How to prepare for a winter walk in the mountains?

Modern Trends and Principles of Dressing

Currently, the most popular trend in dressing revolves around the principle of layering. This method is based on the proper combination of clothing layers made from materials that are moisture and wind-resistant while retaining body heat and simultaneously wicking moisture (sweat) away. This ensures maximum comfort even during strenuous activities. A classic example of layering during winter includes the combination of thermal underwear (moisture-wicking material), fleece (thermal insulation), and Gore-Tex (windproof and waterproof breathable membrane).

Another significant advantage of this principle is the ability to extensively use the same gear throughout both summer and winter by adjusting the number and type of layers to provide comfort in respective conditions. Transitions into higher mountains, for example, require having good footwear, warm clothing (fleece), as well as water- and wind-resistant garments made from breathable materials in all seasons.

Utilizing quality gear significantly reduces the volume and weight of the backpack, as besides their lightness and compactness, high-quality materials decrease the need to carry numerous spare clothes.

The jacket and pants should be made of durable and dense material that does not allow wind and water to penetrate. It's beneficial for the jacket to have a high collar, and the hood should ideally cover the head well, with only the eyes visible when closed.

The pants are best in an overall style – high-waisted with suspenders. They may have full zippers on the sides, allowing you to remove and put them on easily, even while wearing boots or skis. It's advisable for the jacket and pants not to have lining – due to active movement, it often becomes too hot, and comfort is compromised. Skiing clothes usually prove to be too warm for walking. They are designed for skiing, where the effort is less, and there's a continuous airflow that cools the body.

During winter, it's essential to dress in layers – the outermost layer provides protection from the wind and does not allow water to pass through, while the inner layers create thermal insulation. The number of layers and their thickness depends on external conditions and the level of activity. The clothing layers that directly touch the body should be warm and moisture-wicking – made of wool or polyester, and should never be made of cotton. It's important for all layers to wick moisture away from the body – while it's acceptable to change into dry clothes due to sweating in summer, this is often impossible in winter. In very cold weather and strong winds, a woolen or fleece lining can be added under the pants for extra warmth.

Hat and Gloves

The hat should be warm and cover the ears. This doesn't rule out wearing a headband, which is very practical in certain conditions. In cold weather and during active movement, you can opt for just a headband and thin but warm five-fingered gloves. They can be made of wool, but a better option is polyester. Materials like Polartec or Windstopper are the best choices.

In windy conditions, the head is protected by the hood, while the hands should have mittens – gloves with one compartment made of sturdy, well-insulated fabric that blocks the wind and doesn't get wet. Ski gloves can also do the job as long as they have good thermal insulation (Thinsulate or some other type of padding) and are waterproof (with Gore-Tex). In very harsh weather – cold, with strong winds and heavy snowfall, a valuable accessory is the helmet hat. It's made of wool or fleece, fully covering the head and neck, with only a slit for the eyes. A useful addition to the helmet hat is a ski mask – with its help, not even 1 square centimeter of the face is exposed to cold and wind. When embarking on serious winter hikes, always carry spare hat and gloves – they won't weigh you down, but they might be necessary.

Socks

Winter socks should be thick and warm. Specialized ones are tall, with variable thickness and reinforcement in the bottom part, where the foot rubs the most against the shoe. Some are double-layered in the bottom part – this way, the friction occurs between the two layers rather than between the foot and the shoe, which causes the most issues. They are made of various combinations of cotton, wool, polyester, and Lycra, aiming to fit well, not retain moisture, and have high durability. Good socks have the property of not retaining odor and can be worn for several days without losing their quality.

You'll find them in stores labeled as thermal socks. Often, they contain wool in their composition, but other materials are also used (such as Rhovyl up, Thermolite by BOREAL, or the hollow fibers Thermastat), which not only provide good thermal insulation but also don't retain moisture. If necessary, don't hesitate to wear two pairs of socks, as long as it doesn't restrict the foot's freedom in the shoe (impeding circulation is a prerequisite for frostbite).

Boots

Winter boots are the most crucial part of your gear during winter. They should protect your feet from low temperatures, remain dry after prolonged walking in deep snow, and provide stability on firm and icy surfaces. Winter boots are tall to provide ankle support, with a semi-hard or hard sole made of quality material and deep treads. It's beneficial if the sole has grooves for attaching crampons – this will save you a lot of effort and prevent freezing hands every time you have to put on or remove crampons (there may be two grooves – front and back, with the presence of a rear groove being more important). A rubber bumper protecting the most sensitive areas is highly necessary – when walking in the snow, you rarely know what's underneath it, and strong impacts on rocks and other hard objects are common.