How to Use This List

Items marked Mandatory must be carried at all times and will be checked at the start. You will not be allowed to begin without them. Items marked Recommended are strongly advised but not mandatory.

Important This checklist is based on community knowledge and publicly available information. Always check the official Rat Race mandatory kit list in your race pack as requirements can change. The official list takes precedence over this one. ratrace.com/the-wall-ultramarathon

📄 Download PDF Checklist Printable PDF version with tick boxes · If you find this helpful, buy me a coffee ☕ to say thanks

The Wall Ultramarathon - Kit Checklist

unofficialwallultra.co.uk - Not affiliated with Rat Race Events. Always check official race pack for current mandatory kit requirements.

Mandatory and Recommended Kit

★ = Mandatory | Recommended = strongly advised

Item	Done
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - taped seams Mandatory Full waterproof, not shower-resistant. Also provides vital wind protection at night. See jacket guide.
Waterproof trousers - taped seams Mandatory Full waterproof with taped seams. Carry even if forecast is dry. If running in shorts you must also carry additional full-length leg cover such as leggings.
Warm insulating mid-layer Mandatory Not just a long-sleeve top. A fleece, softshell or insulated jacket. Vital for the night section as pace drops and temperature falls.
Hat or buff Mandatory Significant heat loss through the head at night. Carry both if possible.
Gloves Mandatory Carry waterproof or windproof gloves. Hands get cold fast on exposed sections.
Packable insulated jacket Recommended Recommended by Rat Race. A lightweight down or synthetic puffy for runners who may struggle with cold overnight. See jacket guide.
Running shoes - trained in, correct size Feet swell - many runners go half a size up for race day. Never debut new shoes. See shoe guide.
Running socks - trained in Double-layer or merino recommended. See socks guide.
Navigation and Safety
Headtorch Mandatory Must be a headtorch - not a chest torch. Mandatory from The Sill but must be carried from the start. Ensure fully charged.
Spare headtorch batteries or backup torch Mandatory Carry enough to ensure continuous headtorch use throughout the night.
Rear red light or reflective hi-vis patch Mandatory Minimum 10cm x 2cm reflective patch, or a working rear red light.
GPS watch or phone with route downloaded The route is well marked but having it on your wrist removes anxiety. See watch guide.
Hydration and Nutrition
Hydration system - minimum 2 litres capacity Mandatory Bladder or soft flasks. Must be able to carry 2L. Pit stops refill but sections between them can be long.
Emergency food - minimum 400 kcal Mandatory Approx 4 gels or equivalent. Must be carried at all times - not consumed unless genuinely needed as emergency fuel.
Race nutrition - gels, bars, snacks Separate from emergency food. What you plan to eat for 20+ hours. See nutrition guide.
Electrolytes - tablets, powder or capsules For adding to water. See electrolytes guide.
First Aid and Foot Care
First aid kit Mandatory Must include: triangular or conformable roller bandage, assorted adhesive dressings including at least one 100mm x 100mm dressing, gauze or gauze bandage, and paracetamol.
Survival bag Mandatory Must be a survival bag, NOT a blanket. Lightweight foil bivvy bag. Often overlooked - don't forget it.
Whistle Mandatory Attach to your vest shoulder strap for easy access.
Reusable cup Mandatory Suitable for hot drinks at Pit Stops. A collapsible silicone cup saves weight and space.
Blister treatment kit Blister plasters (Compeed), zinc oxide or Leukotape, antiseptic wipes, sterilised needle. The medics are not a foot care service - be self-sufficient. See foot care guide.
Anti-chafe - Bodyglide or Vaseline Apply before start and reapply at Hexham. Carry a small amount in your vest. See chafing guide.
Pack and Poles
Running vest or pack - trained in Mandatory Must carry 2L hydration. Fit properly - vest rub at mile 50 is brutal. See pack guide.
Trekking poles Recommended Significantly reduce leg load on climbs and descents. If using, train with them. See poles guide.
Phone - fully charged Mandatory Must be carried at all times. Ensure it has charge from the start.
Method of payment - card, cash or phone pay Mandatory Must be carried at all times.
Power bank For charging phone and watch during the race. Fully charge the night before.

Hexham Drop Bag (Mile 44)

Leave at registration - collected at Hexham pit stop

Item	Done
Fresh base layer / topA dry top at mile 44 is transformative. The one you started in will be soaked.
Fresh socksEssential. Fresh dry socks at Hexham significantly reduce blister risk for the second half. See socks guide.
Change of shoesSome runners switch to a different shoe at Hexham - softer cushioning for the second half road sections.
Food and snacks for second halfParticularly savoury food - your sweet tooth will be gone by mile 44.
Toothbrush and toothpasteFrequently mentioned - brushing teeth at Hexham provides a surprising mental reset.
Power bank - fully chargedSwap or top up at Hexham for the overnight section.
Anti-chafe and blister supplies - refillRestock your vest with lube and any tape you have used.
Dry gloves or spare glovesIf your gloves have got wet through the day, dry ones for the night section are valuable.
Motivational note or reminder of your "why"Leave yourself a note. Many runners report this being surprisingly powerful at mile 44. See mental strategy guide.