National Three Peaks Kit List

Compulsory items are listed at the top - you must have these items with you to begin your National Three Peaks in Three Days experience with Large Outdoors.
(If you’ve found this page because you’re thinking about or planning a 24 hour National Three Peak challenge, then please feel free to explore this alternative option, or take some advice from our kit list. NB: we don’t include things like a sleeping bag/pillow for use in the vehicle as our participants have a bed to recharge after each peak!)

The compulsory items are selected for safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant on a Large Outdoors’ National Three Peaks in Three Days trip should be carrying the items listed. Your host/guide makes the final decision in regard to your suitability to complete the activity and can refuse to let you participate if they feel your safety (or the safety of the group) is being put at risk. Please refer to the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK AND APPROPRIATE FITNESS/EQUIPMENT section in our Terms & Conditions.

Underneath these compulsory items we have listed recommended kit that should help make your experience more enjoyable.

When packing your kit, remember that conditions higher up can be very different to conditions lower down and can change quickly, so you should always pack for the worst-case scenario. If you are unsure about anything, from kit to the expected fitness level for the experience you have booked, please contact us.

Large Outdoors’ top tips for what to pack when taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge…

• You should have one walking kit bag (see ‘Rucksack / Backpack’ below) for compulsory kit you’ll need with you to tackle each peak, as well as another bag/holdall that keeps all your other items (e.g. toiletries, towel, spare clothes) together for transportation. Space is precious in the vehicle used for transportation between peaks 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.

• Do a trial run! From testing your equipment and clothing on your training walks, to packing your walking kit bag to make sure everything fits and you’re comfortable carrying it for numerous hours/miles, make sure you plan ahead.

COMPULSORY - for your walking kit bag

Rucksack / Backpack - To carry your safety items, clothing, food, water and other kit with you when walking. 30-35 litres capacity is a good bet for most people tackling this challenge, but the size of your bag will be determined by the amount you personally need and wish to carry. Visit your local outdoor shop for advice and to try different brands and sizes. Dry Bags - we recommend a waterproof backpack cover, or use of dry bags to keep your kit dry - these come in different sizes and can be used for everything from cameras to jumpers. Plastic bags also work, but are liable to tear and you’ll be in and out of your kit bag a lot over the course of this challenge.

Waterproof Jacket & Trousers - These can range from very cheap to very expensive but when shopping, make sure you buy items that are ‘waterproof’ rather than ‘water-resistant’ - there’s a big difference in a downpour! Walking Trousers - if you are packing separate waterproof over-trousers to carry in your rucksack, make sure the trousers you are walking in are light-weight and flexible. Trekking trousers/leggings come in all sorts of varieties and materials, but make sure they are comfortable (test them out in advance!).

Walking Boots & Socks - A good pair of walking boots which you’ve tested out in advance - ensure they fit you well and are comfortable. Each mountain has short sections of rough, steep or bouldery terrain. Boots are like car tyres – don’t economise! Spare laces also recommended. Proper walking socks have more padding or reenforcement where needed and are designed to wick away sweat - again, it’s a good idea to have tried them out in advance. Check out our blog with tips on buying walking boots.

Warm Clothes (layers advised) - A t-shirt or technical baselayer to wear next to your skin, under your other layers (see below). We advise against cotton as it soaks up water, often rubs, and doesn’t dry easily. A synthetic option is a good idea, or if you get cold easily you may want to try wool. Fleece/Jumper - a couple more layers to keep you warm, your best bet is to take both thick and thin options.

Hat & Gloves (waterproof advised) - You need to keep your head, hands and neck warm - a hat paired with a buff and some waterproof gloves is ideal. These items are still essential in the summer months, see FAQs below.

Food & Lots of Fluid - We will stop at a supermarket on the day we collect you and there’ll be chance to purchase items for your packed lunches (it’s a good idea to bring a lunch box or dry bag) and snacks, but feel free to bring anything specific that you know could help you through those tough miles. Flapjacks, malt loaf, cereal/energy bars, nuts and dried fruits provide slow release energy without the ‘spike and crash’ effects of chocolate and energy drinks.
In terms of water, most participants find carrying 2-3 litres each day is suitable. We recommend a bladder system for ease of access as you’re walking, but water bottles are also fine.

Survival Bag & Whistle - We hope you’ll never need these - but they are essential for your safety. Check out our blog on how to use a survival bag and whistle and see the FAQs below.

Personal First Aid Kit - Whatever personal medication you need, as well as some blister plasters/lip salve/painkillers (hopefully not needed!). All of our walk leaders/guides are first-aid trained.

Head Torch - An essential piece of kit throughout the year and invaluable on this challenge - why?, see FAQs below. Please also bring spare batteries or a back-up if rechargeable. This must be a head torch, not the torch on your mobile phone!

Mobile Phone - If you need to leave the group for any reason, we ask that you contact your guide by text message when you have returned to the meeting point or alternative agreed location safely, as a courtesy. Plus, it’s always good practice to have your mobile phone with you when exploring the outdoors, in case of emergency.

Money (mix of card and cash advised) - If for any reason you need to leave the group (e.g. in case of injury or emergency) you may need to arrange a taxi or public transport back to the meeting location/to your accommodation/for onward travel. Plus, you’ll be grateful to have some pennies with you if we pass a tempting pub, tearoom, or souvenir stop! It’s useful to have both cash and a credit/debit card with you.

COMPULSORY - for your other bag/holdall

Wash Bag / Toiletries - The majority of accommodation we stay at does not provide toiletries, so ensure you pack what you need. Don’t forget your toothbrush!

Towel - You’ll need a towel to use at the accommodation. There are lots of great ‘quick dry’ options, which are worth investing a few pounds in.

Spare Walking Clothes - You won’t have the time/facilites to wash and dry your kit each evening, so ensure you have spare trousers and layers. There’s nothing worse than having to put on soggy/dirty/damaged kit!

Nightwear/Other Clothes - Something comfy to change in to after returning from your walks and for travelling to/from the meeting and finish locations.

RECOMMENDED

Entertainment - although your fellow challengers might have great chat and you’ll no doubt swap plenty of great stories throughout this experience, you might want a bit of quiet time when travelling. The drives between the peaks are substantial, so bringing along a book or music/headphones is worth considering.

Ear Plugs - These might be useful for sharing a room and/or if you’re a light sleeper. There’s also handy if you want to try and squeeze in a snooze when in the vehicle.

Walking Poles - Many people find these useful for spreading the effort required to go uphill and reduce joint impact going downhill. It’s a good idea to test these out before your Large Outdoors experience though - some people find they take a bit of getting used to! They can be 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 National Three Peaks challenges.

Sun Cream - The Great British weather can be changeable and sunburn can occur even on cloudy days - especially at higher altitudes and on/near the sea.

Midge Spray - A bottle in your rucksack can save a walk from turning into a swat/scratch fest if these wee beasties turn up! See FAQs below.

Gaiters - These close the gap between your boots and trousers, help keep your feet dry and keep dirt out of your boots. Some people love them and some people hate them, but you can find out more in our blog on how to use gaiters.

Sit Mat - A lightweight, foldable, and waterproof mat that helps you stay dry and comfortable if you need to sit on wet ground for lunch or a break.

Travel/Neck Pillow - As a participant on a Large Outdoors’ National Three Peaks in Three Days trip, you'll have a bed each night to recharge, but if you think a snooze whilst travelling might be required, then a travel pillow might make this more comfortable.

FAQs