'How to' 3 of 4 - Equipment
In the run up to Atlas mountain race I want to make 4 short ‘how to’ videos, to help others and talk about my thought process leading into a big race. I cannot cover everything in these short clips, or I’d be talking all day, but I will try to pick out the main elements. You can watch the video or read the text below.
Equipment: clothing for changing weather, sleep systems and luggage for all your stuff
Equipment can get expensive quickly, and all the more so when you’re looking for high performance and light weight. While there is no need to go crazy with the money gun, you do tend to get what you pay for. So do your research and buy the best you can afford. If budget is an issue, pick items where your money will be best spent. So perhaps you don’t need fancy sunglasses, but a good waterproof coat is an investment. A lower cost helmet may well be just as good, if not better than a flashy expensive one, however a low-cost pair of shoes may not be as comfortable as the more expensive. I do not advocate just spending money in the hope of it being good but find the right item for you and spend the money where needed.
Having set a budget, perhaps a total one or for individual items, you can then purchase items in a priority fashion.
When I am looking for equipment, I consider three criteria: performance, packability, weight. In that order of priority. I give small consideration to the weight of an item, if it performs as I need for the requirements demanded and is packable enough to bring with me, that is generally all I need to know.
When preparing my equipment list for a race it is about taking everything you need, and nothing you don’t, then finding a space for it. If I need it, I will find or make space – as at the Silk Road Mountain Race, I un-ideally took a backpack in order to bring everything I needed. I do not encourage bringing the kitchen sink, and if you don’t need it, or can get away without it, don’t bring it. Though often it is only through experience that you learn what you can get away without, and I am more comfortable traveling very light with years of racing under my belt.
Bringing our information gained forward from the race analysis performed; having looked at location, weather, terrain, duration, we can start to rule in some kit and out others.
1. Clothing
Waterproofs – water resistant or waterproof
Insulation – warm in cool nights, or warm in freezing temperature
Day wear – comfy for long periods, merino or polyester
Bib shorts – one or more pairs
Shoes – feet can swell
2. Sleeping system – outside or inside
Sleep is super important, if you push kit to minimise weight, will sleep quality suffer
Warmth – warm for ‘worst case’ not pushing limit of comfort
Sleeping mat – comfort and warmth
Shelter – bivi, tent or nothing
3. Luggage
Bikepacking bags, panniers, backpack – what is functional for the terrain
Access – convenience and speed, don’t ignore how slow some bikepacking systems are to get stuff in/out of – can you do so without stopping
Durability and waterproof – having flash, light gear is great, but will it be durable enough