In reply to wolfbane:
> For many years on and off now I have often walked lowland and fell/upland areas, the last year or so I have taken a great interest in hiking... finding the highest spot in a particular area plotting a route such as wards stone in the trough of bowland in the middle of the beast from the east earlier this year and more recently ( last week ) cross fell - the most direct route from kirkland , in the Northern Pennines, I much prefer cooler or cold conditions. I am interested in plotting the most easy route to Helvellyn soon, I would like to think I have the necessary equipment levels for most walks and I really do not feel the cold, I have crampons and ice axe , would i need them for the easiest route to Helvellyn ( re weight loads), as you rarely see fell runners with much if any of this equipment ?
Hi. It seems to me that what you're after is reassurance that you won't need much winter clothing or equipment to go up Helvellyn in winter conditions by one of the easier routes? I don't think there are many on here who will give you that reassurance. You won't be fell-running, so forget about what equipment fell-runners may or may not take. In one of your replies on this thread you say you "really don't feel the cold". That is irrelevant to what clothing you should take; in fact if anything it puts you more at risk of developing hypothermia in adverse conditions, since you may be less aware of the need to put more layers on. If there is snow and/or ice on the fells then you should always take at least an ice axe and either micro-spikes (if there's ice but not much snow) or crampons or both. Crucially, you'll need a map and compass and the ability to navigate in possible whiteout conditions (a GPS can be invaluable for establishing your position when in doubt).
Standard clothing for winter hill-walking includes base-layer (top and bottom), windproof trousers, preferably lined or insulated, 'Powerstretch' top or equivalent thick wicky, fleece jumper-style top, windproof jacket (e.g. Marmot windshirt) and/or insulated jacket (e.g. Rab photon hoodie), waterproofs, gloves (windproof) with liners, warm hat, snow goggles, gaiters and crampon-compatible boots.
Of course you won't need to wear all that stuff much of the time (conditions are very mild at present, for example), but this will be sufficient for the worst conditions you'll encounter in Britain, and it'll give you peace of mind to have it stowed away in case you need it. It may sound a lot, but it really doesn't weigh much.
One last point. You say you've walked on lowland and upland for many years, but have developed an interest in 'hiking' only in the last year or so. I'd be intrigued to know what you imagine 'hiking' is, as distinct from 'walking'?