Equipment

REQUIRED GEAR PER PERSON

A paddle CP

At all times:

  • sturdy running/trail shoes
  • full-length pants, tights, or leggings
  • long sleeve shirt
  • rain jacket
  • 2-liter water container or equivalent
  • whistle
  • flashlight/headlamp suitable for biking, paddling, or hiking – not required for the Lite race
  • knife (or multi-tool with blade)
  • Waterproof watch
  • Small backpack/daypack to carry gear

While biking:

  • mountain bike
  • certified biking helmet
  • spare bike tube

Per Team Biking:

  • tire levers
  • tire pump
  • tire repair kit

While Paddling:

  • approved lifejacket with whistle attached (Must be worn at all times on the water)
  •  paddles (1 per person, recommend 1 spare/team.)
  • As the weather in the Hills can change quickly, we highly recommend that teams wear wet or dry suits while on the water.

Per Boat:

  • Teams must provide their own watercraft. Kayak, Canoe, SUP – human powered, NO MOTORS. Boat rental available if required.
  • throw line (1/boat)
  • baling device (a cut bleach bottle with a cord attached will do)

While Hiking:
Gloves – preferable full finger with durable palm

REQUIRED GEAR PER TEAM

Transition: Each team will need to provide TWO Drop Bins/Bags for the transitions. You will have time pre-race to reorganize these bins if required. Typically, teams will set one bin with all of their paddle gear, and one with all of their bike gear.
You will need to have this labeled with your team name/number. It will need to hold your team gear for the next event. A large Rubbermaid bin, or a duffle bag will do.

 

Food Bank Challenge: an extra bag or pack that will carry your food bank donation. You may drop the pack at the Food Bank Challenge to save time. If you want the bag back, make sure it has your team name/number on it!

Medicine Hat Root Cellar

 

 

OTHER EQUIPMENT SUGGESTIONS

  • use fast-drying synthetic clothes (instead of cotton)
  • shorts & short-sleeved shirt (in case it gets hot. Bike shorts are good, but bushwhacking in short pants can be murder on the legs)
  • sunglasses and/or clear glasses (worn while in the bush)
  • spare socks
  • toque and gloves/mitts (there could be frost or snow)
  • biking gloves
  • rain pants (if needed)
  • warm jacket for before/after the race
  • gaiters (cover the bottom of your pant leg and shoes to help keep the crud out)
  • map bag to keep your map dry (you only get 1 map!)
  • Ziplock or dry bags to keep other things dry (especially paddling)
  • more than one compass
  • colored markers and highlighters (to mark map)
  • one stronger flashlight or headlamp (you will be navigating about 1.5 hours in the dark)
  • bike computer (odometer)
  • bike repair tools or multi-tool
  • two whistles – one on your pack and one on your lifejacket

FOOD & FLUID SUGGESTIONS

  • take things that pack well, provide good energy, and are easy to digest
  • bagels/cheese buns
  • peanut butter/jam sandwiches
  • bananas, apples
  • dried fruit and nuts
  • baked potatoes
  • chocolate/energy bars
  • energy gels
  • energy/hydration drinks

Be prepared! Keep in mind that you might be on your own for a number of hours (more if you get lost or injured) and the weather can change quickly in the Hills!