SUSSEX DOWNSMAN HIKE

3rd OCTOBER 2009

EQUIPMENT LIST

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

NOTE: Not yet confirmed for 2009. Check back periodically until this message is removed!

Clothing

Each team member must wear the following -
q       Long trousers or alternatively breeches with long  walking socks.
q       Good quality hiking boots which have been specifically designed for hiking, or specialist fell / trail running shoes or boots.
q       Shirt with sleeves
q       Thermal layer (i.e. fleece or sweater) - to be worn as weather decrees
q       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 rucsac(s)* with night visible material prominently placed on the outside containing the following -
q       Bivi bag or survival bag - not a 'space' blanket.
q       Waterproof clothing to fit the team members walking, consisting of cagoule and overtrousers. *
q  Hat and gloves for each member walking. *
q       Spare sweater or fleece for each member walking. *
q       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
q       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.
q       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.
q       2 Suitable torches with spare batteries and bulb (if appropriate) for same.
q       2 OS maps (minimum 1:50,000 scale) appropriate for each area being walked. (Class C and W 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.)
q       2 whistles.
q       2 compasses.
q       2 coins for public phones and a mobile telephone, charged and with sufficient credit, in a sealed opaque bag for emergency use only.
q       Bootlace for Tally card.  

* teams will be required to produce these items for each team member when checking in. However, only 3 sets need to be carried by the team members walking each section.

JUDGES 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 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.