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

Temperatures from 15°C to 28°C

To fully enjoy HIGHLANDER, specifically for HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion, we strongly advise you to prepare physically beforehand. We recommend you backpack train in advance during the months leading to the event. During your physical preparations, don't forget to test the gear also.

All participants should be physically prepared to tackle a long distance smoothly (from 13km to 40km depending on format). We recommend some training in the months leading to HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah to prepare for the adventure. 

Above all, you must be able to carry a heavy backpack (practice with a 5-7 kg and increase gradually to 15-17 kg). Make sure you can walk in your hiking shoes and break them in prior to the event.

*You can start training now by following our backpacking-specific online training video.

Temperatures from 15°C to 28°C

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

BACKPACK

For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion:
The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Your backpack weight on average is between 12kg to 18kg depending on how lightweight your gear is.

For HIGHLANDER Lyra:

This will be a day backpack and the weight is limited to the water, snacks and the personal items you are carrying. On average your day backpack will vary between 5kg to 7kg depending on your items.

HIGHLANDER backpack

BACKPACK

For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion:
The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Your backpack weight on average is between 12kg to 18kg depending on how lightweight your gear is.

For HIGHLANDER Lyra:

This will be a day backpack and the weight is limited to the water, snacks and the personal items you are carrying. On average your day backpack will vary between 5kg to 7kg depending on your items.

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.

Choose backpacks that have a waist and chest strap that will add more comfort and stability.

For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion:
A fully packed backpack, excluding food and water, should not weigh over 12kg. The lighter, the better!

For HIGHLANDER Lyra:
A fully packed backpack, excluding food and water, should not weigh over 3kg. The lighter, the better!

< 12 kg

The lighter, the better!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW WHEN ON THE MOUNTAIN

Weather

February is considered the “winter” season in the UAE. Though it is known to be sunny and cool temperatures, rain clouds can form suddenly. In Ras Al-Khaimah it's usually breezy, fresh during the day, and cold at night between 15C to 20C degrees, especially at the highest camp. Expect fog and cold in the morning and up to 24 - 28°C during the day. During the day it will be like a European summer day while at night it will get cold. Temperature can drop 10 degrees Celsius.

Bring well-made and durable all-weather hiking clothing suitable for layering. 

Merino wool is great (especially for underwear) for its quick-drying, anti-fungal, and anti-odor properties.

Food

For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion:
For reheating food, you will need Butaine & Propane Mix Gas Canister.

* For international participants, we understand you can not travel with gas canister. Kindly reach out to us at uae@highlanderadventure.com so we can arrange for you at the start point.

For HIGHLANDER Lyra:
Non of the foods provided require any cooking.

Navigation

To find your way around, you must know how to read maps (which will be provided by the Organizer) and you can use handheld GPS or navigation app for phone. GPS files will be shared closer to event date.

Safety

For your safety, all participants must bring a basic/personal 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.

Littering on and around trails, checkpoints, and mountain lodges are forbidden. Litterers will be disqualified and banned from applying to any future HIGHLANDER events.

Pets

Currently dogs are not welcomed.

PACKING LIST FOR HIGHLANDER UAE

Show your HIGHLANDER ticket at any DECATHLON store in UAE to get 10% discount off your gear purchase

Items marked with (MI) are MANDATORY ITEMS!
BACKPACK
  • For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion: backpack (45-50L)
  • For HIGHLANDER Lyra: backpack (20 - 30L)
  • backpack liner/cover
  • dry bags (2-5L)
  • ziplock bags
  • trash bag (provided by organizer) (MI)
FOOD & DRINKS
  • For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion: Camping meals divided by days (provided by organizer)
  • For HIGHLANDER: Lunch (provided by organizer)
  • snacks
  • hydration bladder / water bottles (volume 4L) (MI)
  • electrolyte tablets and energy gels
COOKING

For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion Only

  • backpacking stove and canister (MI)
  • cookware & cutlery (MI)
  • matches or lighter
  • biodegradable hand sanitizer or soap
SLEEP SYSTEM

For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion Only

  • tent (MI)
  • sleeping bag (MI)
  • sleeping pad (MI)
  • pillow (recommended-Inflatable or compactable)
CLOTHES
  • warm clothes layer (MI)
  • bandana / hat
  • gloves
  • quick-drying base layer shirt
  • long-sleeve shirt
  • fleece or jumper for cold nights
  • waterproof rain jacket or poncho
NAVIGATION
  • map and trail instructions (provided by the organizer)
  • compass (MI) - (organizer will provide recorded digital trail/GPS file)
  • GPS device or navigation app
LIGHT
  • head torch / flashlight (MI)
  • extra batteries
  • tent light
HYGIENE & PROTECTION
  • toothbrush & biodegradable toothpaste (For HIGHLANDER Pegasus & Orion Only)
  • toilet paper - biodegradable
  • small soap - biodegradable if available
  • light towel
  • lip balm
  • insect repellent
  • sunscreen
  • sunglasses
  • first aid kit (MI)
  • survival blanket (MI)
PERSONAL ITEMS & GEAR
  • watch (optional)
  • trekking poles
  • pen and paper
  • phone/camera
  • national ID card of passport
  • money/cash for emergency
  • a copy of itinerary left with family or friends

