General Equipment
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 , instore and online, for all camping and hiking supplies. This
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fit and quality.
This page provides general information on the basic equipment, including advice
on what to go for and what to avoid. Smaller, more specific equipment lists are given in each challenge section.
Footwear
The most important part of your equipment for these challenges, it certainly what
you wear on your feet. To some this is obvious, but a surprising number of people
climb in trainers. If you're considering the National
Three Peaks or the Yorkshire Three
Peaks, or certainly the Welsh 3000's, you need good solid walking boots.
They tend
to be quite expensive which might put some people off, but they last for a long
time if you take care of them.
Socks
Almost as important as your walking boots, is the socks that you wear inside them.
There is an older style thinking that wearing a normal fitted pair of socks, covered
by a larger pair, is effective at preventing blisters. This is not the case.
Provided the boots fit
correctly, a pair of walking socks will be infintely more
comfortable and should prevent any blisters. A pair of specially designed walking
socks will be very thick, with towelling on the inside, and a smooth outer layer.
Also take a spare pair with you up the mountain - if your socks should get wet,
they'll become uncomfortable to walk in.
Backpack
A small lightweight backpack needs to be taken on all the challenges listed, including
most single walks. In all I state a hydration pack - with a built in water bladder
and straw over the shoulder, generally with space to carry some kit and food.
Really down to personal choice, I recommend this style of backpack to keep your
hands free for balance or climbing at all times. It can also be seen as being more
productive as the user never needs to stop to get water out of the pack.
Emergencies
Possible emergency situations should be considered and planned for, and certain
kit should always be taken on a long distance hike, walk or endurance challenge
- everyone in the group should also know how to use the equipment.
- Map, even if you know the area well
- Compass
- Whistle
- First Aid kit
- Survival blanket
- Mobile phone
- Optionally: Headache tablets
- Optionally: Walking poles, if not already using them, to help with a sprained ankle
Ideally, you should also have someone in your group with good First Aid knowledge,
and you should all read up on what do to if someone collapses, falls, breaks something
or starts shaking. In an emergency you should dial 999, or 112, as soon as possible
and alert the Police.
If required, the emergency signal for help is six one-second long flashes in a row,
with all six repeated once a minute.
Communication should certainly be thought about beforehand if you'd like to ensure
that you're always able to contact the outside world. Mobile phone reception varies
greatly in mountain ranges and can be very unpredicatable.
Clothing
Varying greatly depending on the walkers preferences and the challenge being undertaken,
it is impossible to sum up clothing. Generally, most scenarios would call for lightweight
walking trousers, certainly not jeans, and perhaps a breathable sports top.
Depending how serious you are, you may consider a sports compression top - a tight
first layer to help protect against the elements. This can actually be your only
layer if the weather's reasonable. A compression top will also dry quickly and not
get in the way. You'll also look very sporty.
You might consider thin running gloves if you're walking in the cold, or at night.
These'll help your whole body keep warm, so your energy can focus on other things.
A hat of the same type might be useful.
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