OUSGG Kitlist

For advice on selecting new equipment, see the Field & Trek Technical Guide (in the back of their catalogue, available from the Quartermaster) and (especially for clothing and boots) Chapter 2 of "Mountaincraft and Leadership" by Eric Langmuir (a copy of which resides in the Library).

Equipment for a days hillwalking

The following items (or their equivalents) should be considered essential:

Walking boots

Not shoes, trainers or walking shoes, but something which provides sufficient ankle support. Boots should be waterproofed before use. (A look through Langmuir's advice on footwear is recommended before buying a new pair of boots).  Sorbothane shock absorbing insoles can also be useful.

Walking socks

Usually two pairs are worn: a thinner inner pair and a thicker outer pair. Thick socks that provide extra padding in the ball and heel area are highly recommended (e.g., Thorlo Trekking socks).

Clothing

Obviously, this depends upon the conditions to be encountered. Comfort and warmth should be primary concerns, although clothing should also be versatile enough to adapt to changes in the conditions. (Shorts and a T-shirt are fine in the summer, as long as it’s a warm sunny day and guaranteed to stay that way!)

Upper body : Many thin layers give better insulation than one thick one (and are more flexible).  Synthetic fibres are more comfortable, dry quickly and allow breathable outer layers to work properly. Cotton can quickly become soaked in sweat and stays that way.

Lower body : Jeans are not suitable - tracksuit bottoms or more specialist walking trousers are recommended (note though that if you wear thinner types of walking trousers, then it can be wise to wear two pairs in cold weather).

Fleece or warm coat

Something that will stand-up to the rigors of a days walking.

Gloves

Woollen, fleece or similar gloves are good, although they can become waterlogged easily and waterproof overmits are recommended. (Note that even fleece-lined gloves that claim to be water-resistant can become waterlogged in severe conditions, and in this case dedicated waterproof overmits can be the best solution). Thinner gloves can be useful for scrambling in the winter as you may need to climb or use a compass while wearing them. Leather palms can be useful if scrambling or climbing.

Hat

Or balaclava or similar. You lose more heat from your head than any other area of the body, so a hat should be as warm as possible and should cover your ears too.

Waterproof jacket

The ideal waterproof jacket for hillwalking is as long as possible (giving the top of your legs more protection), has storm-flaps covering the zips (a double storm-flap for the main zip is better), has drawcords around the bottom, waist and hood (to combat windflap); and has velcro (rather than elastic) adjustments at the cuffs. A map pocket might also be considered useful. A good hood is essential - either fixed or detachable is fine, although an internal wire around the visor of a fixed hood can be very useful. (It goes without saying that jackets made from breathable fabrics are superior).

Waterproof trousers

Often not needed, although a godsend when you do - if you don'’t use them much, a cheap pair is fine - although make sure you can put them on whilst you’re wearing your boots (usually this means they have zips or fasteners at the bottom).

Watch

Unless you can tell the time by the sun. When it's totally overcast.

Rucksack

The size of which will depend upon the rest of your gear, although make sure there’s room to put any clothes you might take off.  Your rucksack shouldn't be too big either, thus reducing the temptation to take too much stuff and also the problems which can be caused by high winds.  No rucksack is 100% watertight, so make sure you pack everything inside plastic bags (or a rucksack liner).

Lunch

And lunchbox if you don't like squashed sandwiches. Lunch is usually provided on OUSGG trips and should ideally contain a high energy content.

Water bottle

(1 litre minimum) For water, squash or whatever (although carbonated drinks are not recommended). Doesn't need to be costly - a couple of (e.g.) Evian bottles can be quite convenient.

Spare jumper/fleece

Could save you from hypothermia.

Emergency rations

Mars bars, mintcake or Rolos provide energy quickly; flapjacks and other carbohydrates are useful for slower energy release; salted peanuts are useful in summer when you sweat more. Emergency rations should not be eaten until the end of the day, if then !!

Whistle

For use in emergencies only.

Torch

Must include spare batteries (which work!) and a spare bulb. Not an option.

Survival bag

You should never go walking without one, and they cost next-to-nothing. (A proper bivi-bag is better, but rather more costly !)

