
Tour Gear List
Due to tour occurring in Scotland over the winter, it requires more kit than our standard trips. Below you will find a kit list of what you will need for tour - this is not exhaustive, but it'll give you a good idea of what our more experienced members will be carrying, as well as the minimum requirements.
Minimum Requirements
- B2 Mountaineering Boots. These are critical for being able to securely attach crampons to your boots. Can be hired.
Without adequate boots you will not be allowed on tour.
- Suitable Base-Layers/Shirts. These are warm layers that you are happy to walk in. Most importantly, avoid cotton as if this gets wet it is unlikely to dry, meaning you will stay wet and become cold. Avoid very thick layers - it is better to have several lighter, thinner layers than just one very thick one. - Suitable Trousers. You will require proper trousers for tour, and additionally base layers as Scotland is cold in winter.
- Walking Socks. You will require thicker socks than in summer, however you may prefer to wear multiple pairs consisting of an inner and outer sock. Be aware that these will occupy more space than a summer configuration, however most walking boot manufacturers take into account the fact you should be wearing thicker socks, and size their boots accordingly - a walking boot size is usually slightly bigger than its equivalent shoe size. Try out whatever socks and boots you plan to use before going on tour to help prevent blisters by wearing your boots in.
To Bring
- Overnight Belongings. We will be away for a whole week on Tour, so it is important to pack accordingly! toothbrushes, towels, shower things, general toiletries, spare clothes etc. You may also want to bring clothes that are more comfortable to wear when in a bunkhouse or campsite, like a hoodie or jogging bottoms. Please keep in mind when packing that we will be using private cars, and also that there will be a lot of club gear to be carried in these cars, so it is even more important to pack light/efficiently and in soft bags to save space! Some bunkhouses require you to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags), these can also be borrowed from the club. You will know well in advance if this is required as you will be told by the current tour sec.
- Money. Bringing money for food is really important - The club will provide very little in the way of food on tour, and you will likely be cooking meals either on your own or as part of a food group. Money is therefore extra important to pay for your shopping for the week, as well as for souvenirs & ice creams!
- Food. Food is a bit of a balancing act on tour, as we are occasionally rather off the beaten path, and therefore some way from the nearest shop. It can be helpful to bring the first few days' shopping up with you, or collect it on the way to the bunkhouse, as convincing drivers to take you to the nearest supermarket after a 10+ hour drive to Scotland can be difficult. However, please avoid bringing too much to the bunkhouse, as it does have to fit in the car. As mentioned above, you should act as if the club will not provide you with any food for the week, so make sure to plan for this!
- Special Equipment. Some of our activities (such as scrambling) will require you to have more unusual pieces of equipment to participate in, but don't worry - we'll let you know how to borrow these if they're required! This includes crampons, helmets, ice axes, head torches, tents etc.
To Carry
- Waterproofs (Coat & Trousers). These are just as important as having adequate walking boots, and as such without a waterproof coat and trousers you will not be allowed on tour. They are what will keep you dry, which is very important as it is often raining or snowing in the places we go!
- Warm Layers. These can be anything from a warm jumper, to an insulated jacket, to a puffer jacket, to a fleece; and preferably a combination of a few of those. Avoiding cotton and cotton-based fabrics is important.
- Gloves, Hats & Buffs. Always keep your extremities warm! Often, especially in windy conditions (which we encounter frequently!), your head, neck, ears and hands can get really cold. Carrying gloves, a hat and a buff can help reduce this risk.
You will want multiple pairs of gloves of differing thicknesses for tour, as these will get soaked throughout the day, and with cold hands you will struggle.
- Lunch & Snacks. This is what will fuel you in the mountains, so it is important to take both food that you like, but also food that can keep you going for the day. Sandwiches are of course great, especially for lunch, but you can supplement this with foods that release their energy slowly like cereal bars, nuts, and fruits. Some sugary sweets are great too, plus they taste nice! The bunkhouse will have fridge space for you to store chilled food.
- Water. Water is incredibly important while out hiking, and despite it being cold, you may still end up drinking more than you expect. Please be prepared to bring at least 1.5 Litres out with you on each hike.
To Borrow
- The Basics. The club has a limited supply of gear that you can borrow however ideally if you need these items you should have your own. This includes:
-
Waterproof Jackets
-
Waterproof Coats
-
Rucksacks
-
​Sleeping bags
-
Tents
-
Headtorches
​
- Technical Equipment. For our more technical activities, the club has a limited supply of gear available to borrow. This includes:
-
Helmets
-
Crampons
-
Ice Axes
-
Ropes
​
If you wish to borrow gear for tour please contact our current Gear Master, as soon as you can and before we leave. As mentioned, items are limited, but providing you give us enough notice we should be able to accommodate you. You can also contact the current tour sec as well, and they will be able to arrange for you to borrow items too. Please note, it is your responsibility to ensure you have returned the gear you have borrowed.