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

NEED HELP WITH GETTING AROUND

Getting a good night's sleep ahead of a multi-day hiking experience is highly needed, which is why we have partnered up with a hotel in Ras Al Khaimah that will offer you comfort ahead of your Adventure of a Lifetime.

ACCOMMODATION

HIGHLANDERs will receive special rates with staying with accommodation parters. We got more good news!

HIGHLANDERs staying at these hotels will receive the following benefits:

  • Transport from the hotel to the event start
  • Transport from the event finish back to the hotel
  • Luggage storage at the hotel
  • Special rate for room booking (using discount code or the following link)

    **FOR BOOKING WITH THE SPECIAL RATE (*Starting 15th of September 2025 until 10th January 2026)**

    CITY MAX HOTEL***
    Located in the Al Nakheel area by the creek, Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah offers modern accommodations with free WiFi, a rooftop pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

    DURATION AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING DATES:
    • Check-in | Starting From: 05 February 2026
    • Check-Out | Last Day: 09 February 2026

    SPECIAL ROOM RATES:
    •  Single and Double on room only basis: New Season Rate coming soon.
    •  Single room and breakfast: New Season Rate coming soon.
    (request breakfast to be take away/order in advance)
    •  Double room and breakfast: New Season Rate coming soon.
    (request breakfast to be take away/order in advance)

    FOR BOOKING WITH THE SPECIAL RATE (*Starting 15th of September 2025 until 10th January 2026)
    •  Discount Code to be shared starting September.

    GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
    •  The above-mentioned rate is per room per night inclusive of a 10% service charge, 5% VAT, 7% Destination Fee, and AED 10 Tourism Dirham Fee.
    •  Rates include free use of Basic Wi-Fi Internet, facility in the room, and 02 bottles of water per day.
    •  Special rate valid until 15 January 2025, thereafter subject to availability.
    •  Hotel to arrange the transportation drops from the hotel to the event venue on the 7th and 8th of February.
    •  Hotel to arrange transportation pick-ups from the event venue to the hotel on 9th February.

    CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
    •  Check-in : 14:00 hrs | Check-out : 12:00 noon

    EARLY CHECK-IN POLICY:
    •  Half-Day Charge: For check-in between 07:00 – 13:00
    •  Full-Day Charge: For check-in before 7 hrs

    LATE CHECK-OUT POLICY:
    •  Half-Day Charge: For check-out between 13:00 – 18:00
    •  Full-Day Charge: For check-out after 18:00

    BEAR GRYLLS EXPLORER CAMP (*Starting 15th of September 2025 until 10th January 2026)
    Located in the heart of Jebel Jais Bear Grylls Explorers Camp offers 16 comfortable cabins equipped with A/C, and a private bathroom with a toilet and shower. Each cabin can accommodate up to 3 people, there is a double bed with a single bunk above. There are basic self-catering amenities such as a private BBQ on a private outside patio for food preparation. The accommodation is ideal for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature in a natural setting.

    DURATION AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING DATES:
    • Check-in | Starting From: 05 February 2026
    • Check-Out | Last Day: 09 February 2026

    SPECIAL ROOM RATES:
    •  Cabin weekend (Fri-Sat-Sun) (up to 3 pax): New Season Rate coming soon.
    •  Cabin weekday (Sun-Thu) (up to 3 pax): New Season Rate coming soon.

    FOR BOOKING WITH THE SPECIAL RATE
    •  Reservation is done through email to reservations@beargryllscamp.ae
    * Make sure to mention you are booking for the HIGHLANDER RAK event.

    GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
    •  The above-mentioned rate is per room per night inclusive of a 5% VAT, 7% Destination Fee
    •  AED 10 Tourism Dirham Fee per cabin per night is not included and will be collected upon check-in
    •  Special rate valid until 15 January 2026, thereafter subject to availability.
    •  The shuttle bus provided will make a stop at Bear Grylls Explorer Camp on its way up to Jebel Jais. so make sure you are waiting on the main road to get picked up. (Around 6:00am)

    CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
    •  Check-in : 15:00 hrs | Check-out : 11:00 noon
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HIGHLANDER ADVENTURE

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info@highlanderadventure.com

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