Hiking and mountaineering equipment for Winter

Listed below are the basic outline of items recommended for a day (5 hour plus) on the Scottish Hills and mountains. Pack carefully all of your gear into a 40-55 litre rucksack. A plastic liner or dry bags helps keep items dry during Scottish weather!

If you're coming along to one of our days and don't have any of the essential items listed below, please don't worry! We may be help with some of the gear, just give us a call and we'll see if we can arrange to bring along spare.
Please note that if you turn up without the suitable gear and you haven't arranged for us to bring spare, your guide may refuse to lead you on the hills.

Footwear : Boots firm soled a good 4 season mountaineering. They must be sturdy with a ridge sole to take a crampon.
Waterproofs : jacket and overtrousers and or gaiters (keep snow out of boots), ideally windproof.
Base layer : wicking top, a cotton t-shirt is not recommended as they hold moisture and become cold.
Mid layer : fleece or jumper.
Trousers : tracksters, hillwalking trousers, but not jeans.
Extremities : Gloves two pair are useful, hat and/or buff / scarf.
Spare clothing : minimum of another fleece/thermal and gloves.
Survival bag (big orange plastic bag), whistle.
Torch : with spare batteries
Ice axe: 50 – 60 length. We can supply if you do not have one.
Crampons: 10 or 12 point with anti-balling plates. If you have them or buying a pair check they fit your boots. We can supply if you do not have any.
Goggles : very useful if not vital when out in blizzard / spindrift conditions.

Food and Drink
Food for the day and some extra food as days can be long and for emergencies. Plenty of snacks and nibbles.
Hot drink (flask), energy drink or fluid in a refillable flask or other container. Note you will drink more that on a normal day walk.

Other useful items:-
Small first aid kit with any personal medication you require. Compeed for blisters.
Suncream.
Walking poles with snow baskets.
Camera.
Binoculars.
Mobile phone.

Useful so you can keep a track of the route but not necessary are a compass and appropriate map (OS 1:50,000 (purple cover) Landranger fine for most Scottish hills.

If you are not sure please call for a chat. The better prepared you are the less likely you are to have an uncomfortable day if bad weather encountered.