What to wear and what to carry on a walk up Ben Nevis

Many people climb Ben Nevis every year, but you should always be prepared for the conditions you will face with the appropriate knowledge and equipment. You need to know what to wear and what to c arry with you. The weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes, and it is always a lot colder, windier and wetter on the summit than in the glen.

There can be snow on the ground from September or October until well into July. We sometimes get snow falling on the summit in July and August! Or it might be sunny and hot.

In this video, Mike Pescod of Abacus Mountain Guides, shows us what to wear and what to carry with you on a walk up Ben Nevis.

[WilliamBell-tk]

I've been up Ben Nevis twice, once by the CMD. I had a bit of food and a waterproof. Oh and some sunblock, map and compass. That was it, lightweight and nothing more than the basics. If the weather looked dreadful, I wouldn't waste my time doing the walk. Bill

[josephbeadle]

mate, I respect you for saying about the food because I've been on trails and hikes and there always ends up being rubbish somewhere and it disheartens me and I appreciate that you took your time to say that about what u take up food-wise you take down thank you

[londonviking]

Mike was the guide for our London based group back in 21 May 2011 and I cant recommend him highly enough - We had a fantastic hike to the snowy top and weather turned for the worse. Felt safe all the way all due to Mike and his mountain experience.
Great to find you on Youtube Mike!

[jiylees]

Never be fooled by the weather at sea level. The day I climbed Ben Nevis it was around 26C at the base, people were sunbathing and swimming in the river to cool off. About a quarter of the way up a girl in our group had to turn back as she was in the the early stages of hypothermia and half our group went back with her as they were struggling with the cold. I should add that she was inadequately prepared and not dressed for the occasion. However the temperature and wind chill was insane. When we stopped for lunch I couldn’t bear to take my rucksack off as it was shielding me from the wind.
On the summit the snow almost reached the door of the emergency shelter. This was the middle of July.
I’ve climbed many mountains in Scotland and have always been amazed at how quickly the weather can change, so don’t get caught out.

[jaapvandermolen]

Very useful video. Waterproof trousers are indeed a must. Two weeks ago we climbed in sunny weather but ended up in a storm with heavy rain. My legs became wet and cold and I could hardly move them, so the descent was very difficult. We checked the weather conditions before, but we underestimated how fast the weather can change on Ben Nevis.

[chrissaltmarsh]

Grand advice.
I'd add a pair of goggles. In case the horizontal sleet comes in.
A small gas burner. A hot brew when needed is magic, wherever you are
And what I lerned walking in the snow in France - a good wine weighs no more that a bad wine.

[atrevor]

Thank you for your professional guidance.

[PYCR]

Thank you for the video 👏
Everyone needs s to carry their rubbish back down with them..🙏

[_kare_]

i loved what you said about bringing your rubbish down wirh you my time up ben lommond was great i went and took a seat on a rock and i noticed there was some old rusty aluminium cans and it upset me

[isthiify]

Top man thanks a lot for the indepth guidance

[QPatriot]

Planning on a hike to mount Ben Nevis and this video was what im looking for, thanks alot for sharing 😅

[skribbler]

I’m planning to do a solo hike there very soon so this information is very useful. Thank you! Subbed!

[desislavaandreeva]

Brilliant video! I'm planning to climb Ben Nevis in a few week's time, so your video is very helpful! Thank you for mentioning the rubbish collection! I hope more people will take your advice and keep the mountains clean!

[ajcoops]

Great review, I'm doing this trek next month so some great information 👍

[aquadude]

this is a big help i'm planning a trip up Ben Nevis in march with my father next year

[RobertMiller-yehm]

I done Ben Nevis me and my wife 5 yr ago I was 61 wife was 57 . Found it was a long walk to get started . However we done it with just jeans shirt trainers bottle of water, that was it . Was surprised how many people were on it hundreds. It was May when we done it .

[ipaales]

A great help for my hike up in May 2022 Thankyou

[GenesisPrime]

Just subbed, vid still helpin folk in 2024. Cheers bud

[tedmorris]

I'm bean on that pik one year ago with shoe's a steal cap. Big disaster felt for next couple of days. Not recommended to any one. View woz phenomenal, clear sky, beautiful in every corner. Love Scotland and Ben Nevis is my good time remainder, not often you can get clear sky over there...

[zakariarahman]

Planning on going wild camping in May (near Ben Nevis) . Travelling their by train from Manchester. Any suggestions on what I should bring / pack for 2 nights wild camping. Would be much appreciated!