This post is very much for my own benefit really – after a dismal showing in LAMM this year, I figured a definitive list of what worked and what didn’t might be useful for next year. Lots of this was gleaned from Chris B via Greg, so thanks to those two and everyone else who provided top tips prior to this year’s event. Please bear in mind that this was my first event, and this info is very much specific to my experience, so your milage may vary. :)
Packing
Bottom of the bag:
- Midge net
- Torch
- Spork
- Stove
- Food (inc. recovery powder)
- Balloon bed
- Sleeping bag
- Warm layer
- Leggings
- Socks for day 2
- Duck tape
- Tent pegs and pole (partner has fly and inner)
- Plastic bags for feet
“Stuff I might need on the hill” section:
- Gloves
- Balaclava / hat
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Suncream (depending on forecast)
- First aid kit / survival bag / emergency cash
Easily accessible bits of the bag:
- Water bottle
- Compass / map
- Nuts & seeds & dried fruit & jelly baby mix / flapjacks / energy gels / electrolyte powders
- Poles
Clothing
This year’s event was really hot all day on Saturday (we didn’t run on Sunday). I ran in:
- Shorts
- Long-sleeve top
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Watch / altimeter
Eating & Drinking
Next year I really need to focus on staying hydrated, but I think my food strategy also needs more consideration. By the time we reached mid-camp I was sick of sweet stuff – definitely need to pack something savoury to break up the sweets next year. I also underestimated the amount of food needed for mid-camp. Although I did have a cup-a-soup I didn’t eat it, and I think eating a pint of custard all by myself wasn’t the greatest idea either (but I was ravenous). Ainsley Harriott’s cous cous worked really well with some chorizo in, not that it really touched the sides on the way down. Nutri-grain bars were a good dessert (with the lake of custard).
Misc
Earplugs are a definite requirement for the night before and mid-camp, and possibly an iPod Nano as an ultimate luxury to help me sleep (standard kit when I’m away normally). Getting up early to avoid the portaloo queues on Sunday morning also seems like a good strategy! My permanent marker didn’t wash off the map, but did eventually rub off over the course of Saturday, so it might be worth re-considering that one. I reckon that next year I could probably replace the pan lid with some foil to save a bit of weight too. The Laser tent worked well, but now I’m back home and have forgotten how much of a squeeze it was, I’m starting to think that the Laser Comp might be worth a go in the interests of almost halving the weight of the tent. The other major weight was food; some research into calorie density vs. weight density is required! Most of the pain of the day was actually caused by blisters from my badly-fitting shoes. There was an awful lot of traversing, and the constant rolling of the foot meant that my orthotics were killing me by Saturday evening. Next year should involve better shoes (already dealt with!) and plenty of masking tape of a much bigger area than just the normal blister locations.
I’ll probably add some bits to this as I remember them or think of others.