Clothing

Clothing is the most important element of your winter kit list to get right. Each person will have to find their own layering system and the clothing you choose will be very personal. The more experience you gain in the mountains the more you will adjust your clothing to suit your needs. This is an area where investing some money in high quality equipment will pay off in the long run. 

TOP TIP: Buy bright colours, this will give you increased visibility to rescue teams in the event of an emergency and other members of your team in bad visibility. Also they look much better in pictures!

Gaiters/Poles

Gaiters: Whether or not you wear gaiters depends on your boots and expected conditions. Knee-length gaiters are best for boggy terrain or deep snow. Some boots have gaiters already built in.

Ski/Trekking Poles: Telescopic/foldable, not essential but very useful in deep snow.

Hardshell Waterproof Layers

A windproof and waterproof jacket with a hood, and overtrousers with side zips or salopettes. Choose breathable fabric without compromising waterproofing. For this layer I would recommend getting a tough wearing fabric which has maximum waterproof protection. GoreTex is the leading fabric used by many brands at the moment but there are others on the market. It is worth doing some research if you are going to buy a new waterproof. 

TOP TIP: Many mountain trousers and soft shell jackets will say they are ‘water resistant’ this will not be enough on their own you will also need the waterproof jacket and overtrousers.

Trousers

Use stretch softshell trousers or mountain leggings for versatile layering. Pair lighter trousers with heavier waterproofs or vice-versa. It is likely that we will be wearing waterproof trousers alongside these for large sections of each day.

N.B. Please do not wear jeans or cotton trousers as they stay cold and wet on the hill, which creates a safety risk.

Thermal Underwear

Long-sleeved base layer and leggings. Take two tops to switch out during the day if one becomes sweaty to avoid moisture against your skin. Merino wool is a good option for winter.

Warmth Layers

The best layering systems have several different tops which have a range of thicknesses to be able to adjust things quickly. Use a layering system with at least four warm layers: 

• light mid-layer fleece a thicker fleece or softshell 

• lightweight insulated jacket (synthetic works best in Scotland) 

• A very thick insulating synthetic ‘Belay Jacket’ layer to use in emergencies and when conditions are really tough

Socks

One thick, high-quality pair of wool mountain socks is generally better than layering two pairs, which can reduce insulation and cause rubbing and blisters.

Gloves/Mitts/Hats

Headware: carry a variety, a thin liner or buff, warm beanie, and a balaclava. This helps you adapt to different conditions, especially when wearing a helmet. 

Gloves: Keeping your hands warm is of the utmost importance. This is done in two ways, by keeping the core of your body warm with great layering and by having lots of good pairs of gloves. Carry at least four pairs of quality gloves: 

• Thin insulating pair for walking in, milder days and under your main gloves

• Midweight gloves for walking and moving quickly on the mountain 

• Thick mountain gloves for slower paced sections of the day where you will be plunging your hands in snow 

• Emergency thick mittens to put on when all else fails! Keep them dry and accessible near the top of your rucksack.

Hand Warmers - Carrying these can help you to maintain hand warmth and they are also great in an emergency to warm your core.

Hardware/Helmet

Helmet (CAN BE BORROWED FROM US) Lightweight climbing helmet fitted to properly protect the back of your head, forehead and sides. 

Climbing Harness (CAN BE BORROWED FROM US) Full sit harness with leg loops, belay loop and gear loops. Make sure the size of the harness can accommodate lots of layers and also that you can step into the harness with boots and crampons on. 

Hardware (CAN BE BORROWED FROM US) You can get this hardware online or in store, make sure that you buy it from a reputable supplier. 

• 1 x long sewn or cord Sling (120cm circumference) 

• 3 x screwgate Karabiners 

• 2 x prusik loops for abseiling 

•  ATC style belay plate

Mountaineering Axe (CAN BE RENTED IN AVIEMORE) For winter mountaineering, one axe is required with an adze. It should be between 50 and 70cm long depending on your height. Taller people need a longer axe and shorter people need a shorter axe. These axes should have a good point at the end of the shaft and a long pick to plunge into snow and ice . The axes should have a detachable leash. 

C2 Crampons (CAN BE RENTED IN AVIEMORE) For mountaineering, C2 crampons are essential. Make sure they match your boots (e.g. B2 Boots and C2 Crampons) and include anti-balling plates. They must be at least ‘C2’ rated in stiffness. If you have a ‘C3’ rated crampons then that is also fine. Do not come with ‘C1’ crampons as these are not stiff enough for technical terrain.

