Gear for Scotland

[aislinn]

Hi Guys

Sorry for bothering ye but I am looking for help with getting gear for the Scotland trip. Could anyone suggest to me a list of things I should have firstly, the specifications and then some shops and websites where I could get things reasonaly priced.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Aislinn

[mike]

Rucsack, 35-50L
If you can afford it I would recommend two sets of base layers, that way you will have something dry the next day, it doesn't matter if your outer layers are still damp but it is nice to be dry for a few hours at least.
Think about wicking underwear. cotton will be uncomfortable and cold if wet.
1 warm fleece
1 good shell jacket
1 good shell trousers (side zips and straps are nice. Make sure you can move easily in them, high steps etc.)
1 pair of shell gloves
2 pairs of warm gloves that can be worn with the shell gloves as a layering system if it is very cold.
At least 2 pairs of good quality wool socks, eg. bridgedales or Thorlo. the warmest ones they have. ((that way you will have something dry the next day))
You need proper boots that can take crampons. Ask in a shop about these. I would recommend Scarpa or Meindl. You can rent boots if necessary.
You need a warm hat, I usually wear a rolled up ski mask, that way if it is very cold I can roll it down.

You should carry a small first aid kit. I would go to a pharmacy and buy the parts separately. the club will have their own sets but you can carry personal items. see here for an idea www.traversesports.com/product.cfm?cid=178&bid=&pid=382

Water bottles. It will be very cold and the platypus hoses will freeze if you don't blow the water back into the bag. I used the platypus bladder but with a normal bottle top. Something to think about

Trekking poles can be very nice for the walk in and will save your knees, but then you have to carry them as soon as you reach the snow slopes and need your ice axe.

lip balm, and moisturiser unless you want the 'mountain man' look after a day or two.


Some suggest ski goggles but I never used these.

Obviously you need a save level of clothing, so you are not going to get hypothermia. Your boots are going to be critical. Cold and wet feet can ruin a trip. everything else is bearable. Make sure you have properly fitting mountaineering boots. Cheap boots will not insulate you enough from cold and could lead to blisters if they are ill fitting. Good socks are also extremely important if you want to have healthy feet at the end of the week.

I'm sure i left something out.
but hope i helped a little

oh I recommend looking at british online shops with the low sterling.
Cotswoldoutdoor.com has a great deal on icebreaker merino (lot better than plastic baselayers IMO)

[cillian]

howdy Ais/ Everyone going to scotland,

i have to agree with most of what mike said:

here are a few additions:

55-60 litre tuff crate plastic box for clothes and other stuff in scotland
a roll of black duck tape
a pealess whistle
a rigging knife
a Silva compass
sock liners ( silk or other)
Gloves liners ( thin gloves €3-4 in pennys iam told)
you do need Ski goggles
neck Gaitor
leg Gaitors

To clarify a few things:

mike says zips on your waterproof trousers and this is for two reasons... if you dont have them you have your waterproofs on all day without being able to take them on or off without taking off your boots...and you can use them to regulate your temperature ( they cant come off over your boots)

if you have the money salopettes are really good... like the ones mac and ginge use

you do need Ski Goggles for scotland

you should aim to be warm on the hills and have the option of two or three layers on everypart of you body

e.g. feet: sock liners, bridgedale summit socks and boots

hands: gloves liners, midweigth gloves and over gloves that fit over the other pairs... Darrack last year suggested you should have 5 pairs of gloves alternating every second day etc...

Jackets are also inportant. a shell jacket is best as you can layer up as requirred underneath it to keep warm... other desirable specs... pit zips, a hood with peak that fits comfortably over a climbing helmet, plenty of pockets, a mesh ligth inside the jacket to wick moisture away.. you need the jacket to be long enough on you not to ride up and expose your back with a rucksac on. the jacket should be your size as too big will make you feel much colder

its very important your boots fit comfortably too... if you are renting boots over make sure they fit rigth... i ended up with frostnip one year that they were half a size too small... meindle island pros are great boots if you want to buy a pair before the trip... i broke mine in last year driving over and i did not have a single blister and i was on the hills for 9 days

buy an insulating hose for your platapus if you intend to use the hose... its painful when you cant get water on the go on the hills...

i have probably forgotten stuff too

Is Mise Le Meas
Cillian ;D

[Féar ghal]

Ive a penknife,possibly not rigging standard but it should do?

I also dont know what a sallopete is,I know im abit slow on the uptake.

Wheres the best part to get an insulating hose?Ive a 1l Platybus with water bottles as backup but it would be nice to take it easy.

[cillian]

for scotland a pen knife is fine... its for other activities on the rope a rigging knife is prefered as other knifes can be unsafe

it should have been spelled differently but the link below kind of explains what salopettes are and the benefits of them... they come in many variations but are highly recommended for those who have a budget for them... otherwise... layering up on the legs is good... thick thermal tights with a waterproof shell pants with zips going full length down both legs are really recommended

www.braemarmountainsports.com/products.php?cat=67&prod=227

the insulating hose can be bought in any outdoor shop... iam sure if you can in to river deep they will be able to look after you..

[Keith]

Fearghal:
You can get a tube insulator in any of the many outdoor gear shops in Fort William on the first day if you're going shopping like usual. (believe me you will probably spend a good bit of time looking at the shiny and warm gear you want, and why not.. sure it's gonna be savage cheap with the exchange rate).


Everyone:
If one of you need fully rigid boots size 44.5 (i think) they can borrow mine.
www.lasportiva.com/catalogue/catalogo.php?cat=1&cod3=974&Language=EN

[aislinn]

thanks Guys much appreciated

[woodsy]

im not going to Scotland lads a have a few bits for whoever wants it.. ie platypus, knife, headtorch, compass and probably more.. thermals and gloves too i'd say.. text me, 0872173556 for those of you who dont have it

[woodsy]

im in dublin during the week days lads so any of you who need gear and wanna borrow a few bits gimme a shout.. i have a couple bags and thermals and bits so dont be afraid to ask