What do I really need?

Clothes: It is important to dress correctly for The Kent Charity Trek, just like good boots, good clothing will help you along the route. Make sure you wear the clothes you will be wearing before the actual event. You’ll be surprised how a top can feel different despite being exactly the same as one you’ve always worn.

We would recommend layering your clothing to ensure you keep cool or warm depending on the weather. The three layer rule should be observed.

Base Layer: it is worn directly next to the skin and the idea is it will take moisture away from your skin to prevent it making you cold or uncomfortable. If you are buying a base layer remember that some are designed to keep you cool, others are designed to keep you warm. 

TIP: We advise wearing a cap in the day to keep the sun off. 

Mid Layer: A secondary layer is very much an insulating layer to keep you warm. A lightweight fleece or long sleeved full fronted zip-up is ideal. However, it can also be a t-shirt over the base layer.  

Outer Layer: Often a waterproof or high visibility style zip-up. It should be breathable and have a hood.   

Legs: Often a waterproof or high visibility style zip-up. It should be breathable and have a hood.    

TIP: Layers, layers, layers!
Whether it’s hot, cold, wet or dry, if you have layers you can easily add or take off. Avoid huge heavy coats or knitted jumpers that will take up space and weigh down your rucksack. 

Bags: If you don’t have a support vehicle and will be carrying your worldly goods for the entirety of the event, then here is the advice. Ensure the bag is big enough to hold all of your equipment (20-30L should be about right). Compartments are great for separating your “must haves” from the not-so-essential extra items, so choose a bag with these.

The bag must have adjustable padded shoulder straps and ideally padded waist straps to fit around your hips rather than all of the weight across your shoulders and back. 

One small rack sack size bag can be transported from the start point to your designated finish point.

TIP: Find the smallest bag that will hold all of the kit you plan to bring, the bigger the pack the more you will pack!

By no means essential but some people find them a welcome addition on long walks for both balance and spreading the weight. 

Mobile Phone: A mobile phone is essential and should be fully charged before the event. You will be given emergency numbers to call if you get stuck. If walking in a group, make sure every walker has a mobile phone. We will also require your mobile number so we can contact you in case of emergency.

There will be charging points at the end of the 25km route and at the half way point of the 50km, please bring a charger with you.