Rucksack

A 45–55 litre lightweight rucksack with as few zips and buckles as possible is ideal. Use individual dry bags to keep kit dry.

Boots

Fully-stiffened B2 or B3 rated mountaineering boots are essential. It is best to go in store to try these on if you are buying them. Break them in well before coming on the course to avoid blisters. Avoid ‘flexible’ styles of B2 boots such as the La Sportiva Aequilibrium or Scarpa Ribelle, these are not stiff enough and won’t take a crampon as well due to the heel protrusions.

Minimum of B2-rated winter boots are required. These should be properly stiff and well insulated for sustained use in cold, snowy and icy conditions. Many boots currently marketed as B2 are closer to summer mountain boots and do not provide sufficient stiffness or warmth for winter mountaineering, so careful selection is essential. Please ask if you are unsure.

Emergency Survival Bag or Blizzard Bag

Vital in the event of a delay or emergency. Allows you to shelter from wind and weather, potentially saving lives.

Headtorch LED

Carry two fully charged LED headtorches in case one fails. You'll often be starting and descending in the dark in winter. Make sure these torches have the batteries turned round or the lock function is on so they can’t switch on in your bag.

Drink Flasks

A thermos for hot drinks and a 1-litre water bottle with electrolytes helps maintain hydration and warmth.

Sunglasses/Goggles

Snow goggles (with clear lenses) and Category 4 sunglasses are essential for visibility in snow, fog, and sunshine.

Sun Hat and Sunscreen

We are optimistic for sunshine and blue skies!

Maps

Maps: (CAN BE BORROWED FROM US) The OS Map App is recommended – this 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 

Compass and GPS Device: (CAN BE BORROWED FROM US) Carry a reliable compass with a large baseplate. A GPS device or mapping watch is a useful backup for grid references. 

Map Case: (CAN BE BORROWED FROM US) A waterproof map case keeps your map dry and manageable in poor weather.

Personal Items/ First Aid

Personal First Aid Kit: For blisters and minor cuts and any personal medication and painkillers, a full kit is carried by your Guide. 

Toilet Paper: Your guide will explain the most responsible options for going to the toilet in the mountains, ensuring that we minimise our impact on the environment and leave the area as we found it.

Sleep Mask and Earplugs: Sleep is so important for recovery and enjoyment of the course, you should prioritise this. With a new sleep environment for you, it is advisable to take these to aid sleep.

Freeze Dried Meals

(OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION COURSES ONLY) These meals should be the type where you just need to add water and serve. They are sold in sealed packets and are very lightweight. It is recommended that you have an evening meal (or two if you need more food) and a breakfast each day out. This is alongside all of your food for the days out. Take more food than you think you will need as you will be burning enormous amounts of calories, make the food weight to calorie efficient!

Bivouac Sleeping Equipment

CAMPMAT/ THERMAREST: (OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION COURSES ONLY) A full length inflatable camping mat is recommended and an inflatable pillow if you want some luxury! Choosing a mat which has a higher R-Value (insulation rating) will help keen you warm.

SLEEPING BAG - 4 SEASON: (OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION COURSES ONLY) As we may be sleeping in extremely cold conditions you will need a very warm down sleeping bag rated to -25°C

BIVVY BAG: (OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION COURSES ONLY) This should be large enough to get your boots and some kit alongside you to keep everything dry and warm.

Camp Cutlery & Mug

(OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION COURSES ONLY) Your guide will carry a stove and the meals you should take will be freeze dried. This means that you will just need one lightweight spoon or a spork and a lightweight camp mug.

Hiring Equipment

When hiring equipment, you will need to contact the shop well in advance of the course and book the hire for all of the days we will be out together. You will need to give details of your shoe size and height so they can provide the correct equipment for you.

There are lots of options for quality hire shops in Aviemore. Equipment can be collected the evening before your course or days out and dropped off on our last day out. This will mean we can get started straight away on the first day.

You can see some options below:

Option 1 - Walking/ Mountaineering/ Climbing Courses - Cairngorm Mountain Sports, Aviemore

Telephone: 01479810903

Email: cairngorm@braemarmountainsports.com

(MENTION YOU ARE BOOKED WITH ME AND GET 10% DISCOUNT)

Option 2 - Walking/Mountaineering Courses - Tiso, Aviemore

Telephone - 01479788840

Email - cs_aviemore_oe@tiso.co.uk

Option 3 - Walking/Mountaineering/Climbing courses - Ellis Brigham, Aviemore

Telephone 01479810175

Email - aviemore@ellis-brigham.com