Kit Lists
What to bring along on your day out with Lake District Mountain Guides.
Guided Rock Climbing Kit List
Here’s what to bring for a safe and enjoyable day out on the rock.
Waterproof jacket and trousers. British weather can change quickly, even on a sunny forecast. Mountain weather is very changeable at all times of the year and full waterproofs are necessary for comfort and safety.
Quick drying synthetic t-shirt/base layer. Cotton t-shirts are not suitable as these quickly get cold when damp.
Warm layers. Think fleece or synthetic insulation in case it gets cold or wet.
Gloves. Bring along a pair of thin leather gloves, these will protect your skin from wear and tear when belaying or scrambling on rough rock.
Sunglasses and suncream. Easy to forget (especially in the UK), but essential on sunny days when we’re out all day. It’s easy to burn when standing in the sun for 8 hours.
Food and drink. Bring at least 1 litre of water, a decent lunch, and plenty of snacks. You will be active for most of the day and it’s easy to burn through energy.
Sturdy shoes. Walking boots, mountaineering boots, or approach shoes are perfect for crag approaches. Trainers don’t work especially well on rock!
Headtorch. Just in case we’re still walking out as the light fades.
Phone. Handy for a few photos, but also important in case of emergency to call for mountain rescue
Backpack (20–30L). Big enough to carry all your kit comfortably for the day.
Helmet, harness, and belay device. Bring your own if you have them, we can provide them if not.
Climbing shoes and chalk bag. Bring along comfortable climbing shoes that you have worn previously and are used to climbing in.
Food and drink. At least 1 litre of water, a decent lunch, and plenty of snacks—we’ll be active for most of the day and it’s easy to burn through energy.
Any personal medication. Let us know before you’re booking any medical information that could affect your ability to participate.
Walking Poles. These help take the weight off your legs and save your knees in the long term.
If you have any questions about this kit list send us an email at info@lakedistrictmountainguides.com
Instructional Courses Kit List
The kit is much the same as for a guided climbing day, but with the option to bring your own gear for practice.
Waterproof jacket and trousers. British weather can change quickly, even on a sunny forecast. Mountain weather is very changeable at all times of the year and full waterproofs are necessary for comfort and safety.
Quick drying synthetic t-shirt/base layer. Cotton t-shirts aren't suitable as these quickly get cold when damp.
Warm layers. Fleece or synthetic insulation in case it gets cold or wet.
Gloves. Bring along a pair of thin leather gloves, these will protect your skin from wear and tear when belaying or scrambling on rough rock.
Sunglasses and suncream. Easy to forget (especially in the UK), but essential on sunny days when we're out all day. It's easy to burn when standing in the sun for 8 hours.
Food and drink. Bring at least 1 litre of water, a decent lunch, and plenty of snacks. You'll be active for most of the day and it's easy to burn through energy.
Sturdy shoes. Walking boots, mountaineering boots, or approach shoes are perfect for crag approaches. Trainers don't work especially well on rock!
Headtorch. Just in case we're still out as the light fades.
Phone. Handy for a few photos, but also important in case of emergency to call for mountain rescue.
Backpack (20–30L). Big enough to carry all your kit comfortably for the day.
Helmet, harness, and belay device. Bring your own if you have them, we can provide them if not.
Climbing shoes and chalk bag. Bring along comfortable climbing shoes that you have worn previously and are used to climbing in.
Your own technical gear. If you have your own rack of cams, nuts, slings, karabiners and quickdraws, please bring them along. Courses are a great chance to get hands on with your own equipment and build familiarity with placing and using it under guidance, so this is actively encouraged rather than just optional.
Any personal medication. Let us know before booking any medical information that could affect your ability to participate.
Walking poles. These help take the weight off your legs and save your knees in the long term.
Guided Scrambling Kit List
Scrambling days involve moving efficiently over big mountain terrain, so your kit should be light but capable of dealing with all sorts of weather and terrain.
Waterproof jacket and trousers – To keep you dry and comfortable in changeable weather.
Warm layers – Essential when we stop or if the wind picks up on exposed ridges. A Fleece layer and a synthetic layer would be perfect
Gloves – Useful when using your hands on rough rock and to keep your hands warm if they get wet.
Sunglasses and suncream – Not needed all the time, but when it’s forecast to be hot and sunny make sure to bring them along.
Helmet and harness – Provided if needed. We will use a rope on more serious sections.
Belay device – Useful on roped sections. We’ll bring extras if needed.
Food and drink – At least 1 litre of water and enough food for a full day out.
Sturdy footwear – Walking boots or approach shoes with good grip are best.
Headtorch – Just in case we’re out longer than expected.
Phone – For navigation, photos, and emergencies.
Backpack (20–30L) – Comfortable and big enough for your kit.
Guided Winter Climbing Kit List
We mainly use Rab clothing when climbing in winter, their clothing is tested in UK conditions across all seasons. Here's what to bring for a safe and enjoyable day out winter climbing with us:
Synthetic base layer and thermal leggings, for example a Rab Syncrino base layer and Rab Modulus tights.
Warm fleece mid layer, this sits between your base layer and waterproofs, trapping warmth while still allowing moisture to escape.
Goretex waterproof jacket and trousers, these need to be durable, lightweight waterproofs cut easily if they come into contact with a crampon.
Softshell jacket and trousers, softshells are great for the approach and for milder winter days, they're more breathable than Goretex so you won't overheat as quickly, but still offer decent wind and light weather resistance.
Synthetic belay jacket, for example a Rab Generator Alpine jacket, to keep you warm when belaying or standing around.
Gloves, bring at least three pairs, gloves get wet quickly when winter climbing. A couple of warm gloves (ideally one Goretex pair), thin gloves for climbing, and warm mittens for belaying.
Warm wool socks, ideally merino as these are breathable, quick drying and warm.
Hat, ideally one that fits under your helmet.
Helmet and harness, the harness needs to fit over all your layers.
B2/B3 boots and crampons, for example Scarpa Phantom Tech or La Sportiva G-Tech. B1 boots generally aren't warm enough and many crampons won't fit them.
Two technical ice axes, for example Petzl Quark or Grivel North Machine, with leashes so you don't lose your expensive axes while climbing.
A couple of screwgate karabiners and a belay device that takes two ropes.
120cm sling.
Goggles, sunglasses, and suncream, goggles should be as clear as possible, any tint makes it difficult to see when in Whiteout/poor visibility settings.
Head torch with spare batteries, batteries die quickly in winter conditions.
Compass, map, and map case.
Walking poles with snow baskets.
Flask, nothing beats a warm drink on a cold winter day.
40 to 50L rucksack, we take lots of kit with us so you need a big backpack.
Food and drink, gels and bars tend to freeze, pork pies are our go to snack in winter.
If you have any questions about this kit list get in touch via email or by pressing the enquire button!
