Both of these challenges are going to require some considerable quantities of equipment. In the case of the Pole, they can’t really afford to take chances that us amateurs will make the right decisions so the US$34,000 entry fee each we pay includes all the kit we will require for the 4 weeks in the Arctic. When we head to Norway for the Arctic training in January we will be equipped with everything we will need, from the pulk we will each carry all our equipment on, to the clothes we will wear and the tent we will sleep in.
For the Sahara, kit selection is down to the individual, though there is an extensive mandatory list that each participant must bring with them. Having booked the flight to Australia for the training trip earlier in the week, I knew there was a need to make some purchases, so I decided I would dig in and start to equip myself for the Sahara at the same time. Being someone who was once described by a skydive buddy as “all the gear and no idea” I was looking forward to the process. The aim was simple; I needed to purchase kit that was desert proven, light (this will become an obsession over the coming months as I have to carry it all for the 250km) and fit for purpose. My running shoes and clothing is something I will work in July as it will require a lot of research. However, yesterday I found myself comparing the weights of plastic and titanium sporks (a hybrid fork and spoon) as well as the relative weights and merits of sleeping bags.
From there it was the back pack I would carry everything in that came next which was going to be an important choice. All my food, sleeping kit, medical kit plus my daily hydration will be in this and a malfunction could see me out so I went for the Raidlight Evolution 2 as it seemed to have established itself as the pack of choice for endurance athletes in the Sahara and other desert runs. Mundane equipment such as blister kit, emergency whistle, safety pins (20 x large, no clue why required) compass (I know essential but a compass is a compass) were ticked off the list, along with the two headlamps we are required to carry for the night running sections of the race. I have elected to equip the pack with two 750ml bottles that will be attached to the chest straps. When I looked at the experience of past competitors, it was generally viewed as the best way to carry fluid as they could be fiilled easily at the check points unlike the hydro-packs that can take additional time.
Nutrition is going to absolutely critical as I look to provide my body with the fuel required and the nutrients for repair. However, this again needs to be managed from a weight perspective as I am required to carry all I will be eating for the six days in my pack. I have ordered a mix of freeze dried meals from Expedition Foods, Backpackers Pantry and Mountain House. In the coming weeks I can decide which dehydrated gunk I like the most, whether it be spaghetti bolognese, or macaroni and cheese. The added advantage of these meals is that there is no need to carry bowls etc as you throw the water in the bag and eat straight from it.
Next week the kit will no doubt turn up and I will start the process of trying everything out on runs. I still need to get into research mode on gaiters, clothing and running shoes but I think I have made a pretty decent start on the kit front.
