A new post of my “Running the Canyon” gear/supply checklist to help out when you are assembling or double-checking your own list. I learned a ton from the comments on my original post and realized that I had to take the time to do a much more comprehensive post instead of just a simple gear/supply list. I ended up taking the original post down because it appeared that many people were misinterpreting it - and, even though I clarified many points in the comments, I was fearful that people would not read them and get themselves in trouble by carrying too little or too much - or bringing stuff that was wrong for them. This post is simply what works for me - everyone is different. A reminder that while it is a worthy goal to travel as light as possible - be careful not to venture into stupid light territory (where you have no margin of error...) Stupid heavy is also not ideal. As many people pointed out in the comments, the more experienced you are with the Canyon and with ultra trail running, the more you will have your needs dialed in and can go with a smaller margin of error and a smaller and lighter pack. Davy Crockett (probably the most experienced Canyon runner in this group by far) put it best: “The more experienced you get there, and the faster you want to go, the less you will want to take.” However, if it is your first time in the Canyon and/or you are not an experienced ultra trail runner, then you may wish to go with a larger margin of safety. Only you can decide what is right for you. - ******************** IMPORTANT: Most of the stuff on this list is stuff that I do NOT normally bring and only bring during extreme conditions - or stuff that I do NOT carry anymore (but listed anyway in case it might help someone else in their planning). When it comes down to it, most of my Canyon runs are just shoes, socks, shorts, shirt, windbreaker, trekking poles, headlamp, Camelbak pack, iPhone, some food and a tiny Ziploc bag of safety items. I try to go as light as possible while still maintaining a margin of error and comfort that works for me. I could easily go without anything other than just shoes, socks, shorts, a couple of water bottles, and some food stuffed in my pockets - but the few extra pounds of the rest of the stuff brings value to me while I’m in the Canyon - and I consider it well worth it for me to carry that small extra weight and bulk. Your risk tolerance, fitness, and experience is different than mine - so go with what you are comfortable with. The below list just seems massive because I list everything with descriptions - and also include many options for dealing with extreme conditions that I have seldom encountered in the Canyon - and which you probably won’t (but might…) ******************** - Several very experienced Canyon runners chimed in with variations of my list. - Some prefer handheld bottles to water bladders and use the extra space in their pack for gear instead of water. During colder weather when you don’t need as much water, that is definitely an option if you you are comfortable with bottles. I am, but since the Canyon is the one place I use trekking poles for the steep uphills, I prefer to keep my hands free for the poles. - Some are strongly opposed to trekking poles. I only use mine to help power hike the steep uphills - and one day when I’m finally able to run those uphills like they can, I too will go without poles. - Some also prefer handheld flashlights to headlamps, but, once again, I prefer to keep my hands free. - Some suggest gaiters, but I prefer keeping it simple and going without them - but everyone is different - once again, go with what works for you. - As to food, everyone is different with food, be sure to go with what works best for you (and try to try it out under similar conditions before you get to the Canyon!) Food that you like and works well for your body is much better to have and not need, than to need and not have. Some people will need to bring food for ten hours, others for twenty-four. Adjust your quantity of food accordingly. I always try to bring enough food so that I have some extra margin of error should something go wrong and I’m out longer than expected (or if someone else on the trail needs some extra food). I have always had at least some food left at the end of every run - except for one time when it was significantly colder than I had expected (tip: remember to bring some extra food when your body has to work extra hard to stay warm). Also, people go at different paces, some go at a carb burning pace, others at a fat burning pace - which is what I try to do, but it is something that you have to eat and train for (this can actually be a very fast pace - see Zach Bitter’s blog posts on his fueling strategy when he broke the 12 hour track running world record) - adjust your types of food accordingly. I eat very little on the trail compared to most people (usually just one Kind or Lara bar every few hours - and that is more for the psychological boost than the physiological one) - but, for the most part, Im not racing and instead going at a sustainable pace that is easily covered by fat burning (and, as I generally dont