For adventure racing you will need the lightest comfortable pack that you can find. A pack that weighs more than two pounds empty will quickly become your enemy during an adventure race of two to seven days duration. Find a pack made of lightweight material such as ripstop nylon. Fortunately, most of the pack manufacturers are recognizing the special needs of adventure racers and are responding with lighter, comfortable packs. Watch for new lightweight packs to hit the market in early 1999.
Bournemouth alberghi b&bSome things to look for when purchasing a pack for adventure racing:
Hint - you can attach small bags for food to your hip strap, but most are made of heavy cordura material and will add unnecessary weight to your pack. Try making your own small bag of ripstop nylon to attach to your pack, if you need additional food bags.
Hint - for many races water is readily available on the course, or you may be in an area where you need to carry more than your hydration system. Try rigging a piece of elastic cord with cordlock to your shoulder strap so that you can hook a water bottle to it. This provides easy access and can be refilled without removing your pack and hydration system.
Packing for the Race
- If you are racing in an area where it rains/snows or you will be crossing big rivers, line a nonwaterproof pack with a garbage bag before packing.
- hotel rooms WindermerePut your hydration pack on the outside of your garbage bag in case it leaks.
- hotels in AarhusPack similar items together in ziplock baggies (remove all air before sealing). It is easier to pack everything and it helps many racers quickly locate exactly what they need. For example, pack your gloves, hat and fleece shirt together, since they are the first things you will want if the temperature drops.
- ERROR MSGPack mandatory gear for the race in a small lightweight stuff sack (use one that is just the right size so you do not have any wasted space). Label the sack as Mandatory Gear and make sure it goes with you on each segment of the race.
Practice taking off a wind/rain shell while wearing a pack and walking. Unzip the jacket to the waist but leave it zipped. Remove right shoulder strap and get right arm out of jacket sleeve. Replace shoulder strap of pack and repeat on the other side. Tie sleeves around your waist, ready for the next change in weather. This will allow the team to keep moving and prevent stopping to get jackets on and off. It seems like a small thing, but the time adds up quickly, especially if everyone decides they need a jacket at a different time.
As with everything about an adventure race, the best thing you can do is simulate race conditions before the race. Practice wearing your pack with all of the mandatory gear. See how everything fits and rides, figure out where you will attach your trekking poles, snowshoes, etc. Weigh the pack and figure out ways to eliminate weight. Your feet and your team will thank you!