Kit list - What to bring

Foot Wear 

Walking Boots
You'll want walking boots with ankle support for any courses in the mountains, particularly our guided mountain scrambles and multi-pitch courses. A stiff-soled boot is best, "B1's" (i.e. crampon compatible are a good choice for having a firm edge for standing on rock). 
You might not need your walking boots for a rock climbing course, but if you have them bring them, as it keeps our options open.
For winter skills courses you'll definitely require crampon compatible boots; "B1" rating being more suited to walking, and a "B2" or "B3" rating being more stiff and better suited to winter climbing.  

 

Trainers or Approach shoes

Approach shoes, i.e. a trainer specifically designed for approaching crags (think 'low cut walking boot with sticky rubber soles), is the perfect choice for our rock courses. But if you don't have them, then trainers will be fine. 

Rock Shoes
Better to bring your own rock shoes if you have them, as it can sometimes be difficult to find a comfy size yours for specific feet.

Spares
If it rains a lot, your footwear will probably get wet, so you'll want something else to wear as you dry your boots in the evening. 
 

Clothing

Plenty of warm layers, with outdoor clothing, and full waterproofs. 
Cotton and denim are terrible material when wet. Synthetic items will be better at wicking sweat and staying warm when wet. Thermal top (and bottoms for non-summer courses). Many layers work best: Base layer, fleece layer,  Soft-shell layer, Shell layer (Gore-tex, and e-vent are good waterproof fabrics), "belay jacket" (A warm down or synthetic jacket that packs away well). Decent walking socks are a good idea if we are on a mountainous course and are walking a substantial distance. Wooly hat and gloves (for non-summer time; 3 pairs recommended for winter skills courses). 

 

Food
You'll need to pack lunch. Best to bring food that you'll enjoy eating and will pack into a rucksack without spoiling. Things like fruit, mixed nuts, cereal bars, sandwiches, chocolate, sweets, flapjack, cake, biscuits can all be nice. Try to bring snacks that you can stick in your pocket that can be easily accessed throughout the day. That way you can graze during the day and prevent energy levels dropping. I try to eat a small snack at every belay. 

 

Water

2L during the summer is sensible. Try to start the day well hydrated. A small thermos of tea and 1/2 liter water bottle that clips to the harness can be handy. 

 

other bits

Most of our courses we'll be going into the mountains, therefore you should pack the following:

• Head torch & spare batteries

• Personal medication

• Ruck Sac (30-45L day bag)

• Sun Cream (helps also prevent windburn)

• Sun Glasses

• Goggles (recommended on winter skills courses). 

• Walking Poles (Useful if you have bad knees).

• Ice Axe and Crampons (For winter skills courses). 

We'll carry a first aid kit and mobile phone, but probably wise to bring your own also. 

 

 

Climbing Equipment

Any technical Climbing equipment, you're welcome to use our's, or your own. We recommend bringing your own kit so that it keeps your options open. We also recommend bringing your personal kit so that we can at least check that it's safe and appropriate. Some customers will benefit from learning how to use the specific kit they own. 

 

 

Buying Equipment

If you are buying kit, then our customers are entitled to a 15% discount at V12 & Joe Browns. Contact us for a discount voucher. 

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