Essential Kit Advice

The team behind the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® and the Cape Wrath Ultra® have seen it all over the years and learnt a few lessons along the way - here we share with you our best advise on kit…

Practise, practise, practise 

If you are going to run hundreds of kilometres in a particular item of clothing it makes sense to try it out in advance. This goes for everything! From your socks to your rucksack, to your shorts and your underpants! Are these items comfortable in the wet? In the sun? Will they chaff on your skin? Trying everything out in advance will show you any potential problems and allow time to solve them and try something else.   

Looking for a practice event? The SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day is a great way to practise with your kit in a relaxed atmosphere over a multi-day event.

If you’re using kit such as poles it’s crucial to practise beforehand ©No Limits Photography

Check the weather forecast 

We have seen participants over the years not be prepared for boiling hot conditions or driving wind and rain. Checking the weather forecast closely in the days running up to the event is essential but then also modifying your kit choices. Taking another extra thick waterproof for being in camp may make life much better after being out in the rain all day, or packing a lighter weight top and more water carrying capacity to help in very hot sun.   

Believe it or not , these pictures were taken during the same week! ©No Limits Photography

Pack logically

Being organised with your kit will be essential for your success. You’ll need a lot of kit so knowing exactly where everything lives in your bag will save you loads of time. It will help you grab essential items quickly and save you from maybe faffing about for your waterproof in pouring rain. Many people also separate out what clothes and food they will need each day and label them up into separate bags. Also… are the frequently used items like sun scream and gloves easily accessible in your running rucksack? Have you packed anything you need to keep dry into dry bags? Do you have a system for storing dirty kit? Have you got somewhere to secure your poles when you don’t need them?

Packing logically will save you time on the event! ©No Limits Photography

What could go wrong? 

Think through all the scenarios for things that may go wrong and slow you down - burnt lips, sunburn, chaffing, blisters, sweat, feeling sick, headache. What small things could you throw into your pack to make life a little easier and more comfortable while out on the route? Packing a little luxury for later in the day may also boost morale and help you through those last few exhausting kilometres. This could be a favourite treat or even some type of small memento to remind you of why you are there! And of how far you have come!      

Packing a small memento can be a great mental boost ©No Limits Photography

Everyone is different

It’s a great idea to discuss all the options with fellow participants in the groups on Facebook but at the end of the day, everyone is different and what works for you may not work for someone else. We return again to the idea of practise and finding out what works for you. Why not throw on all your event kit, with your rucksack fully packed, and head out for your long run on a Sunday and see how it all feels?  

The most important thing is that your kit works for you! ©No Limits Photography

Double check the kit list 

Be prepared. Look through the kit list months in advance and slowly start gathering items together. Make sure you understand what is needed in plenty of time and get in touch if you have any questions. Weigh your overnight bag to make sure it comes in under the weight limit. This will ensure a relaxed few days before the event begins, and you will breeze through kit check without a worry, saving your energy for the running! 

Be ready for a smooth experience at kit check on race registration day ©No Limits Photography