Like most adventure races I have read about there is a list of mandatory gear that must be used by all racers and the team. The list isn’t hudge for the event I’m doing and for the most part can be found easily and for not a lot of money if you and your team don’t already have the gear you also might be able to borrow some.
For all parts of the race
Mandatory Items – Per Racer
- Whistle (separate from the one attached to your PFD). Straight forward Canadian tire has one 3.99 or MEC for 4.00
- Minimum of 2L water capacity. This is something I’m still looking into will fill you in later
- Spare fleece or polypro long-sleeved shirt stored in a watertight bag or pouch. the reason is for warmth or if lost or stranded on the course to help keep you warm and safe. Not sure if any of us wouldn’t have one of these in are clothing, the bag there are option at MEC from 10.00 to 23.00 just depends on size you want and features
Mandatory Items – Per Team
- One waterproof map pouch or dry bag. MEC has couple of option price is 13.00 to 25.00
- One fully-charged cellular phone (NEW FOR 2010!) (please note that cell phones with GPS functionality are not permitted) this is fill be hard in the age of blackberry, i phone options here will ask around your friends or get a disposable pay as you go.
- One permanent marker. for writing your will or marking maps
- One pocket knife. You don’t need a Rambo knife, and not a mult-tool just a simple pocket knife Canadian tire, walmart, MEC will have one you can spend 18.00 and up, my suggestion don’t by the cheapest get a decent knife you will have for a life time.
- One compass. the one out of the cereal box will not do it, or the one on a key chain get a decent one it will last you a life time Canadian tire has this one or MEC has this one.
- One emergency blanket. You can get a cheap metal type one at mec or Canadian tire that is a one time use but I like this model better from MEC
- waterproof matches. Anywhere from Canadian tire to walmart to MEC
- headlamp/bike light/flashlight (at least one of these). Your personal choice and you can spend from 10 and up
- medical kit containing a tensor bandage, 6 “band-aid” bandages, adhesive tape, 2 antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen tablets, and 1 gauze pad. This can be shoppers look around there are several places that sell this type of stuff in kits or separately
Bike Section
Mandatory Items – Per Racer
- Mountain bike. This is a loaded question to me there are lots of bikes. and prices from 250.00 to as much as a small car. there is no suspension, front suspension, full suspension. So what is the best option? not sure going to spend some time and research this over the next couple of weeks. my gut says any bike that is in good working condition that is the correct size will do.
- Certified bike helmet. This is a no brainer again prices as usually walmart 23.00 to couple hundred.
- One spare bike tube. Makes sure you get the correct size for your bike.
Mandatory Items – Per Team
Paddle Section
Mandatory Items – Per Racer
- Coast Guard or Dept. of Transportation approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) with whistle attached (separate from the one listed above that is carried with you at all times) Life Jackets need to have a whistle allot come with them but make sure if not get an extra whistle like the one for your pack. My personal preference is kayak style but it is up to you on what you want to pay. Canadian tire has decent ones at 49.00 and MEC you can spend up to 220.00. the other option is ask around I’m sure a friend may be able to hook you up for free.
Mandatory Items – Per Team
- One canoe per 2 people in a team. This is obvious if you are renting or boring or have one.
- Two paddles, One bailer (or pump), One throw line per canoe. We are going to practice with some kayak paddles to see how they work, bailer is simple a javex bottle cut to make a scoop or a hand pump, Throw lines are simple but get a road that floats.
coming up we will look at stuff you might need that isn’t on the list
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