eat grains and sugars in everyday life, that is now how my regular metabolism more or less works). The Park Service actually recommends much more food, much more variety, salt, carbs, and sugars - and, since most people are on the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.), which is the equivalent of a near constant sugar drip (which effectively blocks them from being able to metabolize their fat reserves), they should probably do the same while in the Canyon. - ================================= ================================= - Base Gear that I always bring: Camelbak, Poles, Headlamp - Pack: Camelbak Octane 18X Hydration Pack amzn.to/1w5fFQ5 Light and comfortable with a waist belt so you can carry more of the weight on your hips instead of your shoulders. The big win with this pack is that the top, side and back pockets are all easily accessible without having to take the pack off. It also comes with a three liter water bladder (which I usually don’t fill anywhere close to all the way - but it is nice to have the capacity in case you need it due to heat and/or pipeline break). - Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Pole (Carbon/Process Blue) amzn.to/1w5lqNL These are incredibly light weight and help you power up steep hills when tired. They are also rather helpful to have if something goes wrong and you need to hobble back out of the Canyon. - Princeton Tec Vizz Headlamp amzn.to/1qu94f3 I always bring at least one headlamp even if I’m not expecting to be out at night - just in case something goes wrong and I’m on the trail longer than expected. If I do plan to be in the Canyon at night, I always bring two headlamps - in case something goes wrong with one, and also so when one runs low on battery, I can simply switch to the other headlamp without having to mess with battery swapping in the dark. Suggest getting the one with the black colored casing so you don’t have distracting light leakage. Also, if you can plan on a full or near full moon night, that is usually amazing (but still bring headlamps as backups for the moon!) - Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA Batteries amzn.to/1qyn7Qi These are much lighter and longer lasting than regular batteries. - ================================= ================================= - Base Clothing that I always bring: Shoes, Socks, Shorts, T-shirt - Shoes: Altra Mens Lone Peak 1.5 Trail Running Shoe amzn.to/YQWPyD The Lone Peak 1.5 has been discontinued and replaced with the Lone Peak 2.0 amzn.to/1lLrveL I don’t like the 2.0 as much as the 1.5, but it is still a good balance between too little shoe and too much shoe. - Socks: Drymax Lite Trail Run Mini Crew Socks amzn.to/1nEzmX9 Light, comfortable, well fitting, they even come out of a washing machine almost completely dry! - Shorts: R-Gear High Five 5 Shorts roadrunnersports/rrs/products/RRM1041/mens-rgear-high-five-5-short These have a center back zip pocket (for cards, keys, cash in a Ziploc snack bag) plus two velcro back/side pockets which are excellent to stash an iPhone in one and food wrappers/trash in the other. - Shirt: Nike Legend Dri-Fit Short Sleeve T-shirt I usually go with short sleeves unless I’ll be in the sun a bunch. — or — Alternate Shirt: Arcteryx Motus Crew Long Sleeve amzn.to/1uFnrfG arcteryx/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=Mens&category=Shirts_and_Tops&model=Motus-Crew-LS If I’m going to be out in the sun a bunch, a light colored long sleeve shirt is the way to go. - ================================= ================================= - Extra clothing that I usually bring October through May (depending on actual weather conditions). This is all the extra stuff I bring if the temperature is at or above freezing (you may be different): - Gloves: Pearl Izumi Pro Barrier WxB Glove amzn.to/1tDtCUA Warning: the cut and sewing on these can be highly variable - I had to try five pairs to get one that fit properly - but it was worth it, these are amazingly great gloves to keep your hands warm and dry! (thank you Bard for the suggestion!) - Windbreaker: Arcteryx Incendo Hoody amzn.to/1qyvTxM arcteryx/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=mens&category=Shell_Jackets&model=Incendo-Hoody Incredibly light and packable. Great for wind protection, some rain protection, and some extra warmth. The hood makes a huge difference. - Top Base Layer: Arcteryx Phase SV Long Sleeve Crew amzn.to/ZdXjiq arcteryx/product.aspx?gender=mens&category=Base_Layer&model=Phase-SV-Crew-LS Great by itself or as a base layer for under either the Incendo Hoody or Beta SL Jacket. - ================================= ================================= - Food: I’ve tried more complicated foods, but Kind Bars and LaraBars are simple and work well for me. They work in both cold and hot weather. I try to bring at least four flavors and two textures to increase the odds of having something that tastes good (and I generally dont eat these outside of the Canyon so I dont get tired of them). During colder weather, a reminder to bring extra food as your body is working harder to stay warm. IMPORTANT: Please see the top of this post for more information