December 2021 - Winter munroing kit

by Nigel Williams

I’m often asked, what is the most important piece of kit to carry for a winter hill day? My answer is ski goggles! Strong wind with snow and ice particles blasting your face hinders navigation skills from route finding and avoiding hazards to basic map and compass work. They’re awkward to carry, but can be a life saver. Tinted ski goggles are good for seeing the terrain, clear lenses make the map easier to read. It’s really worth paying more for anti fogging goggles. Condensation often freezes on the inside and is almost impossible to sort until back in a warm environment. Also check compatibility with wearing reading glasses if required.

Having the kit, ice axe & crampons etc. and the skills to use them is often talked about. Making the decision to use or change equipment before things get fraught however seems to be all too often overlooked. Spare warm layers, hat, gloves and/ or mittens in waterproof bags and accessible doesn’t require knowledge of use, but once hands are cold and wet it is difficult to carry out the simplest of tasks. It also impacts one’s ability to make sound decisions and use the skills.

Walking poles (ideally a pair) with a large snow basket are invaluable on soft snow in easy terrain, BUT the timely decision to put them away and replace with an ice axe is critical.

GPS as a quick location confirmation tool rather than a navigation tool. However touch screens rarely work in poor conditions or wearing gloves.

Head torch for an early start, although errors in planning and decision making often lead to it being used at the end of the day.

"Group shelter" - a useful item not just for emergencies, it is a light wind proof (not waterproof) nylon bag that can be pulled over the top of a group. With everyone huddled inside it soon warms up and enables people to sort equipment, take on food and check the navigation.

A 4-6 person size is probably most useful. A 4 person one works for 2 people but not the other way around. If you can’t get the whole party inside even split between several shelters there may be a reluctance to use it and leave someone stood outside in the cold. However not having one leaves no option of shelter for anyone.

This piece may appear to be about safety kit for a winter mountain day, but it is also about planning and timely decision making.

Example of Winter Munroing Kit:
1. Rucksack
2. Warm and waterproof layers (plus spares)
3. Head torch
4. First Aid Kit
5. Gloves or Mittens (plus spare)
6. Hat (plus spare)
7. Ski goggles
8. GPS device
9. Map & Compass!
10. Watch
11. Emergency Shelter
12. Ice Axe
13. Walking Poles
14. Crampons
15. Dry bags (for keeping spare kit dry)
16. Warm drink/food




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