Five “Must-Haves” for Scottish Winter

Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis

Five “Must-Haves” for Scottish Winter - (Other Than the Obvious Climbing Gear)

When people think about Scottish winter equipment, their minds usually jump straight to axes, crampons, ropes, and hardware. Those are important of course but they’re only part of the picture. What often makes the real difference on a winter day in Scotland isn’t the technical gear, but the equipment that keeps you functioning when the weather turns, daylight fades, or plans change.

These five items are essential for almost every Scottish winter day out—whether you’re walking, mountaineering, climbing, or ski touring.

1. A Reliable Headtorch (With Spare Batteries)

Scottish winter days are short, and progress is often slower than expected. A late finish doesn’t mean something has gone wrong—it often just means conditions were tough.

A headtorch is not an emergency luxury; it’s standard winter kit.

What to look for:

• A bright, reliable torch with a wide beam

• Easy operation with gloves on

• Spare batteries or a backup torch

Descending icy ground or navigating corniced plateaus in the dark becomes significantly more hazardous without good light. If you carry a headtorch expecting to use it, you’re far more relaxed when the day stretches on.

2. Good-Quality Food

Scottish winter climbing is hugely demanding, and the cold burns through energy fast. The food you bring should have three key qualities:

• High-calorie and sustaining – to keep you warm and fuel long, strenuous days

• Easy to eat in the cold – simple, bite-sized food you can manage with gloves on

• Reliable in bad weather – food that won’t freeze solid or fall apart in your pack

This isn’t about comfort eating—it’s about safety and performance. The right food keeps you warm, alert, and capable when the weather turns and the day runs longer than planned.

3. Navigation Tools (And the Skills to Use Them)

Whiteouts are common, and snow hides paths, cliffs, and subtle terrain features. GPS devices are useful, but they shouldn’t be your only plan.

Essential navigation kit includes:

• Map and compass in a waterproof case

• A phone or GPS device with offline mapping

• Pre-planned bearings and escape routes

Scottish plateaus in winter are notorious for catching people out. Good navigation isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about knowing exactly where you are when visibility drops and decisions matter.

4. Waterproofs That Can Cope With Scottish Reality

“Waterproof” in a shop doesn’t always translate to waterproof in a Scottish winter storm. Rain, sleet, wet snow, and gale-force winds are all part of the deal. The best you can get will do, and making good decisions as to bare the storm or head back will keep you safe and comfortable.

You need:

• A well-fitting shell jacket with a proper hood

• Waterproof trousers that go on over boots and crampons

• Durable fabric that can withstand constant use

Staying dry is about safety as much as comfort. Once you’re wet and cold, everything—from movement to decision-making—becomes harder.

5. Spare Gloves (More Than You Think You’ll Need)

Hands take a beating in Scottish winter. Snow, spindrift, water, and constant transitions mean gloves get wet—often quickly.

Always carry:

• Multiple pairs of gloves with different warmth levels

• A large warm pair reserved for stops or belays

• At least one pair kept dry in a plastic bag for emergencies

Cold hands don’t just hurt—they slow you down and make basic tasks difficult. Spare gloves are one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe and comfortable.

Scottish winter isn’t just about technical difficulty—it’s about exposure, timing, and resilience. The right non-technical equipment allows you to adapt when conditions change, days run long, or plans need to shift.

Axes and crampons might get you up the route, but headtorches, quality food, navigation tools, waterproofs, and spare gloves are what help get you home safely.

Smith's Route, Ben Nevis