Winter Kit List

Required kit

Depending on the weather you may be wearing some of this from the start of the day; if not, have it packed in your bag.

• Waterproof jacket

• Waterproof trousers

• Spare warm layers (e.g. fleece, puffy jacket) - please ensure you have enough warm layers to keep you warm whilst walking but also warm enough should we stop and sit down, for example for lunch. This will likely mean bringing at least two spare layers.

• Warm hat

• Gloves - we recommend a thin pair for the start of the day and two pairs of warm, waterproof gloves. Insulated, waterproof work gloves are a great budget option

• Ski goggles

• Headtorch

• Small, personal first aid kit - we will always carry a group first aid kit but it is useful to have your own supply of small blister plasters, painkillers, etc

• Any required medications, e.g. asthma inhaler

• Emergency survival bag

• Snacks, water, and lunch

• Rucksack to put all of your gear into (most people would use something in the 25-40L range)

What to wear

Please come in appropriate clothing that will enable you to be comfortable and warm in the outdoors. We're looking for clothing that is quick drying and enough layers to keep us warm. This would typically be a synthetic or merino base layer, softshell hillwalking trousers, and a thin fleece. Other items are described below.

You may be tempted to wear ski jackets or salopettes to stay warm, but these can be very heavy, hard to pack into bags, and you will probably be too warm in them when we're walking, so we would advise against them.

We don't have many hard rules, but one of those is no jeans. If they get wet, they will stay wet, and they will make you very cold. Other cotton clothing like hoodies, thick tracksuit bottoms, are also very bad in the wet and aren't suitable for hillwalking.

Winter Gear

Boots

In winter we require all clients to wear crampon compatible boots - these are given a "B" rating of 1, 2 , or 3 (any are suitable). An example would be the Scarpa Manta.

If you are unsure whether or not your boots are crampon compatible then just ask us!

Crampons

To go with your crampon compatible boots you will require walking crampons. These are typically 10 or 12 points, with horizontal front points. If that means nothing, fear not! Again, you can ask us ahead of your day with us.

An example of these would be the Grivel G12.

Please not that some brands market their microspikes as "microcrampons" or maybe even "crampons" - these are not suitable. Icegrippers or similar traction aids are also not suitable.

Axe

A general walking axe with a straight or slightly curved shaft that is roughly 50-65cm long.

Helmet

Climbing/mountaineering helmets are only required for our skills classes, or if we specify for a guided walking day.

If you do not have your own equipment yet we'd recommend hiring for your first time. All of the above equipment can be hired from retailers in Fort William and Aviemore. We are happy to recommend somewhere to you if required.

Optional kit

These are some of the non-essential things that you may wish to bring with you:

• Walking poles

• Gaiters

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, baseball cap - even in winter we do get the sun and you can get sunburnt! If the forecast is for sun then these do become essential

Whilst that is a lot of information to digest, we are more than happy to spend the time to talk to our clients ahead of their booking to make sure they have the right equipment. As a reminder of our Terms and Conditions, we may have to alter or cancel the day entirely without refund if clients do not come with the correct kit.