Bringing the right kit is essential for staying safe and comfortable on UBES trips. You do not need to own everything yourself — members can borrow a wide range of equipment from UBES, subject to availability.
Trip Leaders will send any trip-specific requirements before departure, but the lists below provide a good general guide.
Weekend Trip Kit List
Essential Equipment
- Sleeping bag – often available to borrow from UBES
- Sleeping mat – often available to borrow from UBES; bring one even if the accommodation has bunks unless told otherwise
- Day rucksack – approximately 20–40L
- Plastic survival bag – available to buy from UBES
- Head torch – available to buy from UBES
- Small first aid kit
- Lunch container – such as a reusable sandwich box
- Extra snacks and emergency food
- Water bottle(s) – enough to carry approximately 1L of water
- Dry bags, plastic bags or a rucksack cover – to keep spare clothing dry
Head torches and plastic survival bags are not normally available to borrow, but can be bought cheaply from UBES. See our Costs & Financial Support page for current prices.
Clothing
- Walking boots with ankle support
- Walking socks
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Base layer – avoid cotton where possible
- Warm layer, such as a fleece
- Spare warm layer
- Walking trousers, leggings or tracksuit trousers – not jeans
- Hat and gloves
- Dry clothes for the evening
In general, avoid cotton and denim for hill days because they retain water and dry slowly. Layers are much easier to adjust as conditions change.
Climbing Trips
For climbing trips, you may also need:
- Comfortable clothing suitable for climbing
- Climbing shoes, if you own them
- Any other personal climbing equipment you have and are competent to use
UBES has climbing equipment available for members, including harnesses, shoes, ropes and other technical equipment. Some equipment can only be borrowed by people who have demonstrated that they can use it safely.
Useful Extras
- Walking poles
- Gaiters
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Buff or scarf
- Mobile phone
- Lightweight towel, particularly if you are planning some lake bagging
- Camera
UBES provides ice axes and crampons free of charge to members on trips where they are required. If you have your own suitable equipment, you may be asked to bring it.
For the Evening
- ID if you expect to visit a pub
- Games or other entertainment
- Anything else you would like for the evening
For more general advice on staying warm and dry in the mountains, see the British Mountaineering Council’s mountain clothing guidance.
Backpacking & Expeditions
Backpacking trips require some additional equipment because you will normally be carrying your accommodation, food and cooking equipment with you. Exact requirements vary considerably between trips, so always follow the kit list provided by your Trip Leader.
You generally need less spare clothing than you might expect, but it is important to have at least one dry set of clothes available if everything else gets wet.
Additional Personal Equipment
- Larger rucksack – usually around 60–70L, depending on the trip
- Waterproof rucksack cover and/or dry bags
- Water capacity of approximately 2–3L
- Water purification tablets or a suitable water filter where required
- Sleeping bag appropriate for the expected overnight temperatures
- Sleeping mat
- Mug
- Cooking/eating container or lightweight pan
- Cutlery or spork
- Small repair kit – for example duct tape, safety pins and spare laces
- Penknife or multitool where appropriate
- Whistle
- Lightweight spare shoes or sandals for camp
- Lightweight travel towel
Personal Care
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sun cream
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitiser
- Toilet roll
- Soap or other lightweight washing supplies where appropriate
- Insect repellent where required
- Any personal medication
Travel & Electronics
For overseas expeditions, remember any travel-specific items required for the destination.
- Passport and any required travel documents
- Travel insurance details
- Travel confirmations or tickets
- Appropriate payment methods
- Phone and charger
- Plug adapter where required
- Portable battery pack if useful
Group Equipment
Depending on the trip, UBES or the expedition group may organise shared equipment such as:
- Tents
- Camping stoves
- Group first aid kit
- Group shelters
- Maps and navigation equipment
- Trowel and other camp equipment where required
Do not assume that you need to purchase group equipment yourself. The Trip Leader will confirm what is being provided and what each participant needs to bring.
Backpacking Food
Backpacking food needs to provide plenty of energy without adding unnecessary weight. Foods that are calorie-dense, easy to prepare and that you actually enjoy eating are usually the best choice.
Useful principles include:
- Choose foods with a good calorie-to-weight ratio
- Include sources of carbohydrate, protein and fat rather than relying entirely on sugary snacks
- Choose meals that require little cooking to reduce fuel use
- Carry plenty of quick snacks for eating throughout the day
- Consider wraps or other durable foods rather than bulky bread
- Remember that appetite can increase significantly during consecutive long mountain days
Trip-specific food arrangements will be explained before departure.
For more detailed guidance, you can also view the 2024 Backpacking Seminar slides.
Buying Equipment
You do not need to spend a large amount of money on outdoor equipment before joining UBES. Borrowing club kit is a good way to get started and work out what equipment is worth buying for yourself.
UBES may also arrange equipment discount opportunities during the year. Details of these will be published on the UBES calendar when available.
Borrowing Kit from UBES
Paid UBES members can borrow club equipment throughout the year, including for their own outdoor trips where appropriate and subject to availability.
Our equipment includes items such as:
- Tents and sleeping mats
- Camping stoves
- Maps and guidebooks
- Ice axes and crampons
- Climbing harnesses and shoes
- Ropes and technical climbing equipment
There is normally no charge to borrow UBES equipment. Some technical equipment is restricted to members who have demonstrated the appropriate knowledge and experience to use it safely.
Looking After Club Kit
UBES equipment is shared between a large number of members and is frequently needed for upcoming Society trips. Please treat borrowed equipment carefully and return it clean, complete and by the agreed time.
Our Gear Officers are volunteers and give a significant amount of their time to organising, checking and maintaining the Society’s equipment. Returning kit promptly and arranging collection or return at the agreed time helps keep this workload manageable and ensures equipment is available for the next people who need it.
If you realise that you will not be able to return something on time, please contact the Gear Officers as early as possible so alternative arrangements can be made.
If any item is damaged, lost or appears unsafe while you are using it, please let the Gear Officers know when you return it rather than putting it back into circulation.
