Essential Safety Equipment.

*You should carry a map and compass and be able to use them.

*You should carry a torch with a spare battery.

*A whistle or mobile phone can be very useful for getting help in an emergency.

*In Winter- mountain boots, ice axes, crampons and torch are essential.

*The body uses more energy to keep warm in winter so carry a hot drink and plenty of high energy food.

Weather and Planning
The weather in Snowdonia can change very quickly. Conditions on the tops are often more severe than in the valleys.

Plan your route carefully taking account of the weather conditions and the ability of all members of your group.

Do not be over ambitious- allow one hour for every 4km (2.5 miles) and add one hour for every 500m (1,500 ft ) of ascent, with extra time added for stops for rest and food breaks.

Set off in plenty of time to complete the walk in daylight. Snowdonia darkness is very very dark, there is little ambient light un like urban areas, makes for good star gazing.

What to do in an emergency.
If you are delayed ( for example, you have descended into the wrong valley) inform your base or the police as quickly as possible so that the mountain rescue team is not called out unnecessarily.
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If you have to help a casualty first make sure you are safe. Give first aid if necessary; make sure breathing is unobstructed; dress wounds to prevent bleeding; keep casualty warm, sheltered and safe from further injury.

Get Help. Dial 999 and ask for North Wales Police> Mountain Rescue, it is not un-know to be in contact with the Irish police!.
Give as many details as possible including a grid reference if known. If using a mobile keep it switched on but save battery power by not talking all the time, texts often get out when there is not a signal for speach.

If help arrives by helicopter secure all loose items, clothing, rucksacks etc. Do not approach the aircraft unless told to by the crew.

Safety Checklist.

*Wear suitable clothing
*Warm layers with a waterproof outer layer
*Boots with a good deep tread, Vibram treads are good.
*Hat, gloves and spare warm clothing
*Rucksack- to carry food, a warm drink, a torch and a map and compass.
*Use a weather forecast see this link
*Leave details of your intended route and the time you expect to be back
*Know where you are and how to give a grid reference - if you dont book on to one our snowdonia adventures navigation courses
*Know what to do in an emergency
*Keep together.

In Winter
*Wear winter weight boots
*Extra warm clothing essential
*Make sure you have enough time and daylight
*Carry extra food
*Carry an ice axe and crampons and know how to use them
*Carry a torch

Optional extras

GPS, and the know how on how to use it

Walking Poles
Winter - ice axe and crampons
Hydration bag, platypus, H2O or

Mountain Rescue.
Every year there are about 250 reported accidents in Snowdonia. This involves the mountain rescue teams in an enormous amount of difficult and dangerous work which they do voluntarily. They respond to genuine emergencies in all weathers, day and night.

Mountain rescue is funded almost entirely by voluntary donations. Your donation could help save a life.

If you have any queries regarding the equipment list please do not hesitate to contact us.