A runner in a race climbs a grassy hill with mountainous scenery in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Dragon's Back Race Kit List

Mandatory kit

In your running pack

Additional items

Exceptional weather kit

Additional exceptional weather items

Mandatory camping clothing & equipment

Camping kit

Other mandatory camping items

More kit lists

Considered to be one of the toughest mountain races in the world, the full course covers 380km with 16,400m of ascent along the Dragon’s Back of Wales.

With several different course options available, ranging from a 2-day option to the full 6-day event, your kit requirements will vary depending on your specific needs. Regardless of the race you choose, there is some basic kit you'll need to bring. Our Dragon's Back kit list covers the essentials. Our experienced in-store staff can also guide you towards personalised product recommendations.

What if I don’t have all of the mandatory kit?
Having the correct kit is essential for your safety during the event. Each day, there will be random kit checks. If you are found to be missing mandatory items, you will receive a strike.

Do I need to carry all of my kit with me?
No, your overnight kit will be transported for you between the accommodations. You will just need to carry what you’ll need during the race.

Mandatory kit

These items are mandatory to always have on you during the event.

Three runners navigate a rocky mountain trail, showcasing endurance and focus against a rugged landscape.

In your running pack

Image of Running vest/pack

Running vest/pack

You'll be wearing this pack for most of the day so ensuring you feel comfortable in it is key. We recommend visiting a shop so you can try packs on, especially with weight inside them to get a feel for how they will fare during the event. You can even take all the kit you plan to carry in-store to see if it fits. You'll want to think about: how it feels, if the pockets are accessible and if all your kit fits.

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Waterproof jacket

Weather in Wales is changeable at the best of times. Having a breathable, comfortable waterproof is key. We recommend trying a few different options, especially with your pack on and loaded up.

Image of Waterproof trousers

Waterproof trousers

Having waterproof trousers you feel comfortable running in can make or break your weekend. Try on a few different pairs. You could even jog through the store to make sure you'll be happy to wear them for multiple hours (or potentially all day) out on the trail.

Image of Survival bag

Survival bag

If something goes wrong, having the right kit can save your life. Any mountain run should always include a survival bag.

Image of Long sleeve base layer

Long sleeve base layer

Make sure that this layer wicks sweat away well. Having a long sleeve base layer is a great alternative when it is too cold for a t-shirt but too warm for a full jacket.

Image of Spare synthetic warm layer (min 300g)

Spare synthetic warm layer (min 300g)

This warm top is in addition to what you are wearing at the start of the day. This is a really important piece of kit. You will need it when the conditions aren't favourable and the last thing you want on your mind is you should have brought a warmer layer.

Image of Compass

Compass

A compass is no good if you don't know how to use it. If you are unsure, then get yourself on a navigation for trail runners course.

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Head torch

You'll want a balance of being light, bright and having a long-lasting battery.

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Whistle

If you need a whistle, you'll want to make sure it is loud enough. The whistle that is included on your pack won't be loud enough in poor conditions.

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Food

You'll need enough food for each day of the course. "Having the nutrition that works for you is incredibly important. I find Tailwind works really well to complement other food. Be careful in hotter weather to also drink plain water, and adjust your dosage of tailwind accordingly." - Charles Gay, Events and Partnerships Coordinator

Image of Two pairs of gloves & hat

Two pairs of gloves & hat

One for poor weather and one for mild weather. You only need to have one of these pairs with you while you are running, but the other pair must be in your resupply bag or your overnight drop bag.

Image of Water bottle and/or hydration system (minimum 1.5L capacityl)

Water bottle and/or hydration system (minimum 1.5L capacityl)

You'll want to use a water bottle or reservoir you can drink from on the move that fits comfortably in your pack.

Image of Trail shoes

Trail shoes

Getting the right shoe for your foot type is critical.  Don't start a race with new shoes, make sure you feel comfortable running long distances in your shoe of choice. Head in store for a footwear fitting and try on a few different models.

