Sands Trek Together Challenge

Question 1

WILL I NEED WALKING POLES?

Accepted Answer

Walking poles are not essential but they a good idea for anyone who may suffer from any stiffness or pain in the back, knees or hips. They can help you feel more secure on uneven ground, especially in descent.

Poles that can be shortened easily are recommended so you can fold them up and strap them to your backpack for any sections where you might prefer not to use them. For novice users, we suggest using one pole on the way up and two on the way down, depending on your route. If you can, practice walking with them before your event to get used to them.

Question 2

DO I REALLY NEED WALKING BOOTS?

Accepted Answer

Whilst walking boots are definitely preferred and advised, they are not absolutely essential. Ideally you will have sturdy, comfortable footwear which supports your ankles and, if possible, are waterproof to maintain comfort, warmth and to help avoid blisters. Thick soles are essential with good grip for slippery surfaces. This might be a ‘walking trainer’ with a rugged sole (sometimes called ‘approach shoes’ also), but slightly less heavy than a full, leather walking boot.

If you do decide to buy new footwear then make sure you wear them in well before your big mountain day. This will help to avoid blisters on your day and improve confidence and comfort.

If you are concerned, then you can always pop some plasters on areas that may be prone to rubbing on the morning of your walk, and take some large plasters with you, in case of any ‘hot spots’ forming during your walk.

Question 3

HOW BIG SHOULD MY RUCKSACK BE?

Accepted Answer

Your rucksack should be at least 25 litres in size with two shoulder straps and ideally a chest and/or waist strap too. Please do not bring satchels or shopping bags, they are uncomfortable to wear for a long period of time.

To waterproof your possessions, we recommend that you line your rucksack with a bin bag or put your items into separate plastic shopping bags. Re-usable ‘Zip-lock’ bags are good for smaller items or mobile phones. Don’t limit your Kit List packing because you can’t fit it in your bag; find a bigger bag!

Question 4

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I TAKE?

Accepted Answer

Ensure you take on a filling breakfast with complex carbohydrate and protein to fill you up for the morning, e.g. porridge with peanut butter and banana. Take at least 2 litres of water with you in a reusable water bottle and pack a variety of foods –both savoury and sweet that will sustain you during the day. Try to choose complex carbohydrates and whole foods, rather than overly sweet foods and chocolate. Foods like malt loaf, mixed fruit and nuts, cheese and ham/salami, oat cakes, raw fruit bars, dark chocolate, filled wraps, mini pork pies or sausage rolls will last well on the hill and sustain you over several hours. Cold pizza is a particular favourite for some of our staff!

Remember to never leave any wrappings or fruit peel on the hill and take all litter back home with you.

Question 5

WILL I REQUIRE ANY MAP READING SKILLS?

Accepted Answer

No, our fully qualified Mountain Leader will take this responsibility off your hands. However, if you would like to learn, then do ask our friendly leaders. We also run Mountain Skills Courses which are aimed at people wanting to learn the basics of map reading in the mountains.

Sands Trek Together Challenge

RAW Adventures

Sands Trek Together Challenge