EQUIPMENT

The following list is mandatory for Classes A, B, C, E, S and V.

For the Downsman Open, please see the specific listing on the entry detail page.

NOTE: The difinitive list will be in the Handbook when it is sent to you or made available from the links on this site. There may be errors on here and the Handbook is the master document.

CLOTHING

Each team member must wear the following -

  • Long trousers or alternatively breeches with long walking socks.
  • Good quality hiking boots or specialist fell / trail running shoes or boots which have been specifically designed for hiking.
  • Shirt with sleeves (i.e. not a vest).
  • Thermal layer (i.e. fleece or sweater) - to be worn as weather decrees.
  • Night visible vest or jacket. To be worn from lighting up time, or in poor visibility.

Not acceptable are - Jeans, shorts or breeches without long socks. Trainers, shoes, wellies, plimsolls, etc.

EQUIPMENT

Each team is to carry (a) rucsac(s) with night visible material prominently placed on the outside containing the following -

  • Bivi bag or survival bag / shelter - not a 'space' blanket.
  • Good quality waterproof clothing to fit each team member walking, consisting of cagoule and overtrousers. *
  • Hat and gloves to fit each member walking. *
  • Spare sweater or fleece to fit each member walking. *
  • Emergency Food to consist of not less that 8 oz (225g) boiled sweets, chocolate or chocolate bar, (e.g. Mars Bar), 0.5 pint (300ml) water.
  • A flask with cup containing a hot drink (minimum 500ml). This should be re-filled as necessary during the hike to ensure that it remains hot.
  • First Aid Kit containing as a minimum : 3" x 6ft (75mm x 2 metres) crepe bandage, lint dressing, micropor tape, two triangular slings, plasters, 2 antiseptic wipes, a casualty card (to be completed in the event of an incident) and pencil, 3 bandage clips and a pair of disposable plastic gloves.
  • 2 Suitable torches with spare batteries and bulb (if appropriate) for same.
  • 2 OS maps (minimum 1:50,000 scale) appropriate for each area being walked. (Class C teams will not be expected to carry maps for the Eastern end of the Downs (Landranger 197 or Explorer 123, but should have them available should they get that far.)
  • 2 whistles.
  • 2 compasses.
  • 2 coins for public phones
  • A mobile telephone, charged and with a minimum of £5 credit, in a sealed opaque bag for emergency use only. The telephone number is to be clearly displayed on the outside of the telephone. No other telephones should be carried by the team.
  • Bootlace for Tally card.

* When checking in, the team must demonstrate that they have a set of each of the required items of clothing for each team member, not just those walking. This is to ensure that when team members swap at service areas, the full compliment of clothing is still being carried.

ORGANISERS DECISION

If you have any doubt as to whether your clothing or equipment complies with the rules, then find something that you know will be acceptable. You may not agree with the rules but they are there for your protection and for the protection of others. If the checkpoint staff tell you to do anything covered by the rules they are working by the rules. Please don't put them in an awkward situation by arriving unsuitably dressed or short of essential equipment. In all cases the decision of the Organiser is final.

Whilst every effort will be made to make the application of the rules as fair as possible, competitors are reminded that their attitude and conducts should be governed by the Laws of the Scout and Guide movements.

EQUIPMENT WILL BE CHECKED BEFORE THE TEAM IS ALLOWED TO START AND MAY BE CHECKED AGAIN DURING THE HIKE. ANY SHORTAGES WILL HAVE TO BE OBTAINED BEFORE COMMENCING OR RE-COMMENCING HIKING