I’ll tell you what size I wear for each item, so for reference I’m usually UK size 8 for tops and UK size 6 for bottoms.

Sweaty Betty Stamina Sports Bra

A sports bra is an important part of my bouldering outfit as it’s key to staying comfortable.

I avoided Sweaty Betty for a long while because I saw it as too expensive. However, I was finding cheaper brands went out of shape quickly so decided to give them a go.

I’ve had the Sweaty Betty Stamina Sports Bra in blue and grey for 2 years and they’re still going strong! So they turned out to be a good investment.

I’m a size 8/32C and I wear size Small.

You can order the Stamina Sports Bra from Sweaty Betty or Amazon.

Leggings

I always wear sports leggings for bouldering because I find them to be the most comfortable and flexible option.

My favourites are my Adidas Climalite tights as they are cool in summer.

I wear size 6.

You can order from Amazon.

BAM Vest Top

Bamboo is a sustainable fabric and BAM as a business is hugely environmentally conscious.

I have a couple of Origin Bamboo Vests from BAM. They are made from Bamboo and super soft. I like these ones as they are well-fitted, comfortable and breathable. They are longer than the average vest top so they don’t ride up when you move.

Size 8 fits me perfectly.

You can order Origin Bamboo vests from the BAM website.

Icebreaker T-shirt

I have a few Icebreaker t-shirts which are a staple of my climbing outfit throughout the year.

Made from Merino wool, they are thin and lightweight and help to regulate your body temperature.

Merino wool is a sustainable material and it feels wonderful against your skin.

I’m usually UK size 6-8 and I wear size XS.

You can order Icebreaker t-shirts from Amazon, Wiggle and Cotswold Outdoor.

Icebreaker Base Layer

When it’s really cold in the winter I swap my Icebreaker Coolmax T-shirt for a warmer base layer. The gym I most often climb in has no heating, so I get really good use out of a good quality merino base layer.

I really feel the cold so I have an Icebreaker 260 merino baselayer, which is the thickest one.

If you’re naturally a bit warmer than me you could go for a 150 or a 200.

These are made to be warm and lightweight and they are flexible and comfortable for a bouldering session.

I’m usually UK size 6-8 and I wear size XS.

You can order Icebreaker 260 Base Layer from Amazon, Wiggle and Cotswold Outdoor.

North Face Hoody

Some climbing gyms aren’t heated so it’s important to have layers to keep warm in the winter.

I love my North Face hoody, which is lightweight, warm and not to bulky. It’s fleece on the inside, so it’s warm and comfortable for climbing.

Mine is a size 6/XS.

You can order a North Face hoody from Amazon.

Scarpa Drago LV Climbing Shoes

I wear Scapa Drago LV Climbing shoes and I love them! Completely recommend for an advanced shoe for indoor climbing. The rubber is soft and sensitive.

I like that they’re ‘low volume’ rather than ‘women’s’. This mostly means they aren’t pink or turquoise!

I used to climb in Scarpa Vapor V WMN, which I loved whilst learning to climb. If you’re less experienced I recommend these instead.

For both pairs of climbing shoes I pretty much wear my normal shoe size. I’m a UK size 4, and my climbing shoes are EU 36.5, which fit like a glove.

You can order Scarpa Drago LV climbing shoes from Amazon.

Chalk Bag

I have a 3rd Rock Scrappy Doo upcycled chalk bag, which the perfect addition to my bouldering outfit.

These chalk bags are made with surplus fabric and trims, so each one is unique and sustainable.

The Scrappy Doo is the smallest one but they come in larger sizes too!

You can order a 3rd Rock Scrappy Doo upcycled chalk bag from the 3rd Rock website.

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Your essential mountain hiking kit list

Footwear

Footwear is the most essential thing to get right when planning your mountain hiking kit. This year there have been so many reports of people needing to call Mountain Rescue because they’ve attempted to climb a mountain in flip-flops. Don’t be one of those people. Trainers aren’t a good idea either, as the terrain can be rocky and you don’t want to ruin your trip with a sprained ankle. Here’s what you need:

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support

Mountain hiking routes are typically rocky and uneven, so it’s important to make sure you have hiking boots with ankle support. I have Keen Terradora Waterproof Hiking Boots (read my review here) – they are the most comfortable boots I’ve found and I swear by them.

Hiking socks

It’s important to wear hiking socks as they have additional cushioning in the sole, for increased comfort if you’re walking a long way. Merino wool hiking socks regulate temperature and are breathable, so I usually opt for these. It’s a good idea to pack an extra pair in case your first pair get wet, as damp socks are more likely to cause blisters.

