Mandatory Kit
Downloadable Checklist
We know that kit and clothing requirements can be a bit confusing so we are providing the following helpful downloadable packing checklist.
The current Downloadable Checklist is version 8, dated 04/11/2024.
Minimum and mandatory kit while running
You must have this with you at all times while on the race route.
The kit requirements for the Cape Wrath Ultra are summarised here. However, for more detail on each item, please refer to our overarching clothing and equipment guidance article on the Ourea Events website. This contains important detail on each specific kit item, for example, the exact requirements of your waterproof jacket having taped seams.
Running rucksack/vest of your choice
Waterproof jacket or smock
Waterproof trousers
Survival bag (available from our shop)
Long sleeve base layer
Spare synthetic warm layer - min. 300g
Compass
Headtorch
We recommend:
the SILVA Trail Runner Free ULTRA 400 Lumens (This model is AAA & Rechargeable Battery Operated. Carry Spare Batteries)
If you choose to take a spare head torch, we recommend the SILVA Scout 3 220 Lumens
Whistle
we recommend the Lifesystems Whistle
Sufficient food for on the course each day
Gloves (appropriate for the weather conditions)
Hat
Water bottle and / or hydration system (minimum 1.5L capacity)
Fell, mountain or trail running shoes
Means of payment
Mobile phone
Satellite tracker (supplied)
Map (supplied)
Important
We will kit check on random occasions throughout the event.
Please read our overarching clothing and equipment guidance for more detailed information:
EXCEPTIONAL WEATHER KIT
We are going to be more prescriptive about the clothing and equipment that we will mandate that participants carry in the event of exceptionally cold and/or wet, or hot weather. These additional items must be carried in addition to the standard mandatory kit.
We will notify participants at registration before the start of Day One, or we will notify the participants at the Overnight Camps i.e., participants will need to pack their ‘Cold Weather Kit/Hot Weather Kit’ in their Dry Bag for the duration of the event.
Cold weather kit
A second spare synthetic warm top (this must be hooded, and weigh a minimum of 300g)*
Warm and waterproof gloves
A warm hat**
Full-length tights/trousers
* This second synthetic warm layer is additional to one required in the standard hill clothing section and must be spare (i.e. unworn) at the start of the day. This synthetic warm top must be:
Hooded
be sealed in a waterproof bag
cover the entire upper trunk, including your arms
have a minimum weight of 300g (The item must weigh 300g for a size male medium style, i.e., if you are a size small, we will accept a lower weight, and if you are an extra-large, it will need to weigh more.)
be a single layer and not two lighter-weight tops
** During exceptionally wet/cold weather conditions, a buff is no longer acceptable as a hat, and an item designed as a hat is required.
Hot weather kit
Sun hat or cap with a visor shading the face
Additional 1,000ml carrying capacity of the participant’s water bottles / softflasks /hydration system*
* We recognize different participants require varying amounts of water/fluid each day – if you happen to be someone who drinks less, you do not need to fill your bottles… but you do need to carry this additional capacity, i.e., empty bottles if you must!
additional Recommendations
We would like to share some further recommendations and insights, which we have seen participants successfully employ over the years. These items are not mandatory but might help you to critically appraise your clothing and equipment choices.
Recommended COLD Weather Clothing and Equipment
A proper heavy-weight mountaineering style waterproof jacket (especially if you are likely to be walking rather than running). If unused on the hill, this item could also be used as your Overnight Camp waterproof).
A waterproof cap (brilliant for keeping driving rain off your face - worn under the hood of your waterproof jacket)
A second waterproof jacket (layering two lightweight waterproofs is an old trick that keeps you drier whilst adding warmth)
Windproof pants (particularly for the boys - helps to keep the undercarriage warm!)
Recommended Hot Weather Clothing and Equipment
We recommend the following items:
Sunblock (factor 50 and waterproof)
we recommend the Lifesystems Sports Suncream
Loose-fitting and lightweight long-sleeve top (to keep the sun off and reduce sunburn risk)
Sunglasses
Headband (salty sweat running into your eyes is seriously unpleasant)
Very thin socks (in hot weather your feet will swell, and swapping for thinner socks helps with comfort)
Would your kit be suitable for these conditions?
Please take a moment to re-cap on these videos from the Cape Wrath Ultra® and Dragon’s Back Race® and ask yourself whether your clothing and equipment would have been sufficient in these conditions:
Tip
It is worth noting that possession of a GPS and / or mobile phone is no substitute for sound mountain judgement - please see our article on following the route
Mandatory Ortlieb dry bags
Please see the article - Guidance on dry bags - that clarifies requirements:
Mandatory Camp Clothing & Equipment
The following kit must be included in participants’ heavy duty 79L dry bag (the Ortlieb PS490 model of dry bag is compulsory). An exception - some items may be carried while running if circumstances so dictate.
Mandatory camp clothing & equipment
The following kit must be included in participants’ overnight dry bag.
A complete change of clothing
Spare shoes
Warm Jacket
Warm sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Plate/bowl, mug and cutlery
we recommend the Lifeventure Camping set, Lifeventure mug and Lifeventure Titanium Spork
Sponge and cloth for washing and drying dishes
Suncream / sunblock
we recommend the Lifesystems Sports Suncream
Midge head net and insect repellent
we recommend the Lifesystems Head Net and Lifesystems Expedition Midge Repellent
Personal first aid kit
we recommend the Lifesystems Light & Dry Nano First Aid Kit
Personal blister treatment kit
Kinesiology
Food
IMPORTANT
The blister treatment kit must contain the following items: Sterile scalpel blade (size #11) x5, Steropore sterile island dressings (6x7cm) x5, Sterile cotton swabs (5x5cm) x10, Inadine dressings (9.5x9.5cm) x2, Clinell 2% chlorhexidine disinfection wipes x5, Kinesiology tape (5cm x 5m), Small scissors.
Participants are welcome to source the blister treatment kit supplies themselves or alternatively they can purchase a pre-made kit directly from us (this will not contain kinesiology tape and small scissors):
IMPORTANT
For more detail and advice on clothing and equipment, please read our detailed clothing and equipment guidance here:
Tip
We recommend participants write their name on everything (especially bowls, cutlery, towels, etc).
Other Recommended Clothing & Equipment
The following equipment is strongly recommended for increasing personal comfort:
A power bank (ca. 10,000-20,000mAh) for recharging devices
Travel pillow or pillow case (to stuff with clothes)
A fresh set of running clothes for each day
Personal washing things and towel
Ear plugs
Anti-chaffing / lubrication ointment
Any luxury food items