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Kit list

Please read this only as a middle of the road guide - the suggestions are what I have used racing in similar environments. Racing snakes and Journeymen/women may wish to adapt it accordingly. In making this list I am assuming that the athlete is on foot pulling a sled containing a majority of their kit. In addition they will be carrying a small rucksack and a front pack of some description (reverse bumbag for instance). The list may not be conclusive, so if anyone notices something obvious that is missing, please let me know. Cyclists can adapt accordingly - but please feel free to contact me should you want further information. Again as a starting point for this list, I am assuming on the start line its about -25 degrees. There is a logic to every item I have put on the list, but it would be too long winded to explain that logic here - most will be obvious, but what might not be can be explained via email or at the proposed training camp later in the year. The underlying theme for a majority of the list is that quality in an Arctic Environment counts.

Clothes you are likely to be wearing....
Thermal trousers (Powerstretch or similar)
Liner socks (silk type work well and are kind to your feet over long distances)
Thick Wool socks (higher quantity wool the better)
Waterproof sock (may not be necessary for the 6633, so possibly consider 2nd thinner pair of wool socks)
Pants (Thermal and comfortable - essential)
Thermal top (the better the quality, the better you will feel)
Fleece (thin mid layer)
Windproof top (possibly the best bit of clothing you will need)
Hat (Thermal and ideal if it covers your ears as well)
Gloves (medium pair - powerstretch or similar)
Gaiters (dependant on depth of snow)
Shoes (comfortable trainers seems to be favoured - but some might want to go for boots)

Rucksack (about 20 -25 litre)
Contents of rucksack....
Hydration pack (Camelbac or similar with insulated hose)
Duvet Down Jacket (Easy to get to when you stop regardless of how briefly)
Balaclava.
Face mask (Neoprene)
Head torch (preferable with remote battery pack)
Goggles
Flashing beacon.

Bumbag (approx 5-8 litre)
Contents of Bumbag....
Thin gloves (liner gloves)
Thick Down type Gloves
Sunglasses
Pain killers and other small items of First Aid
Lip cream
Pocket knife
Trail food (various both sweet and savoury)
Hand Warmers

Sled (kiddies sled ideal - larger flatter base the better)
Contents of Sled....
Spare Clothing comprising....
Thermal trousers
Liner socks, Wool Socks and waterproof socks (see above for advice)
Thermal top(s)
Sleeveless Down Jacket
Spare Gloves
Fleece mid layer
Neos

Sleeping equipment comprising....
Sleeping bag (a good one - can be supplemented with good down jacket)
Thermarest
Foam type mat
Large Stuff sack

Cooking equipment comprising....
Cooker (gas or multi fuel - pros and cons to each)
Fuel
Kettle or similar
Wind shelter
Lighter
Matches (windproof)
Spoon(s)
Mug

Food comprising (definitely personal preference)....
Dehydrated breakfasts x ? (dependant on race strategy and speed)
Dehydrated main meal x ? (dependant on race strategy and speed)
Spare trail food (nuts, sweets crisps etc)
Thermos flask (boiling water)
Thermos flask (hot chocolate/coffee)


Medical equipment comprising (I am no medical expert - so please don't rely totally on this list bit)....
Pain killers and or anti inflammatory's
Vaseline or Hydropel
Blister plasters
Plasters
Paracetomol
Needle
Scissors

Miscellaneous items include....
Spare batteries for all relevant equipment.
Money
Passport
Spare Rope
Toothbrush (an absolute must - nothing worse than cacky teeth for your morale)
Toilet Paper
Flag (Welsh flag preferably)

Drop Bag 1 (for those going to Tuktoyaktuk)
Clothing....
Pants
Socks (see above)
Thermal trousers
Thermal top
Gloves (probably only liner ones required as replacement)

Food....
Restock with dehydrated breakfasts, main meals, and trail snacks. Quantity dependant on athletes timetable and strategy. Look for variables in the diet - you can easily get sick of dehydrated scrambled egg over 8 days!!

Miscellaneous...
Spare batteries as appropriate
Spare fuel for stove.
Drop Bag 2 (for those going to Tuktoyaktuk)
Pretty much the same as for Drop Bag 1.

Finish Bag (all racers)
Spare warm comfortable clothing. Racing snakes could be sitting around for a while and then there is the road trip home to think about.

Luxury food item as a way of saying thank you to your body - I chose a whacking great Chocolate cake from Marks and Spencers - the fact that it got crushed was of little consequence.

ADVERT – Much of the above is currently available at Likeys www.likeys.com sorry for the plug, but it had to be done

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