Layers are essential mountain hiking kit

Mountain weather is unbelievably changeable. You can set off in bright, warm sunshine and end up freezing cold in heavy rain and gale-force wind. So it’s essential to be prepared for anything, even if the mountain forecast says the weather will be fine. Lots of light layers in your mountain hiking kit will give you the flexibility you need and won’t be too heavy to carry. You’ll need:

T-shirt or base layer

Any technical t-shirt will make a good first layer – you want something light and breathable as your body temperature will vary according to the changing terrain. I prefer a merino wool base layer as merino is excellent at temperature regulation and controlling body odour. You can wear one of these for a several days of trekking and the t-shirt won’t smell bad.

Fleece

Even if the weather is warm at the base of the mountain, don’t make the mistake of leaving a warm mid-layer behind. Mountain weather can be extremely changeable so, whilst you may start off in 30*C sunshine, the summit might be 5*C and windy. I have a couple of North Face fleeces which are lightweight and warm.

Down Jacket

Down jackets are incredibly lightweight and scrunch up impressively small in your bag, so taking one of these is a must. It won’t add much to the weight of your pack, but you’ll be glad to have it at a cold mountain summit. One of these is always worth the investment, particularly for any travel with luggage limits.

Waterproof jacket

You can get jackets that are both warm and waterproof, however I recommend getting separate jackets and layering up. On a mountain hike this will help you to wear the right layers for the changing weather, so you don’t get too hot or cold.

Make sure you take a good waterproof jacket as, if you get wet, you’ll get cold – and it’s a long way down from the top of a mountain.

Accessories

Warm hat

Pack a warm beanie hat, without a bobble so that it fits underneath your jacket hood if necessary. If the weather turns, you’ll be glad you did.

Waterproof gloves

I always take a pair of waterproof gloves with me on any mountain hike. The weather can be unpredictable so rain is usually likely. Any gloves are better than no gloves, but wool will become cold very quickly if it rains. I have a pair of Sealskins gloves (read my review here) and I love them.

Sunglasses

Backpack for your essential kit

You’ll need a comfortable backpack to carry your essential mountain hiking kit. I like Osprey packs as they have plenty of padding and hip straps, which take the strain away from your shoulders. These will last for years. 20 Litres should be plenty for a day hike up a mountain.

If the backpack isn’t waterproof, make sure you take a waterproof backpack cover as well.

Drinks and Snacks

How much water you’ll need will vary person to person but, although it is heavy, it’s far better to have too much than not enough. If you’re hiking a steep mountain incline you’ll need plenty to drink. Take at least one litre, most people will need more!

Snacks are also important for keeping your energy levels up. You don’t want to run out of steam and collapse! Take a sandwich for lunch plus plenty of high-protein cereal bars, nuts and dried fruits.

First Aid Kit

Don’t forget to pack a basic first aid kit. Paracetamol, plasters, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitiser, antihistamine, and a small mountain whistle should cover the basics. Plus spares of any regular medication you take.

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What to Pack for the Three Peaks Challenge

Hiking Trousers/Leggings

Comfortable trousers are important to avoid chaffing on long hikes. You’ll want something quick-drying, like hiking trousers or sports leggings, as weather on mountains can be changeable.

Sports Bra

One for the ladies, of course, but don’t attempt the Three Peaks Challenge with a lacey underwire! Make sure you pack a comfortable sports bra. I usually opt for a New Balance sports bra.

Hiking T-shirts

I usually hike in an Icebreaker merino wool t-shirt. I have about three of these and they’re my favourites. They’re stylish and comfortable, quick-drying, and they’re anti-microbial so they won’t smell even after 24 hours of hiking!

Fleece

Even if it’s the middle of summer, remember that one of the hikes will take place in the middle of the night – and the top of a mountain will always be cold. Take a decent mid-layer for warmth. I usually wear a North Face 1/4 zip fleece.

Down Jacket

Always take a down jacket with you when heading up a mountain – even if it’s blazing sunshine when you set off. A decent down is light to carry and super warm. I love this Rab Down Jacket.

Hiking Socks

Three Peaks, three pairs of socks – you won’t regret it. Your feet are likely to get wet – either from the Scafell Pike river crossing, or from rain. You can deal with wet boots as long as you have thick, dry socks! Icebreaker Merino Wool hiking socks are brilliant.

Waterproof Jacket

Make sure you invest in a decent waterproof jacket. If you’re hiking three mountains in one day it’s likely that at least one will send you some heavy rain! Try a Rab Downpour jacket to keep you dry.

