You can definitely get carried away with hiking gear.
There is a lot of choice and a LOT of technology to consider. I mean there’s raincoats now with seemingly more technology than my first mobile phone!
Don’t get me wrong, there’s some quality products out there that’ll keep you safe and comfortable – especially during the winter months. And maybe you’ll upgrade to those at some point.
But when you’re hyped to go hiking this winter, you don’t want to get bogged down reading about the benefits microfibre technology, or end up spending a fortune on the top of the range kit.
So, if you’re simply in need of some budget-friendly hiking essentials this winter, then this is the list for you.
A quick and important note before we get started – I used most of the items in this list whilst travelling the depths of Russia in the middle of winter – so they’ve been thoroughly tested in -45 Celsius conditions! I’ll point out the ‘Russia-tested’ items during the article.
Also, this post contains affiliate links where I will receive a small commission if any items are purchased.
1. A solid weatherproof coat
A proper coat is the first place to start for your hiking essentials. If you’re heading into the open countryside or up a peak, you won’t get far without freezing – it’s considerably colder than in the cities.
The coat I use for hikes in England, such as my 30 mile Lancashire coastal hike, is the Karrimor Urban Insulated Jacket. It’s essentially a warm fleece zipped inside a waterproof, windproof outer later – and it has protected me from the elements over the last two years without fail.
In Russia I wore a giant, red, thermal ski jacket. I still have it, but it looks a tad outlandish when you’re walking around the green and muddy hills of Blighty!
2. A pair of sturdy boots
Proper footwear is absolutely crucial for a winter hike.
Many new hikers, including myself, skip this item and opt for trainers or even wellies (sigh).
Do NOT make this mistake. Your feet will end up soaked, you’ll be sipping all over the place and you’re far more likely to injure yourself. In short – things won’t be very fun without the right footwear.
I bought my Karrimor boots to go to Russia in 2018, so they’re -45 Celsius snow blizzard tested, and they’re still going strong now. My feet are always dry and warm, my ankles sturdy and the steel toe caps have kept me well protected.
There’s plenty of different types of boots out there, for different types of walks and weathers, but you can’t go wrong with these Karrimors for a basic pair of boots to get you started.
3. Thermal top and bottoms
I just need to reiterate this – it is a lot colder in the countryside!
You really don’t want to be caught out by a drop in temperature, and being a novice walker there’s a good chance you could get lost and be out for longer than anticipated.
Some people just add extra layers of t-shirts instead of thermals; but this is both inefficient and uncomfortable.
I would highly recommend at least a simple long-sleeve thermal top and some bottoms. It’s a relatively cheap purchase which you will not be regretting if you end up walking after sunset! The below thermals are also ‘Russia-tested’.
4. Waterproof trousers
One of the biggest mistakes I have made is hiking in jeans.
They’re restrictive, take hours to dry and aren’t warm either.
The simple waterproof, windproof trousers below are perfectly suited for a warm and comfortable hike.
They may not look as fashionable as jeans, but I can guarantee you’ll be thankful wearing them when you’re half way through a hike and a rogue raincloud catches you out!
5. Compass
Everyone relies on their phones nowadays to take them from A to B. In everyday life it’s hard to get lost, you just pull out Google Maps and the little blue dot shows you exactly where you’re standing.
Using a compass would now seem quite archaic. In the city this may be true, but in the countryside there are many reasons why a compass trumps Google Maps – such as:
- Mobile signal can be very unreliable
- The weather can be fierce, and you may damage your phone
- A compass doesn’t require you to worry about battery life
- Constantly having to use/unlock your phone while walking is a fiddly faff
- You’ll be properly navigating your way, engaging your brain, rather than gormlessly following a blue line like everyone does these days!
The compass I use is a simple Sportneer compass which is waterproof, damage-proof, and fits nicely in my pocket.
6. Backpack
If you’re going out for more than 2 hours and/or are heading into rough terrain – then you need to bring a few extra supplies.
Food, drink, a map, keys, phones, along with space for extra clothes and even towels – a decent backpack is a hiking essential.
Choose a backpack that matches the amount of storage you’ll need. I personally have a basic backpack with 45L storage for longer hikes, and the smaller Trespass 30L backpack for shorter hikes.
7. Thermal hat
Keeping your head warm is vital; you lose considerable body heat if your head is exposed to the elements and you can then easily fall ill – something you can’t afford to do if you’re in the wilderness, along a coastline or up in the hills.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, the weather in the countryside can become woolly hat-worthy very quickly – so make sure to pack this absolute hiking essential. The hat below is ‘Russia-tested’.
8. Thermal gloves and socks
Very much linked to the previous item, you need to ensure your extremities are well protected!
I tested my thermals to their limit while I was in Siberia, getting caught up in snowstorms while walking across frozen lakes, as you do. But even atop mountains in Blighty it gets rather bitter, I found this out whilst climbing Yorkshire’s highest point.
But I can vouch for these basic thermals as they always kept my hands and feet warm – and therefore making all my outdoor adventures far safer and more enjoyable.
9. Head torch
Ok, this one may not seem as essential as the others. It may seem a bit ‘Bear Grylls’ and, besides, why not just use your phone light?
Well in my opinion it’s very easy, especially in the winter, to be in a situation where you will wish you had a head torch on you.
For example, you fall behind schedule, it suddenly gets very dark and…
- It’s pouring with rain and your phone could get damaged (which happened to me on Cornwall’s highest peak)
- Your phone has no battery
- You are making your way down a hill or are walking over tough terrain and needs both hands
- It’s seriously dark and you need more than your phone’s little light
- You have twisted your ankle and need someone to be able to see you
Tricky situations, but not that difficult to fall into if you’re exploring new places. A normal, handheld torch is of course the alternative option, however ahead torch just provides that extra practicality.
I purchased the simple Everbeam H6 torch which has an incredibly bright light with various settings (including an SOS orange flashing setting) and it has a rechargeable battery.
In Conclusion
For the majority of human history, we have been successfully hiking in the winter with pretty primitive equipment.
Technology has no doubt made winter hikes more comfortable and safer, but you really don’t NEED to spend a fortune to get started.
Keep winter hikes simple – get these affordable essentials ticked off, choose a location, and get going!