regarding food! - Kind Bars: Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio amzn.to/1r0aNHE Kind Bars: Almond & Coconut amzn.to/1qG5xbX - LaraBar: Cherry Pie amzn.to/1qG4ZD9 LaraBar: Coconut Cream Pie amzn.to/1u5saqq - 5 Hour Energy, Pomegranate, Berry, Grape, or Lemon-Lime amzn.to/1rSFMJn I bring one of these for some extra caffeine/energy if needed. - ================================= ================================= - First Aid / Safety: The below list looks like a lot, but it is actually only a few ounces. Most of it is taken out of its original packaging and then just enough quantity for the one trip is put in Ziploc bags. - Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System amzn.to/1qWR0ds Just 2 ounces and great insurance against a water pipeline break in the Canyon. - QuikClot Sport, Advanced Clotting Sponge amzn.to/1uFjnMG A very good thing to have in case of a bad fall and bleeding (keep this in its original packaging!) - Band-aid Activ-Flex Adhesive Bandages amzn.to/WBDZtK These flex with your body and actually stay on. - Foot Care: Spenco 2nd Skin Blister Pads amzn.to/1qeaXqU (I’ve never actually had to use these, but they are small and light enough to carry just in case) - Some Puffs Plus facial tissues in a Ziploc bag or Kleenex Pocket Pack amzn.to/1wdvP7k - An extra pair of contact lenses in case something goes wrong with the pair I’m wearing - In case of stomach issues: Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief amzn.to/ZdTdGT - Pain Relief: Advil (Ibuprofen) Tablets amzn.to/1AnZr2o Be careful with these, they are a “last resort” item. I just put a few in a Ziploc Snack Bag from a bigger bottle. - Driver’s License, Health Insurance Card (in case something goes wrong) Credit Card, $20 in cash (for Phantom Ranch Cantina and good to have in case something goes wrong). Car Key or Hotel Room Card (depending on whether I’m staying at a hotel or just doing it as a day hike). - Ziploc Bags are mighty handy for keeping things organized and waterproof: Ziploc Snack Bags: amzn.to/1qG26SH Ziploc Quart Freezer Bags amzn.to/YoablH Ziploc Gallon Freezer Bags amzn.to/1rqOkRl - iPhone (for photos, time tracker, emergency backup light) I usually stash my iPhone in an add-on pouch on the strap of my Camelbak pack so as to keep it easily accessible for photo opportunities, time tracker, and emergency backup light. Timbuk2 2-Way On-Strap Cell Phone / Camera Holder Case - Medium Black amazon/gp/product/B00AQMQMN6 This is the add-on pouch that I use on the strap of my CamelBak, but it doesn’t look like they make them any longer? - ================================= ================================= - ******************** Extra Clothing/Gear that I SOMETIMES (but almost never) bring: I’m in the Canyon at least once a month year around, so during the winter and colder times of year, I bring extra clothing/gear with me to the Rim and then, depending on actual weather conditions, I may bring some of the following: ******************** - If there is ice on the trail: - Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice amzn.to/1qyyx6A I’ve only used these twice and probably could have easily gotten by without them, but they worked nicely. Other people swear by the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System amzn.to/1pFiv5X which are indeed excellent, but the MICROspikes are around 16oz vs 7oz for the Yaktrax - and I don’t see carrying the extra weight to be worth it to go from a B+ to an A+ in terms of performance on ice. == If it is extremely windy: - Swim Googles If it looks to be incredibly windy (which happens once in a while), a pair of lightweight swim goggles can come in handy to keep the dust out of your eyes. I’ve only used them twice for about a total of an hour, but it was the difference between sitting by the side of the trail and being able to continue my forward progress in 40+ mph headwinds. == If it looks to be extremely cold/windy/wet/below zero: - Top Shell: Arcteryx Beta SL Jacket amzn.to/1lPYhf9 arcteryx/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=Mens&category=Shell_Jackets&model=Beta-SL-Jacket Great for high wind / heavy rain. I seldom bring this with me except when it is extremely cold/windy/wet. - Bottom Base Layer: Arcteryx Phase SV Bottom Base Layer amzn.to/WvCHA2 arcteryx/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=mens&category=Base_Layer&model=Phase-SV-Bottom I’ve only used this once in the Canyon (my legs generally don’t get overly cold), but good to have for extra warmth on extremely cold/windy/wet days. They are also light weight enough to bring as insurance in case something goes wrong and I can’t keep moving quickly enough to keep my body temperature up. - Bottom Shell: Arcteryx Alpha SL Pant amzn.to/1urySsi arcteryx/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=Mens&category=Pants&model=Alpha-SL-Pant Great for high wind and/or heavy rain. I almost never bring this, except when it is extremely cold/windy/wet, and then usually just over my shorts with no other base layer. - Adventure Medical Kits Two Person Sol Survival Blanket amzn.to/1oggVb2 This is an extra margin of error in case something