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Clothing and Equipment Rules and Guidance

Effective from 1 June 2026 for Dragon’s Back Race and Northern Traverse

This guide explains the minimum and mandatory clothing and equipment requirements for our events. It is designed to help participants understand not only what they need to carry, but why each item matters in a mountain, trail and ultra running environment.

The guidance is split into the following sections:

Introduction
Kit Check
Standard Hill Clothing
Exceptional Weather Kit
Hill Equipment
Navigation Equipment
Hill Safety Equipment
Clothing and Equipment for Overnight Camps or Aid Stations

How to use this clothing and equipment guide

Every event has its own specific kit requirements, so please make sure you check the official minimum and mandatory kit list for the race you are taking part in. The information below explains the rules and provides additional guidance, but the event specific kit checklist remains the definitive source for your race.

The aim of this article is simple, to help every participant arrive at the start line properly prepared, with clothing and equipment that is suitable for the conditions they may face.

Introdução

The most common safety issue we see at our events is participants becoming cold, wet, exhausted, or a combination of all three. In many cases, the individuals involved did not expect to need assistance and did not anticipate how quickly conditions could deteriorate once they slowed down or stopped moving.

Cold weather injuries and hypothermia are not only winter risks. Fell, mountain and trail running events can expose participants to wind, rain, low temperatures and long periods of slow movement at any time of year. Our minimum kit requirements are therefore built around one of the most serious and consistent risks in the mountains, getting cold.

During past events, emergency support has often been required when a participant has slowed down, become wet or chilled, slowed down further, and eventually been unable to continue safely. In other cases, a relatively minor injury, such as a sprained ankle, has left someone stationary on the course. Once a runner stops moving, body temperature can drop very quickly, especially in poor weather.

Nobody starts a race expecting to have an accident. Fitness, speed and experience do not remove the risk. A strong runner can still become injured, exhausted, lost, delayed or cold. Participants must therefore be prepared to look after themselves while waiting for help, which may take time depending on location, terrain and conditions.

This is why our mandatory kit list includes a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, a spare synthetic warm top and a survival bag. Together, these items provide a vital safety system.

They help a tired or injured participant keep moving and leave the course safely.
They allow the event team to continue the race in difficult weather, knowing participants have suitable protection.
They provide essential protection if a participant becomes stationary and needs to wait for assistance.

The exact clothing and equipment requirements vary by event, depending on the seriousness, remoteness and duration of the route.

Downloadable kit checklists

Mandatory kit can be confusing, particularly if you are new to multi day ultra running, mountain running or remote trail events. To make things easier, each event has its own downloadable kit checklist.

Please read the checklist for your race carefully. It confirms the exact minimum and mandatory clothing and equipment you must carry.

Download the relevant kit list below:

Dragon’s Back Race
Northern Traverse
Lakes Traverse
Dales Traverse
Moors Traverse

We also recommend watching this useful video from Scottish Athletics and Trail Running Scotland, which demonstrates how quickly runners can become cold when stationary and why the right clothing and equipment is so important:

https://youtu.be/rDNPcXwS9vk?si=LsIEf-0tXovq5r1c

Kit Check

Minimum and mandatory kit requirements differ between events. Your kit will be checked at Registration, and the required clothing and equipment must be carried from the start to the finish of the event, or from the start to the finish of each day where daily checks apply.

The event team’s decision on whether an item is suitable is final. Kit checks are carried out by experienced members of the event team, but if there is any disagreement about the suitability of an item, the decision will be referred to the Event Director, Race Director, or another nominated decision maker.

If you are unsure whether an item meets the requirements, please read this guide in full first. If you are still uncertain, contact us well in advance of the event. We are happy to clarify whether an item is likely to be accepted, but we will not debate whether a mandatory item is necessary.

For example, waterproof trousers are required because they are an essential part of the safety system. “I have never needed them before” is not a reason to leave them behind.

All kit must be fit for purpose and must fit the participant using it. Please do not attempt to pass kit check with clothing that is clearly unsuitable for your body size, such as trousers that are too small to be worn properly. Deliberately presenting unsuitable kit may be treated as a breach of the event rules.

Participant Facebook groups can be a useful place to ask for informal kit recommendations, especially when comparing brands or models. However, comments from other participants are not official guidance. Only Ultra X can give a definitive answer on whether an item is acceptable.

Standard Hill Clothing

Waterproof material

All waterproof clothing must have a minimum hydrostatic head of 10,000mm. This is the minimum level we consider suitable for prolonged exposure to mountain weather. A hydrostatic head of 15,000mm to 20,000mm, or higher, is preferable.

