Kit List - Summer Hillwalking
RUCKSACK
45-55 litre capacity. Lightweight and comfortable.
Recommended: Mountain Equipment Tupilak 50+
plus waterproof /dry-bag liner or nylon rain-cover, sadly Scotland is famous for the odd wet and rainy day!
BOOTS
Choosing the right boots is really important. You need to make sure that your boots are nice and comfortable to wear all day. You will be best to go into the store and try them on. Try a few brands as often one will fit you better. If you need any advice on boots please get in touch and I am happy to help!
Recommended:
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3 season/B1-rated Boots with semi-stiffened soles and ankle support (Scarpa Marmolada; La Sportiva Boulder Mid X, La Sportiva Stream GTX)
(Boots must be walked in/worn in until comfortable - brand new boots will give you blisters and can ruin your fun!)
SHELL GARMENTS
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Lightweight wind and waterproof Jacket
Recommended: Mountain Equipment Garwhal.
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Waterproof Overtrousers
Recommended Mountain Equipment Makalu
INNER CLOTHING
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Lightweight Fleece or Softshell Jacket
Recommended: Mountain Equipment Diablo
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Mid-layer Fleece shirt
Recommended: Mountain Equipment Eclipse Zip T, Mountain Equipment Shroud
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Long-sleeved thermal Vest and Leggings
Recommended: Mountain Equipment Equinox
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Lightweight Stretch Trousers
Recommended: Mountain Equipment Ibex pants or any Leggings or Tracksuit Bottoms
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2 pairs of good quality walking socks
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Shorts
GAITERS (not essential)
Lightweight Alpine gaiters (advised when weather is wet)
GLOVES/MITTS
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Warm waterproof gloves/mittens
Recommended: Mountain Equipment SuperAlpine Glove and Mountain Mitt
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Durable grip gloves for climbing/abseiling (tight-fitting, leather-palmed gloves or plastic-coated hardware gloves are effective for scrambling and are cheap in hardware stores)
WOOL HAT/BALACLAVA
It can get cold even in Spring & Summer, it is best to prepare for all weather conditions in Scotland!
HEADTORCH LED
It is important to prepare for every eventuality. In some cases, we will be descending at night and therefore it is important to have the right torch to allow you to navigate off the mountain. I now take two head torches, both fully charged, as this means if one runs out or malfunctions, you are not fiddling around with batteries and cold hands in the dark.
Recommended: Petzl Tikka , Petzl Swift RL
DRINK FLASKS
Thermos flask for hot drinks and 1 litre water bottle
SUNGLASSES AND SUNSCREEN
We are optimistic for sunshine and blue skies!
SKI/TREKKING POLES (NOT ESSENTIAL)
Telescopic, not essential but very useful on descents, river crossings and deep snow/ uneven ground
MAPS (NOT ESSENTIAL ONLY BRING THESE IF YOU HAVE THEM)
The OS Map App is recommended – £28 per year and enables download of any part of the UK map area. It integrates with Smart Phone GPS and has route-planning functions.
Sheet maps that may be used are:
1:25000 OS Sheet nos OL57
1:50000 Harveys Superwalker: Cairn Gorm and Loch Avon, Cuillins
FIRST AID
For blisters and minor cuts, a full kit is carried by your Guide
COMPASS AND GPS DEVICE
Silva type (bring a GPS if you have one, not essential)
MAP CASE
Waterproof plastic
CAMPMAT/THERMAREST AND SLEEPING BAG ( 2- 3 SEASON ) (OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION COURSES ONLY)
+ Camp Cutlery, Mug, Freeze Dried Meals
PERSONAL TENT FOR OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION - PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE.
If you have any queries about your kit - get in touch!