Winter Kit List

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

In Winter it is vitally important that we have the right equipment. The conditions can vary dramatically due to precipitation, wind & temperature.

Therefore, if you are unsure about any equipment on the list, please let us know, as without it we hold the right to refuse you on the course, for your own and the safety of the group.

We will do a kit a check & discuss winter kit before we head out (especially on Winter Skills Courses) and where possible allow you to purchase / rent any items prior to the course if this does not delay the group. This may be in the form of a mandatory brief the afternoon / evening before the course begins, or in the morning.

Winter Specific Kit

Boots  / Crampons / Ice Axe – These are all easily rentable

Winter boots - B1, B2 or B3 only - Summer Boots are not appropriate in winter as they are not compatible with crampons. The flex in them means you can easily lose a crampon while walking.

Crampons - compatible to the boot – ask if you are unsure.

Ice Axe - Walking or Mountaineering (Not climbing)

Helmet (We may be able to lend you a helmet)

General Kit

Rucksack – 45 litres +

There is a lot of extra kit in winter so you will need a rucksack big enough to fit it all in. I recommend at least 45-50 litres.

Dry bags – keeping everything dry including your extra layers.

Clothing

Base layer

Jumper

Synthetic Down insulating Jacket

Spare warm layer – Fleece, another insulating jacket etc

Waterproof Jacket & Trousers

Liner socks & winter / thick walking socks

Gloves multiple – At least 1 Waterproof pair, plus additional pairs.

Mitts – waterproof

Balaclava / Buff / Neck Scarf - Essential for protecting your face in the wind

Other Required Kit for Winter

Headtorch - With shorter days to work with in winter we may start / finish in the dark whether intentionally or due to overrunning.

UV Goggles - Wind and snow combined can be very problematic. Clear or yellow lenses are recommended for Scotland.

UV Sunglasses - Protect your eyes on the nice days

Sunscreen - Protect your skin (if you’ve been / seen returning skiers / snowboarders you can see the sun effect when combined with reflecting off the snow)

Walking Pole(s) - Very helpful in winter to make movement easier

Food & Drink

Winter is particularly taxing as your body uses energy to keep you warm, as well as the energy of moving around in the mountains. You will need plenty of food and snacks for the day.

1 litre Flask minimum - Drinking before you start the event is vital to be pre-hydrated

Food for a day incl. snacks! (pack extra!)

Emergency Kit

Blizzard bag - Your guide will carry one as part of their kit, but for winter these are very useful bits of kit to carry for both an event with us and personal adventures

Personal first aid kit / medication etc

Navigation tools (if attending skills / navigation course)

Map (we may provide or let you know prior to the event which map you require)

Map Case - If we provide a map for exercises on your skills course this will need a map case.

Compass