Waterproof clothing that is damaged, torn, punctured, held together with tape, or otherwise no longer fully functional will not pass kit check.

Waterproof jacket or smock

Your waterproof jacket or smock must be a genuine waterproof garment. It must be manufactured, sold and recognised as a waterproof jacket, not simply windproof or water resistant.

It must have:

A hood
Fully taped or welded seams
Waterproof fabric with a minimum hydrostatic head of 10,000mm
No holes, tears, damage, or unsealed seams

If the seams are not sealed, the jacket is not fully waterproof. If the material itself is not waterproof, the jacket is not suitable.

Some high performance jackets use laser cut ventilation holes to improve breathability. These are not acceptable for our events because they compromise the waterproof protection required.

Common mistakes:

Bringing a windproof jacket instead of a waterproof jacket
Bringing a jacket without taped or welded seams
Bringing a jacket with a hydrostatic head below 10,000mm
Bringing a jacket without a hood
Bringing a damaged jacket

Paramo clothing

Paramo garments use a different approach to waterproof protection. We accept suitable Paramo clothing as an alternative to membrane based waterproof garments, provided the item uses Nikwax Analogy Waterproof textiles and has had a recent DWR treatment.

The item must still be suitable for mountain conditions and must be in good condition at kit check.

Waterproof trousers

Waterproof trousers must be genuine waterproof trousers, manufactured, sold and recognised as such. They must have fully taped or welded seams and be made from waterproof fabric with a minimum hydrostatic head of 10,000mm.

Windproof trousers, showerproof trousers, damaged trousers, or trousers with unsealed seams are not acceptable.

Common mistakes:

Bringing windproof tights or trousers
Bringing trousers without taped or welded seams
Bringing trousers with a hydrostatic head below 10,000mm
Bringing waterproof trousers that do not fit properly
Bringing damaged waterproof trousers

Spare synthetic warm top

The spare synthetic warm top is one of the most important items on the mandatory kit list. It can make a significant difference in an emergency, especially if a participant is wet, cold, injured, exhausted, or moving slowly.

Before contacting us to ask whether a garment is suitable, please check two things yourself:

Is it synthetic?
Does it meet the required weight?

Synthetic means it is made from man made materials such as polyester. Merino, wool, down and cotton are not synthetic. Synthetic insulation is required because it retains more of its insulating ability when damp or wet, which is particularly important in UK mountain conditions.

A synthetic warm layer works best when worn underneath a waterproof jacket. This combination helps protect the participant from wind, rain and cold. A synthetic top that is also wind resistant can be particularly effective.

Spare means unworn. It must be available as an emergency layer at kit check and at the start of the day. If you are already wearing it, it is not spare.

Your spare synthetic warm top must:

Be sealed in a waterproof bag at the start, such as a small roll top dry bag
Cover the full upper body, including the arms
Weigh at least 300g for a men’s medium equivalent
Be one single garment, not multiple lighter layers combined
Be synthetic, not down, wool, merino, cotton, or another natural material

A hood is strongly recommended but not required unless specified under Exceptional Weather Kit.

Common mistakes:

Bringing a down jacket, even if it claims to be water resistant
Bringing a wool or merino layer
Bringing a garment that weighs less than 300g
Combining two lighter tops to reach 300g
Bringing a gilet that does not cover the arms
Wearing the item at the start and therefore not carrying it as spare kit

The 300g requirement is based on a men’s medium equivalent. Smaller sizes may be accepted at a slightly lower weight, while larger sizes are expected to weigh more.

We understand that some runners may feel this requirement is cautious. However, this item is included because it provides a crucial safety margin in poor conditions or during an emergency. For our events, the spare synthetic warm top is non negotiable.

If you are still unsure whether your spare synthetic warm top is suitable, ask yourself:

Does it meet the minimum weight requirement?
Is it made from synthetic material?
Will it be spare and sealed in a waterproof bag at the start?
Does it cover both the torso and the arms?

Long sleeve base layer

You must carry or wear a long sleeve base layer. This can be worn at the start or packed so that you can add it if conditions become colder or wetter.

Participants may choose the material and weight of their base layer. The key point is that it provides an additional clothing option without relying on the emergency spare synthetic warm top.

Hat and gloves

A buff may be accepted as a hat in standard conditions. However, if cold weather kit is required, a buff alone is not sufficient and a proper warm hat or waterproof cap must be carried.

Lightweight gloves are suitable in mild or warm weather. In cold, wet, or poor conditions, you will need warmer and more protective gloves. Please check the forecast and event communications before travelling and make sure you have suitable options available.

