Clothing is down to personal choice really but for a night out with a bit of hillwalking in winter for me would be;
Base Layers;
- Underarmour heatgear shorts
- Hellyhansen base layer (from screwfix)
- Pair of sondico long johns (sports direct i think)
- 2 pairs socks (thick and thin) probably either smartwool or bridgedale here, but anything good really.
Mid layers;
- Cheap fleece pull on (for walking in), probably just 100/200 weight (like
THIS)
- Keela belay smock for stops, could use any insulated jacket here really.
- Pair of the older issue softie trousers, for at night sitting about.
Outer layers;
- Windproof top for walking in to keep the chill off, i use a top by keela but anything really, like
this
- Paramo waterproof jacket, if its wet enough to put this on i'll normally take the fleece and windproof off since its quite thick. Any good waterproof would work really, don't bet on a cheap jacket keeping you dry, its needs to be past waist length and have a good hood. The keela munro is another one i would recommend and is what i used before the paramo.
- I use the issue lightweight goretex trousers if needed. To walk in i normally use a pair of craighopper or work trousers, anything quick drying really. A good pair of gaiters are essential at times and can be had quite cheap.
Everything else;
- Get a good pair of boots, if you plan on doing a bit of winter climbing up here they really need to be able to take a crampon, if its just a low level walk then i would heavily recommend something leather and high leg, like the altberg defenders or lowa patrol boots. If you choose boots with a goretex liner they'll take longer to dry if they get soaked, a few spare pairs of socks help here.
- 2 pairs of gloves or a pair of gloves and a set of mitts, depending on how cold you expect it to get. A beanie (thinsulate lined) or some other form of warm hat is essential. Get a pair of surplus goretex mit covers, they're about £5 and good for dealing with snow. Some form of headover is good to have. A balaclava is nice to have for sleeping in or to wear if the wind & snow pick up.
- Some cream in case your skin takes offence to being out in the cold wind all day.
This is obviously based on Scotland in the winter months and is only the basics, summer would be very different but unfortunately it'll be a good few months before the proper summer weather is back. I like the old traditional layers system of base, mid & outer but you could go a completely different way with something like a buffalo shirt etc.. Remember with a buffalo you need some kind of belay jacket to throw on over the top at stops. Hot food and drinks will help to make up for any clothing problems. High fat snacks and meals for if its really baltic.
You'll undoubtedly change what clothing you use as you get a bit more experience of being outdoors for a few days at a time. Try to buy good quality kit when possible, stuff like fleece pullovers etc.. just go with a cheap brand as fleece is much the same really. Stuff like boots and waterproofs you really get what you pay for. Expensive 'ultralight' kit is good in theory but often doesn't survive long when you're scrambling up a rocky path with the wind and snow blowing.
Tonyuk
