Your Dusk to Dawn gear checklist
Not sure what to bring? Here are the essentials we recommend having ready for event night:
✓ Well-worn walking shoes
✓ Comfortable, lightweight layers
✓ Warm jacket or fleece
✓ Waterproof layer
✓ Fully charged mobile phone
✓ Portable power bank
✓ Headtorch
✓ Headphones, if you’d like them
✓ Water bottle
✓ Tried-and-tested snacks
✓ Blister and personal care kit
✓ Spare socks
Our golden rule: don’t try anything new on event night.
Wear and use your gear during your training walks so you know it will keep you comfortable across 42km.
Walking shoes
A comfortable, well-fitted pair of walking shoes is one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll need.
Make sure you’ve worn your shoes during training walks and know they work for you. A properly fitted pair can help reduce hot spots, discomfort and blisters over long distances.
Avoid wearing a brand-new pair for the first time on event night — your feet will thank you at kilometre 30!
Our tip: Wear the same shoes and socks you’ve been using on your longer training walks.
Need some expert advice? Visit your local The Athlete’s Foot store for support finding the right fit.
Comfortable clothing
Comfort is key when you’ll be walking through the night.
Choose breathable, moisture-wicking clothing that you’ve already tested during training. Temperatures can change throughout the night, so wearing layers will make it easier to adjust as you go.
Consider packing:
- Lightweight layers
- A warm jacket or fleece
- A waterproof layer in case of rain
- A hat or cap, plus sunglasses for sunrise
Keep an eye on the weather forecast in the lead-up to Dusk to Dawn and adjust what you bring accordingly.
Technology
A few tech essentials can make your night safer and more enjoyable.
Make sure you bring:
- A fully charged mobile phone
- A portable power bank
- A headtorch (provided)
- Headphones, if you plan on listening to music or podcasts while you walk
Food and snacks
Walking for several hours requires regular fuel.
You’ll pass through Pit Stops along the route where snacks and water will be available to help keep you going. We still recommend bringing some of your own food so you have options you know work well for you.
Good options might include:
- Muesli bars
- Trail mix
- Bananas or other fruit
- Energy chews or gels
- Sandwiches or wraps
Just like your shoes and clothing, try your event-night snacks during training rather than introducing something new on the night.
Aim to eat small amounts regularly throughout your walk to help maintain your energy.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is important before, during and after your walk.
Start the event well hydrated and continue drinking regularly throughout the night. Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it along the route as needed.
Rather than waiting until you feel thirsty, get into the habit of taking regular drinks during your training walks too.
Blister and personal care kit
Looking after your feet can make all the difference during a 42km walk.
Pack a small personal care kit with anything you may need along the way, such as:
- Blister patches or Band-Aids
- Anti-chafing cream
- Lip balm
- Tissues
- Pain relief, if appropriate for you
- A spare pair of socks
If you notice a hot spot or irritation developing during the walk, deal with it early rather than waiting for it to become uncomfortable.
After the walk: recovery
Have a nutritious meal or snack to replenish your energy
Take some time to stretch and gently move tired muscles
Prioritise rest and a good night’s sleep
Give your body time to recover before returning to your regular exercise routine
You’re getting closer to Dusk to Dawn
Having the right gear is one part of getting event-night ready. Keep building up your kilometres, test your gear on your longer walks and make sure you know what works for you before 21 November.
We hope this list helps you feel confident and prepared for Dusk to Dawn. Happy walking! 🌙
