Items marked with an asterisk* are available to borrow from the club, let us know on the trip signup form if you require anything.

Clothing

• Sturdy walking boots.
  • The more waterproof the better. Trainers are not suitable for most of the terrain we cover. If you turn up with unsuitable footwear, we won’t allow you to come on the trip.
• Warm top layers including a hat and gloves.
  • Prepare for the worst! Remember, a good base layer helps to keep you cool as well as warm! Gloves and a buff are also great for dealing with the wind.
  • Keep regularly checking the weather to pick something suitable for the trip conditions.
• Comfortable trousers to walk/scramble/climb in.
  • This could mean specific hiking trousers, leggings, even shorts if you’re feeling brave.
  • THIS DOES NOT MEAN JEANS. If you turn up with only jeans, we won’t allow you to come on the trip. Jeans are unsuitable as they may not provide the necessary ease of movement, and get extremely heavy and chafe when they’re wet.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers.
  • A good waterproof is essential for any hike in the UK. The trousers aren’t strictly necessary, but are highly recommended!

Backpack essentials

• Comfortable backpack to hold everything.
  • Anywhere from 10-30L capacity is suitable for day hikes, depending on how light/heavy you like to pack. This doesn’t have to be a top notch hiking backpack, but something secure with comfortable straps is a minimum, and remember it might get wet/dirty! 
  • It’s a good idea to pack everything in dry bags; bin bags make a suitable alternative if you don’t have any.
• Plenty of food/snacks and water.
  • Bring at least 2L of water per day. A sandwich or pasty is fine for lunch, but make sure to also bring high-energy snacks like sweets and granola bars!
  • Remember to either bring food for dinner, or money so you can buy something when we’re there.
• First aid kit.
  • This is an essential piece of kit for any hike, the basics include alcohol wipes, antiseptic cream or liquid, gauze, painkillers, antihistamine, bandages, a safety pin, and plasters. Committee members should be carrying first aid kits, but remember you could get separated — it’s always best to have your own. Familiarise yourself with everything beforehand so you can use it in an emergency.
  • A foil blanket and emergency bivvy bag are worthwhile additions to your pack.
• Head torch.
  • This is absolutely essential – it’s very easy to get caught out after dark. Make sure it’s charged before the trip, or bring spare batteries.
• Money and ID.
  • Traditional pub visit after the mountains. Honestly the highlight of every trip.
• Portable charger.
• Map and Compass
  • Paper maps and a compass are the most reliable – we always recommend bringing these if you have them.
  • The club has an OS Maps account which should be downloaded on your phone for the local area (Lakes/Eryri). The app can be readily downloaded online.

Overnight Items

• Change of clothes for the evening.
  • We’re not just hiking! For relaxing at the campsite/village hall you may want a comfy set of clothes. This included pyjamas for the cold nights, especially if we’re camping. These clothes can go in a separate bag to be left in the car throughout the day – don’t put them in your hiking backpack.
• Toiletries
  • Access to a shower is less than guaranteed, but make sure to bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant etc.
• Sleeping bag*
• Sleeping mat*
• Tent*

This list was put together with the help of Paddy, our winter skills course provider (Mountaincircles.com). Items marked with an asterisk* are available to borrow from the club.

While in autumn you can get away with not having the proper kit, winter conditions are nowhere near as forgiving, and you can end up putting yourself and others in danger as a result. Please get in touch with any questions, we are here to help. There are no stupid questions – better to ask something silly than make us refuse you if you turn up with unsuitable kit. Winter mountaineering is a high risk activity that requires solid preparation.

Clothing and personal items

• Thermals or suitable under clothing
• Insulating layers
  • At least one mid weight and one warm fleece layer – bring some spares as well just in case.
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers or salopettes
• Gaiters
  • Protect your waterproof trousers from the holes that crampons might put in them, and help prevent getting snow in your boots. Not essential but highly recommended.
• Gloves
  • A thin pair and 2 thick pairs
• Snow goggles
• Warm hat

Technical equipment

You MUST have proper B-rated Winter Boots (B2 or better).

We invite you to buy your own boots, either new or second hand, or alternatively rent them from Paddy (£20 per trip). Regular walking boots WILL NOT cut it – not only will you fail to kick into the snow properly, but you will also damage our crampons. We recommend getting in touch before any purchases.

• Mountaineering/Winter boots*
• Crampons*
• Mountaineering/Walking ice axe*
• Mountaineering helmet*

Backpack essentials

• Comfortable backpack to hold everything.
  • Anywhere from 30-50L capacity is suitable for winter days out, depending on how light/heavy you like to pack. This doesn’t have to be a top notch hiking backpack, but something secure with comfortable straps is a minimum, and remember it might get wet/dirty!
  • It’s a good idea to pack everything in dry bags; bin bags make a suitable alternative if you don’t have any.
• Plenty of food/snacks and water.
  • Bring at least 2L of fluid per day (something hot in a thermos will be extra nice in the cold). A sandwich or pasty is fine for lunch (make sure not to bring foods that will freeze easily), but make sure to also bring high-energy snacks like sweets and granola bars!
  • Remember to either bring food for dinner, or money so you can buy something when we’re there.
• First aid kit.
  • This is an essential piece of kit for any hike, the basics include alcohol wipes, antiseptic cream or liquid, gauze, painkillers, antihistamine, bandages, a safety pin, and plasters. Committee members should be carrying first aid kits, but remember you could get separated — it’s always best to have your own. Familiarise yourself with everything beforehand so you can use it in an emergency.
  • A foil blanket and emergency bivvy bag are worthwhile additions to your pack.
• Head torch.
  • This is absolutely essential – it’s very easy to get caught out after dark, especially in the winter months. Make sure it’s charged before the trip, or bring spare batteries.
• Money and ID.
  • Traditional pub visit after the mountains. Honestly the highlight of every trip.
• Portable charger.
• Map and Compass
  • Paper maps and a compass are the most reliable – we always recommend bringing these if you have them.
  • The club has an OS Maps account which should be downloaded on your phone for the local area (Cairngorms/Glencoe). The app can be readily downloaded online.

Overnight items

• Change of clothes for the evening.
• Toiletries
  • Access to a shower is less than guaranteed, but make sure to bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant etc.
• Sleeping bag*
• Sleeping mat*