Winter Mountaineering Kit List

With Winter coming soon, we thought it would be great to add a list of what you will need for winter and some videos to the important concepts that need to be grasped before winter.

Here is the Layering System concept (Extremely Important to have the right gear):

Here is the Ice Axe Self Arrest techniques that will be practiced on the winter skills courses:

While these are essential skills and concepts which need to be learnt, we still need the correct kit with us, here is a list that we composed from various other lists from our personal experience:

Personal Kit:
Wearing (Well Probably):

A pair of stiff soled boots (4 seasons boots that have the rating B2 or above are ideal)

Non cotton socks 

Warm trousers (Non-cotton)

Waterproof over trousers or Sallopettes

Gaiters

Base layer

Mid layer (a good fleece or soft-shell jacket)

Waterproof Jacket

Spare jacket (fleece jacket or belay jacket are ideal)

Hat x2
Gloves x5 (ideally waterproof and fleece lined)
Category 4 sunglasses and/or goggles

On in your pockets / in the bag (Mid sized rucksack between 35-55 litres):

Map
Compass
G.P.S
Mobile phone (in a waterproof bag)
12 point crampon
Walking axe
Bivi bag
Head torch

Food including a warm drink

Spare food
More spare food (remember your sugary snacks, keep this at the bottom of your bag as then it will be there for an emergency and not eaten when you stopped for lunch)
Personal first aid kit (Medication etc.)
Helmet
Walking Poles (Optional)
Water bottle (remember you need to keep hydrated)

Group Kit:
Group Shelter
Rope (if it is severe enough or if climbing)
Group first aid kit
Avalanche probe (ideally)

If going Climbing:
Climbing rack (Quickdraws etc.)
Ice screws
Deadman
Warthogs
Harness
Pitons
Climbing crampons
Technical Ice axes
60m twin ropes (dry treated)

This is only a guide of what to take with you, remember winter mountaineering is dangerous and should not be taken lightly, for more information please refer to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland website.