NSC Outdoor Adventures

Recommended Equipment List

Winter (or cold and wet)    High Level    Low/Mid Level

For your own safety if you are inadequately equipped you will not be permitted to take part in the planned activity, while we may have some spares for loan we cannot guarantee their availability.  Click on this link for a downloadable version (pdf).

You should be wearing a wicking base layer (not a cotton t-shirt), mid-layer (fleece is best), walking trousers (not jeans), good quality footwear with in-soles and socks to suit, making sure that they are 'broken in' and comfortable to walk in.  Boots that cover the ankles are recommended and should be supportive of both foot and ankle.  We will be well away from immediate return on most of the walks, so it may be a bit late to find out that your footwear is causing you a problem.

All clothing should be sufficient to suit the anticipated conditions, fleece pullover or similar should be carried or worn.  Drinking materials should also suit the expected weather, it should be noted that even in the warmer seasons it is possible to suffer from hypothermia, or dehydration in cold weather.  All spare clothing should be contained in a sealed dry-bag, as no rucksack is totally waterproof.  

As a minimum you should carry (and wear if appropriate) at least the following equipment, supplemented by the additional level equipment as necessary  (see below):

Windproof/waterproof (preferably breathable) shell over-jacket

Windproof/waterproof (preferably breathable) shell over-trousers that can be put on without removing footwear

Waterproof hat

Gloves

Personal first aid kit

Medication (if required)

Snack

Drinks, at least 1 litre of water or similar is recommended, as the tops of hills do not have reliable drinking water.  You should also have warm drinks with you as appropriate.

Optional additional equipment:

Map (in waterproof map case)

Guide book

Notebook and pen/pencil

Mobile phone (switched off or on silent)

Camera

Binoculars

Trekking poles, two should be used.

Low/Mid Level (up to 300m asl) up to 2 to 3 hours walk duration 

2/3-season walking boots, carrying or wearing appropriate fleece, gloves, waterproof hat, and gaiters.

Rucksack up to 25 litres containing the above equipment and also:  

Gaiters

Spare socks

Packed lunch and warm drink or the means to make a drink during meal stops

Pen-knife

Whistle

Optional: small head torch and spare batteries

Optional: solo bothy shelter/survival bag

High Level (above 300m asl) or an extended day (over 3 hours and/or more than 1 hour walk from a telephone)

3-season hill-walking boots.

Rucksack app 25 - 30litres containing the above equipment and also:  

Spare gloves, fleece, and hat in a dry bag

Small head torch and spare batteries

Additional drinks, consider at least ½ litre per hour of water or similar especially if the weather is warm

Solo bothy shelter or survival bag (coloured plastic survival bags are readily available and very cheap)

Space blanket

Food for additional meals and snacks

(Remember that the weight of a small stove and gas canister is similar to a flask and heats up far more water than can be carried in that flask).

Cold or Winter Weather Activities

As for High Level but with the following in at least a 40 litre rucksack:

Extra gloves (3 or 4 pairs recommended)

Belay or over jacket made of synthetic insulation

4-season walking boots of grade B2 or B3 are recommended (though good 4 season B0 or B1 boots can be used)

Crampons suitable for both walking and your boots, or spiked walking aids if low level

Ice Axe (if high level or steep ground)

Balaclava

Goggles

Snow shovel (extendable and not plastic)

Warm drinks in un-breakable flask

Additional emergency meal, or energy snacks

If you have any queries on the equipment please contact us as we may have items for loan during your sessions with us.

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