Thermal underclothes, fleece, etc...
- use thin layers of clothes starting with
thermals. A cheap pair can often only cost less than £15. Build
this up with a 'T'-shirt, thin jumper, fleece and finally water
proof. This gives you maximum flexibility, remember that you
will be much colder sittng on a ledge belaying than on the steep walk
in. I can recommend the Helly Hanson pro-wool as a base layer, not
cheap but vutterly superb. Also Buffalo type clothing make excellent
mid layers.
Helmet
- though often thounght as optional when rock climbing, this is
essential in ice climbing. Loose bits of ice which dislodge by others
or through thaw ation fall regulary.
Head Torch
- the hours of daylight in the Scottish mountains are much shorter
than in York. A head torch is an essential piece of equipment as
finnishing a climb in near darkness is not unusual. Once at the top a
torch is also useful for navigating of the mountain side which can be
very dangerous in the dark. LED head torches are becoming cheaper and
are excellent for battery life but don't forget to take spare batteries
just in case.
Good Waterproof
- in Scottish ice conditions it is a well known fact that you will
get wet! You should be confident that your waterproof is waterproof and
be reasonably well designed to ensure a reasonable seal. It is not
essential that it be a breathable fabric but you comfort level will
increase with breathable fabrics.
Two pairs of
Gloves
- it can often be found that one pair of
gloves will get wet. Here a second pair will be invaluable. Remember
that you hands will be the place that frostbite will strike at first.
You may wish to put two pairs of gloves on at once. Here the outer pair
MUST be waterproof and the inner warm. Poundstretcher gloves do make
excellent spare pairs to be carried in the scak!
Waterproof
Trousers
- not as important as the jacket but still important in Scotland
as the walk in may be through relatively deep snow. I have found that a
cheap £10 pair is adequote. After all you may spear them with
crampons, or your axe in a desperate situation.
Gaiters
- often overlooked but important. These will
keep the snow from going into your boots and hence making cold toes. I
have learn't the hard way so be warned.
Hardware
- axes, crampons, ice protection (ice screws, pitons, dog leg,
deadmans
etc...). Dry treated ropes are advantageous as a) stay dry and hence
lighter, b) Ropes lose strength when wet.
Boots
- Boots that can take C2 crampons will also be required although I have
gotten away with B0's on easy routes with strap on crampons before.
Although I wouldn't neccessarily recommended it.
Map & Compass
- Essential for navigating of the
mountain in a whiteout or just plain .... darkness. Trust me you don;t
want to forget these!
Info
- An up-to-date weather and avalaunch forcast are always good to know -
stay safe!