To be clear - these are 5 key pieces I ADD to my rucksack in winter. Items like first aid, head-torch, phone, whistle and more stay in year-round. Thanks for the comments.

Simon, as always some great suggestions. One suggestion: extra layers for sweat management in order to stay warm. When it gets cold you will still sweat far more than most realize. For me this is true even at -35C when I go back country skiing or ice climbing. As a result, I bring a spare polypropylene base layer and merino wool shirt. If I stop for any length of time( lunch/snack or something unplanned), I strip the wet layers off and change into fresh dry layers to stay warm.

An excellent reminder of what to carry at this time of year. I would add first aid kit, whistle and torch to the list - the last two to attract the attention of Mountain Rescue. Doesn’t apply to what you were carrying but worth noting that rescue teams encourage people not to dress like Ninjas- ie in dark clothing as they are hard to find. . Roger Webb of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue wrote an excellent article for Hillwalking UK called ‘After the Accident - How to Get Found Alive’ in December 2023 which is worth a read.

I’ve got a rechargeable Zippo hand warmer. Which can also be used as a battery pack. Although my rucksack has a cover, I also put an extra dry bag inside, to make sure any reserve clothing stays dry.

Great video. A lighter is a good addition as long as you have fuel/wood and know how to safely build a fire.

Noticed a weird comment criticising you for asking for sponsorship/support so I bought you a Kofi or two. Thanks for doing your videos, informative and interesting as usual.

Chemical hand warmers are fantastic, I was always sceptical yet I tried them very recently in -10 and they are very nicely warm and last maybe 7 to 8 hours till they need a squeeze to reinvigorate. I won’t leave home without now. Looks cheap and nasty packet but they are valuable.

Simon brilliant video as ever but hopefully educate those who are unaware of the consequences of taking little. I'm always mocked for taking too much but the thought of coming across a lone hill walker in difficulty with little survival kit keeps me plugging on.

One item that I have added to my "statutory" kit is an old CD to act as a mirror, I have another in my SCUBA gear, costs nowt, it's light and durable.

I'd add a power pack to the list for charging the phone and head torch.

Equipment is important but so is the right frame of mind. Cold can affect decision making and physical performance. Leave “ambition” at home and stay well inside your capabilities. Have a “flexible plan”, tailor the day to the conditions and be ready to bin-it & go to the cafe. Take a detailed map of the area and compass, know how to use both as the battery never goes flat. If you carry a gps or phone, keep it warm, inside your clothes, as cold really compromises a battery’s performance. Remember, snow can make familiar terrain utterly baffling so check your position regularly, especially if there’s any risk of reduced visibility or darkness. If darkness is a possibility, a head torch is handy but usually under gunned. Having one of those mega-bright long range hand lamps is a huge comfort when hunting for way marks. Again, keep batteries warm, including any spares. Practice. Have you tried moving with every stitch of clothing on? Are there any heat leaking gaps at the wrists, ankles or waist when you move? Does everything fit over each other? I’d be a wealthy if I’d had a pound for the times I see cold people wearing tight outer layers that are squeezing the warmth out of under layers. Sleek may look quick but puffed up = warm. Use yer noggin, that’ll keep you safer than most things.

That's great advice. Thanks. For my bike rides I take a cell phone, and for jogs, I just stay close to civilization. But for the remote things -- such as you describe (and that part of Scotland *does* look fantastic) -- your kit seems great. p.s. the cellphone has the ability (if there is coverage, of course) to send your GPS to somebody. Enjoying the channel!

Again Simon... Well presented! Cyclist should carry these items during cold months too, it's worth it's weight. Many thanks!

I took my pack off my bike while doing repairs and had not got around to putting it back on. Being from eastern Colorado, you have motivated me to double check its contents and to put it back on. Thanks for the reminder to be smart (or not dumb) : }

A satellite tracker…… said it a dozen times. If you die on the hills I don’t care. If a rescuer had to hunt high and low for you and falls off a cliff and has life changing injuries or dies and doesn’t go home it’s YOUR fault. A tracker costs money but not as much as you spend on outdoor winter kit. Titanium bikes, electronic shift, 300 - 600 quid sleeping bags. Fast find ( Simon and I argue this one ) you MUST press the button to set it off. where as a tracker runs 24/7 so long as you start it off. If you fall and are unconscious the fast find won’t set itself off.

Superb!

I would always wear gaiters, goretex, in snow, or anyway in winter. Can't see in video if you are! And wool base layers like merino is a game changer! And sealskin mitts are fab! If you haven't used your extra kit.....that is THE WHOLE POINT😅 its extra in case of.😊

Always take a Bothy Bag, only had to use it once above Ballachulish in a freak gale/snow storm but really worked well👍🏽 Great concise vid Simon👏🏽

great video and great advice for anybody going out either on foot or on a bike 👍

As always great information. Thank you Simon

Great advice simon. Although i live in North Herts,so not out in the wilds, in winter ialways carry a down jacket compressed into a stuffsack. If i puncture i can at least stave off the col.d when carrying out a repair

Good reminders

I think the shoes and socks are very important.

I carry everything you mentioned PLUS a headlamp and the means to build a fire (lighter and tinder).

Not an addition but an extra combination. If you are waiting for Mountain Rescue and the light is fading keep your torch on, on low, inside the bothy bag as that helps the rescuers identify your location from a distance. The combination of light and coloured material magnifies the light. Rescuers can then make best speed to your location. Saved me and my group in Ecuador at 3000m.

If going on an overnight or multi-day in the winter, I always use a plastic bread bag moisture barrier over my socks to prevent my boots/ski boots from getting wet with sweat. If you don’t, your boots will freeze and so will you.

Thanks.

Excellent advice.! I'm doing the Panceltic bikepacking event in summer and although I'm travelling light ,I'm taking a foil bag, down jacket, and bivvy tent. Scotland is so remote (and wonderful) compared to southern england. I would probably last about 5 minutes sitting down in the conditions you were hiking in.

Very informative

Forgotten? Multiple fire starting options. Flashlight. Whistle for SOS sounds. Knife of good size. Insulated pants. But a great kit nonetheless.

my sol bivvy is always in my pack all year round for the room it takes up its a no brainer.

Whistle and head torch

Great video. Thank you for posting. How much does your recommend kit weigh?

First up the hill!

I think some links to the specific products you speak of would be helpful

Where was yours first aid.

This does not look like an entertaining pastime to me.

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." -Vidal Sassoon