What do I Bring?

It can seem very daunting, the first time you head out into the mountains, even when it is under expert supervision and guidance. Here I’m going to try and guide you through what you’ll need in order to simply go out and enjoy being in the mountains. Possibly you’ll want to jump in right at the deep end, climbing up steep cliffs, going out in winter and there is nothing to stop you; but by first fostering a deep love for the mountain’s you will find the thrill of climbing to be a far greater experience.

 

Start by thinking of how hard you expect your day to be, pack as much food as you think you will want to eat; then double it. Cold and fatigue can become very dangerous when on an empty stomach, so stock up. It is worth considering what type of food you plan on taking, things which can be nibbled on during the day are a very good idea, especially if it is also resistant to crushing. A broken jam tart or cream trifle is hardly appetizing when it has to be sucked from a dried sock. Having several meals with you as well as some healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts for in-between times should be sufficient to keep your body going.

 

Water is essential for human survival, and though streams are plentiful in the mountains carrying additional bottles is important. Try to only drink at certain set times, this way you won’t be tempted to drink it all in one go.

 

Vital if you’re going to keep an eye on the time and gauge your speed. Having a watch with an Altimeter makes it easier to support your stories when you get back to the pub; and one with an alarm helps make sure that those early starts actually happen.

 

As I have discovered on more than one occasion, having a map and compass can save a great deal of time, I clearly remember once turning up and finding myself at the base of the wrong mountain, with the one I had planned on climbing being several miles away in a completely different valley.

 

As my friends will certify, my personal collection of knives is rather extensive and features many different types. When out in the mountains a penknife can be one of your closest friends, being useful for both cutting both your partners climbing rope, as well as clipping your toenails.

 

Though you may head out in the daylight, it may well be dark by the time you finish. Lightweight LED headtorches are the way to go.

 

The weather experienced in the mountains can be severe; it can change with no apparent warning and has caught me off guard more than once. A simple waterproof jacket should be sufficient to protect you from all the wind and rain that the mountains can through at you.

 

Take a small first aid kit with you, making sure small is the important word. A few plasters, a blister kit and maybe a bandage or two should be all that is required for the scrapes and scratches we all inevitably pick up.

 

Try and use a rucksack which only just fits in everything you plan on taking; nothing looks quite as ridiculous as someone being out for a days walk in the mountains carrying a rucksack bigger than they are. A good rucksack will have adjustable shoulder straps, feel comfortable when worn and come with both a waist and chest strap. In addition to all the above items the rucksack will hold a spare warm jumper, warm hat and a pair of gloves in case it gets a little chilly. Don’t forget to wrap everything in your rucksack up in poly bags or a rucksack liner, reaching in for your warm fleece and finding it soaking wet can be a very disheartening experience.