My equipment list, criticism welcome (before i buy something bad)

[Ben]

Hey everyone,

I have taken the plunge and signed up for this years TNF100, and cant F'ing wait!

I am in the military and have only done similar things to this using army issue gear, which brings me to my problem, im having dramas picking the right gear for the job (now that im going civvie) and am abit overwhelmed with the amount of clothing available.

I was down in sydney for chrissy and went to visit the Kathmandu store in Campbelltown and along with the help of the staff, made up the following equipment list; keep in mind, i live in Darwin and will only have a couple of days before the race to acclimatise to the mountains therefore i would like to take the side of caution and go more quality (warmer) gear, suggestions please!

Anyway heres the list-

I WAS GOING TO WEAR SKINS (thoughts on this? what type should i get?)

LONG SLEEVE MERINO TOP (unsure what brand to get)
THERMAPLUS THERMAL PANTS - http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Mens/Thermals/10588/Thermaplus_Long_John_v2.html

FORNAX SHORTS - http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Mens/Trousers_&_Shorts/Shorts/11581/Fornax_Shorts_Men.html
CORUNDUM SHIRT - http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Mens/Shirts_&_Tops/Technical_Tops/12078/Corundum_Top_Mens_v2.html

WATERPROOF KORJAK JACKET - http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Mens/Jackets_&_Vests/Rainwear/11372/Korjak_Jacket_Men.html
WATERPROOF KORJAK PANTS - http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Mens/Trousers_&_Shorts/Rainwear/11374/Korjak_Trousers_Men.html

KATHMANDU TRAIL RUNNER MERINO SOCKS

UNSURE ON SHOES AND BACK PACK

Do you think this many layers will be warm enough for me?

The only reason everything is Kathmandu is obviously because i was at their store, im open to other brands.

Anyway i hope someone out there can really critique my gear list so i can start purchasing!

Thanks

[Ben]

Or better yet, have any of you stumbled across any decent blogs that also have a list of equipment (specific) he/she used for the event?

[Jonathan]

Last years event changed my expectations about what gear was appropriate, it turns out I was carrying too much.  I think it is best to be a weight weenie for this event.  I know you ex military so try and overcome the urge to carry "just in case" equipment. My gear selection for the event this year is:

Shoes: Salomon Speedcross 2 Trail shoes. (you will need something with a rigid base too prevent stine bruising so I suggest Trail running shoes. (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/run/8/Salomon_SpeedCross_2_Shoes/5360031844/)

 A good comparison site for shoes is the 'cool runnings' website.

Top Normal running top with skins arm warmers.

Pants 2 XU long compression tights. (this is only because I have a bad leg) most people wear normal running shorts.

With regard the thermals, get the lightest ones you can.  As long as you keep moving these will be sufficient at night.

Pack.  Once againthe lighter the better.  A popular choice is the Salomon_XA_20_M_AW09 available cheap at http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/run/8/Salomon_XA_20_M_AW09/5360041435/

Socks.  I recommend injinji socks with the toe sleeves this will minimise the crippling blisters from last years event hopefully.

I hope this has been of use.

P.S.  I am doing my training on the routes on weekends, if you want to join me my email address is jon.mcqaude@cyphertech.com.au

[Graham]

Are there any other previous participants who would be willing to share their equipment list and their thoughts (or have a pointer to other threads on this, my searches are failing me)?

Many of us who are new to this event would value your ideas and opinions - well, I would anyway.

[Elizabeth]

I ran in 2008 & 2009.  I use a MULE D-Fit (21lt storage I think) Camelbak and manage to get all the compulsory gear in just fine.  I also run with a SPIBELT to have easy access to gel's etc up front without having to go for the backpack.

I run in Trail specific shoes, either Asic or Salomon.

I don't like running in skins (too hot/tight) but do run in long or 3/4 tights and short sleeved top.  It's cold at the start so I begin wearing my thermal but usually have it off in the first 15kms.  2008 seemed warmer in the day than last year (2009 was windy) but the 2008 night seemed colder.  Before night time I always change clothes from the waist up to be dry going into the night (yes, I'm a sweaty betty). BTW the wait at the Tarros ladders 2009 (45mins!) was FREEZING - I had to put on all the clothing in my pack to stay warm and was very thankful I had it all with me (I also ate every piece of food!)

HAPPY TRAILS - Liz

[Kelly]

Looks like you are on track with your gear...just need to figure shoes out..the most annoying part. For long events such as this I tend to run Salomon XA Pros. XT wings.  They are ideal if they fit your foot.   If you have a favourite pair of road shoes that you have had success with  see if the company makes trail shoes with similar design and fit. My husband was on a several year quest looking for the right off road shoe. He has been wearing Asics Kayanos for as many years as they have been making them so he decided to get a pair of Asics Trabucos and he and his feet have never been happier!   

You will love this event! Good luck.

[Ed]

I ran in my normal road shoes, Asics 2110s. And will be running in the same this year. Ran in full length skins w/o over heating and helly hensen short sleeved top.

One thing to buy the "best you can afford" is a head torch. I use a Petzl Myo xp and it's great. I use it for climbing, caving etc. Top bit of kit. One set of batteries did the whole run. The guy i ran with used Ay Up lights I think and had to keep putting in new batteries all the time. Well it seemed like he changed batteries every 10mins! Anyhow the more light you have at night the quicker and safer you'll be over rough terrain.

I only took clothing on the mandatory list and was warm enough and kept weight to a minimum.

Also took a lip balm with doubled as a anti-chafe stick.

Waterproofs are all paclite material to keep weight and bulk down.

Woolies blue cooler bags with the zip top make good cheap check point drop bags.

The gear check at registration was quite strict.

[Mark]

BTW the wait at the Tarros ladders 2009 (45mins!) was FREEZING -
HAPPY TRAILS - Liz

Sorry for the hi-jack, but are you saying you had to wait for 45min due to competitor congestion? 

[Elizabeth]

YUP - 45min wait to get down, although the congestion was caused (I believe) by a participant "freezing" on the ladders.  The rest of us backed up pretty quickly - not good, but hopefully something the organisers are going to do something about this year - I also believe they recieved quite a lot of, um, feedback(?) about this incident.