Having done a 12, 24 and 48 hour ‘death-race’ style events, I feel as though I’ve got this list pretty tight. I take exactly the same thing to every event, packed in the same place in my bag because I know it works.
I have put the brands I use next to the item. You can copy and print it for your reference. There is also an explanation about the items at the bottom of the page if you’re interested.
Anything with a question mark is something I would consider taking after assessing the location, duration, weather and other circumstances of the event.
Backpack
Around 35 litres – 5.11 RUSH 24
Wardrobe
Dry Bags – Exped; 1 x red 8 litres, 2 x yellow 5 litres & 1 x orange 3 litres
Most endurance events will require you to bring a set list of items. Without them, you will not be able to take part in the event.
Add these to your list.
Here are the explanations:
Notes about backpack
I use a 5.11 RUSH 24 Backpack in Multicam. It’s a durable, 37-litre military pack with dozen of pockets for storing kit. It’s expensive but worth every penny.
It’s comfortable and does not chafe.
It’s strong, water-resistant pack that can drag the weight of a fully grown man!
The Multicam option is good for camouflage tasks.
Dob;t get carried away and go too big with your pack. The chances are you’ll have to carry the damn thing with you for the whole event. Pack light. The pack will get heavier when wet.
Notes about wardrobe
Chose different coloured dry bags for colour coding, so you know what is in each bag without opening it. This is great for when you are in a rush.
All my clothes are stored in an 8-litre dry bag. Accessories like hats, buffs, socks and gloves in a 5-litre dry bag.
Black bags ARE NOT a substitute for dry bags. I’ve seen people use them in an attempt to waterproof their kit. It doesn’t work! Once your kit is wet it’s useless. And heavy! If the race directors are on top of their game, they will put you and your bag in the water and if your kit isn’t protected, there’s little chance of you finishing the event.
Train in your footwear and socks for as long as possible before the event. Get them wet, wear them for hours after, see how your feet feel.
I wear a sports bikini as it dries quickly. If I need to get in the water, and if I have time, I take off all my clothes so they don’t get wet. The Freya underwired sports bikini provides support for running as well. Guys, I recommend some lightweight, quick-drying, tech sports underwear so it doesn’t remain wet causing you to feel ‘soggy.’
Don’t take your best gear, it’ll get trashed. I have a stash of worse-for-wear clothes in my ‘Endurance Race Box’ that I know performs well. Don’t take your fanciest waterproof jacket, you’ll just get upset when it rips. You don’t need that negativity, you’ll already be feeling pretty shit.
Some of the gear I have listed is pricey. Check out eBay and selling sites for bargains, that’s where get my merino wool and event waterproofs from. It’s cheaper and there’s no emotional attachment if it gets ruined.
Goretex and Windstopper products are incredible! The combination of a thermal base layer, merino wool top, Windstopper jacket and Goretex jacket is bulletproof. Make sure to try it all on and get the right sizes so it layers well and you can still move with ease.
Notes About Bathroom
There’s nothing like cotton mouth 18 hours into your event to make you feel like shit and affect your ability to think straight. For the amount of weight and space it takes up, a tooth care kit will make you feel refreshed when the sun goes down and the sun rises. It acts as a great reset. (Your teammates will thank you too)
Pack your Gurney Goo, Compeed and talcum powder in a resealable sandwich bag in the same dry bag as your socks. These few items will get you to the end of the race. There are more details on this in 7 Tips For Surviving A Death Race.
Notes on Kitchen Drawer
There’s some stuff on this list you might wonder why it’s there. Cable ties? Black plastic bags? Spare shoes laces? Sandwich bags? These items take up little space but are so useful, which is I take them on every event. In the middle of the night, when you have to complete a task and don’t know how, or you or your team mate’s shoelace breaks, these things will come in useful.
We once used cable ties to make a giant sand bag snake. The black bags were used to stop water falling out of a bucket on a 5-mile hike. Each of these tasks we won. The luggage scales are a new addition to my kit list. I’ll leave you to work out why.
KEEP ALL THESE ITEMS ON THE LOW DOWN! DON’T LET THE RACE DIRECTORS SEE YOU BEING SMART. If they think you are being too smart, they will take things away from you!
Notes on Garden Shed
As above
Repeat: KEEP ALL THESE ITEMS ON THE LOW DOWN!
Notes on Pantry
Carrying water is one of your heaviest items but also the most important! Staying hydrated during these big events is vital! A Water To Go Bottle will get you out of trouble as it filters water from puddles, lakes, streams and even urine. The only water it doesn’t filter is sea water. Do not rely on this as your only source of water. Carry a water bladder as your main source. The Water To Go bottle is a great emergency item.
Do not rely only on sweet food to fuel you through your event. Alternate sweet with savoury, eating every 2-4 hours. There’s more information on this in 7 Tips to Surviving a Death Race.
Plastic resealable bags are fantastic! Fully sealed, they are waterproof. Once used they fold down into nothing taking up no space and weight. When your hands are dirty, you can literally squeeze food from the bag straight into your mouth, meaning you don’t have to take your gloves off and also preventing tummy bugs from dirty hands. They are also great for storing non-food related items too.
Notes on Kit List
It has been given to you for a reason. Do not show up with any items missing. Not a single one. If you do, it could mean you or your team are punished. Follow the rules and get the full kit list.
Some are there for your safety, some are there to make your life a misery.
Most of the time, you will have no idea what these items are for.
Think about what each item might be used for, pack strategically and keep each item protected from the elements.
Check, double check and triple check your list when packing.
General Notes
GPS watches, watches, lighters, matches, lighter fuel and such like are often banned in these kinds of events. It’s up to you if you wish to go against the rules and take them. Be prepared, if you get caught, the punishment can be harsh!
Questions such as ‘What is best, trainers or boots?’ or ‘What size bag shall I take?’ are popular ones. I assess each event, the duration, its location, the time of year and go from there. My recommendation is to test things out. You may not make the right decision for each event, but the event is going to suck no matter what. Don’t beat yourself up. If you make the wrong decision, taking a bag too big or too small or wear trainers instead of boots, you can’t change it and you’ll have learnt for next time.
FINAL WORDS
My adventure pack stays packed and waits patiently in my wardrobe ready for the next adventure. Wardrobe items and previous kit list items are stored in my ‘Endurance Race Box’ so I know where it all is at the drop of a hat.
Do you have an endurance event planned? Have you used this list and found it helpful? Come and find me on Twitter as I’d love to hear all about what you’re up to!
