Gloves are an important pack item for hillwalkers all year round, but in the winter months multiple pairs to cover different conditions can be needed. Mitts provide the most warmth, keeping your fingers together, but also reduce dexterity compared to gloves. Many hikers carry thin liner gloves, perhaps mitts to wear over them, plus potentially a shell with a windproof and/or waterproof membrane (though in our experience none will keep completely dry). The gloves in this review all have at least windproof membranes. Highlander Mountain Glove RRP: £17.99Weight: 140g (S)Fabric: polyester with Taslan reinforcement on palm and underside, Ab-Tex waterproof/breathable…

As the days get shorter it becomes essential to carry a headtorch on longer walks – you’ll either be starting in the dark for longer days, or need a torch in case you don’t make it back before dusk. They can also be a real boon in emergency situations to help rescuers locate you. In winter I tend to carry two, as I have experienced the failure of a torch out on the hill. Others are happy to rely on a fully-charged spare battery – though not all models allow battery swapping. As headtorches have advanced so have the features.…

Walking poles are a great addition to your kit. Taking some of the strain off your knees, particularly when heading downhill, becomes more important as those fragile joints age, and heading uphill using poles spreads the work onto your upper body. Avoiding slips and stumbles on loose or wet ground is also important, as is the stability of having an extra couple of “legs” for crossing rivers and testing the depth of ominous looking bogs. They can also be used as tent poles for some tarp-type tents as well as a camera tripod with the addition of a metal converter…

Gaiters can be a divisive piece of outdoor kit – some walkers swear by them for keeping mud and wet undergrowth from soaking their feet and trousers, whilst others find them a fussy hindrance. In the winter season, though, they become truly essential to prevent the snow from entering the top of your boots. Over the last few months we’ve been testing a wide variety of gaiters. Here’s our vedict: Rab Latok Alpine Gaiter GTX Recommended price: £55Weight: 212g pair (women’s medium) Goretex fabric on the legs and reinforced Robic nylon at the ankle has proved to be a breathable…

Recommended Price: £85Weight: 108g Canadian brand Tilley are famed for their hats – whether you think that’s famously well-made and durable or famously expensive. For many years I baulked at the price being so much higher than alternatives, but I was bought one as a present around a decade ago – and have been a convert ever since. There are three factors which really lift Tilleys above sunhats I’d worn previously. One is that renowned construction. These are robust hats, covered by a lifetime guarantee. That’s not your usual guarantee covering faults in manufacture, but a guarantee that covers normal…

RRP: £32 Available in 2 colours (black and khaki) and 4 unisex UK shoes sizes (3 – 5.5, 6 – 8.5, 9 – 11.5, 12+) I’ve worn waterproof socks regularly for winter running for the last few years, for comfort with unlined footwear and to stop chilblains from being in cold and wet footwear. More recently I’ve also started using them for walking in lightweight boots and trail shoes when I know I’ll end up with wet feet but don’t want the added weight of my waterproof boots. Despite keeping toenails short and taking care to rinse and dry the…

For most walkers socks are one of the most important but least considered items of kit. With us for every step of the way…