Additional items

  • Means of payment 

    Some of the routes will pass shops and cafes. You don't want to miss out on a mid-day cake stop because you don't have cash or a card on you.  

  • Mobile phone 

    You'll want your mobile in a waterproof pouch alongside important gear and spare layers.  

  • Map (supplied)

    You will receive a paper copy of the map at registration. There will also be the option to download Digital Mapping via the Avenza App. Some basic map-reading skills are recommended, although the routes tend to be fairly straightforward.  

  • GPS tracker (supplied) 

    This will also be provided at registration. Make sure you keep this on you throughout the event.

Exceptional weather kit

A person walks along a narrow, rocky mountain ridge enveloped in fog, wearing a black shirt and shorts, with a determined expression.

Exceptional weather kit

Cold 

The organisers will let you know if the 'cold weather kit rule' is in place. If it is, it's essential you have 2 spare warm tops.

* During exceptionally wet/cold weather conditions, a buff is no longer acceptable as a hat, and an actual hat (or waterproof cap) is required.


Hot 

  • Sun hat or cap with a visor for shading the face 

  • An additional 1L carrying capacity of water 

Everyone will drink different amounts of fluid. If you are someone who drinks less, you don't need to fill your bottles, but you need to have the additional capacity.

Additional exceptional weather items

These items are not mandatory but can be beneficial during especially hot or cold weather. 

Cold

  • A waterproof cap 


Hot

  • Loose-fitting and lightweight long-sleeve top 

  • Headband 

Mandatory camping clothing & equipment

The following kit must be included in your overnight dry bag (Max 59L - 15kg).

Hikers traverse a narrow, rocky ridge with a misty mountain peak in the background under a cloudy sky.

Camping kit

Image of A complete change of clothes

A complete change of clothes

Bring clothes you will feel comfy in at the end of the run. Camping slippers or flip flops are always nice to let your feet breathe post long day on the hill.

Image of Warm jacket

Warm jacket

Having something comfy and warm to wear at the end of the day can make your experience much more enjoyable. It's easy to feel too hot when you just finish but once you've rested you are likely to get cold.

Image of Warm sleeping bag

Warm sleeping bag

A 3-season sleeping bag is recommended, a liner can add additional warmth and comfort (plus keep your bag clean).

Image of Sleeping mat

Sleeping mat

This is a personal preference; some people prefer an inflatable mat while other prefer a minimal foam mats.

Image of Plate/bowl/cutlery/mug

Plate/bowl/cutlery/mug

There are no disposable plates available for the finisher's meal.

Image of Personal first aid kit

Personal first aid kit

Learn how to use a first aid kit. Add items such as duct tape (great for equipment fixes). Foot care is so important in completing races like this. Most people won't DNF from a lack of fitness, but a lack of ability to look after themselves well for such a sustained period. Read up on how to treat blisters, tape your feet and identify problems before they come showstoppers.

Image of Food

Food

Don't underestimate the quantity of food you'll need. Anticipate approximately 1/3 of your dry bag being filled with food.

Other mandatory camping items

  • Spare shoes

  • Sponge and cloth for washing and drying dishes

  • Personal blister treatment kit  

  • Kinesiology tape

  • Suncream / sunblock 

  • Midge head net and insect repellent

  • Trench foot cream 

    This is recommended to protect your feet during long-distance events.

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.

Tip

Write your name on everything, there's usually lots of lost property at the event.

Additional items

  • A power bank (ca. 10,000-20,000mAh) for recharging devices 

  • Travel pillow or pillowcase (to stuff with clothes) 

  • A fresh set of running clothes for each day 

  • Toiletries and a towel 

  • Earplugs 

  • Anti-chaffing cream 

  • Your favourite snacks 

More kit lists

Image of Northern Traverse Kit List

Northern Traverse Kit List

Preparing for the Northern Traverse is about more than just endurance; having the right kit is key.

Image of The Scarpa Great Lakeland 3 Day kit list

The Scarpa Great Lakeland 3 Day kit list

The Scarpa Great Lakeland 3 Day is a friendly and welcoming event in the Lake District, held on the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.