Clothing and Equipment

Basic essential items of clothing and equipment for summer and winter in the Scottish hills.

In addition it is important to have navigational skills.

In winter, ice axe & crampon skills and knowledge of snow conditions and avalanches are also needed.

Summer hillwalking

• Boots (with ankle support and soles which will grip on rock, grass and mud)
• Waterproof jacket (with hood)
• Waterproof overtrousers
• Thermal top
• Fleece top
• Gaiters (not always essential)
• Warm hat
• Gloves or mitts
• Spare layer e.g. fleece top
• Compass
• Map (waterproof or in waterproof case)
• Watch
• Torch (preferably a headtorch)
• Food & Drink
• Emergency survival bag (polythene is OK)
• Whistle
• First Aid Kit (small)
• Mobile phone (not essential but if you have one then take it)

In sunny weather

• Sunhat
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses

In the midge season

• Midge repellant
• Midge net

Winter (in addition to the above)

• Boots for winter need to be stiff soled
• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Spare gloves or mitts
• Goggles