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 (30 -45 litres) is best for winter walking, 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.
Boots –For winter hillwalking and skills courses, stiff, crampon compatible boots are required. They should have a stiffness rating of B1 minimum, and ideally B2. B3 boots are fine, so long as you find them comfortable.
Crampons –Should have 10 or 12 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 walking or general mountaineering an axe of 50 – 65cm is adequate. Whether you choose to have a wrist loop or leash is up to you, we recommend going without as they can get in the way.
Helmet –Required for winter skills & summits courses, not necessarily required for guided winter hillwalks. Please check.
