Basic Equipment

More top tips on what you may need to pack into that rucksack on the big day from the furry fell fanatic ... The Mountain Goat

There's nothing worse than a last minute packing frenzy with piles of walking kit silently demanding to be stashed into your rucksack and dragged off for a sunny day in the hills.

But before you start start forcing everything you can think of to do with hill walking into your bag think carefully. Do you really need to pack a pair of spare wicking boxer shorts, three woolly hats (one for each of those absolutely essential photo opportunities at the top of each peak), and a pair of good boxing gloves for beating off hungry sheep.

It's a dilemma, but follow our ‘Beginner's Basics kit list' and advice and you'll have more of what you need and less of what you don't. Bear in mind that there are no hard and fast rules. If it's your first Three Peaks walk why not ask some other more experienced walkers. In the past they’ve probably taken more kit for a walk up and down the peaks than they ever needed, so they’ll give you a good idea of what you're likely to need and what's just a pointless burden.

Navigational Necessities
A GPS and a compass is probably not necessary. A map is not bad idea (it may also make your walk more interesting to know where you are and what you’re looking at)! But don’t worry too much. Our three peaks challenge often coincides with another major charity walk, so If you follow the other three hundred walkers that descend onto the Peaks in mid June you'll not go far wrong.

Other Bits
Of course there are lots of other bits you can carry for whatever reason you decide. A Swiss Army knife is great for opening bottles, slicing into that impossible to open pack of shrink wrapped cheese, and slashing your wrists after 20 miles. Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture those classic moments when someone is caught embarrassingly short! And, we mentioned it in the ‘First Aid Kit’ but it’s worth stating again... if it's a good sunny day you'll need sun cream, maybe lip balm, and those cool sun glasses.

A Mobile Phone
Don’t forget your mobile phone, and make sure the battery's topped up! (Oh yes... and no Crazy Frog ring tones please). When you registered for the walk your mobile number will have been recorded onto the register of walkers. Network reception may not be perfect but it gives the organisers half a chance to contact to you if necessary. (However, don’t ring the Support Team from the top of Ingleborough if you’re ‘all-in’ and expect a piggy back back down to Horton-In-Ribblesdale... we’re not that sort of Support Team !)

Rucksack Liner
A basic polythene bag-type liner will keep the contents of your pack dry in wet conditions if your pack is not fully waterproof. Mid June may sound like the perfect time to take to the hills hiking... but you know the English weather!

First Aid Kit
Not a bad idea, particularly if you're prone to falling over, dropping down a deep hole, or being bitten by a sheep. Carry a basic first aid kit to tend to minor injuries. You'll want to be able to cope with cuts, grazes and maybe minor injuries, but not open heart surgery in the hills, so be realistic.
A basic kit could include a selection of plasters, antiseptic cream, and some antiseptic wipes to clean cuts and grazes. (If you're really considering the worse you could also include a crepe bandage, some sterile dressings, zinc oxide tape, and a triangular bandage in case you need to construct a sling)! Protect yourself against the ‘worst case scenario’ and make sure you’ve got some blister treatments (Compeed works well), and possibly some aspirin or paracetemol to

cope with headaches and aching limbs. And because we all hope its going to be a sunny day... don't forget the sun cream.

Spare Clothing
Some people feel comfortable taking most of their wardrobe onto the hills, whilst others will happily venture out with nothing at all. It could be wet so have some good weatherproof clothing and maybe a good fleece, and possibly a spare hat and gloves for if it really tips it down.