Please do not come to the gear check without all the correct gear. It is not the place for haggling.
Please don't hassle the gear checker-make, sure your gear is compliant before you get there! If you don't have the correct gear you can't start the run.
The early race start means you will need your headlamp from the start (100km). As a consequence, the mandatory gear rules are that you carry all the regular kit for the whole race. All the mandatory gear is to be carried at all times and will be checked at race briefing, no gear = no start.
Mandatory Kit - 100km solo & teams
1. Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water with bottles and/or bladder. There will be no cups at checkpoints to reduce waste. There are long distances between aid stations of up to 25km. Be prepared.
2. Mobile phone (recommend Telstra Next G for best coverage) + a spare back up battery / charge unit
3. CAPRA App downloaded onto your phone. Details to come.
4. Compression / snake bandage (not loose crepe) 10cm wide x 2metres long unstretched.
5. Emergency space blanket.
6. Good quality waterproof jacket, seam sealed, with hood (it must be in reasonable condition and be genuinely waterproof, water resistant is not adequate, it must have taped/sealed seams and be made of Gortex, Event or similar) .
7. Long sleeve thermal top (can be worn on day) must be polypropylene or merino (no compression gear or lycra)
8. Emergency food not to be eaten unless in the event of emergency: at least a muesli bar or chocolate bar, or equivalent above regular food.
9. Whistle (can be the one on your pack strap).
10. Suitable light and back-up light (iphone torch App not acceptable). That means 2 lights capable of navigating the trail at night (it can be a tough place to be if your light is inadequate). Yes - for teams entries BOTH team members even though the second will start in the daylight it may get dark before your second runner finishes!
11. A beanie or buff.
12. Gloves, can be running or polypro, something to simply keep your hands warm in an emergency.
In the event of severe weather predictions the extra kit will be required.
Extra kit for bad weather
14. Waterproof overpants (the specifications are not as rigid as for your jacket but must be waterproof material not just water resistant)
If not needed at the start runners should still be prepared to put their overpants into their Gables drop bag in case of weather deterioration (crew can carry it for you but if they don't make it to the Gables and you need your overpants then you can't go on without them). The overpants will be checked at race briefing regardless of the weather forecast. At the 2010 race the 'severe weather' gear was carried from the start and many runners actually wore their overpants from the start because the weather was so bad. A couple of year runners have been required to pick up their severe weather kit from the Gables. Do not gamble on this gear not being needed. If you do not have it at check-in, you will not start the race. Expect bad weather. Anything less is a bonus. Remember it is called the Shipwreck Coast for good reason!
Recommended Additional Equipment
The following items are highly recommended to be carried but are not mandatory:
Sunscreen
Blister repair kit
Hat
Long sleeved warm top (especially for night)
Toilet paper
Sense of humour (possibly should be mandatory)
Remember mandatory gear is just the minimum you need to carry. If you are prone to feeling the cold you might need more warm clothing or have it in your drop bags.
Summary of Mandatory Gear
bladder or bottles = 2 litres capacity
mobile phone
CAPRA App downloaded
10cm broad compression bandage
space blanket
waterproof jacket with hood
long sleeve thermal top
emergency food
whistle
light and a back-up light (headlamp or handheld)
beanie or buff
gloves
Extra kit for bad weather (decision to be made at briefing)
14. waterproof overpants