goes wrong and I can’t keep moving and keep my body temperature up (and also for when the weather looks to be really really bad). I also (or instead) bring extra layers of clothing for the same reason - I would rather carry an extra couple of pounds and not need them then the opposite. I go with the bigger version of this Survival Blanket because I’m 6’2” and, in an emergency, having some extra room for another person to help keep me warm is not a bad thing. If you prefer, there is also a one-person version: Adventure Medical Kits One Person SOL Emergency Blanket amzn.to/1qu6XrG - An extra pair of socks to change into if/when feet get overly cold/wet - Balaclava: Arcteryx Phase AR Balaclava amzn.to/1oZesCk arcteryx/product.aspx?language=EN&category=Accessories&subcat=Toques_and_Beanies&model=Phase-AR-Balaclava I almost never bring this, except when it is extremely cold/windy. I’ve never actually had to use it in the Canyon. - Fleece Cap I just have a basic one from REI. Warmer head = warmer body. - ================================= ================================= - - ******************** Food I’ve tried in the past, which worked, but which I do NOT bring anymore (but you may want to): ******************** - Hammer Nutrition Complex Carbohydrate Energy Gel Vanilla: amzn.to/1rXq5hN Banana: amzn.to/1xv4hi6 Great tasting with natural ingredients. - Clif Bar: Coconut Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, or Oatmeal Raisin Walnut amzn.to/1pFaT3g - Bonk Breaker Energy Bar: Almond Butter and Honey, or Blueberry Oat amzn.to/WBU7eJ - Pocket Fuel Cold Brew Coffee Energy Shot: Mocha or Java amzn.to/1r0bOzq (for coffee/caffeine on the go) - Tanka Natural Buffalo Cranberry Bar amzn.to/1tDntaT (best jerky / dried meat I’ve ever tasted!) - Trail Butter trailbutter/shop/ (almost addictively good) - Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel tailwindnutrition/endurance-fuels - Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem Endurance Fuel amzn.to/1rhzTmZ Other people swear by this, but I could never get past the taste. - ******************** Other stuff I’ve tried out in the past, but do NOT bring anymore (but you may want to): ******************** - Alternate Pack: Nathan VaporWrap Race Vest amzn.to/1uFmS5E This is a good pack when you don’t need to carry as much. A running vest with great front and side pockets that you can easily access on the run. Trekking poles can be easily and securely attached to the outside of the pack. I wasn’t a big fan of the included Nathan water bladder, so I swapped it out for a Camelbak 70 oz (2 liter) Antidote Replacement Reservoir: amzn.to/1qz6CU8 - Sunscreen: Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 amzn.to/1tiRMzN - Electrolytes: Camelbak Elixir Tablets, Lemon-Lime amzn.to/1nEDN4f I don’t use electrolytes anymore, but when I did, these are the ones I used. They taste great and leave no residue in your pack’s water bladder. Other people suggest S-Caps. - Camelbak Fresh Reservoir Filter amzn.to/1ogFC7q This attaches inline and filters out bad taste and odors from the Canyon pipeline water. It is only a few extra ounces, but the taste of the Canyon water doesn’t bother me enough to bother with it. - Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Wipes amzn.to/1qGaL7C I’ve never been bothered by bugs in the Canyon, but if you are someone who bugs will find you no matter where you are, these are the way to go - individual wipes that are light and not bulky and work well. - Sunglasses I generally only wear sunglasses while driving and not on the trail (unless there is lots of snow), but you may prefer to run with them, especially if you aren’t used to the desert sun. If you bring sunglasses, you probably would also want to have a retainer/leash (like Croakies or Chums) - Scarf/Bandana/Buff: Buff Original Headwear amzn.to/XfGcLu - Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap, White amzn.to/1lQjoxV - Foot Care: Dr. Scholls Moleskin Plus amzn.to/1qu5gKJ - Adventure Medical SOL Duct Tape amzn.to/1lLGTb3 Handy to have just in case. - Vapur 1/2 Liter Anti-Bottle amzn.to/WBVlXr A small collapsible / rollable bottle like this comes in handy when running by water stations if you have enough water in your hydration pack to keep going and dont have to stop to refill it, but want to quickly pick up some extra water to top yourself off (it is also some backup insurance should your hydration bladder gets a leak). - Ultra Violet Blacklight Flashlight amzn.to/1ud73om If you happen to be passing by the Phantom Ranch mule corral at night, you can freak yourself out by shining this around (scorpions fluoresce and visually pop out from the background under blacklight). - Other people have suggested: Lastikon and Kinesio tape Ensure Chapstick Body Glide S-Caps Fast food salt packets - ================================= ================================= - So what did I miss? What does your “Below the Rim” gear/supply checklist look like? Please share in the comments below so we can all learn from one another. Thanks!
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:21:13 +0000
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