Hut specific kit
Sleeping bag and liner –The hut is generally quite warm, even in the depths of winter, so a 2 or 3 season sleeping bag is fine.
Pillow –If you have space, then a packable pillow will be useful.
Casual clothes –You may wish to change out of your climbing clothing in the evenings. Don’t bring too much though.
Spare baselayers, underwear and socks –Again, enough but not too much. Wet or damp clothes will dry quickly in the drying room.
Comfortable shoes for in and around the hut
Washkit –Don’t go OTT with a wash kit, the only really option for a proper wash is outside. Wet wipes and antibacterial gel can help.
Earplugs
Books/cards
Toilet Roll
Small and big pack –You will probably walk-in with the small pack on your front, and a larger one on your back. You will also need to carry group climbing equipment such as ropes.
Regular Climbing Kit
Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks. You may like to wear a thin liner pair underneath the thicker pair.
Thermal/Base Layers –A couple of thermal layers are useful, along with thermal leggings. Powerstretch works well.
Fleeces –At least one fleece layer for your upper body. If you get cold easily perhaps add a fleece gilet/vest to your layering. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is essential.
Synthetic Belay Jacket –Whilst not essential, will be a good booster layer.
Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.
Warm Hat & Waterproof Gloves –It is very important to look after your hands in winter. A thin pair, a thick warm waterproof pair and a pair of thick mittens will often all be used in one day on the Scottish Hills. If it’s particularly wet, then carry a couple of spare pairs.
Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) –The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots/crampons. This is an essential point to remember as winter boots are bulkier than summer ones. Lightweight waterproofs are often inadequate under severe winter conditions. A large hood to fit over a helmet and your face with wired visor is essential for the jacket in winter.
Rucsac –A medium volume sac (35-50 litres) is best for winter climbing, with ice axe carrying loops. Use a strong plastic rucsac liner to keep the contents dry. External Rucsack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner. Everything needs to fit inside your sac.
Bivvy Bag –A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement, essential.
Gaiters or Stop-tous –Essential for all courses.
Head Torch –Essential for all courses, plus spare batteries.
First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast.
Compass/Map –(OS sheet 41 & 34- 1:50 000 or BMC/Harveys Ben Nevis & Glencoe 1:40 000)
The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.
Whistle/Watch
Flask –0.5-1 litre for hot drinks on the hill. If you take a flask, a waterbottle is optional. Don’t carry too much liquid in winter!
Lunch & Spare Food
Ski Goggles
Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent. Ideally they will collapse to fit inside your pack when not in use.
Boots –For climbing courses, stiff, crampon compatible boots are required. They should have a stiffness rating of B2 minimum and ideally B3.
Crampons –Should have 12 or 14 points and be compatible with your boots. Clip-on heel crampons and front straps are very easy to fit on most modern B2 and B3 boots, whilst older traditional strap-on crampons are okay, but less easy to fit in cold windy conditions. We recommend anti-balling plates and cutting your straps to a suitable length (Not too short!). Ask for advice if you are unsure.
Ice Axe –For winter climbing, two technical climbing axes (40-50cm) are required. Most folk these days use ‘leashless’ tools, which means not having traditional wrist loops, but will be attached to their tools via a lanyard or spring-leash. Ask if unsure.
Helmet –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available.
Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over thick clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting. The DMM Super Couloir or Black Diamond Bod harness is very good in this respect and is a good one harness suits all type.
Belay device, two HMS Carabiners and one 120cm sling –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.
