Time is marching on with only eight weeks to go until our 100k walk.  I am still on a two week hiatus from my formal training programme but am continuing to remain active with kayaking and sailing.  Despite taking a break from the programme I can’t avoid thinking about the upcoming walk and hence my thoughts are turning to all the kit walkers have to carry.  The suggested Walkers Clothing Kit List includes:

•  Hiking boots/trainers
• 1 pair medium/heavyweight walking socks per 25km
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Light trekking trousers and/or shorts
• Waterproof trekking trousers
• Micro fleece top for layering
• 1-2 Trekking t-shirts/base layer/breathable or wicking top
• Warm hat
• A bandana/buff or scaff
• Peaked/wide brimmed hat
• A cooling towel

Essential Equipment:

•  Platypus/Camelback/bladder and non-plastic water bottle
• Head Torch with spare batteries (mandatory)
• Sunglasses with 100% UV protection
• UV protection Lip Balm
• Sun Screen
• Wet wipes/toilet roll and bag for used paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Credit card/cash
• Mobile phone and power bank
• First Aid kit – including rehydration sachets
• Blister kit
• Pain killers
• Antihistamines
• Immodium

I am generally quite lazy when it comes to carry supplies as I don’t really walk anywhere out of range of coffee shops so carrying water or juice isn’t really necessary.  I do carry a “fanny pack” with my phone, money, blister plasters and headphones in but that’s about the extent of my kit.  So having to carry a backpack with a fair amount of supplies will be a new experience and something I need to practice.  Also as I usually walk in my running kit I am going to have to buy some additional clothing and I need to do that pretty quickly as I have not found it easy to access the right gear locally.

One essential item – for me – that the Organiser’s didn’t include in the list is a walking pole.  I found my pole to be a godsend on the Round the Island Walk as it took the pressure off my hips and knees meaning a few aches less!!

Well another week down and then next week back to the programme!