UK Scrambling Kit List
Above all, your kit needs to do the job but be as light as possible. Lightweight breathable fabrics are ideal for waterproofs, which are carried as often as worn (hopefully!).
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof jacket – lightweight breathable model
- Overtrousers – with side zips
- Socks – warm pair, plus lighter pair and spares
- Thermal tops/t-shirts – made of synthetic materiel (ie not cotton!)
- Softshell jacket – or equivalent light insulating layer
- Mountain trousers – light/mid-weight trekking or climbing trousers (leggings are Ok in good weather)
- Thin gloves – windproof ‘hardfleece’ model is good
- Hat or Buff – must fit under a helmet
- Spare warm layer – fleece or lightweight synthetic jacket
Personal Items
- Water Container – at least 1 litre
- Headtorch
- Map, compass, whistle (optional, but a good idea)
- Personal medications and blister kit – zinc oxide tape, compeed, ibuprofen etc
- Sun Glasses
- Sun cream
- Sun hat
- Shorts and t-shirt
Technical Equipment
- Rucsac 30/40l is perfect for general use
- *Approach shoes or mountain boots – see notes below
- Climbing Harness – with locking karabiner and belay device
- 120cm sling and locking karabiner
- Climbing helmet
Other Equipment
Depending on the trip, these may be ‘nice to have’ or ‘required’ items – see individual joining instructions.
- Trekking poles
- Camping gear if you choose to camp in the valley
Your guide will have ropes, climbing safety equipment, first aid and survival equipment.
*Footwear for scrambling is an important consideration – trekking shoes or walking boots are fine for easier scrambles and whilst you are getting into the sport, but a pair of climbing approach shoes (especially ones with ‘sticky rubber’) or reasonably stiff 3/4 season B2 mountaineering boots will perform much better on rockier sections and trickier terrain. Footwear specifically designed for scrambling, or for via ferratas are also a good option. If you are thinking of investing in a pair of boots with a view to getting into mountaineering, then read our axe, boot and crampon advice article and get some expert advice (we can highly recommend Backcountry Uk, who are one of the country’s leading boots fitters and always offer friendly advice and a high level of service).
Recommendations and Advice
Visit the Knowledge Base section of our website or our blog for equipment advice. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch!
Purchasing Equipment
Backcountry UK in Otley offer an excellent walking boot fitting service and general equipment advice.
Hiring Equipment
It’s best to have your own rock climbing shoes so you can get a proper fit, but if you need to hire some please get in touch. Other safety equipment can also be hired from us (subject to availability) – please see our Equipment Hire page for details.