The weather on the Scottish hills can get very cold and can also change rapidly. In order to safely enjoy a day out in the hills it is, therefore, important to be properly kitted out. A brief guide to essential equipment is given here but if you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask a committee member for advice.
| BOOTS | Arguably your most important piece of kit, so it is worthwhile buying a good quality pair. For winter walking your boots must be rigid enough to take crampons safely. |
|---|---|
| SOCKS | Nearly as important as boots, but cheaper to replace! Good socks can make a big difference to both warmth and comfort. |
| WATERPROOFS | A jacket that is both windproof and waterproof is absolutely essential for anyone venturing onto the Scottish hills. Without this hypothermia becomes a real danger. Breathable fabrics such as Gore-tex improve comfort levels but can be very expensive and aren't essential. Waterproof trousers are also highly recommended. |
| GAITORS | Keep mud, heather and snow out of your boots. Essential in winter. |
| ICE AXE & CRAMPONS | Essential equipment for winter conditions. These items can be borrowed from the club, which will organise a winter experience meet to encourage their proper use. |
| LAYERS OF CLOTHING | Several layers of clothing are both warmer and allow easier regulation of temperature than a single very thick layer. A T-shirt, thin sweatshirt or similar and a fleece or thick jumper are appropriate. A thermal shirt is very much better than a T-shirt and nearly as cheap. Thermal underwear is also useful in winter. Jeans should not be worn as they provide next to no insulation when wet. |
| WARM HAT | A lot of heat is lost through the head so a decent hat is vital to keep warm. |
| GLOVES | Again, very important as much heat is lost through all extremities. In winter, a pair of waterproof mitts over fleece or woolly gloves works particularly well. |
| FOOD | Walking up hills, especially in the cold, uses up lots of energy, so remember plenty of food. It is best to take a mix of filling food like; sandwiches and cakes and some high energy stuff like chocolate or Kendal mint cake. It is also important to take some extra rations, eg. chocolate, in case of an emergency or to scoff on the bus on the way home. |
| SPARE CLOTHES | You should always take at least one extra jumper in case of an emergency or deteriorating conditions. A set of dry clothes to be left on the bus may also make the journey home much more pleasant. |
| FLUIDS | It is very important to remain hydrated. I normally carry at least 1 litre of water or juice. Hot drinks can be very morale boosting in winter. |
| TORCH | Daylight hours are depressingly short during much of the Scottish winter so you never know when you may find yourself descending a hill in the dark. Head torches are particularly recommended. |
| SURVIVAL BAG | Basically a large, bright orange plastic bag to be used as a shelter during an emergency. A potential life saver available for around £2 in any outdoor shop. |
| WHISTLE | Another piece of essential emergency equipment (again very cheap from any outdoor shop). Carry it and know the international distress signal. (SIX LONG BLASTS EVERY MINUTE) |
| FIRST AID KIT | It is advisable to carry (and know how to use!) at least a simple first aid kit. |
| MAP & COMPASS | It is recommended you carry these and know how to use them. Experienced members are always happy to help people with their navigation skills but the only way to become proficient is to practice. |
| SKI GOGGLES | Whilst not essential you will appreciate them in the event of a white-out or blizzard. |
| SUNGLASSES | Obviously useful in summer but can also be useful in winter when glare from the snow can be quite blinding. |
| RUCKSACK | Sadly no one yet offers a Sherpa service to carry all your gear so you'll need a rucksack. One of about 30-45litres should be more than big enough to carry everything you need. An ice axe loop on the rucksack is very useful. Don't get a rucksack that is too small or else you won't be able to stuff your extra layers into it on hot days (yes they do happen). It is also useful to have a rucksack liner to keep everything dry since most rucksacks aren't waterproof. |
DURC owns some gear, which may be borrowed by club members on payment of a £25 deposit (preferably cheque). This consists mainly of ice axes and crampons but the club also has a more limited supply of waterproofs, hats, gloves and other items. Ask about availability when you sign up for a meet.
Dundee has a few good outdoor shops and some not so good ones too.
In order to help you get all the gear you need, there will be club discount nights at both Tiso's and Mountain Man, in Perth, near the beginning of term.