What to bring
Introduction
It is important to make sure that you are properly equipped for the Challenge and have a good understanding of what you should be wearing, and taking along with you. The following should provide you with all the relevant information so that you are as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the event. You will be briefed further on safety and communications at the start of the event. As the event takes place in May conditions can be hot, wet or a combination of both so you have to be prepared for either. Please see below for essential equipment that you will need to ensure success on your event:
Footwear
We recommend that you have either good hiking boots or trail running shoes. If you plan to buy new ones, make sure they are well worked in before the event, as blisters could be a disaster. Boots that come above the ankle give added support. If you plan to use running shoes then ensure that the soles have a good tread pattern and are not worn. You need to have shoes that offer good grip. Trail shoes have better tread patterns than regular running shoes and will offer better traction on uneven or slippery surfaces. Always wear a pair of good socks and remember this if you plan to buy a pair of new boots or shoes. Take your socks with you to the shoe store. Pack an extra pair of socks or two in a waterproof bag on event day. Shoes and socks will most likely get wet while crossing rivers or streams and a quick change into a pair of dry socks will do wonders for your feet.
Waterproof gear
Having a waterproof outer garment (poncho or light rain coat) is recommended in case of a prolonged downpour and you don't want to be drenched. Remember that lighter is better so choose emergency type rain gear and not the heavy industrial type. Hip length raincoats are also better than the full length ones. This will need to be carried in your backpacks together with some spare dry clothes. Remember to keep any spare dry clothes in a waterproof bag as rain can easily get into backpacks. Double bagging dry items is also recommended.
Hats and caps
A good hat or cap will help keep the sun out of your face and eyes. Select a hat or cap that is made of breathable material. A hat with a wide brim or a cap with a long peak will give good protection to your eyes and face. Most sports shops sell a variety of caps to select from and a good choice of hat would be the cricketer's floppy hat which is also available at sports shops.
Spare clothes
It is recommended to keep spare sets of dry clothes in you support vehicle. When you complete a hike section you will be wet from rain or perspiration and a quick change into dry clothes before the next leg of the journey is much more comfortable. Keep these clothes in separate plastic bags, which can then be used for the sweaty remains of the used sets! It is also a good idea for your support vehicle to carry water for a quick rinse before changing into dry clothes. Remember to have enough water for the entire team and don't forget the towels.
Insect repellent
Remember to pack some good insect repellent to ward off sand flies during the day and mosquitoes at night. It's a good idea for one person to carry enough for the whole team during hikes and also for the driver to keep some handy in the support vehicle.
Sun block
As it could be very hot on event day it's also recommended to have enough sun block for the whole team. Remember to reapply sun block every two hours. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Backpack
It is better to carry your personal gear in a backpack instead of a shoulder bag or a hand held bag. This frees your hands for doing other things like bracing yourself in the event of a slip or holding on to tree trunk or even taking a picture! Choose a compact backpack with just enough room to carry your personal gear, food and water. The bigger the pack the heavier it is and also the tendency becomes greater to pack extra and unnecessary gear. If you plan to take anything extra then take water, you can always empty water from its container but you won't want to discard that heavy and expensive video camera.
Camera
It's a good idea for at least one or two persons in the team to take a camera to capture those memorable moments or vistas. There's no need for every one to take one along. Also consider a smaller and lighter camera.
Water
Packs like the CamelBak come with a water bladder that fits into a separate compartment. The compartment provides some additional insulation for the bladder and the water remains cooler for a longer period of time.
The Environment
Please respect the countryside at all times. Do not leave any litter behind and do not destroy any flora or fauna. If you stumble across any litter that may have inadvertently fallen from the team in front of you then please collect and take with you to the end of the hike.
Mandatory gear list per person
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Spare clothing
- Light, thin raincoat or poncho
- Hat or cap
- Headlamp or flashlight with batteries
- Whistle
- Food to last at least 6 hours
- Water bottles or hydration bladders with enough water to last at least 6 hours. A guideline is 20 fl oz. per hour
Mandatory team gear list
- First aid kit
- Fully charged cell phone in a waterproof bag
- Spare batteries
- Compass
- Pocketknife (2.5" blade)
- Sleeping bags - shelter to sleep will be provided
- Recommended gear list (optional)
- Emergency food and water
- Water purification tablets
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock
- Notebook and pencil
- Duct tape
- Trekking poles or walking sticks
- Suggested first aid kit
- Adhesive and non-adhesive dressings (large and small)
- Assorted plasters
- Pain killers
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages and safety pins