Equipment & Kit Lists
Peak Adventures – Courses & Expeditions
Having the right equipment makes a significant difference to comfort, safety and enjoyment in the hills. The lists below explain what you’ll need for our courses and expeditions, broken down by activity.
These lists are designed to help you prepare confidently without overthinking things. If you’re unsure about any item, we’re always happy to advise before your course.
General principles
- Reliable, weather-appropriate equipment matters more than the latest gear
- Expect wind, rain and colder conditions at any time of year
- Staying warm and dry over multiple days is often about spare layers and dry socks
- Eating and drinking enough directly affects energy, decision-making and enjoyment
- If something is unclear, ask us before buying new equipment
Mountain Skills Courses (1–2 Day)
These courses are day-based and do not involve overnight camping.
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulating layer
- Base layers
- Hillwalking trousers
- Hat and gloves
- Sturdy walking boots
- Spare warm layer carried in your pack
Rucksack & essentials
- Day rucksack (30–40L)
- Pack liner or dry bags
- Water bottles (1.5–2L minimum)
- Lunch and snacks
- Sunglasses and suncream (season dependent)
Navigation & safety
- Map and compass
- Headtorch
- Mobile phone
- Small personal first aid kit
- Personal medication
Mountain Skills – 4 Day (Wild Camping)
These courses involve multi-day mountain travel with wild camping and no accommodation. Comfort, drying systems and recovery become increasingly important.
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulating layers
- Multiple base layers
- Walking trousers
- Hat and gloves
- Spare socks, including dry socks reserved for evenings
- Camp clothing suitable for cool conditions
Rucksack & camping kit
- Rucksack (55–70L)
- Pack liner and dry bags
- Tent
- Sleeping bag (season appropriate)
- Sleeping mat
- Headtorch
Cooking & food
- Stove and fuel
- Mug, bowl and spoon
- Lighter or matches
- Food for the duration of the course
- High-energy snacks
Navigation & safety
- Map and compass
- Phone and power bank
- Personal first aid items
- Personal medication
Winter Skills Courses (1–2 Day)
Winter courses place higher demands on clothing and equipment due to cold, snow and ice.
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers suitable for winter conditions
- Warm insulating jacket
- Multiple warm layers
- Winter gloves (at least two pairs)
- Warm hat or balaclava
- Winter walking boots
Technical equipment
- Crampons matched correctly to your boot rating (C2 or C3)
- Ice axe
- Helmet (supplied free of charge on courses)
Rucksack & essentials
- Rucksack (35–45L)
- Gaiters
- Goggles or glacier glasses
- Headtorch
Winter Skills – 4 Day (Including Snowholing)
These courses involve extended winter travel and snowholing. Spare clothing, contingency equipment and systems for cold, wet conditions are essential.
Additional equipment
In addition to the standard winter skills kit:
- Snow shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Bivvy bag
- Spare insulating layers kept dry
- Multiple spare socks
- Additional gloves and mitts
- Dry bags to protect critical items
- Sleeping system suitable for snowholing (details confirmed in advance)
Quick reminder
- Keep your “sleep kit” dry at all costs (bag, mat, spare base layers)
- Bring spare gloves and socks you do not touch until camp
- Expect your kit to get wet and plan for drying and warmth
Wild Camping Trips
These are remote, multi-day journeys involving self-sufficient travel and wild camping. Navigation is carried out by the guide.
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm insulating jacket
- Multiple base layers
- Walking trousers
- Hat and gloves
- Spare socks (minimum 2–3 pairs)
- Sturdy walking boots
Rucksack & carrying
- Rucksack (55–70L)
- Pack liner and dry bags
- Water bottles or bladder (2L+ capacity)
Sleep system
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Pillow (optional)
- Headtorch
Cooking & food
- Stove and fuel
- Mug, bowl and spoon
- Lighter or matches
- Food for the duration of the trip
- High-energy snacks
Safety & essentials
- Phone and power bank
- Personal first aid items
- Personal medication
- Suncream or insect repellent (season dependent)
Optional but useful
- Trekking poles
- Camp shoes
- Blister care kit
- Camera
What we provide on guided trips
- Highly experienced outdoor professionals (Mountain Leaders or Mountaineering Instructors)
- Group safety equipment as required
- Route planning and decision-making
- Camp selection and low-impact guidance
- Pre-trip joining instructions and kit advice
Printable checklist
If you prefer to work from paper, a printable equipment checklist is available here:
Final note
These lists are intended as guidance rather than rigid rules. Conditions, course aims and personal preferences vary, and we’re always happy to discuss equipment choices before your trip.