Elite Guides | Kit Lists - Summer and Winter Courses

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
• Goggles, ideally clear-lensed.
• 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.

Winter climbing/mountaineering kit list

• Winter-specific boots - these should be B2 or B3 rated*
• 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 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. A lighter pair for walking in and at least 2 warmer pairs, ideally waterproof and dexterous enough to climb in.
• Goggles, ideally clear-lensed
• Head torch.
• 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*
• Crampons - Fitted to the boots, ideally C2 or C3 rated*
• A single mountaineering axe or a pair of technical climbing axes*

If you have any questions, please ask. Items marked with a * can be hired if necessary.