Kit Check
People love a good kit list, and I am no different! So here is a more or less comprehensive one for the Highland Trail 550.
Some might find it too much, some to little, but for me it’s perfect – especially for an event and terrain where I lack experience so I’m being cautious. I’ll be able to ride in all conditions and sleep comfortably. I won’t explain why I take every item, most should speak for themselves; it’s likely for comfort or personal need. I’ve added a few items here that I would not normally take racing. Scotland is a different beast, and it gives me a good chance to test stuff out. I’m not one to mess about, I only take what works and the best.
Note: Given we’re racing in Scotland I’ve been able to remove a few items ie. sunglasses, sun cream, sun lip balm!
Bike
Frame: Canyon Exceed SL
Fork: Rockshox
Bars: Jones H 710mm
Grips: Ergon GS1 (trying to prevent more nerve damage)
Crank: Power2max FSA Afterburner 32T
Groupset: SRAM GX/XX blend 1×12 10-50T
Tyres: Maxiss Ikon/Ardent Race 2.2
Handlebar bag: Rusjan
Frame bag: Rusjan
Saddle bag: Rusjan
Sleeping 1.5kg
Bivy: Rab Ascent Bivy (eVent)
Sleeping Pad: Thermarest Neo Air Xlite Regular
Sleeping Bag: Mountain Hardware Phantom 0 deg
Sleeping shorts: UNIQLO heatech (I need to take cycling clothes off)
Riding kit 2kg
Helmet: Giro Synthe
Glasses: Oakley Path EZ Zero photocromatic
Hat: Merino Beanie EDZ
Buff: Merino EDZ
Rain coat: Arc’teryx Alpha FL (Goretex Pro)
Jacket: Arc’teryx Atom
Long sleeve: Café Du Cycliste
Jersey: Café Du Cyclist Audax
Bib shorts: Café Du Cyclist Audax
Rain trousers: Berghaus (Goretex Paclite)
Socks: Café du Cyclist merino blend
Socks: Sealskinz waterproof
Gloves: Rab Phantom Grip
Gloves: Rab Xenon (not used before, taking to test)
Rain gloves: Outdoor Research Shuksan (Goretex Active)
Shoes: Giro VR90
Food 4kg
Bars: Veloforte (10,000 calories)
Nuts: Mixed (5,000 calories)
Equipment 3kg (all 3 below)
Main light: Exposure Six Pack
Head light: Exposure Diablo
Backup light: Exposure Diablo
Rear light: Exposure Blasé
Power: Anker 10,000mah battery pack
Power: Anker 5,000mah battery pack
Anker charger – 4 port usb wall charger
Music: iPod Nano + headphones
Filming: Go Pro + 4 batteries & 4 64gb micro sd
Tracker: Spot Gen 3
Navigation: Garmin Etrex 30x
Data: Garmin 1000 (record power data) + backup navigation
Hydration: Platypus big zip 3L (framebag)
Ear plugs – 3M
Midge net: Sea2summit ultra light
Tools/Repair
Pump: Lezyne
Multi: Leatherman Skeletool CX
Multi: Lezyne Stainless Steel 12
Chain lube
Chain degreaser: Parafin fluid
Rag
Disc pads: SRAM TL
Chain quick link: x2 12spd
Gear Cable: x2 SRAM
Derailleur hanger
Cleat: 1x SPD & 2x bolts
Innertube: x2
Patches: lots
Patch glue
Tubeless worms
Super glue
Plastic gloves – keep hands clean
Cash: £70 – in case Scotland does not do contactless!
Hygiene/First Aid
Water sterilisation pills
Mouthwash: Colgate (no alcohol)
Lipbalm
Paracetamol
Codine – if paracetamol doesn’t work, last port of call.
Diarrhoea pills
Omega 3 pills
Lanoline cream
Dermol cream
Wet wipes – & zip lock to put them in when used
Plasters
Antiseptic wipes
Foot powder
Kinesio tape
Insect repellent: Sawyer with picaridin
Hand sanitiser