The general advice is pack kit that prepares you for any weather. Exactly what gets packed each day will be dependent on the planned route and weather forecast but you should have the items listed to choose from each day.

 

It is advisable to dress in 3 layers which enables better control of your body tempertaure. A base layer (close to skin), mid layer (to add warmth) and outer shell (waterproof and wind resistant). Layers can be taken off when you are walking up hill and getting hot. Layers can be added when taking a break to admire the view, if the wind picks up or in the evenings when it will be cooler. Avoid cotton, especially next to the body, because it does not wick moisture, leaving damp cotton next to your skin.

 

Although it will be cold it may also be very sunny, so think about wearing clothing that offers protection against the sun and the glare ie long sleeves and a hat. Better something that offers protection that can be taken off (for the sun tan), than something that doesn't provide any protection when/if it is needed.

 

If you have a kit shop near where you live, they will be able to offer good advice about choice of products even if you then buy the kit online.

 

Clothing

Walking socks and underwear.

Base layer- thermal or wicking type underclothing ie t-shirt or shirt, ideally not cotton.

Insulating layers – a warm fleece or equivalent

Lightweight quick drying walking trousers.

Spare fleece or insulating jacket

Lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers in case it rains and to act as windproof shell. If you are wearing ski trousers you you will not need waterproof trousers.

Gaiters which are worn round the lower leg to keep snow out of boots. If you are wearing ski pants you may not need gaiters.

Sun hat and sunglasses. Wrap around glasses/glacier glasses are best.

Sunscreen (high factor at least 30 recommended) for skin and also lips

Thin gloves.

Fleece hat or equivalent.

Change of clothes and footwear for the accommodation. Lightweight footwear such as flip flops or Crocs type footwear.

 

Equipment and Food

Walking boots with good ankle support and grip on the sole. They need to be 'worn in' ie not brand new. This does not mean you wore them around the house for a week.

Water bottle. 1 litre size minimum. Plastic drinking bottles are ok. In very cold weather the drinking tube used with a hydration 'camel back' system can freeze. Bring a bottle as back up.

A flask to fill with a hot drink that can be made in the morning at the accommodation. Total liquids to equal 1 litre minimum.

Snack food for 'in between meal' energy boosts. Jelly babies, nuts, dried fruit, meusli bars etc whatever 'works' for you.

A sealable plastic container to put your packed lunch in.

Lunch.

'Blister kit.' Your own small, group first aid kit. To include things like plasters and 'second skin' to help with blisters

Camera

Insurance documents and passport. Photocopies are acceptable.

Survival bag (one per person). Large plastic bag big enough for a person to fit inside.

Small head torch for evenings.

Rucksac for everything to fit in. 35/40 litres should be big enough. It should have straps on the outside (or a lid) so that you can carry the snowshoes if needed leaving your hands free.

Rucksac liner/dry bag to fit inside rucksac to keep all items you are carrying dry if it rains.

Whistle to draw attention to yourself if you are seperated from the group.

Ear plugs. There WILL be someone who snores ! Essential if sleeping in dorm style accommodation.

Wash kit and towell.

Walking poles. Help a lot with ascents and descents. Two ie a pair, are better than one. Fit them with large 'baskets'.

Small pocket knife.

Snowshoes*

Shovel*

Avalanche probe*

Avalanche tranceiver*

 

* These items can be hired from Pyrenees Mountain Adventure.