In reply to AndyE9:
My tuppence worth! Take it all with a pinch of salt, each person has their own methods, best knowing them then making your own choice.
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> have a few questions , hope some of you could advise
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> how much should i spend on gloves for climbing in scotland ? i have to budget as i have a long list of kit , but want a reasonable pair which don't cost a fortune ?? any recommendations ??
I carry 4 pairs, one light fleecy thing (£1 decathlon,) for the walk in as I find i need something and my hands are sweaty, so don't want to wear another. Two climbing pairs, at the moment I recommend:
http://www.dortechdirect.co.uk/window-accessories/Thermal_Gloves.html if they have run out, try ebay. I used them last week and they were great. (more expensive pairs wear out quickly to be worth the price, these ones have a higher cuff than the dickies, so win.) Two pairs as when sweaty on lead, gloves get wet, then cold, so just swap gloves (about 4 pitches.) And a pair of belay mitts cos climbing gloves aren't warm enough for standing around in (take em off, stick them in your baselayer to keep warm, put the mitts on.) Dachsteins, are good for this, but you have mitts already...
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> for a first winter out how on nevis , how many ice screws should i consider taking ? ? would like to have ago on a few gullies ??
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I wouldn't start on Nevis, somewhere like the Northern Corries is a far friendlier place to move slow on, learn to mixed climb etc... then go to the ben for the big routes when you are up to speed.
> is it worth getting gators? and is there much diff from cheap ones to the not so cheap , have seen a few on ebay thought they might do , but was unsure ?
Up to you though if you don't have an internal gaiter I'd say use some, I use cheap ones, but I wallow in snow quite a lot.
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> lastly there will be two of us , is a group shelter best or is it better to get single shelter bags.. ?
Group shelter without a doubt. £25 from go outdoors.
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> thanks guys , you advice will really help ..
When are you up? It sounds like you'd both benefit from climbing for a day with someone that has been out before. Post on here if you know the dates and see if you can bribe someone with beer, etc...