Kit List for Mountain Challenge Events

Kit list for Mountain Challenge Events

This is a suggested kit list of clothing and equipment to wear and take on a mountain challenge event in the UK, such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge or the National Three Peaks. We have provided links to certain items for illustration and further information. This does not mean that these items will suit everyone in all circumstances, but they are examples of good quality equipment.

There are three essential items which everyone should always have:

• Walking boots (which come up above the ankle).
• Waterproof jacket.
• Head-torch.

Other items to wear/carry will depend on the weather conditions on the day:

• Good weather forecast (e.g. clear skies, sunny):
  • Wear:
    • Walking boots (that are tried and tested).
    • Light trousers/leggings/shorts.
    • Sports top or base layer – something that will remove moisture, so a synthetic or synthetic/wool blend, not a cotton T-Shirt. (“Cotton kills”.)
    • Sun hat.
  • Carry (in 15-20 litre rucksack):
    • Water – 2 litres. Don’t carry less.
    • Food – the best things are snacks that you can eat on the go, or very quickly, e.g. cereal bars, sandwiches, cake, chocolate etc.
    • Sun cream.
    • Sun glasses.
    • Head-torch.
    • One warm layer – e.g. a fleece – in case of chill on top of hills.
    • Waterproof jacket (just in case).
    • Small first aid kit – NB blister treatment and any regular medication and mild painkillers (e.g. Ibuprofen).
    • Mobile phone (and camera).
    • Map & compass.
    • Walking poles (optional, if you already use them/like them).
    • WAG Bag for toilet waste.

• Bad weather forecast: (low cloud, persistent rain, perhaps steady wind):
  • Wear:
    • Walking boots (that are tried and tested).
    • Light trousers/leggings/shorts.
    • Sports top or base layer – something that will remove moisture, so synthetic or synthetic/wool blend, not a cotton T-Shirt. (“Cotton kills”.)
    • Warm layer – e.g. fleece.
    • Waterproof trousers.
    • Waterproof jacket.
    • Warm hat.
  • Carry (in 15-20 litre rucksack):
    • Water – 2 litres. This is probably sufficient.
    • Food – the best thing are snacks that you can eat on the go, or very quickly, e.g. cereal bars, sandwiches, cake, chocolate etc.
    • Head-torch.
    • Gloves.
    • Spare warm layer.
    • Small first aid kit – NB blister treatment and any regular medication and mild painkillers (e.g. Ibuprofen).
    • Mobile phone (and camera).
    • Map & compass.
    • Walking poles (optional, if you already use them/like them).
    • WAG Bag for toilet waste.

If you would like further information, advice and tips (including about training) for the Y3P then our main advice page is here.

General mountain walking in all conditions, when speed and light weight are not the main factors, requires different equipment. Our general kit list for more varied mountain walking can be found here.