Snow on the South Downs: The Perfect Test for Winter Layers

I woke up in Winchester to something we hardly ever get, a fresh layer of snow sitting on the South Downs.

It felt like the right moment to take the opportunity to rush outside and let a few pieces of kit do what they’re meant to do.

On my feet were the Salomon XT-6 GTX, the Gore-Tex version that’s become a bit of a modern classic. I’ve worn XT-6s in plenty of conditions since I was young, but snow is where the shoe really earns its place. The grip is predictable, the waterproofing does exactly what it says on the tin, and there’s something reassuring about not having to think about your footing when the ground is half-frozen and uneven.

I paired them with Uniqlo’s technical trousers, which punch well above their weight. As a product they aren’t trying to be mountaineering pants or a fashion statement, they’re just practical, warm enough, and comfortable to move in. For winter walks and everyday outdoor use, the price point and practicality of a pant like this is very hard to ignore.

To complete the fit I wore a ripstop three-layer waterproof jacket I’ve developed in-house. But by any means this wasn’t a “showcase” moment. Snow finds weak points quickly, seams, cuffs, hoods. Underneath I remained bone dry, warm, and unrestricted, which is exactly what I want from something designed to disappear once you put it on.

That’s really what this morning was about. Not performance in extreme conditions, but confidence in uncommon ones. The kind of weather we normally or used to live in.

I must admit, sometimes the best test isn’t an expedition, it’s a walk near to home, when the weather changes just enough to remind you why good outerwear matters.