EYW – Edinburgh Young Walkers
EYW – Edinburgh Young Walkers

Kit List

Here is a guide to what you need to bring with you on a walk or weekend away. Easier walks have less essential kit, whilst winter Munros especially are potentially dangerous if unprepared and you must ensure you are fully equipped if you wish to come along. Walk Organisers will monitor all attendees and if you don’t have all the equipment listed below then you could be turned away. This is completely at the Walk Organiser’s discretion. We are always keen to get new walkers involved and hence if you have problems sourcing kit please contact the Walk Organiser.

If you are a Walk Organiser you can borrow first aid kits and emergency shelters. More details can be found on the Group Kit page.

For Grade A or B Walks

  1. Walking boots or trail shoes if that is what you normally use for hillwalking (with Vibram soles or similar). Boots recommended for complete beginners. Trainers are not appropriate.
  2. Walking trousers or leggings. Denim jeans are not appropriate
  3. Waterproof jacket and trousers essential. Gaiters are also recommended
  4. Several layers of clothing; even at the height of summer it can get very cold high up
  5. Packed lunch and minimum 2 litres of water. Hot drink recommended
  6. Hat, gloves and a scarf or balaclava. Waterproof gloves recommended

For Grade C or D Walks ONLY

  1. Walking boots or walking shoes ideal, trainers can be OK but check first with the Walk Leader if you don’t have boots
  2. Walking trousers ideal, jeans can be OK but again check first with the Walk Leader if this is all you have
  3. Waterproof jacket and trousers essential
  4. Packed lunch and minimum 1 litre of water
  5. Warm clothing including hat and gloves

For All Walks

  1. Clean shoes for the journey home (if travelling by car)
  2. Insect repellent and sunscreen recommended in summer
  3. Backpack with dry bags or waterproof cover
  4. Headtorch if there is any chance of walking in the dark (check sunset time)

Weekend Kit List

  1. Walking clothes and kit (as above)
  2. A change of clothes and shoes/slippers for the evenings
  3. Food – normally breakfasts/lunches/snacks for each day, and often dinner on the first night
  4. Towel and toiletries

For High Level Winter Walks

As per Grade A or B walks, plus:

  1. Extra spare layers of clothing, minimum 5 total including waterproofs
  2. Winter gloves (including a spare pair)
  3. Winter boots*
  4. Crampons*
  5. Ice axe*
  6. Hot drink highly recommended
  7. Head torch

* Ice axe and crampons may be mandatory for high-level winter walks and you are expected to have previous experience using them. Ramblers’ page on winter hillwalking offers some more detailed kit advice and information on choosing suitable kit – you should also read the walk description and can always reach out to the walk organiser the walk is a good fit for you: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/hillwalking-winter

* Tiso offer a hire service for boots, ice axes, and crampons: https://www.tiso.com/hire