While many of us will be curled up indoors this winter, Anna Wells will be planning her next big adventure into the hills. As a seasoned mountaineer and recent completer of the Winter Munro challenge, Anna knows a thing or two about braving the elements in pursuit of her dreams.
Last Christmas found her partway through her remarkable feat of scaling all 282 Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet) in a single continuous winter push – an achievement few can claim.
Now, with that challenge under her belt, Anna is eager to share some of her most trusted and cherished gear picks to help fellow hillwalkers embrace the magic of winter adventures.
Keeping warm and protected
Layering is everything when you're out in the mountains. Annas top picks for staying cozy and warm include the Frazil Gloves, Loki Fleece, and Parallax Trousers.
Why not surprise someone who always gets socks with gloves! Staying warm starts with the extremities and the Frazil gloves can be a game-changer - their windproof, water-resistant shell and insulating lining are designed to keep hands warm and dexterous. Good winter gloves help you avoid the hot aches, even on the most bitter days.
Fleece jackets are supremely versatile making then ideal for fickle British conditions. Anna wore her Loki Fleece on many summit days, providing essential warmth without restricting movement. Warm, comfortable, stylish, easy to look after - a fleece is hard to beat on and off the hill.
Parallax trousers were trusty companions on many metres of winter ascent, but lets be honest, not the most exciting thing to buy for yourself. This makes them perfect to gift!. Their soft shell fabric shrugs off sleet, snow and wind with comfort and they pack away in the smallest rucksack.
See clearly, move freely
Unencumbered movement and clear visibility are crucial on the hill. Anna's picks in this category include the Griffon Hooded Fleece the compact, lightweight Kelper Draught Excluder and Diffusion Sunglasses.
Griffon was a constant companion on days when Anna was moving fast- which was most days. Its slim fit and easy-access breast pocket meant she could keep her essentials close at hand. When the spindrift picked up the snug fitting hood shut out the biting cold. When the sun started to peek through, the Diffusion sunglasses provided glare-free clarity, helping her spot hazards in the snow.
Ultimate warmth
No hillwalking kit is complete without a down jacket to throw on when resting or enjoying the view from the summit.
The Fantom down jacket is a fortress against the wind and snow - its helmet-compatible hood keeps you protected, no matter the conditions. And when you need to hunker down, whip out the Kelper draught excluder to provided an extra layer of insulation around your neck. Perhaps the most versatile hillwalking gift, a draught excluder can be used as a neck gaiter, under helmet beanie, hair bobble, wrist band... the list goes on.
Gift with confidence
Every item in Anna's selection has been put through its paces during her remarkable Winter Munro challenge. As she'll tell you, when you're facing the full force of Scottish winter weather, you need gear you can rely on completely. That's why each piece comes with our Alpine Bond guarantee – we stand behind the quality and durability of our equipment. With our 123-day returns policy, there's plenty of time to ensure each gift is welcomed into its new home. You can return or exchange your gifts online or in any store.
What if you still can't choose?
Anna's hand-picked hillwalking essentials have been chosen from our extensive range of products for hillwalkers. If one of these hasn't ticked your boxes, or you are buying for someone else and getting tied up in jargon, just hop on to the live chat at the bottom of the page, or visit one of our stores for more expert advice.
Gift Cards - For when you are struggling to find that perfect hjillwalkers gift
If, even after all of these great ideas, you are still struggling to put your mouse on that perfect present, our gift cards come to the rescue. We have physical gifts cards you can send to your loved ones, an Alpkit Foundation Giving Card and an e-Gift Card for when time has got you beat. These can be redeemed online or instore.
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