Don't be fooled - HIGHLANDER is no walk in the park!

Temperatures from 8°C to 22°C

To fully enjoy HIGHLANDER, we strongly advise you to prepare physically beforehand. We recommend you backpack around 200 kms during the months leading to the event. During your physical preparations, don't forget to test the gear also.

Weather and climate in the Aran Valley varies across seasons, with warm, dry summers and long, snowy winters. HIGHLANDER Val d’Aran will take place in the summer, where temperatures oscillate roughly between 8°C and 22°C throughout the day and rainfall can be expected.

Temperatures from 8°C to 22°C

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

BACKPACK

The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with 5-7 kgs and increase gradually to 15-17 kgs.

HIGHLANDER backpack

BACKPACK

The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with 5-7 kgs and increase gradually to 15-17 kgs.

Make sure you can walk comfortably in your backpacking shoes and break them in before the event.

Look into ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking methods of walking and packing. Bring only the indispensable items in your backpack and choose natural materials wherever possible.

A fully packed backpack, excluding food and water, should not weigh over 17 kgs.

< 17 kg

The lighter, the better!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW WHEN ON THE MOUNTAIN

Weather

Expect fickle and changeable weather. Bring dry weather and rain clothing, including a cap or hat, gloves, cold-weather long-sleeve t-shirt (preferably wool), hiking pants, rain pants, and a rain jacket. Merino wool is great (especially for underwear) for its quick-drying, anti-fungal, and anti-odor properties.

Food

For reheating food, you will need LPG or alcohol/gasoline.

Navigation

To find your way around, you must know how to read maps (which will be provided by the Organizer) and use a compass.

Safety

For your safety, all participants must bring a first aid kit.

Littering

We believe our participants love and cherish nature and all its beauty. We know you wouldn’t litter, so please bring a waste bag for your litter.

Keep in mind that littering on and around trails, checkpoints, and mountain lodges is forbidden. Litterers will be disqualified and banned from applying to any future HIGHLANDER events.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but must always stay on a leash. See the Rules for more info.

PACKING LIST FOR HIGHLANDER VAL D'ARAN

*Items marked with (MI) are MANDATORY ITEMS!

BACKPACK
  • backpack (up to 50L) (MI)
  • backpack liner/cover
  • dry bags (2-5L)
  • ziplock bags
  • trash bag (provided by organizer) (MI)
FOOD AND DRINKS
  • meals divided by days (provided by organizer)
  • snacks
  • start water 3L (MI)
  • hydration bladder / water bottles (volume 3L) + water (MI)
  • water purification filter/drops/ tabs (MI)
COOKING
  • gas / alcohol stove and stove fuel (MI)
  • cookware & cutlery (MI)
  • matches or lighter
  • biodegradable hand sanitizer or soap
SLEEP SYSTEM
  • sleeping bag / bivouac sack (MI)
  • sleeping bag liner
  • sleeping pad / bivouac sack with integrated sleeping pad (MI)
  • pillow
SHELTER
  • tent / bivouac sack / hammock+tarp (MI)
NAVIGATION
  • Map and trail instructions * (provided by the organizer)
  • Map cover (provided by the organizer)
  • Compass*
  • GPS device
CLOTHES
  • warm clothes layer (MI)
  • base layer
  • underwear
  • rain shell
  • hiking socks
  • bandana / hat
  • boots / trail runners (MI)
  • camp shoes
  • gloves
LIGHT
  • head torch / flashlight (MI)
  • extra batteries
  • tent light
HYGIENE AND PROTECTION
  • toothbrush & biodegradable toothpaste
  • toilet paper - biodegradable
  • soap - biodegradable
  • light towel
  • lip balm / cream
  • insect repellent
  • sunscreen
  • sunglasses
  • first aid kit (MI)
  • survival blanket (MI)
PERSONAL ITEMS + GEAR
  • watch
  • duct tape
  • trekking poles
  • gaiters
  • knife
  • pen and paper
  • phone/camera
  • national ID card of passport
  • money
  • a copy of itinerary left with family or friends

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist
Hikers exercising

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HIGHLANDER ADVENTURE

245 Park Avenue, New York

info@highlanderadventure.com