Wednesday 18 April 2007

Equipment

This is as much a reminder for me as it is advice for you! And basic advice at that!!! You just never know when the weather is going to change.

WALKING KIT

Walking poles (recommend these 100%)
Wick layer
T-shirt
Windstopper fleece
Walking trousers (with zip off for shorts)
Thermals if early Spring / Late Autumn
Proper walking shoes & socks

BACKPACK
Quality backpack with waterproof shield layer & hip strap - around 30L should do
Camera and spare battery: I often photograph maps and routes & chat (even snapping the laptop screen without the flash) so I can easily refer back to what others have said without having to take lots of paper up the hill!
+/- OS map and map case
Compass
Whistle
Waterproofs
Hat & gloves- windstopper
Gators
Torch / Headtorch - when you run out of light!!! You just might!!!
Sunglasses
Swiss army knife

Medical kit
Compeed blister packs
Sunscreen
Avon Skin So Soft - for midgees. I walked the West Highland Way and only got 1 bite & that was because I didn't put it on quick enough
Duct tape - for emergencies - making stretchers / splints etc. You never know!
Food - and plenty of it
Water - camelback / 1-2L bottle
Thermos flask for hot drink - coffee for me!
Whisky flask - nothing like having a dram with a view!
Toilet roll (not a whole roll obviously!)

BIKE - for those cycle-ins

Cycling shorts
Puncture repair kit
Tyre levers
Spare inner tube
Bike tool kit
Cycling gloves
Chain & padlock for security - bikes have been nicked before!!! (Sheep stealing has gone out of vogue for these modern hill-abiding teuchters. They'll steal what they can sell nowadays and you can't get a lot for a sheep in the Barras I'm told. Now Aberdeen's different!!!)

CAR

Spare clothes for the drive home: - nothing like getting out of those wet socks & putting on some soft shoes is there?!
Outdoor shoes, T-shirt, fleece, tracksuit bottoms
Towel - hopefully unnecessary - but you never know!!!!
Water / IRN BRU / Beer-Wine for the passengers!!!


Please add a comment below if there's something you take up that you think everyone should too!

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