List of equipment for a winter hike in Crimea

The list of personal equipment required for a winter hike below was developed for one specific route and does not claim to be universal or complete. Remember, no list can replace careful planning and preparation.

Here's the list of equipment:

Running gear

These are the clothes and equipment that you wear during the day, i.e. most of the hike.

windproof pants - should “hold” strong winds and at the same time breathe well (this is why pants with a membrane are not suitable for winter). The simplest option is regular thin sweatpants with a mesh lining. Avoid fleecy products - snow sticks to them.
light underpants - this can be thermal underwear, warm tights, leggings or others that perform the same functions. It should not be very hot, otherwise you will sweat when walking.
windbreaker - a thin windproof “breathable” jacket without lining. Definitely with a hood.
running T-shirt - long-sleeved thermal underwear. No cotton, only synthetics!
running sweater or fleece - also should not be particularly warm. It is imperative that you cover your throat. It would be desirable to have a zipper - for finer regulation of body temperature.
hat - a light hat made of fleece (Polartek) or windblock. Should cover your ears and fit easily into the hood of your jacket.

mittens - I usually take 3 pairs: fleece gloves for daily wear, waterproof outer mittens - for protection from snow and wind, and spare mittens in a waterproof bag.
boots - should be spacious enough so that the foot, dressed in two pairs of warm socks, feels free. It is the socks, not the boot, that provide warmth to your feet. Accordingly, wool, fur and other insulation materials are not needed in the boot itself. They only slow down the drying of the shoes. Before going on a hike, the boots must be impregnated with a water-repellent compound.
shoe covers - save shoes from snow. Homemade shoe covers are much better than those sold in our stores. If the hike is not too long, and your boots are very good, then instead of shoe covers you can take gaiters (flashlights). It is advisable to have a new pair of socks for each walking day, plus separate socks for sleeping.
glasses UV protection (preferably). These can be ordinary sunglasses, a ski mask or “canned food” - welder’s glasses.
windproof mask (balaclava). You can make a mask yourself from a sleeve of old fleece, or you will have to wrap your face with a scarf.

All zippers on clothing must be in good working order, the zippers must have tabs with a tail tied into them, which can be taken with mittens. Elastic bands and ties should not press.

Warm clothes.

We don’t walk in these clothes (even if it’s very cold). It is used at rest stops, lunches, and when setting up a camp. It is worn directly over casual clothing.

Self-resetting pants - warm pants like ski overalls with zippers on the sides. Zippers open at the top and bottom. Must be worn over all regular clothing. You can take regular ski pants instead.
Warm jacket - the best down jacket. The jacket should be really warm and voluminous enough to fit over all your clothes.
Extra warm clothing - in case of extreme cold. For example, a warm polar (sweater) or vest.

Special and bivouac equipment.

Travel mat - one thick 16-20mm (for example, 4-season Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest) or two regular mats.
Winter sleeping bag - weighing about 2 kg, with a comfort temperature of about -15. Instead of individual sleeping bags, it is better to use stitched ones for 2-3 people. It's warmer.
Trekking or ski poles. Be sure to have a ring at the bottom so that the stick does not fall into the snow.

Personal

matches in sealed packaging
personal first aid kit
Knife, Mug, Spoon, Bowl
LED Flashlight forehead.
Money and documents in packaging.
Toilet paper, toothbrush, hygienic lipstick

Places mentioned

Balaklava