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.