First Aid Kit

Remember that if someone gets injured, you're supposed to use their First Aid Kit to treat them - so from this perspective it is wise to carry quite a good one. Boots sell quite good kits to use as a base. You should make sure you know how to use everything that you carry, and ensure that used items get replaced. Recommended contents:

Triangular bandage (more than one, preferably); crepe bandage (5 or 7.5 cm); more bandages; blister treatment kit (e.g. Compede); plasters; 3M micropore tape; antihistamine cream; tweezers; round-nosed scissors; antiseptic wipes; wound sutures; latex gloves; matches; coins and/or a phonecard (for emergency calls); painkillers (asprin or paracetamol); throat lozenges; stomach settlers; anti-diarrhoea tablets; water purification tablets; rehydration salts (e.g. Boots rehydrat); any personal medication (like hay fever pills, asthma inhalers etc).

Your First Aid Kit is also an ideal place to keep a short note detailing your name, address, home contact and any important medical information about yourself (officially, this should all be recorded on a Health Form).

Other, non-essential, items which you may wish to consider:

Map(s), mapcase, compass

Not everyone needs to carry these, but it is highly advisable for at least two party members to do so, in case the party needs to split for some reason.

Vacuum flask

For hot tea/coffee/squash etc. (Must be an unbreakable vacuum flask!)

Gaiters

Reduce the amount of water and debris entering the top of your boots.

Ski pole

Or trekking pole/walking stick - for "balance" (i.e. for posing).

Sunblock

(essential in summer)

Insect repellent

(essential in summer)

Sunhat

(essential in summer - don't carry it if it's going to rain: it'll get wrecked)

Sunglasses

(essential in summer [?], optimistic in winter (unless you're trying to avoid snow-blindness))

Lipsyl

Swiss Army knife/Leatherman

Or pocket knife, or similar combination tool-thing.

Spare laces

Or something like nylon paracord, which has other uses too.

Some toilet roll

You never know, and definitely better to be prepared.

Snap lights

If you think they’re worth it (not areplacement for your torch).

Sit mat

Or you can use your survival bag.

Camera

Mobile phone

If it'll work. GPS if you're very rich.

Small towel

For drying yourself off in the teashop.

Spare socks

Can make your stay in the teashop more pleasant on the occasion that your boots leak.

Money

For buying tea and cakes in the teashop.

Equipment required for a walking trip involving nights away

Some of this equipment may not be necessary, depending upon the nature of the trip - the trip organiser should inform you about this in advance (if not: ask). You may consider some of it unnecessary anyway.

Items as above, under Equipment for a days hillwalking. Duplicate sets of walking clothes can be advisable in case the initial set gets wet.

Large rucksack

Or similar

Clothing

Obviously this will depend upon the trip, but don't forget clothes/footware to go to the pub in, plus clothes to sleep in (especially if your sleeping bag isn't great).

"Washkit"

Including things like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel and deodorant (if you're to be socially acceptable after a days walking).

Sleeping bag

Pillow

Inflatable ones are best, closely followed by a stuff-sack or pillow case filled with clothes.

Sleeping mat

A foam one if youre poor; a nice inflatable one if you're rich.

Alarm clock

Or Thomas will do, at a pinch.

Cutlery

Knife, fork, spoon, teaspoon.

Mug, plate, bowl

Teatowel

Traditionally, there is a £1 fine for people who don’t bring one on OUSGG trips.

Proofing for boots

String

Often useful.

Cards

Or games, magazines, inflatable toys, imitation weapons

A cake

Sometimes requested by the organiser on longer trips (not weekends).

Swimming kit

Again, sometimes suggested for longer trips.

Clothes repair kit

A simple one can prove useful.

More money

Especially if the trip is going to involve eating out.

A lemon

If you're Mike.

Additional equipment required for a days rock climbing

If you have to walk to the rock face, you may require some or all of the equipment listed above under 'Equipment for a days hillwalking'.  In any case, many of the items listed there are essential, especially warm clothes, waterproofs, your lunch, something to drink and a First Aid Kit.

Clothing worn for climbing and abseiling should be non-restrictive, e.g. T-shirt and leggings .  If you don't have access to a pair of climbing boots, then a pair of tight-fitting trainers are the next best thing (unless you're up to climbing in bare feet).

Otherwise, the group will require a rope, harnesses, helmets and a "rack" of climbing gear (appropriate to the climbs to be attempted).

Chris Seward, 1998