Equipment needed
Equipment needed for Outdoor Education programmes
Students enrolling on the Outdoor Education programmes must appreciate that there is the likelihood that extra expenditure may be needed for certain items of equipment if you do not already own them. The list that follows is merely intended as a guide to what you might need at different points in the programme. We realise that everyone has their own preferences, many prospective students will already own much equipment, and many will have a great deal of experience using it. If in doubt, please seek advice from University staff or other students when you join the programme. The progressive nature of the programmes mean that not all the equipment will be required at the start. The following is a guide as to when certain activities will take place:
Level 1, Semester 1: Rock climbing; Kayaking, Orienteering, Mountain Day, Adventurous Activities (eg Gorge walk, John Muir Award, Orienteering, Mountain biking), fieldwork (woodland, sand dunes)
Level 1, Semester 2: Mountain walking (ML Training for those with 20 quality days, including wild camping); further Rock climbing OR Kayaking; fieldwork in upland environment.
Level 2, Semester 1: Rock climbing, Kayaking and optional activity (eg John Muir Award, Orienteering, Mountain biking)
Level 2, Semester 2: Winter Mountaineering, Skiing, Caving, fieldwork (forests, upland river)
Level 3, Semester 1: Outdoor Education Placement
Level 3, Semester 2: Outdoor Pursuits Assessment: Mountain Walking (optional ML or WGL Assessment includes wild camping); and Rock climbing (SPA); or Kayaking (FSRT, 2*/3* or a BCU Coach award).
As you might expect, there is a good market on campus in second hand equipment among past and present students. It may be a good idea to wait until you have met staff and 2nd and 3rd year students before rushing out to buy expensive new gear which may not be the most suitable. If in doubt, wait and take advice. There just may be someone selling exactly what you need second hand for less that half the new price.
EQUIPMENT LIST
Mountain Activities
Mountain boots (either one pair usable for summer and winter mountaineering, or buy a second pair for winter (which may be plastic, have stiff soles, at least 3/4 shank) and can take crampons and are suitable to climbing to Gd II Scottish. Winter boots not needed until Level 2, semester 2.
Waterproof jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
Waterproof overtrousers
Rucsac (65 litre +, suitable for at least 3 day expeditions)
Sleeping Bag (3-4 season)
Karrimat or thermarest (some karrimats can be loaned from our stores)
Emergency bivvy bag (goretex or similar useful but not essential, orange poly bag essential)
First Aid Kit
Compass (suitable for ML work) with whistle attached
Head torch
Watch (water resistant, must have a second hand and/or stop watch) for micro-navigation.
Personal mountain clothing: thermal gloves; windproof mitts; thermal vest (s); long johns; balaclava; wool socks; gaiters
Rock climbing boots
Map: at least 1:25 000 Outdoor Leisure Sheet 17 and Landranger 1: 50 000 Sheet 115 Snowdon & Surrounding area. These are essential for ML training in February and also useful for independent trips out with other students/friends. Maps of the Lake District and Peak District (both within 2 hrs drive of Liverpool are also useful if you have them).
Optional Equipment which The University can loan students when required:
Tent; Stove; Rock climbing harness; Ropes; Leader racks; Climbing Helmet; Ice Axe; Crampons
Kayaking (starts Level 1, Semester 1 and continues through into Level 2)
Wet suit (desirable but not essential, alternative thermal long johns & top + fleece)
Wet suit boots (or wool socks and old trainers)
Anorak or cagoule suitable for watersports
Swim wear
Fleece or close fitting wool sweater
Optional Equipment which The University can loan students when required:
Helmet ; Buoyancy Aid; Spray Deck; Paddles; Kayak
Personal Equipment Storage: There is a room in Holmfield House basement, next to the ski and rock store, on campus to store personal equipment (eg kayaks, bikes etc). However, the room is not heated and we do not insure against theft/damage, but the room is locked and secure (no windows) and a key to this room is held at the Swimming pool reception (you need to show your student card to borrow it). This room is for use by outdoor education students only.
The Canoe stores on campus contain all our kayaks and kayaking equipment. These are locked when not in use and keys are kept by Barry Forrester & Dave Hardy (Lecturers i/c Canoe Stores) and by one appointed 2nd year Student Technician who assists with looking after the stores. If you wish to bring your own kayak and keep it in the stores you should have a word with either Dave, Barry or the Student Technician.
Caving (Level 2, Semester 2)
Old clothes
Wellies (these can be hired)
Caving suit (can be hired for ~£10 for the 5-day course)
NB. Caving Lamps, belts, helmets are hired for you by the University
Skiing (Level 2, Semester 2)
Equipment can be loaned by the University (or hired by us if we do not have boots to fit you). Students who own downhill skiing equipment may wish to use it at Level 2. Seek advice from University staff first. Most sensible mountaineering clothing can be suitably adapted to ski-wear.
Other useful equipment
Camera; clipboard; unbreakable thermos flask; water bottle (eg Sigg) or drinking system (eg. Platypus, Source, Camelback); day sac – 30-40 litres; tracksuit; trainers; waterproof map case.
When you enrol on the programme you will be given a student handbook which gives details of local equipment suppliers inthe North-west and discounts we have arranged with some of them.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
If you decide to choose options which lead to training or assessment courses for National Governing Body Awards (e.g Mountain Leader Taining/Assessment; Single Pitch Award Training/Assessment), although the University heaviliy subsidises these costs wherepossibe, there is normally an additional cost to cover the higher students:staff ratios necssary for these training and assesment courses. Further information on these costs is available to prospective students on request.
