Thanks! I agree that’s the problem; 4 seasons conditions vary hugely in different environments, so it makes it a dubious indicator. Winter in Wales is a lot different to Scandinavia! Better to do like you & I do; monitor the weather and choose a route and equipment that is sensible. I really enjoy camping in cold weather with little wind, if I can ensure that I’m properly equipped.

Thanks! I know that the footwear choice is a very personal matter; a good friend of mine prefers boots and can't be converted, despite my best efforts! Most through-hikers seem to be moving to Trail Runners these days, but winter conditions can make a difference. There seems to be a gap in the market for better insulated trail runners.

Thanks!! It was great to be out & about again, and I really loved the whole experience, even though the conditions got a bit grim! I've found that tough weather can make the trip more intense and memorable, and if you have good equipment and experience then you can be perfectly happy, even though it's wet & windy. Somehow being inside the tent feels even better when the weather outside is bad :-)

Thanks. It's great to know that you think along the same lines as me. I was on Dartmoor in the snow last year and did just fine with Trail Runners, waterproof socks, and micro spikes. There's a mind-set that you need big boots for hiking, and a fancy expensive tent. But I prefer to move fast, light, and comfortable; it's worked for me so far!

I agree totally about having a solid inner. I think for the UK there's no option because conditions here are wetter and windier, and condensation is unavoidable. That's why I don't like the Lanshan Pro (single-skin) version; I like to be sheltered, warm, and dry! :-)

Thanks mate; it means a lot 🥹

Hmmm… That’s a really good question, and probably deserves a video all of its own! The short answer is yes, I think when they’re in good condition then they are waterproof; they have a waterproof Goretex or similar membrane sandwiched between 2 layers of fabric. But that also means that the fabric 'wets out' if the socks and shoes are wet, and perspiration can't escape, so your feet get damp from the inside instead. The same problem happens with leather boots. And once the Sealskinz are wet inside & out they take ages to dry out. And the fabric they are made from isn't very warm when it's wet, either. So I take a fresh pair for each days walking on shorter trips The alternative is to use very good quality Merino wool socks. These are extremely comfortable, they are still warm even when wet through, and they have a natural water repellence, so they dry out quickly too. On the 15-day Cape Wrath Trail I was splashing my way through river crossings and moorland all day. I was faced with many days in a row of wet feet, with no chance to dry out the footwear overnight. So I opted for 'Darn Tough' merino wool mix socks, and I was extremely pleased with them. My feet would be chilly after a river crossing, but they would warm up very quickly, and the socks stayed warm and comfortable throughout. So I guess I’m saying that for shorter trips the Sealskinz are good, but for multi-day through hikes I think Darn Tough socks are possibly a better option.

Each to their own, but in the middle of winter I don’t expect much noise from wildlife, whatever the location.

Hi again Alan. Yes, I parked at Tafarn Y Gareg and walked up the main path above the Dan Yr Ogof. I left the main path at SN 82159 17585 in order to visit the crash site at SN 81621 16920. My pitch the 1st night was somewhere upstream from the Sinc Giedd. The 'dry' weight of my gear (exc. food, gas, water, whisky), was 10.2kg, a bit more than usual because of the extra insulation. Let me know when you're next heading out that way!

It’s 58 litres; an Osprey Exos 58. I thoroughly recommend it; weighs around 1kg and is extremely comfortable. I find that 58 litres is more than enough for winter camping. In summer 48 litres would be enough.

@@longsufferinghiker I have the exact same one in a 48ltr. I was wondering what is the smallest size that can cope with mid winter loadout. I think the 58ltr is the biggest one they do, correct?

@TimmyBobinson yes, it’s the largest size Exos. I think it’s plenty large enough. It’s easy to just fill the available space in anything larger, and end up carrying too much