Version 2 - Updated May 15th, 2006 at 3:15 pm PST

Gear check will be performed during the pre-race checkin. You will be required to produce and show proficient use of required gear. There will be random gear checks during the race - ask anyone from our previous events - we do random gear checks throughout the race, and your team will be assigned a penalty for any missing required gear, and disqualified from the race for any missing safety gear. We do this to help ensure the safety of everyone participating in our events.

This list may be periodically updated. It is your responsibility to check back here for any changes right up to the race date.

The mandatory gear will be divided into two categories; "general" required gear, and "safety" gear. If any of the gear listed as "safety" gear is missing during the gear checks on the race course, the team will be immediately disqualified from completing the race and will not be considered for official rankings. Required safety gear is marked with a red double asterisk (**) in the below gear list.

Please note that you and your team will be required to carry both the required individual and team gear as appropriate for each section of the race (eg Mountain Biking Individual and Team gear for the Mountain Biking stage). All team members must carry the required individual gear listed as "required for all sections" through all sections of the race. If you or your team has an alternate piece of gear that you believe will fulfill the requirements of something listed here, please email us at and let us know. But please let us know well before the race checkin, otherwise expect to have the exact items we list here.

The mandatory boat or boats must by design be able to accomodate all members of the team. You may use any mix of single person, tandem, triple, or quad person type boats. You may not use any boat designed as a "sailboat", however you may utilize the wind in any fashion you choose.

Updated items marked with (#)

• Individual Mandatory Equipment
  • Required for ALL sections
    1. ** Drivers License or other Picture ID
    2. Backpack
    3. Container to carry adequate fluids (2 liters minimum)
    4. ** Light (functional headlight or equivalent)
    5. ** Whistle
    6. ** Space blanket
    7. Eye protection (sun glasses, etc...)
    8. Knife with locking blade.
    9. Long sleeve water resistant/wind resistant jacket
    10. $2.00 (#)
  • Mountain Biking Equipment
    1. Bicycle (Mountain Bike, Cyclocross Bike, Road Bike) (#)
    2. ** Bike helmet with chin strap CPSC and/or ANSI approved (MUST be worn at all times during MTB section)
    3. One extra bike tube per person
  • Ropes/Rapelling Equipment - PRO Course only (note #1)
    1. certified climbing harness
    2. Rappel Device (ATC, Stitch Plate, Gri-Gri, NO Figure-8s)
    3. 2 locking carabiners
    4. Backup Device (sewn sling, prusik loop, Rocker, Petzl Shunt)
    5. ** Helmet (bicyle helmet okay, climbing helmet preferred)
    6. Leather Gloves - mandatory full length fingers - no fingerless gloves will be allowed (bicycle gloves okay as long as leather palmed and fingers)
  • Kayaking Equipment
    1. ** Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type III or V
    2. Paddle for each person
  • Inline Skate/Scooter
    1. Inline Skates (eg "Rollerblades), Scooter, or Kickbike (#)
       You may choose to run during this section instead
    2. Helmet (bicycle helmet okay)
       Must be worn even if just running this section
  • Team Mandatory Equipment
    • Required for ALL Sections
      1. Compass (#)
      2. Pen or Pencil (recommend Pen)
      3. 1:24000 UTM Grid Reader/Plotter (PRO Course only)
      4. Waterproof map case - ziploc or similar bags will suffice (We recommend you bring two or three ziploc bags)
    • Mountain Biking Equipment
      1. Bike Pump
      2. Chain repair tool
      3. Bike tool
    • Kayaking Equipment
      1. Kayak, Canoe, or Raft (any self propelled personal watercraft without oar locks or designed to be used prmarily as a sailing vessel), enough for all of your team members (singles, doubles, triples, or quads are all fine) See Kayak Rentals page for rental information (#)
      2. One Throw rope 35 foot length minimum per team
      3. Large Mesh Bag, Duffle Bag, or Similar - PRO COURSE ONLY (note #2) (#)
    • ** First Aid Kit (1 kit per team) (see NOTE below)
      1. Sunscreen (1 oz)
      2. Safety pins (4)
      3. Scissors (1)
      4. Razor blade (1)
      5. Needle (1)
      6. Moleskin (4 to 6 inch square)
      7. Butterfly bandages (4)
      8. Gauze pads (4)
      9. Adhesive tape (1 roll)
      10. Triangular bandage or bandana (1)
      11. Tweezers (1)
      NOTE: This is the required minimum first aid gear list. Although we have trained medical staff available, your safety is your responsibility. You may be isolated from help for long periods of time and as such, you should be prepared to deal with any medical issues that your team might encounter. We highly encourage your team to have at least one (and preferably two) members trained in basic First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, etc...
  • Recommended Equipment
    1. Altimeter
    2. Gaiters
    3. Extra clothing
    4. Bailing device per boat (eg a scoop, pump, etc)
    5. Pen, Pencils, Hi-Liters for map work
    6. Cell Phone (emergency use only)
    7. Extra Cash (purchase of food/water only on the race course)
  • Prohibited Equipment
    1. GPS (including Timex Bodylink or equivalents)
    2. Radio
    3. Night vision equipment
    4. Weapons
    5. any mode of motorized/vehicular transportation not specifically authorized by the race staff

We believe this required gear will help keep the race safe and fun for everyone involved.
If you have any questions please send email to:

NOTES:

#1 We believe you should be allowed to use the climbing gear that you are proficient and comfortable with. If you have a piece of gear that is equivalent, and we haven't specifically listed it, let us know. Don't surprise us on race day with some off the wall piece of gear.

#2 You may use any duffle bag, back pack, mesh bag, or equivalent. However this bag must hold all of your teams kayaking gear (throw rope, PFD, any spray skirts, etc.) your paddles do not have to fit into the bag. ALL Kayaking gear MUST be labelled with either your name, team name, or team number (including kayaks and paddles). You will only be required to have this bag in your kayak or canoe, you will not have to race/run/bike with it.