similar lining to keep your feet dry but think about using gaiters. These strap under your boots and zip up around your lower legs to keep your legs and feet dry when walking in long grass or snow. They also keep your trousers clean at the bottom, mud often stains and doesn’t always come out in the wash.

Trousers and over-trousers. Waterproof trousers are not that good, I have found that they cause me to sweat.

Sometimes short ankle gaiters can be useful too.

Carry a good quality pair of breathable and waterproof over-trousers instead. They might cost a bit more but they are better and more flexible because you tend to sweat less and they can be used as insulation when the wind is cold and biting as well as keeping you dry during rain.

Some makes have leg length zips so that they can be opened when you get too hot. It does happen even in the winter.

Vests and things. On the upper part of your body, think about wearing a number of thinner layers to trap warm air and to provide insulation. Don’t think about fashion – be practical and wear a “T” shirt or vest, a warm shirt with long sleeves and a jumper under perhaps a fleece and finally a waterproof jacket. Try not to sweat though, it makes you cold.

A few years ago it was always stressed that you should wear natural fibres but man-made materials have come on so much that there are distinct advantages in using some synthetic fibres now. The choice is yours.

Generally, in these days of good, technical clothing three layers should be sufficient at any time of the year. That’s all they wear in the arctic.

Jackets, hats, hoods and snoods. Your windproof and waterproof jacket should be the best you can afford. Make sure it fits comfortably, that the sleeves are a touch on the long side so that you can pull your hands up into them a bit, that the collar and hood do their job and don’t pull your head down, that they seal around your neck and face properly, that your rucksack doesn’t pull the hood down and that it has plenty of pockets with rain flaps and zips to stash things away safely.

I swear by a snood. This is a tube of warm material, like fleece, that acts like a scarf. It can be tucked into the neck of your jacket and pulled up over your mouth and nose to keep them warm. When it is fitted a draw cord allows you to convert the snood into a hat. Its one great advantage over a scarf is that it can’t come out or blow away.

Try to buy a warmly lined and waterproof cap, something in the shape of a baseball cap with earflaps, which incorporates Gore-Tex or Paclite. If it doesn’t have a draw cord under the chin then fit an elastic one to keep the flaps down and your ears warm.

Wear a hat with a large brim if you like but be prepared to loose it in the wind!

Glasses and goggles. To stop your eyes watering in very cold and windy conditions I find glasses or goggles invaluable.

A cheap alternative that I use is a pair of clear safety glasses identical to those used in a factory, try them on before you buy to make sure that your vision isn’t blurred or out of focus. Sunglasses are handy in bright snow as well as during sunny winter days.

Gloves and mitts. And finally, a pair of warm, waterproof mitts or gloves. But make sure they are large enough to get on and off when they and your hands are wet because, with wind-chill well below freezing, you must get them on or suffer. Carry two pairs if necessary.

Make sure they have cuffs that extend well up your wrist so that you can close the sleeves of your jacket over them and cords around the wrist to seal them.

I have bought a pair of waterproof and windproof Paclite overmitts to wear over other gloves, so far they appear excellent if a bit pricey.

Think about Safety

Above all, think about safety.

Don’t walk on the mountains alone in case you have an accident: go with others. Should you be alone, have an accident and be immobilised then, with temperatures well below freezing overnight, you could well be dead by the morning.

Even when you are with a group make sure that someone responsible knows your plans. Don’t leave a message in the screen of your car, some lowlife will think it’s his lucky day.

When walking with a group make sure that everyone is accounted for, if someone stops for any reason then make sure they are not forgotten. Have regular head-counts.

Carry a basic first aid kit and a survival sack and know how to use them.