National Three Peaks Challenge - Kit Lists

3 PEAKS CHALLENGE KIT LIST

When on the 3 Peaks Challenge you should have one kit bag that keeps all your items together on the bus, and your rucksack for the hill. Space is precious on the bus and it is essential that you are organised — disorganisation costs time! Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only that which is essential for the challenge:

On the hill:

• Rucksack. 25 litre capacity is ideal.
• Water-proof rucksack liner Water-proofing from within is more effective than without. A heavy duty bin liner or survival bag will suffice. Reliable, high quality rucksack liners can be purchased cheaply from Army Surplus Stores.
• Walking boots  Must be broken in and have sufficient ankle support. Poor quality boots can compromise your safety and your participation in the event. Each mountain has short sections of rough, steep or bouldery terrain. Boots are like car tyres – don’t economise! Spare laces also recommended.
• Water-proofs  Fully water-proof jacket (with hood) and trousers. Gore-Tex, eVent, Paramo or similar perform best. Older ‘non-breathable’ fabrics perform adequately but are uncomfortable when the body is active. All three mountains are on the Western seaboard of the UK and bear the brunt of the prevailing weather. Storms and wintery conditions are common.
• Other clothing: Medium-weight fleece, gloves, hat, shirts/t-shirts to be worn against the skin should be made from a ‘wicking’ material such as polyester. Many natural fibres absorb moisture which, when cooled rapidly, can lead to hypothermia. Trekking trousers/leggings. Walking socks, lining socks, suitable underwear; sun hat; neck scarf (Buff or similar, versatile in all weathers), sunglasses.
• Hydration Carry 2 litres of water per mountain. Bladder system highly recommended. Otherwise any suitable water bottle.
• Walking Poles Not necessary, but highly recommended. Particularly helpful in descent, poles aid balance and reduce the stress on the ankle, knee and hip joints. Slow progress due to joint pain in descent is a frequent problem on 3 Peaks Challenges.
• Head torch LED style preferably, with spare batteries and bulb if necessary.
• Personal Medikit. Sunblock, blister plasters (Compeed or equivalent), painkillers, Tubigrip/supports as required. You should also carry any medication you require for pre-existing health problems (e.g. Asthma inhaler, Insulin). Your guide will carry a full first aid kit.
• Food Choose high calorie, low bulk items that you know you can eat on the hill. Flapjacks, Malt Loaf, cereal bars, nuts and dried fruits provide slow release energy without the spike & crash effects of chocolate and energy drinks.
• Mobile Phone containing emergency contact numbers, guide’s phone number and driver’s phone number. Keep in a plastic bag.
• Camera/memory card/batteries – At least one among the group.
• Whistle

On the bus:

• Large holdall
• Spare clothes and shoes to change into between mountains & after the challenge.
• Sleeping bag and pillow to make yourself comfortable on the mini bus. Sleeping bag may also be required in certain types of accommodation.
• Wash kit
• Food To aid recovery and boost endurance it’s recommended that you consume complex carbohydrates soon after exercise. A pasta-, rice- or potato-based meal is ideal. Fell runners swear by rice pudding for afters!
• Cash We will stop at services en route and for breakfast after the challenge.
• Entertainment It’s a long drive from Fort William to The Lake District.