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I'm just telling you what I've learned from fifty years of trogging, ski touring and climbing around Scotland
Scotroutes might be rude but despite all that experience you're still wrong if you think clothes will make a difference in a potentially fatal slide.
Don't be put off by the scare stories. There are a lot of Munros that are very straightforward in winter and shouldn't pose any problems as long as you're fit, can navigate and have some common sense.
I meant to post something along those lines a while back but got distracted by disagreeing with people. 🙂
Yes it can be a harsh environment but there are plenty of munros that are really straightforward.
Well aside from the usual bickering there is some good info on here.
Where you are going will make a huge difference to what you need. A little bimble up Ben Chonzie is very different to a traverse of the Cuillin!
I'll stay out of the fabric discussion, as long as you have a thermal layer and a windproof layer you should be OK.
Instead of crampons use these: [url= http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/footwear.aspx/snow-grips/black/yaktrax/pro-snow-grips-medium/20234300002?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=google_merchant_centre&gclid=cmdaxpu0t8mcfvdhtaodbg8aow#.VMk3O9KsUdo ]Yaktrax[/url] If you are going anywhere where these are out of their depth, then it's probable you are out of your depth. They won't work on steep ice, but then you shouldn't really be on that on your first day anyway. To put it into context, I've been on the Munros pretty much every weekend in the snow and I've not put crampons on yet this year. You also won't trip over them. They tend to be sneered at by proper mountaineers, but they are genuinely brilliant. They'll also fit on your usual boots.
By all means take an axe and practice using it, but don't leash it to yourself. If you fall, you'll probably drop it and the leash just means it'll flail around your head as you fall. If you are falling and let go of your axe the further away you are from 3 pointy bits the better!
As other have said, spare hats, gloves and head torch. Also worth taking a hot lunch in a food flask - frozen sandwiches are rubbish. If you use a camelback, then blow the water back after drinking - it will freeze in the tube.
Hope that helps!
Skiing At Glencoe this week, I had 4 thin thermal layers, a fleecy jumper, paclight duvet jacket and a windproof on top. Trousers were running type not unlike cycling longs with windproofs on top.
it was just right for the stop start aspect of skiing. If walking I could reduce some of them, but they would come with me for stopping as I get cold quick.
Yep, Head Torch and real sleeping bag with waterproof plastic bag, spare gloves etc. Hot flask.