|  The
most comprehensive and time-consuming aspect of adventure racing isn't the training
or the racing. It's the preparation to get to the race. Every race has a different
mandatory gear list. Like shopping for school supplies, every competitor is responsible
for having the required gear. First aid, packs, shoes, helmets, lights, clothing.the
list can on for pages. It takes time, money and thought.
In
my case it took several races before I knew what worked for me. Not only did I
research and plan the gear but I trained and practiced with it. The last thing
you want is to get out in the middle of the great outdoors and find your shoes
are causing blisters and your bladder doesn't work. I highly recommend taking
the time to research gear, purchase it early and then practice, practice, practice.
On a note of caution, most of your gear will be trashed in the race. I try to
go cheap or disposable when possible knowing it will be destroyed by the end of
the race. One of the most important things to consider
when buying gear is the weight. I learned this early on in my racing experience
when I packed too much food and gear. I wasted precious energy in the race only
to realize at the finish line I had a ton of food left over and gear untouched.
From clothes to lights to batteries, think lightweight and simple. Adventuring
means suffering and going without. If you are comfortable, you will soon realize
the weight of your luxury. ADVENTURE RACE PACKS
In adventure racing, your pack is almost as important as your shoes. When selecting
a pack it is best to consider the following. A stable, practical pack to carry
your gear makes all the difference. My personal favorite for multi-day races is
by Salomon (compare
Salomon Backpack prices). These are light, drain
well, and versatile. They have a variety of pockets and compression straps to
hold the load. They also forms to your body quite well. There are a variety of
sized packs. Camelback (compare
Cambak prices)makes a number of packs that suit various race distances, from
sprint to multi-day. Go with a pack that will hold everything you NEED for the
race but not too much room to avoid over packing. If you have a large pack and
don't need the space, you will fill it. It is similar to packing a large suitcase
when traveling. If you have the space, you will fill it. And it will cost tons
of energy. Once you have found the perfect pack, get
to know it well. Practice packing and train with the required gear. Figure out
where you want the frequently needed items like food and the things you may never
touch like mandatory first aid. Buddy up your teammates. Each buddy should know
wears their teammates gear is in their packs. That way you can get into them without
stopping in the race. It is also helpful to pack your food in your teammate's
pack. It is easier to get to when moving. HOW TO CHOOSE A
PACK - Adjustable chest strap - essential for stability
-
Compression straps - stability for load
- Hip pockets
- for easy access items - compass, food etc.
- Draw
cord closure rather than a zipper - it's easier to pack and it won't break
-
Bladder pouch, bottle pockets, or bungee cords for bottles on shoulder straps
- bladders are best forlarge volumes of water; bottles are best if you can guarantee
easy filling (streams in mountains.); bottle bungees are more convenient and you
can add them yourself if necessary.
ADVENTURE RACE
SHOES Pick your shoes wisely. They are the most important
piece of gear in your adventure wardrobe. Because adventure racing is such a varied
sport there is no one shoe that will fit for every person or race. A variety of
shoes can be used depending on the distance of the race. (compare
Shoe prices) HOW TO CHOOSE SHOES
Sprint Distance/One day races: Use one shoe for the
entire race Trail shoes with good traction are the best as they provide traction
and stability and are lightweight. (e.g. Nike Air-Dri-Goat, Adidas Brahma) Multi-day
races: The key to finding the right shoe for multi-day races is to go with
a sturdy shoe that is light enough for a fast trot, but supportive enough to carry
a heavy pack. Look for good ankle support, protective outsole for sharp, stony
surfaces and a tough abrasion-resistant upper. (e.g. Salomon Raid Raceor SuperRaid,
Merrell Red Desert, Montrail Vitesse). -Most racers go with a couple sets of shoes
that are a half to a full size larger than normal to allow for swelling which
occurs during the long races. This is one way to prevent blisters and foot problems.
-Look for open-mesh upper to let water drain or a gortex shoe in the colder races.
CLOTHING - Socks: Smartwool
or other Coolmax or wicking materials. Thin-layered socks work well. Seal Skins
to protect your feet in cold or very wetelements.
- Pants:
Wicking tights (DRI FIT, Dryline) or convertible pants
to protect your legs while bushwhacking. Compression shorts are the most versatile
and can serve as underwear.
- Tops: Coolmax
or wicking layer. Waterproof, windproof shell is typically mandatory.
- Hats:
Protect your face and head from the sun by wearing a
vented, large billed hat.
- Gloves: They
will protect your hands while on the ropes, navigating and paddeling and cycling.
OTHER ADVENTURE TOYS - Compass: There
are a variety of compasses from which to choose. Go with one you can change the
declination. (compare
Compass prices)
- Map protector: To
keep the maps dry.
- Food: Less
is more. Bars, gels, nuts and fluids should do it. Food weighs, plan every ounce.
Practice and calculate who needs what for calories. Everyone's caloric needs vary.
(compare Energy Food
prices)
- Headlamps: I
prefer a lamp with two levels of light like the Petzel Duo. You can preserve battery
life when a bright light is not needed (trekking, paddling). (compare
Headlamp prices)
- Glasses: It
is recommended but not required to wear a clear or light colored lens to protect
your eyes from tree branches while bushwacking. Smith and Nike both have glasses
that come with a variety of removable lenses for just this purpose.
-
Duct tape: An adventure racers'
best friend
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