What should I pack?

We'll provide you with an extensive list of essential, recommended and optional items of clothing and equipment once you've registered on a challenge. But here are our top 10 packing tips:

Plan well in advance and prioritise your requirements for the trip to allow you to make the most of your holiday and the time and money you have invested in it.
Make a list of things you must attend to within a certain time frame before departure and strike them off once they are done. Give priority to the most important aspects affecting your participation on the trip such as your footwear, wet weather gear, buying a new camera, obtaining a new passport, and so on.
Check what gear you own already and sort fully through what gear you have and make a pile of what is definitely suitable and in good condition, and those that are ‘possible’ and perhaps subject to review and replacement.
Make a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘like to haves’ when it comes to gear so that you do not become confused when shopping in the variety of outdoor shops. Buy the ‘must haves’ before ‘like to haves’ and think of your future needs when making a sizeable purchase of gear.
Pack efficiently because only one piece of baggage (apart from your daypack) is allowed and you will have to carry it between the vehicle and hotel rooms.
Consider multiple layers rather than bulky items.
Cotton or wool items of clothing are more difficult to dry in the time available. There are some excellent travel clothes available in new fabrics that are quick dry, non-crush and lightweight.
There may be opportunities in the cities to wear smart-casual attire, and we recommend that you bring one outfit for this purpose.
Time of year and weather is often a determinant factor in packing for trips especially if the destination covers several climatic zones, so again think layers.
Packing efficiently is an art ... lay your bags out well in advance, start the process early to avoid any last minute panic attacks.

Tip # 10

Packing efficiently is an art ... lay your bags out well in advance, start the process early to avoid any last minute panic attacks.