What to Wear

Clothing Advice

Prepare for all weather in the snowdonia region!

 

Please be sensible in your choice of clothing. If cold sets in or you overheat, it can seriously affect your enjoyment levels.

 

For those warmer summer periods, suncream and water is essintial, however still consider you are in the UK and weather does tend to be quite variable, especially in the mountains.

 

For the colder days, it is strongly advised that you have gloves and a warm hat and we recommend wearing sensible warm clothing, and that you have some weather proof/water proof clothing.

 

Please bring clothing that covers your arms and legs, and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and damp, as this is likely to occur.

 

For hiking activities , please wear suitable footwear or walking boots; for some activities only trainers are permitted

 

Open toe shoes, flip flops, sandals or similar footwear are not suitable during our day tours.

Advisable hiking clothing – comfortable, ankle-supporting walking boots and suitable clothing. The terrain can be uneven and the weather unpredictable. You’ll need a waterproof and windproof jacket and over trousers. In wintry conditions you’ll need to take extra clothing such as a thermal base layer, fleece jacket, gloves and a hat.

Carry a rucksack that can accommodate clothing, food and drink. It’s important to maintain your energy levels, as walking can be hard work. During the summer, make sure you carry extra water and sunscreen, as there is little shade to be found.

Advice on what to pack in your backpack

  • About 1 – 2 litre of water

  • Suncream

  • Snacks – Include a few high energy options. Personal favorites include bananas, cereal bars and jaffa cakes.

  • Camera

  • Phone

  • Additional clothing for weather changes

Note: If you plan to visit us in the warmer months, make sure you have brought a breathable t-shirt and other type of clothing. Sunglasses are also recommended during this time of year.

Steps for cold weather

  • Dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off layers if the temperature climbs.

  • Dress for the appropriate activity level. Dressing for an active day of hiking up mountains will be different than dressing for indoor go-karting

  • Guide only – Buy or find a pair of insulated boots. Ideally, the lining should be wool or synthetic–not cotton. Linings can be purchased separately. You can purchase boots already with the lining, or use boots two sizes larger than usual, and use a lining.

  • Wear winter socks. Warm winter socks are important in keeping warm dry feet. Wool is best, although good synthetic “fleece” socks are often quite good. You can layer socks, but be careful that your feet are comfortable and the circulation isn’t shut down.

  • Use a good quality coat, parka, or jacket. Generally speaking, the thicker the better, whether it is a synthetic ski jacket, a wool pea coat, or a down jacket.

  • Wear a base layer. A “base layer” is long johns, union suit, long underwear, or whatever can provide a warm, light base to your winter gear. Merino wool products are recognized as one of the best base layers available.

  • Wear a hat. While it’s a myth that most body heat escapes through the head, covering any exposed body part helps retain body heat.

  • Wear gloves or mittens. Fingers and hands are very vulnerable to the cold, so keep them covered. Very thin gloves (like “magic gloves”) are better than nothing, but comfortable, warm gloves are important.

  • Wear more than one layer on your legs. Oddly, some people will wear five layers on their torso, and only one layer on the legs. At minimum, have a base layer like long underwear and an outer layer, like snowboarding pants.

  • Keep dry. Being wet will cause chill to set in more quickly than if you’re dry. Have waterproof or at least water resistant outer layers.