The weather forecast was reading “feels like -1” and I’ve been fooled by mountains before.
A ‘run’ up Scafell Pike for my 40th birthday gave me at least a flavour of how weather conditions can turn on a sixpence.
That day we’d stopped short of summiting, mainly due to the fact that I was wearing a thin yellow jacket not at all suitable for the weather (some of you might remember fondly my “banana coat”, an inadequate pair of gloves and I knew the weather would be worse the further up we went.
This time around I’m facing the hills of the Elan Valley with the Raw Adventures team, as part of a day 4 Dragon’s Back Race recce. Asked to pack as if it were race week, we have to think winter, and be prepared so not to let anyone down.
So what exactly does winter mountain packing involve?
The mandatory kit list for the Dragon’s Back Race is extensive. When you sign up to a race like this, you mustn’t forget that essentially you’re on your own up there. If you haven’t packed it – you can’t get to it. You need to be ready for sudden changes in temperature, a drop in visibility and you need to be able to stay safe, and warm.
This weekend we’ve been advised to take:
A waterproof jacket: Hardshell/taped seams and a good hood. Mine’s a Montane Element Stretch jacket, which has a 10,000mm hydrostatic head – a fancy way of saying it’s really waterproof!
Waterproof trousers: Hardshell/taped seams. I’m taking two pairs with me so I can see on the day if it’s going to be torrential rain or if I need a slightly lighter pair that are a bit easier to run in.
Survival Bag: Bag, not blanket. Most of you will have seen those big silver space blankets, but in the hills it’s better to have a bag as it will insulate you better. Mine comes from a really cool Trail Runner starter kit from Harrier.
Map. In this case a Dragon’s Back Race 2022 map, which I can reference while we navigate the route.
Compass. Well, you know, navigating with a map does require a compass! A “thumb” compass is great as it’s light – for this outing I’ve got a compass with a cover though.
Headtorch. And spare batteries or spare head torch: I went and purchased the quite frankly insanely good Petzl NAO-RL while at the running show. It’s so good. And a spare Petzl for good measure, too.
Whistle: This is to alert anyone if you’re in distress. Mine is built into my Raidlight pack.
Food and Drink: Snacks/food sufficient for the day and at least 1-1.5 litres water (aim for 300 calories per hour). We all know I’m down with the food and drink. I take Active Root sports drink, plus a selection of dried fruit, nuts, bars, and sandwiches.
Synthetic Insulated Jacket (spare). I have a Buffalo jacket which has saved me on many an occasion. If you keep moving it keeps you toastie warm. It’s not waterproof, however
Additional Mid-Layer: Fleece or windproof jacket/layer. I’m taking a selection of warm garments.
Hat and Gloves. As it’s winter, I’ll have two pairs of gloves, and a pair of over gloves, and ALL the hats!
Trail/Fell Shoes. Here’s where my barefoot Vibram Fivefingers may have to take a back seat for the rocky spiky sections and be ready for the road/soft sections. I’ll be adding to my bag a pair of Altra Lone Peak Trail Shoes.
Personal First Aid Kit. You can pick these up in most chemists, or in the Harrier kit I mentioned earlier.
Money. Cash/Card for car parks. I mean, it’s self explanatory really!
Mobile Phone. For those mountain top selfies. In a waterproof bag if you want a working phone when you get off the peaks!
GPS Watch/Unit. My Garmin Fenix 5 has stood me in good stead thus far, so that’s what coming along with me.
This is a basic list and you’ll get to know what works for you the more you go out there, but it’s important to really check off the safety elements of your kit. If you’re underprepared, then prepare to be pulled off the mountain, or to have a pretty rough time of it when you’re up there!
Next week I’ll tell you all about my adventures in the Elan Valley.
Vegan Fitness Runner 