Useful Bits and Pieces
Navigation
While every self-respecting NMC member can locate the nearest pub, pointing yourself in the right direction on featureless terrain is always an advantage... so with this in mind, 2004 saw the club engage in some tactical navigation training. A mixture of classroom sessions, weekend trips to Exmoor and Wales, and an eye-opening night navigation exercise on Snelsmore Common has ensured that club members are fully proficient with map and compass and can tell their resections from their re-entrants.
Click here for details of the material covered in the classroom sessions. There are also trip reports from the navigation-based weekends in Exmoor and the Elan Valley.
Thanks to Gavin, Michael and Mick for the work they put in to these sessions.
Dave W and Gavin on the Dome du Miage, 2004
Trip Tips
New to NMC? First weekend trip? We've already given you an idea of what to expect... but what do you need to bring with you? Below is a list of essential and useful equipment. (Don't worry, there's no need to rush out and spend a fortune in the nearest gear shop if you don't have everything - quite often it's possible to borrow things from other people.)
Essentials:
Sleeping bag (the warmer the better - definitely at least a 3-season for camping trips)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Food and drink (at least enough for breakfasts and packed lunches; check trip details for evening meal plans)
Day pack
Water bottle
Useful items (depending on the season/planned activity):
Tent
Thermarest
Cooking equipment (anything from a disposable barbecue to a one-pot stove to the camping equivalent of an Aga...)
Suncream
Midge repellent (especially in Scotland in July)
Hat
Thermals
Map (of the area where you're going, obviously...)
Compass
Whistle
Gaiters
Survival bag
Walking poles
Climbing gear
Earplugs (for those communal bunkhouse rooms!)
Beer money
Sense of humour...