Winter Skills Kit List
Here’s what we send our clients as a Kit list before our Winter Skills courses:
It is assumed as a hillwalker you already have much of the stuff in the Winter Skills kit list below..
It is possible to buy very specific fancy kit but much more reasonably priced kit will suffice, get in touch if you need any advice. I’m not going to recommend any specific brands as much of it is personal preference and it all comes down to fit!
We appreciate the cost of this adds up, we can arrange hire of some items but it is much nicer to have your own for things like boots. Let us know enough in advance so we can arrange hire and advise on cost.
Rucksack – 35-45l, nice and simple and rugged, NOT an airflow system back.
Boots, B2 rated minimum, B3 if you’re on a climbing course. Spend time ensuring they fit properly before the course.
Crampons – C2 such as the Grivel G12, check they fit your boots properly.
Axes – T rated shaft, about 55cm. A pair of climbing axes if you’re on a climbing course.
Helmet – check you hat fits underneath.
Goggles – anti fog double lens, not too dark a lens.
Socks – whatever works for you. If you’re new to winter boots maybe carry some blister plaster/zinc oxide tape in your first aid kit.
Gaiters to keep the snow out of the boot.
Thermal wicking base layer tops
Trousers – base layer and regular walking pair, nice to have softshell but whatever works for you under the waterproofs. I’ll often wear powerstretch fleece.
Fleece tops – 1 thin 1 thick, softshell good for thicker one, nice to have hoods.
Insulated jacket – synthetic NOT down, loose fit so it’ll go over layers.
Waterproof top – sturdy, a hood that will fir over helmet, decent pockets that will take a map.
Waterproof trousers – sturdy, with full length zip and braces is best.
Warm hat and spare, maybe a buff.
Gloves – a thin dexterous pair and a couple of decent waterproof warm ones. You cant have too many gloves for Scottish winter! They will get wet.
Waterproof bag/case for phone/wallet/keys – a waterproof bag won’t cut the mustard!
Waterproof bag for items in rucsac.
Headtorch and ideally a spare torch – batteries are hard to change in a storm in the dark, better to just change torches.
Sunglasses/suncream – it can happen in Scotland in the winter!
Waterbottle/flask – 1l nalgene and small flask ideal – NO platypus style.
Compass – silva type 4 or similar, always good to have a spare too.
Maps – waterproof or with case, we will advise on which areas.
Watch – with stop watch – vital for navigation and making sure we’re down in time for tea and cake.
Walking Poles – you’ll find them really useful when wading through snow! With Snowbaskets.
Survival Bag – ie- blizzard bag, NOT survival blanket.
Group Shelter – ie- terra nova Bothy bag for group size (we will supply on our courses)
We are able to offer our clients 15% off in V12 and The Epicentre, both brilliant outdoor equipment retailers…
Book on a Winter Skills Course with us to receive these discounts…
Well kitted up and ready for anything! Heading up to the Ben on a Winter Skills Course… They’ve read the Winter Skills Kit List!