Adventure Racing Gear

Why include a page on adventure racing gear in an ultralight backpacking site? Because adventure racing requires backpacking, and the gear has got to be light. Much of the equipment involved is the same, and if you have seen how close these races can be, you know how having six pounds less on the back can make a difference. Below are some suggestions.

The Big Three in Adventure Racing Gear

The "big three" are the same as in any backpacking: backpack, shelter and sleeping bag. The GoLite Speed Pack was designed for adventure racing, and weighs only 2 pounds. Put The North Face Propel sleeping bag (16 ounces) in it, with a Black Diamond Winter Bivy Sack (9 ounces), and you've got your "big three" combo under 4 pounds. These are just some quick examples I found online, and I haven't tried any of these three items. I have owned other products by all three companies, though, and I trust them.

Where to Find Adventure Racing Gear

At REI (affiliate link) you can find lightweight packs, sleeping bags and food. They have the Black Diamond Ion LED headlamp (1.1 ounce), the Adventure Medical Ultralight Medical Kit (3.5 ounces), and the Adventure Medical Thermo-Lite Bivy (6.5 ounces). I've used the last, and I stayed dry during a night of rain. It is not a breathable material, but there is ventilation at the foot of the sack, and in any case, adventure racing is not about comfort.

Some other potential adventure racing gear, all available from many suppliers:

* GoLite Ether Windshirt: Hooded and water resistant, and still only 3 ounces.

* Integral Designs Sil Tarp 5x8: Gives you 45 square feet of space for just 7 ounces.

* Suunto X9 GPS Watch: Also a GPS, altimeter, barometer, and compass (2.6 ounces).

* MSR Pocket Rocket Stove: 3 ounces.

* The North Face Vaporlight Trail Running Shoe: 1 pound, 9 ounces per pair.

For the lightest gear out there, you can also check out the page on lightweight backpacking gear.

Every chapter has tips for lightweight backpacking and wilderness survival.