Elite Guides | Kit Lists - Summer and Winter Courses
Below you will find a number of kit lists for different activities and seasons. These are recommended kit lists and should be followed as closely as possible. If you arrive for a course or guiding and do not have the appropriate kit, it may be that your plans for the day will have to change, based on the weather.
Summer walking kit list (including Ben Nevis Kit list)
- Comfortable walking boots/shoes, preferably waterproof with a good friction sole and grip.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers- These must be fully waterproof, not showerproof
- Socks.
- Baselayers are to be worn next to the skin. Synthetic or merino wool layers, most likely short-sleeved for the summer months.
- Comfortable walking trousers. lightweight and fast-drying trousers, not jeans or cotton.
- Warm mid-layers. These could be fleece, softshell or synthetic insulation layers. At least two, one to wear and one as an emergency layer.
- Hats and gloves.
- Head torch. Less of an issue June - August, but still worth having in your rucksack.
- A small personal first aid kit. Plasters, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, etc.
- A flask and/or drinks bottle, 1/1.5L, is enough for most, as you may be able to fill from streams.
- A rucksack. Anything larger than a 30L pack will do, and with a waterproof liner or big plastic bag to keep your spare clothes dry.
- An orange emergency survival bag. A cheap and effective shelter for emergencies.
If you have any questions, please ask
Winter walking kit list (including Ben Nevis Kit list)
- Winter-specific walking boots - Rated B1 or B2*
- Waterproof jacket and trousers- These must be fully waterproof, not showerproof.
- Socks.
- Baselayers are to be worn next to the skin. Synthetic or merino wool layers, most likely long-sleeved for the winter months.
- Comfortable walking trousers. lightweight and fast-drying trousers, not jeans or cotton.
- Warm mid-layers. These could be fleece, softshell or synthetic insulation layers. At least two, one to wear and one as an emergency layer.
- Hats and at least 2 pairs of gloves. Min 1 x thin pair and 1x thick pair
- Head torch.
- A small personal first aid kit. Plasters, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, etc.
- A flask and/or drinks bottle, 1L is enough for most. A warm drink in the winter is of more benefit.
- A rucksack. Anything larger than a 35-40L pack will do, and with a waterproof liner or big plastic bag to keep your spare clothes dry.
- An orange emergency survival bag. A cheap and effective shelter for emergencies.
- Crampons, compatible with your boots*
- A walking/mountaineering axe*
If you have any questions, please ask. Items marked with a * can be hired if necessary.
Summer scrambling/mountaineering kit list
- Comfortable walking boots/shoes, preferably waterproof with a good friction sole and grip.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers - These must be fully waterproof, not showerproof.
- Socks.
- Baselayers are to be worn next to the skin. Synthetic or merino wool layers, most likely short-sleeved for the summer months.
- Comfortable walking trousers. lightweight and fast-drying trousers, not jeans or cotton.
- Warm mid-layers. These could be fleece, softshell or synthetic insulation layers. At least two, one to wear and one as an emergency layer.
- Hats and gloves. Gloves should be hard-wearing and dexterous. Simple leather gardening gloves are a good recommendation.
- Head torch. Less of an issue June - August, but still worth having in your rucksack.
- A small personal first aid kit. Plasters, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, etc.
- A flask and/or drinks bottle, 1/1.5L, is enough for most, as you may be able to fill from streams.
- A rucksack. Anything larger than a 30L pack will do, and with a waterproof liner or big plastic bag to keep your spare clothes dry.
- An orange emergency survival bag. A cheap and effective shelter for emergencies.
- Helmet and harness*
- Belay device and Karabiner*
If you have any questions, please ask. Items marked with a * can be hired if necessary.
