Overnight Bivi Kit
Bivi Bag –Ideally a lightweight Gore-Tex or other breathable fabric bivi bag
Sleeping Bag –This should be a light-weight 2 or 3 season bag.
Sleeping Mat –Either a closed cell foam mat (karrimat) or a small Thermarest style mat.
Meals –For breakfast and dinners, dehydrated packets, available from most outdoor shops are ideal. Avoid already hydrated meals as these are heavy. You will also need two days worth of lunch and snacks (energy bars/dried fruit). Your guide will bring a stove and gas, which you may need to carry.
Spoon & mug –Both lightweight as possible.
Regular scrambling kit
Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks.
Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton.
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 useful if cool conditions are likely to be encountered.
Windshirt or lightweight softshell jacket –Ideal for dry conditions.
Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.
Warm Hat & Gloves –A warm hat can still be very useful even in summer. For Skye, leather work or gardening gloves, which are cheap and durable are ideal. Remember that even in the height of summer, with a bit of rain and wind, it will still be quite chilly.
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. Lightweight waterproofs are ok.
Rucsac –A medium volume sac (40 -50 litres) is best for traverse with an overnight bivi. 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.
Gaiters or Stop-tous –Not really necessary on the Skye Cuillins.
Head Torch –Even in summer it’s good practise to carry a small headtorch.
First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast.
Compass/Map –(OS or BMC/Harveys)
Harvey maps produce the best map for Skye. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.
Whistle/Watch
Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres, maybe more during hot weather. For traverses, one bladder and one solid bottle is useful.
Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent. To keep weight down, consider taking only one, that can be either compressed or collapsed to fit inside your pack when not in use.
Boots –For scrambling, boots which have good lateral stiffness, such as B1 rated boots, are useful.
Helmet –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available.
Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over all clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting.
Belay device, two HMS Carabiners –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.
