Essential info
Kit lists
Winter Skills Courses
Here is a suggested kit list for our winter courses. We are aware that to the uninitiated this list may seem complicated and 'technical' and we don't want you to be put off a great adventure before it's even started! If you look through and need to discuss something (or everything!) in more detail, don't hesitate to get in touch! You might also read it and think you have to spend lots of money but we can often loan you gear or suggest less expensive options.
It's well worth printing off a copy and bringing it with you to check you have everything each morning.
Essential kit
- Rucksack (around 45 litres with a waterproof liner bag)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (durable breathable fabrics are essential and a knee length zip on the trousers will make your life a lot easier)
- Walking boots and socks (including spare socks) - see additional advice on boot choice below.
- Gaiters
- Thermal base layer (synthetic fibres rather than cotton)
- Fleece mid layer
- Mountain trousers (synthetic fabric)
- Hat and/or balaclava
- Insulated waterproof gloves
- Spare insulated waterproof gloves (essential incase the first pair get wet)
- Lunch and flask (you can't beat a hot drink on a cold day!)
- Headtorch and spare batteries (halogen or super bright LED models are best)
- Spare food (something high energy like a few extra choccy bars)
- Spare warm layer (mid weight fleece)
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Ski goggles (essential when the Scottish wind whips up)
- Watch
- Personal first aid and medication (stuff to treat blisters and lip salve!)
- Climbing helmet (we can supply these for you)
- Money for a pub stop at the end of the day!
Optional kit
- Compass (Silva type 4 is perfect if you're buying one)
- Maps of area we are visiting (1:25000 and/or 1:50000 ordnance survey)
- Map case (if map isn't laminated)
- Extra thermal leggings and top (synthetic fibres rather than cotton)
- Insulated jacket (synthetic insulation rather than down)
- Camera
- Mobile phone (in a sealed plastic bag or waterproof case)
- Small penknife
- Trekking poles
- Bothy bag or survival bag (we'll have one with us incase you don't have one)
Additional overnight kit for our snowholing expeditions
- Sleeping bag (4 season rating)
- Bivvy bag (breathable fabric)
- Insulating mat (a warm mat will make your night far more comfortable!)
- Spoon
- Mug
- Bowl
- Food for the duration of the trip
- Stove, pans, lighter and fuel
- Set of spare clothing and socks to sleep in
- Toilet paper (we'll bring a trowel and lighter for safe disposal!)
- Candles
Some of these items can probably be shared and we'll discuss this prior to departure. We'll also supply ice axes, crampons and other essential items like snow shovels but please feel free to bring along your own if you have them.
Boot advice
Having the right boots is going to make a BIG difference to your winter adventure. For our winter courses a stiff soled B2 leather boot is ideal. We recommend you visit a specialist outdoor shop and try on a range of boots by different manufacturers as the fit can vary considerably even in the same size! When fitting your boots we suggest wearing a pair of thick socks and a very thin pair of liner socks - usually the shop will have some that you can borrow but ideally try them on with your own socks. It is never a good idea to buy boots mail order unless you have tried exactly the same boots in a shop beforehand. Please ensure you wear your boots as much as possible before your course so they have a chance to 'break in' and make sure you come along to your course with them proofed.
Happy shopping - We look forward to our adventure together.
