Equipment List

Kit List

  Mandatory equipment:

    • backpack - Raidlight, but wearing out and so will try OMM next
    • sleeping bag - thinking custom PHD
    • head torch with spare batteries - Petzl e+lite
    • 10 safety pins,
    • compass, with 1° or 2° precision - Recta 200
    • lighter,
    • a whistle, - on pack
    • knife with metal blade - Leatherman Style CS
    • tropical disinfectant,
    • anti-venom pump - Aspivenin
    • a signalling mirror,
    • one aluminium survival sheet - Already owned
    • 200 euros or equivalent in foreign currency - Better start saving!

Clothes

Buff- x2 High UV proof
Hat - Mammut Nubian - tried and happy
Gaiters - Raidlight Large gaiters - Not yet tested
Running top - Raidlight Desert top (old style) tested, like it
Running Shorts - will go with Skins A400 half tights in white (2 pairs)
Socks - Injinji toe liners + Thorlo Experias over
Sunglasses / Goggles - Undecided - Shortlist: ESS V12 Advancer Goggles / ESS Ice / Ladgecom wraparound with interchangeable lenses / Julbo Sherpas with leather sides 

Camp Wear - Not yet decided - down jacket or lightweight fleece (Montane Oryx) with windproof option (OMM Sonic Smock) - Trousers?


Cooking

MSR Titan Kettle / Caldera Cone / Gram Cracker - Ordered


To give myself time to test kit and make mistakes, I'm starting to collate my kit now.  Where relevant, I will set out my experiences on the kit that I have chosen so far...

Rucksack

After lots of research I arrived at a choice of 2: the OMM Classic 32 or the Raidlight Runner R.

I went for the Raidlight.  I have run with it a number of times now with varying loads.  It is incredibly comfortable and so far I have had no problems with chaffing.

I picked it because it has the hydration bladder compartment on the outside which makes for easy access - but more on hydration later...  There are also lots of compression options.  Regardless of load, it is possible to compress the pack so that nothing bounces around when running.

My main concern is that it does not seem as rugged as the OMM and it feels as if it could be easily damaged - something that could bring my race to a premature end.

The Raidlight has holes worn through it already.  OMM next.  25l or 32l?

Hydration

I have been running my longer races with a 2l Camelbak in an OMM Last Drop pack.  However, I have discovered the SmarTube.  It is a simple system of a tube and a breathable cap that screws directly onto a water bottle.  The supplied cap works with the standard 1.5l water bottles that are provided on the MDS.  The bottles fit well and securely in the outer pockets of the Raidlight and don't bounce around.  This is looking promising for the race - perhaps with 1 bottle of water and 1 bottle with electrolyte/energy.

Sleeping Bag

Currently undecided.  Short list:  OMM Mountain Raid / Marmot Plasma 30 / PHD.  Thinking about the OMM + liner depending on how much the liner packs down.
Looked at the Mountain Hardwear Phantom bags at the weekend.  First impression is of a quality well made bag, but I am concerned that it may not be rugged enough...
I've discovered the Rab Infinity bags. They appear to be lightweight and warm enough. Anyone have any experience?
Also now discovered the Western Mountaineering bags which seem very light.

Taking foam multimat.  190g if I don't cut it down.

Shoes

I'm probably going to go with what is comfortable over anything else and stick with road shoes.  I currently use Asics GT-2170s or Asics Gel Kayanos.  I think I will stick with the 2170s, but might just try the Trabuccos...Having said that just bought some GT-1000s which I suspect I'll use on the London to Brighton run.
Took the GT-1000s on a 20 mile trail run yesterday.  Love them on tarmac but not so sure about them off road.  I felt a lot of rocks through the bottom of the shoe.   Might have to try the Trabuccos...

Update - I have a pair of Trabuccos and so far they have been superb. Will try them on the Richmond Park Marathon. Let's see how they feel after 26 miles...