Waterproof Trousers

This is the same deal as the waterproof jacket really – don’t get soaked and uncomfortable on the first of three mountains! Even if you have fast-drying hiking trousers, you’ll still be thankful to stay warm and dry. I have Regatta waterproof overtrousers and they’ve always served me well.

Waterproof Hiking Boots with Ankle Support

There is a river crossing on Scafell Pike, which you’ll be climbing in the dark. That means there’s a rather high chance of getting at least one wet foot! Waterproof boots will reduce that risk, and ankle support is always a must on uneven ground. I have KEEN Terradora’s and I love them! You can read my review here.

Beanie

Make sure you take a warm beanie with you, even if it’s the middle of summer. It will be cold at the top of all of the mountains!!

Gloves (waterproof and warm)

In the past, I’ve always just gone for warm gloves. But I’ve been caught out too many times in wet weather. So I bought some Sealskinz waterproof gloves – they’re great and totally worth the money! Layer them underneath Thinsulate gloves for the best of both worlds.

Head Torch

A head torch is an absolute must for this challenge. You’ll be starting the hike up Scafell Pike after dark and there wont be any other lights. Holding a torch in your hand would be far too much of a pain, so a head torch it is. I have a Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp which is light and bright.

Backpack

Of course you’ll need a backpack to hold your spare layers, and you’ll want it to be light and comfortable if you’re heading up three mountains. Opt for a 20-40 litre one with lots of padding and hip straps. Osprey backpacks are well rated.

Waterproof Backpack Cover

Nobody wants the things inside their backpack to end up soggy. Take a waterproof backpack cover.

Food to pack for the Three Peaks

Food is an issue on this challenge. A big issue. I (naively) assumed there would be stops for a decent feed, given the energy required to hike three mountains. This was not the case and I simply did not get enough food. Take all meals with you. I recommend:

• Have a huge fry-up at your hotel before you set off up Ben Nevis
• Take plenty of nuts and clif bars and have them in your pockets as you hike.
• Take some lunch for after Ben Nevis – my guide company provided only a small slice of cake! Take pasta, sandwiches, anything with tons of energy.
• Take a dinner top-up meal. The service station Big Mac (which was the only thing available on the way to Scafell Pike) was nowhere near enough.
• Take something for a hearty breakfast before heading up Snowdon. My guide company provided porridge after Scafell Pike (at 2am) but nothing else before Snowdon.

Water Bladder/Reservoir

I’ve always hiked with bottles of water, rather than a camelback, and it’s always been fine. It didn’t occur to me that this hike would be any different, but it was. Because of the speed you need to get up the mountain, it makes it difficult to take regular stops to put your stuff down and grab your bottle. When you pack for the Three Peaks Challenge, remember a water bladder/reservoir will save you precious time.

Masks

I’m writing this in 2020 and here we are with Covid-19 in our lives. You’ll need a mask on the mini-bus in between mountains. Take some spares too! I accidentally had mine in my pocket hiking Ben Nevis and the weather was so bad it got soaked. I didn’t have another, and it took 2 hours to dry whilst on my face. I have Adidas masks in Small – they come in a pack of three, are reasonably priced, and are the best fit I’ve found.

Hiking Poles

Heading up so many mountains in such a short space of time will take an unusual toll on your knees. I can’t recommend hiking poles highly enough for taking the pressure off – particularly on the way down (which is harder on your knees).

I have Black Diamond Women’s Distance FLZ Hiking Poles and I love them. They fold up small and light and are quick to snap into place when you’re ready to use them – perfect to pack for the Three Peaks Challenge.

Knee Supports

Maybe it’s because I had done little exercise in lockdown, but my knees were in so much pain after two mountains that I had to miss out on the third. Give your knees some extra support with knee supports. You will be hiking three mountains and this is not normal for your knees!

Flip Flops

You’ll likely be thoroughly sick of having boots on your feet by the time you’re done. Give your feet a rest with some comfy flip flops. I swear by Havianas.

Sunglasses

Hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to be hiking on a clear day with bright sunshine and amazing views. You’ll be glad you took your sunnies if you do!

Sunscreen

Even if it’s cold and overcast, the sun can get you at altitude. Hiking another two mountains if you burnt your face on the first won’t be fun, so slop on some sunscreen for the day. I swear by Surfers Skin for outdoor activities – it won’t run into your eyes if you work up a sweat.

What Not to Pack for the Three Peaks Challenge

Don’t be tempted to take a heavy camera, such as a DSLR. It will be heavy to carry and, as your time will be limited, you won’t have time to pause for photos. Best to stick with an iPhone in your pocket.

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