Mountaineering Essential Kit Guide

Winter can do incredible things to mountains. With a coating of snow, even British hills can morph into awesome Alpine-like spectacles. From gentle ridge scrambles to multi-day winter epics steeped in history, trust us - there’s endless potential here in the UK. Make no mistake, though, British mountains in winter can be a challenge. However, with the right kit and skills, coupled with a healthy dose of respect for these challenging environments, you can find yourself atop a UK peak feeling as exhilarated as if you were high in the Alps on a perfect day.

Whether you’re buying kit for your first steps on snow and ice or upgrading ready for an Alpine adventure, this is your guide to some of the more technical pieces you’ll need in your kit list.

For mountaineering, boots with stiffer midsoles and uppers are essential, for extra support. Most mountaineering boots feature a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry, underfoot cushioning to absorb shock, and insulation to keep you warm in winter conditions. Most importantly, finding a great fitting boot that suits your foot shape means that you can make the most of your winter adventures for years to come. Make sure you head to one of our stores for a free expert boot fitting.

Mountaineering boots are rated from B1, B2 or B3. The boot rating you need depends on what you intend to use them for and in which seasons.

Crampons are made of hardened steel or aluminium, with forward angled spikes to help you grip onto snow and ice. They are fastened to your boots with a binding system or straps.

Crampon ratings range from C1, C2 and C3, and the type of crampon you need will depend on compatibility with your mountaineering aspirations and your boot rating to ensure the correct fit.

Whether you are walking in winter conditions or climbing on snow and ice, an ice axe is an essential tool for any winter mountaineer. Axes can be used to brake a fall if you slip or help you ascend a vertical wall. As a general rule, shorter axes are best for climbing, and longer axes are better for walking. For many winter adventures, you can use your axe for both. The shape of an ice axe handle (shaft) and head section (pick) is a better clue to its intended use.

There are two types of axe ratings, B-rated and T-rated. B-rated or Basic Axes are designed for walking but strong enough to belay on if you need to. T-rated or Technical Axes are designed for mountaineering and climbing with a much stronger shaft and pick.

On any winter adventure, there is a risk of injury. Your head is vulnerable to the danger of slipping and falling or being hit by falling debris such as rock, ice or snow. A helmet can manage the impact of a collision and stop sharp objects from damaging your skull. Most climbing helmets have a robust, hard shell with internal foam cushioning.

When investing in a helmet, there are a few important qualities to look out for:

To combat the harsher conditions you may face in the mountains in winter, a flexible clothing system is essential – and your choice of jacket is key to staying warm, comfortable and dry.

Most mountaineers choose a combination of jackets to protect them in changeable conditions – an outer jacket with an insulating mid-layer. Think of the outer layer as your skin, protecting you from the elements such as rain and snow, keeping you dry. The insulating mid-layer is more like your body fat, and its primary role is to keep in the heat, so you don’t suffer the wrath of the cold.

Durable, protective legwear that won’t let you down in testing conditions is also essential in winter. Worn over your thermal layers, the right legwear will keep you comfortable and protected from the elements.

When you are choosing mountaineering legwear, there are some important features to look for:

Tackling winter conditions can be demanding and exposed areas such as the hands need to be protected to avoid losing body heat - or worse suffering frostbite. Choosing between a glove and a mitt can make all the difference. Or better still, carry both or some spare pairs.

We've covered some of the more technical kit essentials for winter mountaineering here, but there are a few other items you'll want in your kit list before heading out safely into the hills in winter.  For more information, check out our guide on the 12 must-pack items for winter mountaineering and this advice from our friends at the BMC to make your next winter adventure a memorable one.