
AFS MOUNTAINEERING
Gear you'll need
In reality a lot will depend on the weather conditions on the day and the particular activity or course.
I'll always send out an email before an event with the latest forecast information and what this might mean in terms of packing your bag.
The weather in Britain is notorious for being difficult to predict.
I can loan out bits of kit apart from personal items and I tend to bring some spares and items market with an asterisk I can loan with advance notice. If you are new to the outdoors I’d recommend you don’t spend a fortune on new gear until you’ve been out with me so that I can suggest clothing/equipment that might work for you. If you have any questions about gear or are just not sure, please simply drop me an email.
Please note - if you turn up without the essential kit and you've not arranged for me to bring a spare, you may not be able to join us on the trip. This is for your safety and others. You will not be refunded in such a circumstance!
If you have any questions not answered in the FAQ page, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can find the recommended general gear list for all activities below and download a pdf checklist for when you are packing your bag.
Notes
Note 1: No cotton trousers or teeshirts. Cotton gets wet with sweat or rain, dries slowly and will chafe. It will absorb your body heat as it tries to dry out which will make you cold, uncomfortable and can lead to Hypothermia.
Note 2: We will be outside for much of the day so you will need to ensure you can keep warm and comfortable even in summer. On a hot day you will sweat while we are active and this can make you cold very fast if we stop for a break/lunch. It is widely recommended by outdoor enthusiasts and mountaineers that you wear more, thinner, layers than one big jumper. This layering approach allows you far greater regulation of body temperature. You can take layers off when active and put layers on when less active to keep the heat in.
Note 3: Essential in Scotland in summer – especially if you are staying at a campsite!
Note 4: Even in the height of summer it can get cold at night. We're not talking about bring a full change of wardrobe for each day. But extra fleeces to stay warm or a Down Jacket can be useful once the sun goes down. Socks, underwear and baselayers will dry overnight in your sleeping bag and are designed to keep you warm even if you are damp to begin with. If the forecast is for heavy continual rain it will be more important to ensure you have good over-trousers and waterproof jacket.
Note 5: These can be hired by arrangement from respectable gear shops and we can advise should this be necessary.
Note 6: These items can be hired from me at a nominal cost to cover wear and tear, non-reusable items and cleaning. The relevant items will be listed on the booking form. Due to the constraints of the current booking system please bring cash on the day for the items.
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Expedition Food - £6 each. I get Wayfayrer food subject to availability and they are available online or in store from most outdoor and camping shops. It is the simplest to prepare as you just bung the bag in boiling water and simmer for 10 mins but it is heavier than freeze-dried food.
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Tent £10
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Sleeping bag £20 (the sleeping bag will need to be professionally cleaned between uses)
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Thermal roll mat £5
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Stove, lighter & fuel £10
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If you are needing to hire lots of kit for winter skills courses - you are better off just hiring the lot from the gear store!
FABIAN SEYMOUR
Summer Mountain Leader
Winter Mountain Leader
Rock Climbing Instructor
NNAS Tutor




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