This kit list covers Summer mountaineering, scrambling and climbing. It is extensive and there are some more technical items on the list. I can lend out these more technical items if you would prefer to wait before purchasing your own.

 

ROCK CLIMBING SHOES

If you have your own then please bring them. If you are going to buy rock shoes then make sure that they are well fitted and comfortable for all day wear. It is often best to go into a specialist shop to try them on as all brands have a slightly different sizing. I do have a selection of sizes if you would rather borrow these to try them out.

 

HELMET

Lightweight climbing helmet

Recommended: Petzl Sirocco or Petzl Meteor

 

CLIMBING HARNESS

Full sit harness with leg loops and gear loops

Recommended: Petzl Aquila

 

HARDWARE

You can get this hardware online or in store, make sure that you buy it from a reputable supplier. Good brand names are either Petzl or DMM

• 1 x long sewn Sling (11mm width) (1.2m length/2.4 metre circumference)

• 2 screwgate Karabiners

• 1 non-s/gate Karabiner

• 3m length of 5mm cord to make prusik loops

• Belay/abseil plate

 

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

Just like the rock shoes 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. 

 

Recommended:

• 3 season/B1-rated Boots with semi-stiffened soles and ankle support (Scarpa Marmolada; La Sportiva Boulder Mid X)

(Boots must be walked in/worn in until comfortable - brand new boots will give you blisters and can ruin your fun!)

• Climbers’ Approach shoes with stiffened edges which are excellent for scrambling in good weather but don’t offer ankle support and can get wet/cold quickly

• Recommended: La Sportiva TX, Scarpa Zodiac

Please bring both Boots and Approach Shoes if you can

 

SHELL GARMENTS

• Lightweight wind and waterproof Jacket

Recommended: Mountain Equipment Garwhal.

• Waterproof Overtrousers

Recommended Mountain Equipment Makalu

 

INNER CLOTHING

• Lightweight Fleece or Softshell Jacket

Recommended: Mountain Equipment Diablo

• Mid-layer Fleece shirt

Recommended: Mountain Equipment Eclipse Zip T, Mountain Equipment Shroud

• Long-sleeved thermal Vest and Leggings

Recommended: Mountain Equipment Equinox

• Lightweight Stretch Trousers

Recommended: Mountain Equipment Ibex pants or any Leggings or Tracksuit Bottoms

• 2 pairs of good quality walking socks

• Shorts

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GAITERS (not essential)

Lightweight Alpine gaiters (advised when weather is wet)

 

GLOVES/MITTS

• Warm waterproof gloves/mittens

Recommended: Mountain Equipment SuperAlpine Glove and Mountain Mitt

• 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

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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

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CAMPMAT/THERMAREST, BIVI BAG AND SLEEPING BAG ( 2- 3 SEASON ) - ONLY FOR CUILLIN RIDGE OR OVERNIGHT SPECIFIC COURSES

+ Camp Cutlery, Mug, Freeze dried meals

 

If you have any queries about your kit - get in touch!