Kit me out for...
Everything you need for leading a walk
You can look after yourself in the hills, but what if your mates want to come too? You might need a bit extra, here are some basics: REPAIR KIT
Carry a repair kit, including duct tape, paracord, spare laces and a penknife to temporarily patch up broken kit. PICTURED: 9m Gorilla Tape £2.50; 1.2m Type III 550 paracord £1.48; Victorinox Mountaineer Pocket Knife £40
WATERPROOFS
Even if it’s 20 deg C and sunny with clear skies when you set off, the weather can change dramatically and quickly higher up. Always carry your waterproofs and instruct your friends to do so as well. PICTURED: Mountain Equipment Lhotse/Manaslu £330
WHISTLE
In an emergency, keep the group together unless they also carry navigational equipment and can safely get off the mountain for help. Six long blasts on a whistle, with a one minute break, and repeat is a recognised distress signal. Three blasts is the expected response. PICTURED: Shaven Raspberry Sharx Pealess Fox 40 £8.90
BOTHY BAG
A bothy bag can help shield you from inclement weather, is handy for lunch breaks and offers invaluable shelter in an emergency. Lightweight and compact, it should always be in your pack whether you’re leading friends or on your own.
Trekmates MountainPod Group Shelter £30
MAPS AND COMPASS
Navigation equipment and the knowledge of how to use them, including in poor conditions, are a non-negotiable if you're taking people out. Always stash a spare map safely inside your pack. PICTURED: UST Folding Map Compass £8.95; OS maps £8.99-£14.99
SPARE WARM LAYERS
If your mates are unfamiliar with the mountains, they may not appreciate how quickly conditions can change and how soon you can cool down after stopping– even on a hot day. Carry at least one extra layer for them as a back-up. PICTURED: BAM Force Baselayer £45
FOOD AND WATER
Travelling in the mountains can sap your energy quickly. Pack extra snacks in case of emergencies (check for allergies) and always take more than you think you’ll need. As for water, carry a lot of it. Make sure your friends carry plenty, too – and be sure you all drink it. PICTURED: Various energy-boosting snacks; HydraPak Shape-Shift reservoir £25
HEADTORCHES
Even if you plan on being back well within daylight hours, pack a headtorch or two as even the best-laid plans can go wrong. PICTURED: Alpkit Viper II £18
FIRST AID KIT
Your basic group first aid kit should include plasters, dressings, painkillers, a selection of bandages, non-latex gloves, tweezers, sterile wipes, breathable tape, a blade, safety pins and notepad and pencil. PICTURED: Lifesystems Mountain Leader First Aid Kit £52
GLOVES AND HATS
Carry at least a couple of sets of hats, gloves and buffs to protect against the cold. PICTURED: Montane Icemelt Thermo Glove £90; Berghaus Ulvetanna Reversible Beanie £18
RUCKSACK
You’ll need enough kit to properly look after yourself and some spares to account for kit your friends may have forgotten, such as extra food, water and layers just in case. 35-40 litres should be plenty. PICTURED: Vaude Brenta 40 £100
WARM JACKET
If you need to stop for any unexpected reason, having a thick, windproof down/ synthetic jacket can be a lifesaver. And we mean that literally. PICTURED: Marmot Astrum Jacket £190
CONFIDENCE ROPE
A confidence rope can be of great aid to a nervy walker on steep or exposed ground. But only use it – or even reveal it – if you know how, and don't use it as a replacement for judgement. It's an 'in case of emergency only‘ item of kit; 30m of 8-10mm rope should be sufficient. PICTURED: Petzl Conga £35