VancouverUSA Ramble

Mandatory gear list for adventure racers

Paul Field, of PDX Adventure Racer, has prepared this list of mandatory gear for those who will participate in the adventure race option.

Those of you who aren’t doing the adventure race should consider this a good list of gear to carry with you for your part of the Ramble. You won’t be penalized for not having a hat with visor, for example, for the two-hour foot portion of the event, but if you get a sunburn, there will be no one to blame but yourself!

Individual Gear (To be carried by each adventure racer at all times)

• Water bottles or bladder (CamelBak etc.) minimum two-liter capacity
• Pack (suitable for carrying all gear)
• Jacket (waterproof shell)
•  Long-sleeved fleece or other technical fabric shirt
• Gel/Energy Bars (minimum of 2)
• Hat w/Visor
• Sunglasses/eye protection.
• ID, Drivers License etc. (road ID does not count)
• Emergency and medical information (to be carried on your person in case of injury on course):
  • Emergency contact person (ideally reachable during the race) and phone number
  • Allergies (i.e. peanuts, bee stings)
  • Drug allergies
  • Important medical conditions that can affect emergency treatment
  • HMO information

Individual Running/Trekking Gear (mandatory on run leg only)

• Running/Trekking Shoes

 Individual Paddling Gear (mandatory on water leg only)

• Personal Flotation Device, Coast Guard Approved, Type II or better.
• Paddle
• Whistle (tied to PFD)
• Suitable water shoes (running shoes OK)
• Helmet (bike helmets OK)

Individual Bike Gear (mandatory on bike legs only)

• DOT-approved bike helmet
• Bike (road or mountain bikes acceptable)
• Front light (white)
• Rear light (red)
• Bike Shoes (Running Shoes OK if suitable for pedal style)

Team Gear All Stages (solo racers must carry as individual mandatory gear)

• Compass

• Watch

• First Aid Kit (suitable for minor aid and team size)

• Cell phone for emergency use

 Team Gear, Water Stage Only

• Kayak/Canoes suitable for team size. Boats cannot have fixed sails, or fixed oarlocks. Any combination of craft can be used, but maximum seating capacity cannot be exceeded (two-person canoe cannot have three people etc…)
• Pump/Bailing Device (1 per boat)
• Throw-Line (25’ minimum length, 1 per Boat)

 Team Gear, Bike Stages

• Tire changing tools (levers, 3 minimum)
• Pump
• Multi-Tool (bike specific)

This list represents the minimum gear necessary. Gear checks will take place at transition points, and penalties for missing gear will range from point subtractions up to and including disqualification. You will be racing for 6 hours, so you need to bring the additional food, fluid and gear necessary to sustain you and insure a safe, fun race. If you are unsure of additional gear necessary, consult an experienced racer. I can be reached at paul@pdxadventureracer.com with any questions as well.

Suggestions (Just a few, these are non-inclusive and will vary by person)

1-     Electrolyte Replacement Fluid (Gatorade is simple, there are many to choose from. Experiment during training to find what works for you.) Plan on at least one liter of water/fluid per hour per racer. This varies a LOT based on individual needs. So train!

2-     Real Food! (Cliff Bars and Gels get real old.) Plan on a minimum of 250 calories an hour if you are moving along. This varies, so experiment in training.

3-     CASH! You are racing in an urban area, so $10 or so may come in hand.

4-     Anti-chafing products for those tender areas. Six hours in motion adds up! (Don’t ask us to describe in more lurid detail…) Hydropel etc. Consult a local running shop, or Tri store for suggestions.

5-     Towel and dry socks/clothes for after the water stage.

6-     Sunscreen/Chapstick etc…

7-     Bin Up! Those Big 40 gallon+ Tupperware Bins are great for wrangling all your stuff into manageable packages.