Fell, mountain or trail running shoes

Participants must wear footwear suitable for off road running in mountain, trail or fell terrain.

Specialist fell running or mountain running shoes are often the best choice because they usually have deeper lugs and better grip on steep, wet or uneven ground. Trail running shoes may be suitable, but some models do not provide enough grip for technical terrain.

Road running shoes, barefoot running, or minimalist barefoot footwear are not appropriate for our events.

Image caption: Kit check before a mountain and ultra running event. © No Limits Photography

Exceptional Weather Kit

In periods of exceptionally cold, wet, windy, or hot weather, we may require participants to carry additional clothing or equipment.

If Exceptional Weather Kit is made mandatory, it must be carried in addition to the Standard Hill Clothing listed above. These extra requirements help participants remain safe and give the event team the best possible chance of continuing the race in challenging conditions.

We will usually communicate these requirements in the final event information email. However, if the forecast is changeable, participants may receive shorter notice.

For example:

Northern Traverse participants may be notified at Registration or at an Aid Station. This means Exceptional Weather Kit should be available in the Drop Bag throughout the event.

Lakes Traverse participants would usually be notified at Registration and should travel to the event with the relevant kit.

Dragon’s Back Race participants may be notified at Registration before Day One or at an Overnight Camp. This means Exceptional Weather Kit should be packed in the Camp Dry Bag for the duration of the event.

Cold Weather Kit

If Cold Weather Kit is required, participants must carry:

A second spare synthetic warm top, hooded and at least 300g
Warm and waterproof gloves, either one combined pair or warm gloves plus waterproof over gloves
A warm hat and/or waterproof cap
Full length tights or trousers

The second synthetic warm top is in addition to the spare synthetic warm top required in the Standard Hill Clothing section. When Cold Weather Kit is mandatory, this second layer must be spare, unworn and sealed in a waterproof bag at the start of the day.

The second synthetic warm top must:

Have a hood
Be sealed in a waterproof bag
Cover the whole upper body, including arms
Meet the minimum 300g weight requirement for a men’s medium equivalent
Be one single garment, not a combination of lighter layers

In exceptionally cold or wet conditions, a buff is not accepted as a warm hat. A purpose made warm hat or waterproof cap is required.

Hot Weather Kit

If Hot Weather Kit is required, participants must carry:

A sun hat or cap with a visor that shades the face
An additional 1,000ml of water carrying capacity

You do not have to fill the additional water bottles, soft flasks or hydration capacity if you do not need the fluid, but you must be able to carry the extra capacity if required.

Hill Equipment

Running rucksack, vest or bumbag

Your pack must be large enough to carry all required clothing and equipment, including any Exceptional Weather Kit that may be made mandatory.

A common problem is participants arriving with a running vest that is too small, only discovering at kit check that their mandatory kit will not fit. We recommend using a pack with at least 12 litres of capacity, and possibly more depending on the event, your clothing choices and the forecast.

You may also want extra space for food, additional layers, or items bought from shops along the route where relevant.

Train with the clothing and equipment you intend to use at the event. This is the best way to check that your pack is comfortable and large enough.

Headtorch

You must carry a headtorch with enough battery life for the day, stage, or event. It must provide sufficient light for you to navigate safely in darkness and get yourself off the hill if needed.

There is no longer a blanket requirement to carry spare batteries or a spare headtorch, but participants are responsible for ensuring their lighting system remains functional. We strongly recommend carrying a spare headtorch for any race where you may be out after dark.

Chest torches are also acceptable and can be useful in fog, mist or heavy rain.

If your headtorch battery is flat, you are no longer carrying the minimum mandatory kit.

Common mistakes:

Using a mobile phone torch as a main or backup light
Using up the battery and having no way to recharge it
Leaving the headtorch in a tent or overnight bag

Food

You must carry enough food for the race, day, stage, or section between support points. Do not underestimate how much energy you will need, especially in cold weather or on longer days.

Common mistake:

Not carrying enough food for the length and difficulty of the day’s route

Water bottles, soft flasks and hydration systems

Please check the event specific kit list for the required water carrying capacity. Remember that additional capacity may be required if Hot Weather Kit is made mandatory.

Means of payment

Participants must carry a means of payment. This could be cash, a debit or credit card, or contactless payment.

Image caption: Overnight dry bags. © No Limits Photography

Navigation Equipment

Compass

You must carry a full size magnetic baseplate compass.

A thumb compass may be accepted for experienced orienteers who are familiar with its use. Electronic compasses, wrist strap compasses and mini survival compasses are not acceptable.

