I’ve done a few mountain marathons now, and each time I build my kit list from scratch. To save future worrying over whether I’ve remembered everything, I thought I’d write it all down. Obviously there isn’t one-size-fits-all, but hopefully it might prove useful to other people in addition to jogging my memory when required. It should be fairly clear from this list that I’m going for a pretty relaxed approach; I wouldn’t be carrying a pillow if aiming to win the Elite class for example (not likely any time soon!). Anything in grey I would consider optional depending on weather, and how seriously my partner was taking it.
In the Rucksack:
- Waterproof liner
- Sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow
- iPod + headphones
- Ear plugs
- Food
- Stove
- Gas
- Pan
- Spork
- Lighter
- Wind shield
- Stove stand
- Tent inc. pole(s)
- Pegs
- Guys
- Survival bag
- First aid kit
- Pen & paper
- Cash
- Torch
- Tissues
- Camera
- Midge net
- Trekking poles
- Water bottle
- Compass
- Hat
- Gloves
- Balaclava
- Waterproof top
- Waterproof bottoms
- Socks x 2
- Windproof
- Leggings
- Long-sleeve Merino top
- Warm running top
- Talcum powder for feet
- Duck tape
On the Day:
- Shoes
- Socks
- Ankle strapping
- Velcro to hold orthotics in place
- Shoes
- Skins
- Over-shorts
- Nipple tape
- Top
- GPS watch
- Cap?
- Sunglasses?
- Sun cream?
For the Night Before (if camping):
- Entry paperwork
- Tent inc. poles and pegs
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Blanket?
- Pillow
- Tissues
- Ear plugs
- Hat
- Food
- Stove
- Gas
- Pan
- Paper plates / knives and forks
Food (just for the race):
- Picnic eggs
- Jelly babies
- Salted nuts
- Energy gels (one per hour)
- Smoked cheese
- Cous cous (1.5 x packs) with cashews and chorizo
- Super noodles with chorizo
- Custard
- Elevenses bars x 2
- Rice Krispie squares x 2
- Hot chocolate x 2 (+ marshmallows)
- Porridge (75g just add water) with raisins and almonds
- Electrolyte tabs
- Rego for mid-camp
- Emergency food