I attempted the Three Peaks in 24 Hours Challenge in August 2020. I followed the packing list provided by the organisation I booked the challenge with, but there were a few things I wish I’d taken and not taken! Here’s my recommendation of what to pack for the Three Peaks in 24 Hours Challenge…
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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