GEAR ESSENTIALS
COMPASS
We recommend the Silva Expedition, which features 1:25,000, 1:50,000 and 1:40,000 scale measurements, has luminous markings for night walking, and sticky feet so it doesn’t move around on the map. A compass isn’t just for knowing where you’re going and where you are, but also so you can adapt your plan if circumstances (like weather) change. It has no batteries to go flat and if you drop it, well, you just pick it up again.
WATER & FOOD
It’s easy to get dehydrated on warm days with a lot of walking. Take a sensible amount of water, lunch and plenty of snacks.
TREKKING POLES These will save strain on your knees while descending and spread the effort of climbing throughout your body. They’re also an essential first aid item – making a good walking stick for anyone with a twisted ankle or, if the situation requires it, a splint.
WATERPROOF JACKET & TROUSERS Essential. It’s common to walk through all four seasons on these peaks, from summer at sea-level to winter on the tops, and weather can change in an instant. Prepare not just for the expected but for what you’ll do if things go wrong and you need to spend longer on the mountain than planned.
WARM LAYERS
A fleece or soft shell jacket is perfect. On a fine day you might get away with just this, but make sure you still have waterproofs in your bag for the whole trip.
WORN-IN BOOTS Nothing taints a day on the hill like the slow, insistent, constant burn of a bad blister. Get some decent boots, preferably with some ankle support, and wear them in before setting out.
FIRST AID KIT & STORM SHELTER Include painkillers, blister
plasters and some bigger bandages so you can tackle anything that happens to you, or others, when you’re far from help.
■ HEADTORCH
Make sure yours has fully charged batteries before you set off, and pack a spare. Whether you plan to set off in the dark or not, you need to be able to see your way safely down.
■ DON’T FORGET...
• Good rucksack • Walking trousers • Hat • Gloves • Warm socks • Suncream • Sunglasses • Camera and powerpack