What to wear and what to carry in winter on Ben Nevis

Mike Pescod, chief mountain guide for 20 years at Abacus Mountain Guides, tells us what to wear and what to carry in winter on a walk up Ben Nevis.
The weather is pretty tough and it is so important to have the right kit. Knowing what to wear and what equipment to take with you is crucial to having a good time.
For winter walking in Scotland, winter skills courses, winter munro bagging and for Ben Nevis in winter, here is what you need to know.

[@grahamhaines9931]

Excellent no nonsense video that covers what you need in winter in Scotland on the mountains.

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Thanks Graham.

[@inexorablx]

Great video, simple and straightforward with an emphasis on the essentials.

[@derricksinfield6477]

Great advice thank you 😊 👍🏼

[@markthomasson5077]

I would have a PLB (personal locator beacon), or at least one per group. I only got this when Covid made me take rescue more serious, so make it easy for them....and you.

[@wandering_not_lost]

Water and snacks needed

[@DSC69]

Good info Mike, clean and simple, like it. No water though? would you replace water with a hot drink or carry both? Do you still use those industrial waterproof gloves? I'm missing Scotland this season. Maybe see you next year

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Staying well hydrated is very important. I just carry a litre of warm joice in a nalgene bottle and I drink plenty before and afterwards. So, some water/juice as well as a flask is a good idea.

[@TBKR90]

Thanks for your tips! I’m hiking Nevis Solo in a few weeks & heavy snow is expected so these will come in handy. Is there any particular route up Nevis you’d recommend during the snow? I’m a fairly experienced hiker but probably wouldn’t want to risk taking a more dangerous route up during snow 🥶

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

The trail from Glen Nevis is the standard route. Sometimes called the Pony Track.

[@davidferrier5355]

Many thanks for posting such vital advice. How large and heavy is your rucksack , where can I obtain small pocket maps. I have O.S. maps down-loads on both mobile and I. pad, also the conventional map of Ben Nevis, however it is unwieldy in windy conditions. Your help is greatly appreciated. Ps, I am old with dodgy knees!

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

My rucksack is 45ltrs and very light. It's an Arcteryx Alpha FL. For maps, I print them off using the OS downloads or the subscription service. Hope this helps.

[@davidferrier5355]

@@abacusmountainguides3295 Thank you for replying so promptly. Kind regards, David Ferrier.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Great video. Thank you. Please can you tell me the name of your jacket? I'm in a real rabbit hole. I'm looking for a light weight outer shell for all four seasons for long distant hiking in the mountains. Do you recommend pit zips?

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Hi Imran, pit zips can be pretty handy to regulate your temperature but I don't find them essential. Try the Jöttnar Asmund or Jormun, both are great.

[@mogsternut1]

Jacket brand/tips? For a rain type jacket and another recommended point for down light jacket? Budget friendly? I have between £150-£200 prefer Gore-Tex type rain jacket and the puffer whatever options exist

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Jottnar makes excellent outdoor clothing and some really good warm mid-layers. Check out what they have for puffer jackets. If you are working on a budget try Decathlon.

[@beetleything1864]

I like a tin of soup - pots and pans and a stove in case i get peckish..... oh and another pair of gloves........

[@peterevans8194]

Out of curiousity, what's the mobile coverage like around Ben Nevis? If somebody does get into trouble and needs assistance from the MRT, any idea what's the typical response time from the team being scrambled to reaching a casualty?

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Good questions. Mobile phone coverage is quite good on the regular routes all over Ben Nevis. It will take up to four or even five hours for the rescue team to arrive from the time you call 999, if you are near the summit. If they don't know where you are it will take longer

[@peterevans8194]

@@abacusmountainguides3295 Thanks for taking the time to reply...Over the years, I have spent a lot of time up in the mountains of Scotland deer stalking, but have never been to Ben Nevis. I have also spent a lot of time in walking in Snowdonia (near where I live) getting my fitness up ready for our trips north but nothing really prepares you for the remoter areas of Scotland especially the extremes of weather you guys get...

[@ravey1981]

what the point in having a helmet if its in your bag?

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Absolutely right. Heads are perfect helmet holders!

[@KinGRageBJA]

What backpack is that /model/litre is that, cant seem to find it

[@robbiefowler4278]

looks like a Arc'teryx Alpha FL bag - not sure on size, seen Matt Grom from epic tv use one that looks near enough identical

[@funkysquirrel3120]

No brandy?

[@hairymotter5455]

Trainers, jeans and a can of coke are quite adequate

[@markthomasson5077]

Aussies would wear shorts and thongs.

[@oleggorky906]

@@markthomasson5077 what, even on a jolly jape of a climb up Mount Kosciusko in July? :P

[@Andy-Mc]

@@markthomasson5077 and a can of Fosters

[@Frillar]

no water????

[@mbubbles4808]

Do you need grampons on your hiking boots

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Yes, when there is snow on the ground you should have crampons with you and boots suitable for the crampons.

[@scottconlon5124]

Cotton next to skin first THEN wool

[@abacusmountainguides3295]

Hi Scott, I don't agree. Cotton next to your skin gets wet from sweat and then stays wet and feels cold for a long time. I recommend a wool or polyester base layer, and to avoid cotton completely.

[@peterevans8194]

@@abacusmountainguides3295 I am pretty sure the vast majority of experienced outdoor people would agree with no cotton against the skin, but the various Scandinavian army's used cotton for many many years! I was also given a couple of cotton "union suits" from a Canadian friend and they are brilliant...Apparently they are favoured by Canadian farmers who have to work outside in extreme winter cold...I still tend to use synthetic base layers but really would be like to get a union suit in synthetic....

[@peepsibhoy]

train ticket for a safe place to go.