Here is a list of all the kit you may need during your course.  We have a comprehensive stores department that can provide many items you may not have.   

The personal kit we have in stores is highlighted in red. We ask you to bring the rest, if you have a problem with sourcing kit let us know, we maybe able to help.

Clothing 

• Waterproof Jacket.  A robust breathable and waterproof jacket that fits over several layers. It should have a permanently attached hood that is large enough to go over a helmet. 

• Waterproof Trousers or Salopettes.  Robust, breathable and waterproof, ideally with long side zips (for big boots), crampons patches on the ankle and braces. 

• Insulated Jacket.  A large warm jacket to wear whilst stationary is useful.  Synthetic insulation is better than down in the UK due to our damp climate. 

• Base Layers.  A couple of lightweight ‘thermal’ tops, short or long sleeved. Should be of a synthetic material and not cotton. 

• Mid Layers.  A couple of mid weight layers, ideally fleece.  This gives more flexibility for managing your temperature rather than one thick layer. 

• Trousers.  Softshell trousers, if possible, as they are good at blocking out wind.  

• Hat.  A fleece or wool hat that is suitable to be worn under a helmet – no bobbles! A neck gaiter is also useful. 

• Waterproof Gloves.  At least two pairs are essential. They should be dexterous enough that you can put crampons on whilst wearing them. The Mountain Equipment Guide or similar is recommended. 

• Thin gloves.  A thin fleece pair is useful for wearing whilst approaching the hills. For example, the Mountain Equipment Touch Screen Glove. 

• Socks.  Nice thick warm socks.  

• Winter Mountaineering boots. We have an extensive stores range of boots for you to try and we can discuss different boots during the course so you know what to look for.  However, if you are bringing your own then you’ll need either B2 or B3 boots.  The classic winter mountaineering boot is the Scarpa Manta.  

Personal Kit 

• Ice axe. This should be a walking/mountaineering axe such as the DMM cirque.  55-60cm is usually a good length 

• Crampons. We do have crampons in stores for you to try and we can discuss crampons as part of the course, so you know what to buy for your winter adventures.  However, if you are bringing your own then ensure they fit your boots.  The Petzl Vasak is a good example of a mountaineering crampon as it has 12 points and anti-balling plates. 

• Gaiters.  

• Crampon Bag.  A tough Nylon bag to protect the contents of your rucksack from the sharp points. 

• Climbing Helmet. 

• Snow/Ski Goggles.  An essential item for days out in the winter environment. A budget pair with two-layer lenses will be fine. 

• Rucksack.  There is generally a lot more that needs to be carried on a day out in the mountains in winter compared with summer.  Ensure it has a waistbelt to carry items comfortably. 

• Rucksack Liner/Dry bags.  Almost no rucksacks are waterproof, so a waterproof liner is needed to keep your kit dry. Either a large dry bag or several small ones work well or a strong plastic bag such as a rubble bag (not a bin bag). 

• Flask/water bottle.  A small flask (1/2 to 3/4 litre) and a similar sized water bottle.  

• Whistle.  A cheap plastic whistle is a useful item of emergency equipment. 

• Headtorch (Plus spare batteries).  A model such as the Petzl Tikka or Petzl Actik is recommended. 

• Trekking Poles.  Useful for walking below the snow line and for low angle snow slopes. Should be collapsible into 3 or 4 sections to make stowage inside your rucksack easier. 

Climbing Kit 

We can provide all the climbing kit you may need for the course. However, if you already have your own then below is a list of what you’re likely to use.  

• Harness.  

• Belay Plate and screwgate carabiner  

• Screwgate carabiners  

• 120cm sling  

• Prusiks 

We will provide all climbing ropes for use during the course.