You needn't worry about having to spend a fortune kitting yourself out for the expedition, although good quality kit is clearly better than cheap and cheerful. Spend as much as you can afford on your boots and on your waterproof coat and kecks - the rest you can take a view on.

Clothing

The weather will be variable: often hot during the day, but with potential to become cold and stormy quickly. It's not unknown to snow in the summer.

Lots of thin layers rather than a few thick ones are the order of the day. On anything other than hot days you should wear a lightweight shirt of a 'wicking' fabric such as polyester, capilene or poly-propylene, all of which move the sweat away from the body. Lightweight shorts or kecks next, then a double-skinned jacket consisting of a removable inner fleece and a breathable waterproof outer with hood.

Avoid heavy cotton or denim and don't forget a hat, gloves and sun glasses. Overtrousers should have slits for pocket access and long leg zips so that you can pull 'em over your boots easily.

Bring a pair of lightweight shoes or trainers, too. It's good to get out of your boots and the refugios in which we'll stay usually insist on you taking your boots off.

And if your boots are off, of course, that leaves your socks.Believe it or not, the best ones get more comfortable after a day or two of wear. Who cares if they ming? Buy ones with 70-80% wool, free of ridged seams in the heels and toes.

Backpack

Half of us will be carrying tents (although it may be fair to share the weight with your tent-mate), but in any event we'll need backpacks with between 45 and 90 litres' capacity. You know the golden rule: lay everything you think you need on the bed then halve it. So, if you buy a gratuitously large rucksack, the temptation will be to fill it. Think carefully about how much you need.

Tell the store staff where you're going, what you'll be doing and what your budget is and they'll advise you on the right type of rucksack for your needs.

Sleeping bag and mat

Sleeping on hard rock is no fun after an 8 hour hike at altitude so get yourself a good sleeping mat - it'll insulate you from the cold. Inflatable ones are best. Buy a silk sleeping bag inner to help keep your bag clean (they're lightest). As for your sleeping bag, it's back to budget and use: if this is the only hike you'll ever take there's no point in going for competition-class gear.

By the same token you don't want to be caught out with an underperforming bag 8,500 feet above sea level in a snow-covered valley whilst your mate snores and farts in merry comfort next to you. Again, ask the shop staff - they'll know the score.

Walking poles

You might want to consider a pair of lightweight telescopic poles. They help your balance and ease the pressure on your joints (especially your knees) during steep descents. You'll curse yourself on day four if you don't...

Sun protection

Okay, so you may look a right dope in a wide-brimmed hat halfway up a mountain, but it sure beats a sun-burnt bonce. Same goes for smearing yourself in factor 20: reflected light off the snow, wet rocks and water can turn you into a lobster in no time.

Health & safety

The two worst words in the English language, in our view - except, of course, when you're up a mountain.

If you're in reasonable nick (fit, but not super-fit) the worst you're likely to suffer is nothing more than a gippy tum. So, don't be alarmed - just be aware.

Get yourself an E111 form from the post office - it'll get you free treatment in Spanish state-run hospitals and GP surgeries. Over and above this, you should take out a travel insurance policy that covers you for mountain trekking.

As for getting yourself in shape, the trip will be demanding if you're unfit (and it'll take away much of the enjoyment if you're on your last legs), so get yourself in some shape. We're not talking 5-times-a -week-gym-fit, just able to cope with 5-7 hours a day walking at various paces and gradients with a rucksack on your back. Take a vigorous walk of an hour, 3 times per week at least, preferably at a gradient, plus the odd yomp up Snowdon and the job's a good 'un.

A full MANDATORY safety briefing will be provided prior to the trip, along with a full checklist of everything you'll need to bring. We will have a qualified first-aider with us and a full mountain first-aid kit.