Edinburgh University Hillwalking Club

We don't want you to spend a huge amount of money on gear, but we have explained why you must take a certain amount of equipment. If you are staying in Edinburgh for more than a year and want to become involved in hillwalking then it is a good idea to invest in some quality equipment. You don't have to break the bank! If you are just a casual walker then we advise that you direct your attention to buying a full set of waterproofs and proper walking boots. Without these items it is impossible to go hiking in Scotland without risking injury to yourself and other members of a group.

There are often discount nights where you will be able to save money on equipment. Keep your eye open for them, we will announce them on the website.

Essential Equipment List (all trips)

• Proper walking boots (trainers/shoes without ankle support and good grip are NOT ALLOWED. More details can be found below. In winter, a stiff sole is also ESSENTIAL - see Winter Equipment)
• Thick socks
• Waterproof jacket (not water-resistant)
• Waterproof over-trousers
• Cotton-free trekking trousers, tracksters, breeches or track-suit bottoms
• Baselayer, preferably made from a synthetic fabric or wool. Avoid cotton t-shirts which hold onto moisture from sweat and will cool you down. Wicking baselayers will keep you dry.
• Midlayers: fleece or woollen jumpers, more layers than you think you could need. Many thinner layers are better than one thick one - the air between layers traps extra warmth and you can regulate your temperature better throughout the day by adjusting your layers.
• Thick gloves or mitts (2 pairs, preferably waterproof)
• Woollen or fleece hat or balaclava
• Hill food and emergency rations
• Rucksack with a waterproof liner or plastic bag
• Water bottle or flask, at least 1 litre, more in summer

Essential safety equipment - please try and get these!

• Whistle to attract attention in an emergency
• Headtorch for when it gets dark early in the winter
• Survival bag - the big orange type costs about £2
• Personal first aid kit (plasters or Compeed are very useful in case of blisters)

Other useful things

You may wish to take these extra items:

• Map: We usually use 1:50, 000 Ordnance Survey Landranger maps. The club has a good collection but never quite enough so if you have your own copy please bring it along!
• Map case: You will use your map most when it's misty, snowing or raining so something to keep it dry will be invaluable. Ortlieb map cases are the best - they are 100% waterproof, last a lifetime and make a handy seat when the ground is wet!
• Compass: the club only has a few and if you want to organise a walk you will probably need to have your own. A Silva Type IV is a good investment if you would like to learn to navigate.
• Gaiters: perhaps best not worn out clubbing, but they keep rain, snow, mud and bits of heather out of your boots, and they keep your trousers clean for the pub afterwards!
• Walking poles: Save your knees on steep descents and handy for river crossings, but make sure you can put them away when you need to use your ice axe.
• Camera: How can you prove you've climbed a hill unless you've taken a group shot on the summit? And all those beautiful views to capture. Our publicity officer is endlessly hungry for photos for the yearbook and to advertise the club for next year.

Boots

Walking boots must have strong uppers to protect your feet from stubs and scrapes and give good ankle support. They must have good soles to provide a grip on rough and slippery surfaces and in winter should be stiff enough for crampons (see the "Winter Equipment" page). The best all-round type of boot has Vibram soles and is entirely made of leather. They offer good protection and support, and, if properly waxed, will offer a high degree of waterproofing. Most likely, they will also be stiff enough for crampons.

Lightweight boots made of fabric and leather with a waterproof breathable membrane are fine for autumn and summer, but for winter walks they are too flexible for crampons and do not provide good support on snow slopes. Trail/approach shoes (which lack the ankle support offered by walking boots) are unsafe on the terrain we frequently encounter and are NOT ALLOWED on trips. Doc Martens, Timberland, CAT or other fashion or safety boots provide no grip on wet rocks and grass, snow or ice, and don't have proper ankle support, and are also NOT ALLOWED on trips. If you do not have suitable walking boots on a trip, you will not be able to come on a walk!

Within these criteria, you will need to find a pair of boots that actually fit you, at least if you want walking to be a pleasant, blister-free experience. If it's your first pair, go to a specialist shop with a good range of boots (see the website for tips) and spend half an hour trying lots of different models. It may take some shopping around! Wear your new boots inside before you commit. Leather boots will need to be broken in so start off going up Arthur's Seat or the Pentlands.

If you really don't want to buy walking boots, you could hire them from the Leith branch of Tiso for around £10 a weekend but please phone them to check there are some in stock. If you're hiring plastic boots in the winter, wear three pairs of socks to make them comfortable!

Waterproofs

Waterproofs are an utterly essential piece of equipment. They must be taken on every walk, even if it is sunny when you set out, as Scotland's weather is extremely changeable! Quality jackets with a breathable membrane (e.g. Gore-Tex and eVent) are not only waterproof and windproof, but the breathability means sweat can evaporate which will keep you comfortable. However, as a minimum, a completely waterproof cagoule is sufficient. "Showerproof" or water-repellent jackets will leak in prolonged rainfall and so are not acceptable. Cycling capes or ponchos are not suitable because in strong winds they can be dangerous. As well as a jacket, you also need waterproof trousers, or you will not be taken on a walk for your own safety.

Food

What you eat and drink on a walk is very important. You will use a lot of energy so you need to have plenty of high-energy foods with you. Take a mix of slow-release carbohydrates such as sandwiches, nuts and cereal bars and fast energy foods such as chocolate, cake, dried fruit and sweets. Bear in mind that walks can last for anything between 5 and 10 hours and you will probably not be stopping for a long picnic so keep snacking before you get hungry.

Drink

To drink, take at least a litre of water or juice (2-3 litres in summer), and it is very satisfying to have a flask of tea, hot chocolate, juice or soup.