Mapa

The supplied map must be carried throughout the event, even if you plan to navigate using GPS, a watch, phone, or another device.

The map contains essential event information, including emergency instructions, event contact numbers, and details of start, finish, overnight camp or support locations.

If you cut or fold the map for convenience, you must still carry the full map. A cut section is not sufficient because it may not include the emergency information you need.

Image caption: Participants arriving at an overnight camp. © No Limits Photography

Hill Safety Equipment

Survival bag

You must carry a survival bag, not a blanket. A survival blanket is not suitable because it does not provide the same level of protection in severe weather.

The survival bag should be made from robust waterproof material. In severe conditions, you should get inside the bag for maximum protection from wind and rain. Sitting on your rucksack or vest can also help insulate you from the ground.

Apito

You must carry a whistle. Calling nearby participants is often the fastest way to get help in an emergency.

You may carry a separate whistle or use one integrated into your running vest or rucksack.

The recognised emergency signal is six long blasts, followed by one minute of silence. Repeat this pattern until help arrives.

GPS tracker

We will provide an official GPS tracker. It must be carried throughout the event and full instructions will be given at Registration and/or during the pre event safety briefing.

The GPS tracker does not provide navigation information to participants. It is used by the event team to monitor participant progress, support emergency response and provide public tracking.

Image caption: GPS tracker being attached to a participant’s running pack. © No Limits Photography

Mobile phone

You must carry a working mobile phone. It must be fully charged at the start of the race, or at the start of each day on a multi day event, and it must remain operational.

If your phone battery is flat, you are no longer carrying the minimum mandatory kit.

You may choose to keep your phone switched off to preserve battery. However, if you are lost, delayed, disorientated, behind the cut off schedule, or concerned about your safety, please switch it on. The event team may be trying to contact you.

We recommend storing your phone in a waterproof bag.

Image caption: Participant navigating during Dragon’s Back Race. © No Limits Photography

Clothing and Equipment for Overnight Camps or Aid Stations

Insufficient overnight or aid station equipment has caused participants to retire from events in the past. Some items may feel like luxuries before the race, but they can become essential when you finish a long day cold, wet, tired and hungry.

Dry bag for Overnight Camps or Aid Stations

Please check the dry bag requirements for your specific event.

Dragon’s Back Race
Northern Traverse

Pack your dry bag carefully. We recommend placing warm clothing, your plate, bowl and mug near the top so that they are easy to find as soon as you arrive.

Complete change of clothing and shoes

Where required, participants must have a full change of clothing, including shoes, for use at overnight camps or aid stations.

Do not underestimate how important this is. You may finish the day wet, cold and exhausted, then need to spend time in an unheated marquee or camp environment.

In dry conditions, sandals or flip flops may be comfortable. In wet or muddy camps, waterproof shoes can help keep your feet dry and warm after the day’s running.

If you have space, consider packing a second set of waterproof clothing for camp use. This avoids having to wear the same saturated waterproofs you used on the course. Some participants choose a lightweight poncho for this purpose.

Warm sleeping bag

A three season sleeping bag is recommended. Tents can become damp or wet in poor weather, and if tents are packed up and moved each day, they may have limited opportunity to dry.

A warm sleeping bag gives you a much better chance of recovering properly overnight.

Warm jacket

A warm jacket is essential for overnight camps. This could be a down jacket, synthetic insulated jacket, duvet style jacket, or similar.

This must be separate from the spare warm layer carried in your hill kit. In poor conditions, participants may finish with wet or saturated hill clothing, including emergency layers. You need a separate warm jacket for camp.

Sleeping mat

An inflatable sleeping mat is usually best. The thicker and warmer the mat, the better your overnight comfort and recovery are likely to be.

Plate or bowl, mug and cutlery

We do not provide disposable serveware. Participants must bring their own plate or bowl, mug and cutlery.

Sun block

Please bring waterproof sun block with SPF 50 or higher.

Midge head net and insect repellent

Please bring a midge head net and suitable insect repellent. A mosquito head net may not protect against midges.

Personal first aid kit

Your personal first aid kit must include:

Tick remover
Selection of plasters
Antiseptic ointment
Painkillers, such as paracetamol
Kinesiology tape, 50mm x 5m
Small scissors

We strongly advise against taking non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Diclofenac, for pain relief during endurance events.

Personal blister treatment kit

Your blister treatment kit must include:

Five sterile scalpel blades
Five sterile island dressings, 6 x 7cm
Ten sterile cotton swabs, 5 x 5cm
Two Inadine dressings, 9.5 x 9.5cm
Five disinfection wipes

These items may be used by the medical team if you need treatment during the event.