Scottish Winter Climbing & Mountaineering Equipment
Scottish Winter Climbing & Mountaineering Equipment
Scottish Winter Climbing & Mountaineering Equipment is what makes the difference between enjoying a day out and surviving a day out in the Scottish mountains in winter. Snow, ice, strong winds, heavy rain and freezing temperatures combine to truly test the kit we choose as our modern day suits of armour.
We don’t want a rucksack that is too big and heavy because that spoils the climbing. We don’t want to go too lightweight because we will be cold and wet. So where does the balance lie and what kit do we take for a day in the mountains in winter?
In this video I chat through what we ask people to carry on our winter skills courses and our winter climbing & mountaineering courses. The kit list has evolved over 20 years of being out in the mountains every winter. There is plenty of choice out there so we try not to recommend specific brands – that way you can understand what you need and shop around to suit your budget.
Below the video is our standard kit list so you don’t need to make notes.
Kit List
Waterproof Jacket – full weight breathable model preferred.
Overtrousers – with 3/4 or full length side zips.
Rucsac 30-40l capacity – a number of different sized drybags are useful
Winter Boots: If your aspirations lie in winter mountaineering style routes then a B2 boot will be fine. If you aspire to climb harder routes (grade 3 upwards) then you will find a B3 boot is better for the actual climbing but less comfortable for the walk in and out.
Socks
Gaiters
Wicking thermal top.
2 Warm fleeces or equivalent.
Mountain trousers.
2 pairs of gloves that are warm yet flexible enough to tie ropes, clip Krabs etc
Beanie or woolly hat
Spare Mittens especially if you suffer from cold hands.
Water Container approx 1l, or .75l flask.
Headtorch + batteries
Map, Compass + Whistle
Personal medications + blister kit
Ski Goggles + sun glasses
Blizzard Survival Jacket (Emergency kit)
#Crampons
#Ice Axe & Hammer
# Harness
# Helmet
# Items can be hired locally.
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