Winter Layering & Clothing for Winter Skills Courses

A simple system for staying warm, dry enough, and comfortable while you learn.

Winter clothing is one of the most overcomplicated topics in the outdoors. People either turn up with far too much, or they arrive with “a warm jacket” and hope for the best. In reality, winter comfort is about a simple layering system and a few key habits.

This guide explains how to layer for winter skills courses in a way that works in real Scottish conditions — moving, stopping, windy ridges, wet snow, and long days where you’re learning rather than racing.

The winter layering system (in one sentence)

You want to stay slightly cool while moving, then add warmth quickly when you stop, and keep wind and wet off your body without trapping too much sweat.

Base layers: keep it comfortable, not “as warm as possible”

Base layers sit next to your skin and influence comfort more than people expect. The goal isn’t maximum insulation — it’s a layer that stays comfortable as you warm up and cool down.

• Avoid cotton. Once it’s wet, it stays wet.
• Choose a base layer you can move in without overheating.
• Bring a spare dry base layer on longer courses and multi-day trips.

Mid layers: the “engine room” of warmth

Mid layers trap warm air and are the workhorse of winter comfort. In practice, two lighter mid layers often work better than one very thick layer, because you can adjust more easily as conditions change.

• Use mid layers you can vent or remove quickly.
• Keep at least one warm layer dry for when you stop.
• Prioritise comfort and mobility over “technical” features.

Shell layers: wind and wet protection, with ventilation

Shell layers keep wind and precipitation off your body. In Scottish winter, “waterproof” is helpful, but ventilation is just as important. If you trap sweat inside, you’ll end up damp and cold anyway.

• Make sure your shell has room for layers underneath.
• Use vents and zips early, not when you’re already soaked.
• Bring waterproof trousers for proper winter conditions.

Insulation layer: the one you add when you stop

This is the layer that keeps you comfortable during pauses: coaching moments, group stops, navigation checks, or when you’re standing on snow practising skills. It’s not usually the layer you walk in all day.

• Choose an insulation layer that’s easy to put on over other layers.
• Keep it accessible in your pack so you can add it quickly.
• On multi-day trips, keeping one warm layer dry makes a huge difference.

Hands, head and spares: where winter days are won or lost

Most winter clothing issues show up at the extremities first. Cold hands make learning harder, and wet gloves can ruin a day. Having spares is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.

• Bring multiple pairs of gloves (including a warm spare pair).
• Carry a warm hat plus something windproof for ridges.
• Pack spare socks and keep at least one pair dry.
• Use dry bags or liners to keep key items protected.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Overdressing early, then sweating heavily on the first climb.
• Waiting too long to put on a warm layer during stops.
• Only bringing one pair of gloves.
• Shell layers that are too tight to fit warm layers underneath.
• No dry spare socks or base layer on multi-day courses.

How this links to our equipment and kit lists

If you want a clear checklist for your course or trip, the full equipment and kit lists are available here: /equipment-and-kit-lists/

If you’re unsure what’s appropriate for your course dates, send us a message before booking — we’ll point you in the right direction.