Kit List for Winter Mountaineering & Climbing
Bring this list on your course as a daily kit check before departure. It’s a long way to walk in to the North Face of Ben Nevis to realise your crampons are still in Fort William!
- Winter Mountaineering Boots – 4 season stiff soled leather or plastic boots that will take a crampon. Boot hire can be arranged in advance. Wear a quality pair of medium weight warm mountain socks.
- Gaiters – Ideally breathable.
- Rucksack – Around 30-50L, with a waterproof liner. You should be able to get all the kit listed here inside….plus a large rope that we may give you on the day to carry! Avoid having things strapped to the outside (apart from axes).
- Crampons and bag – 12 point mountaineering crampons with anti-balling plates, essential. Clip-on crampons are much easier to get on and off in cold, windy conditions!
- Ice Axes – For general mountaineering a single axe of 50-65cm is fine. For climbing you will need a technical axe and hammer of around 50cm.
- Harness – If you intend to use your rock climbing harness ensure it fits over all the layers you may be wearing on the hill. Adjustable leg loops preferable.
- Hardware – Provided by the guide but please bring your own belay plate / Karabiners / Sling if you have them
- Helmet – Easily adjustable and big enough to go over a warm hat / balaclava.
- Waterpoof Jacket – Good quality breathable model with a large hood that will go comfortably over your helmet (try it on in the shop with a balaclava and helmet on). Soft shell material is a big gamble in The Highlands – it’s often far to wet!
- Waterproof Trousers or Sallopettes – Make sure they have a full length or ¾ zip so you can get them on over your boots.
- Gloves – Ideally several thin liner pairs, a pair of thicker gloves and a pair of mitts.
- Hat / Balaclava – Take both. Neck gaiters / ‘buffs’ can be useful.
- Head Torch – With new batteries.
- Water Bottle – 1L Capacity or, heavier, a flask. Carbohydrate and isotonic drinks are well worth experimenting with.
- Hill Food – Cereal bars, Honey Sandwiches, Power bars, Fruit Cake, Chocolate etc. Not fruit!
- Clothing – Thermal top and 2 fleece layers. A warm duvet jacket is also essential and, in the Highlands, synthetic insulation is the way to go – preferably with a large, insulated hood. Fleece, power stretch or similarly warm trousers or sallopettes.
- Personal First Aid Kit – Plasters and blister kit. Personal medication. Sun cream and lip stick for courses later in the winter.
- Personal Emergency Bivi-Bag – Blizzard Bag recommended, classic orange plastic style better than nothing.
- Map and Compass – Essential for those wanting to improve their own navigation and always useful to have a spare map and compass in the party. Ortileeb or robust plastic bag recommended as a map case.
- Goggles – Cheap goggles are a false economy. Sunglasses for the optimistic!
- Mobile Phone – Always worth taking your mobile on the hill. Small Ortileeb waterproof bag recommended.
- Hardware – (Optional) For climbing courses please feel free to bring your own rack including ice screws, rockcentrics, wires, quickdraws etc.
Your Guide – will carry a group shelter, basic first-aid kit, climbing protection, navigation equipment and provide the ropes
