Kit List
Scottish hillwalking is a potentially dangerous activity with the risk of injury or even death. A minor injury (eg twisted ankle) can turn in to a serious emergency when many miles from civilisation in cold or wet conditions. Always be equipped to deal with the possibility of being stranded on the hill for a number of hours (even overnight) whilst a member of the group has to seek help. So you must have a survival bag, plenty of warm clothing, plenty of food and a torch (which can be used to signal for help). It might seem like overkill when you are carrying items that don’t get used but one day they could save your life.
The following list is based on the Mountaineering Scotland recommended list and should be used for hill walks (gold grade) in Summer conditions. It can be scaled down for Silver and Bronze graded walks. In winter, hill walking will require additional kit including ice-axe, crampons and winter boots.
The following list is based on the Mountaineering Scotland recommended list and should be used for hill walks (gold grade) in Summer conditions. It can be scaled down for Silver and Bronze graded walks. In winter, hill walking will require additional kit including ice-axe, crampons and winter boots.
Waterproofs
Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers – both are essential on the hills at all times of the year (even in the height of summer). As well as being waterproof they are also windproof. Breathable ones (eg Goretex, E vent etc) are pretty much essential for anything beyond a half day low level walk.
Walking Boots
These need to have a good grip and ankle support for walking over rough and maybe rocky ground. They should be reasonably waterproof.
For winter hill walking stiff boots (graded B1 or above) will be needed.
Some low level and evening walks may be suitable for walking in trainers.
For winter hill walking stiff boots (graded B1 or above) will be needed.
Some low level and evening walks may be suitable for walking in trainers.
Socks
Socks are just as important as boots when it comes to foot comfort and reducing blisters. They need to have some padding. Some people find a thin pair of liner socks and a thicker padded pair helpful for reducing the risk of blisters.
Clothing System
Multiple thin layers are better than one thick layer as you can adapt during the day to take account of changing conditions. Synthetic “breathable” and “wicking” fabrics are far superior to cotton which holds moisture against the skin and will make you feel cold and damp. Do not wear jeans as these soak up moisture and will make you feel cold, damp and uncomfortable.
Extra Insulation Layer
Always bring an extra emergency layer that you do not intend to actually wear eg fleece, down, synthetic insulation, soft shell.
hats and Gloves
Always carry a hat and a pair of gloves, even in summer. In cooler conditions, especially when raining, multiple pairs of gloves should be carried. When very cold, mitts are warmer than gloves.
Food
Bring sufficient high energy food for the expected length of the walk plus extra food that can be consumed should the day turn out to be much longer than expected. You will also need plenty of water/juice/hot drink to avoid dehydration. In cold conditions a hot drink is pretty much essential.
Emergency Survival (bivvy) bag
This is a sleeping bag sized, but lightweight, bag that provides emergency shelter from the elements. Orange polythene ones are available for less than £5 and could be a life saver. It is an ESSENTIAL item that every regular individual hill goer should carry. You will not be permitted to join high level walks if you do not carry one. A foil blanket is not a suitable substitute.
Small First Aid Kit
You may be walking away from civilisation so need to be self sufficient to deal with minor cuts and scrapes.
Whistle and Mobile Phone
The emergency signal is 6 blasts of the whistle.
A mobile phone can be extremely useful in an emergency. However, should not assume that you will be able to get a signal at all times.
A mobile phone can be extremely useful in an emergency. However, should not assume that you will be able to get a signal at all times.
Torch
A head torch is best. Even in summer you should carry a small torch in case of an emergency situation forcing you to spend the night on the hill. When daylight is limited it is an essential item. Also a good idea to carry spare batteries.
Map and Compass
Absolutely essential even if carrying GPS. You should have your own in case the group needs to split up in an emergency situation. Maps are best carried in a waterproof map case that can be tied on to your clothing/rucksack to prevent it blowing away in the wind. Likewise a compass should be tied on so that you don’t drop it. A GPS can be useful but is a complement to NOT A SUBSTITUTE for a map and compass and the knowledge of how to use them.
Gaiters
Not always essential but very useful to keep mud, stones and bits of heather out of your boots and keep your trousers relatively clean. Essential if there is any depth of snow.
Walking Poles (optional)
Not essential but many people find them helpful when negotiating rough ground or steep descents. Also good for river crossings. Best to use a pair so that you are balanced, and learn how to use them properly so that weight is transferred off your knees on to your arms. They are not a substitute for an ice-axe in winter conditions.
Sunhat / Sunscreen / Sunglasses
Sunscreen and sunglasses can also be useful in winter if there is snow on the ground
Insect Repellent
From May to September
Rucksack
30 – 35 litres is about right for summer hillwalking. Winter hillwalking may require more capacity. A smaller rucksack is fine for low level walks. Use poly bags to put your stuff in inside your rucksack to keep it dry.
Finally – comfy shoes, dry socks and a change of clothes to leave in the car for when you finish the walk is not a bad idea.
The weather is very changeable in the Scottish mountains. It’s a feature of the height of the mountains that they create bad weather. Therefore be prepared to deal with all types of weather.
If you are looking to purchase equipment / clothing, there are a number of websites with advice / reviews etc that may be helpful to you. The Fife Out and About membership card entitles full members to discounts from leading outdoor retailers.
http://www.mountainsafety.co.uk/Hill-Walking-Safety-Kit.aspx/
https://outdoorsmagic.com/
https://www.ukhillwalking.com/gear/
http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/
http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/
Many of the larger outdoor stores also have “buyers guides” on their websites to help you know what to look for when buying kit.
The weather is very changeable in the Scottish mountains. It’s a feature of the height of the mountains that they create bad weather. Therefore be prepared to deal with all types of weather.
If you are looking to purchase equipment / clothing, there are a number of websites with advice / reviews etc that may be helpful to you. The Fife Out and About membership card entitles full members to discounts from leading outdoor retailers.
http://www.mountainsafety.co.uk/Hill-Walking-Safety-Kit.aspx/
https://outdoorsmagic.com/
https://www.ukhillwalking.com/gear/
http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/
http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/
Many of the larger outdoor stores also have “buyers guides” on their websites to help you know what to look for when buying kit.
|
© 2019 Fife Out and About. All rights reserved.
|
|
