What to bring on winter
weekends
Club members are responsible for their own safety in the hills and you should carry equipment appropriate to the level of activity you intend to engage in. The key to keeping warm is layering, with a wicking thermal base layer, a warm mid layer, and a top layer that breathes as it repels the rain. Everyone has different requirements but the following is a useful basic checklist. You probably won't need everything on the list - please check with a committee member or the weekend organiser if you are unsure if you have the right equipment.
General
- 30/40 litre rucksack (preferably with straps to allow attachment of skis for walking in and out) with waterproof liner.
- Maps + waterproof case, compass (e.g. Silva 4), whistle.
- Thermos/water bottle.
- Food for lunches on the hills plus emergency rations.
- Goggles and sunglasses.
- Sun screen, lip salve.
- Headtorch.
- Bivi/blizzard/survival bag.
- Basic first aid kit, paper and pencil.
- Waterproof/windproof jacket (Goretex or similar) with hood.
- Waterproof/windproof overtrousers.
- Warm outdoor clothing (thermals, fleece, mountaineering trousers etc).
- Spare fleece or duvet jacket.
- Hat/balaclava and gloves/mitts (plus spares).
- Scarf/buff.
- Socks.
- Walking boots (if not skiing).
Optional
- GPS
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Sitmat
- Emergency group shelter
- Gaiters
Ski Equipment
See ski equipment
page
for discussion of skis, etc.
The club has
skis, boots and poles for hire. See hire
details.
- Set of telemark, nordic or AT skis with metal edges.
- Ski poles.
- Ski boots.
- Skins.
- Waxes.
- Waxing thermometer.
- Basic repair kit.
- Ski ties and ski bag.
For higher level mountain tours (depending on conditions/type of tour)
The club has transceivers, probes and shovels to hire. See the hire page for information.
- Ice axe and crampons
- Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
- Harscheisen
- Lightweight down sleeping bag
For evenings/at the hut:
- Change of clothes + nightwear + hut slippers/indoor shoes.
- Towel.
- Personal toiletries/wash kit.
- Sleeping bag/sheet sleeping bag if bedding not provided.
- Personal breakfast ingredients (cereal, bread, etc) – check if tea/coffee/milk are provided or not.
- (Evening meals and some wine are organised by the weekend coordinator. Bring beer or whisky or more wine if you wish.)
- Optional: ear plugs/hot water bottle
Backpacking Extras
- 50-75 litre Rucksack
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Thermarest/sleeping mat
- Stove + matches/lighter
- Fuel
- Lightweight camp food
- Light cook pots
- Water container
- Mug/bowl/cutlery
- Light/nightlights
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Last updated on 21/01/11 by Sarah. © Copyright Edinburgh
Ski Touring Club 2011. e-mail:
webmaster@estc.org.uk