I have clocked up over 20,000km of multiday running and I think I am starting to get my kit list pretty refined. Still some small changes to make but this kit list worked perfectly for my 12 days, 620km run across Iceland.
Nearly all this kit was sourced from Cotswold Outdoor, GORE Wear and Runners Need. I got my poles direct from Leki and my 44L Trailblazer direct from Montane
BACKPACK + POLES:
Montane 44L Trailblazer – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: This was an amazing pack. There aren’t many out there that can carry this much kit + food and still allow you to actually run. For shorter adventures, I would look at the 30L version.
Leki Micro Trail PRO – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: For an adventure like this, poles are essential, especially when using them with your tarp. I have used Leki for all my races and adventures. Generally, I don’t train with them and just use for actual events.
SLEEPING:
RAB Element Solo Tarp – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: First time using a tarp and really happy with how this performed. It doesn’t come with guy ropes so make sure you buy some and set it all up before you go. MSR does some good lightweight ones.
Karrimor Bivi – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: This is an old bivi I had at home and did the trick. A lot of people worry about condensation but the temperature in Iceland is low enough for that not to be an issue.
Blue Mountain Sleeping bag liner – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: I use this on all my adventures. I prefer the polycotton to the silk just because I sleep in my clothes and think it is more durable.
Thermarest NeoAir Sleeping Mat – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: My NeoAir has been on all my adventures since 2017. It is lightweight, packs down small and is incredibly comfortable. Apart from the Thermarest UberLite I don’t think it can be beaten. It is a little fragile so take some Tenacious tape with you to fix holes.
Mountain Equipment Helium 250 – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: *This is not the one I used but equivalent – I used a Vango F10 Catalyst 250 which is essentially the same. This was the perfect weight for Iceland in July (I wore thermal tights if got cold)
RAB Ground Cloth – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: I used a friend’s one but this is equivalent. Cotswold Outdoor also stock a cheaper one from Jack Wolfskin
Earplugs
Eye mask
FOOD + KITCHEN:
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove set – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: This is a great size and stove set for running. The plastic cup/bowl on the bottom is a great addition. If there is wind, you will need something to shelter it. I used my Powertraveller Falcon 21 solar panel.
20 tea bags (Mint green tea, Lemon and Ginger, Whisky Flavour)
Hydrapak 3L Seeker – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Best water storage I have come across. Also used it on the Hayduke Trail. It packs down to practically nothing and when full can be clipped on to your pack (you need to source carabiners).
Sawyer Mini Filter – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Didn’t use on this adventure. Water in Iceland is mostly clean and clear. Wouldn’t take if doing again.
Lifeventure titanium mug with carabiner – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Great cup that is lightweight. My First aid kit fits inside so takes up no room.
Light My Fire Spork – CLICK TO SEE
6 Firepot meals (extra Large) collecting 6 more half-way through – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Best dehydrated meals out there. These are delicious and don’t contain any nasties. The Extra Large packs contain about 900 calories which is great after covering 55km. They weigh about 200g so can pack a lot of energy for not much weight
12 large Quaker oats large sachets – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Use on every adventure. Make sure you get the large size. The perfect portion for MSR bowl on the stove set
Peanut Butter Sachets – CLICK TO SEE
Daily Vitamin Tablet – CLICK TO SEE
Snickers – CLICK TO SEE
Electrolytes – CLICK TO SEE
Repair kit – Needle + thread, Tenacious Tape, Elastic cord, duct tape
Loo roll in a mini Ikea zip bag
ELECTRONICS:
Garmin InReach – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Great to have a GPS tracker that actually did what it is meant to do. Love that you can send messages and the size is perfect for trail running. I had a spot before and you never know if the check-in sends. This one makes a noise!
Powertraveller Sport 25 battery (with a torch) – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Lightweight and fast charging which makes it perfect. The built-in torch is great and even does the SOS signal should you need it!
Lifeventure trek towel
Black Diamond Head torch – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Didn’t need as it never got dark!
Powertraveller Falcon 21 Solar Panel – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: On the brief moments the sun came out this was amazing. As always, it kept me in power throughout my adventure. It also acts as a great wind shelter for MSR Stove
DJI Osmo Action Cam – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: This is a good action camera but I did notice that the setting changed a few times and the sound wasn’t as good as I would have liked.
Manfrotto Tripod – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: The more I run with this the looser the legs get. This becomes a bit annoying. It is also quite heavy. Looking for an alternative.
Land Rover Explore with Adventure pack – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: The perfect adventure companion. I drop my phone all the time and this can take that. Also, it rains in Iceland and having a phone that can be used in wet and cold conditions is useful. The additional battery in the adventure pack is also a lifesaver.
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Saphire – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: best running watch I have used. Was worried that the battery wouldn’t last but it was just fine. Managed to get a couple of full days out of one charge (that is tracking for two full days!)
Sony Headphones – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Always used wired headphones because you don’t have to charge them. They can get a bit caught up but they double up well as earplugs!
OTHER:
Ultimate performance ankle support – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Luckily didn’t need, but do have weak tendons in my ankle so need to take!
Lip salve
Iceland map
Dry bags
First Aid: bandage, Imodium, paracetamol, ibuprofen, chlorine tablets, co-codamol, tape
Trowel – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Bought this in the US. Anything that can help you leave the environment is the same state as you left it is worth the tiny amount of extra weight. Slips perfectly into the pack side pocket.
Hydrapak “Tailwind” water flasks x1 – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: It’s a great wee flask but this one was not the right size for the Montance Trailblazer which meant I lost it on day 9.
RUNNING CLOTHING:
GORE® M Thermo Shirt – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: I previously underestimated how warm this top was. A really great additional lawyer to run in when the temperature drops. Also great to put on when taking a rest or in camp.
GORE® R7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ Trail Hooded Jacket – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Staying dry is the most important thing when out on a multiday adventure. If you get went then things can turn nasty. This is the perfect jacket for this type of running. GORE Wear has developed the durability of this item to be able to withstand a backpack. My pack was 12-14kg and there is not any sign of wear or tear.
GORE® R7 2in1 Shorts – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: I wore these every day and they managed to withstand everything I threw at them. A little bit of chaffing but running 620km and wearing them to sleep in, you expect this!
Sungod Pacebreakers – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: I have used these on all my running and cycling adventures since I got them. They are comfortable, don’t steam up and are good protection from wind and dust too. Some people take swimming goggles or a ski mask. I used these with a Buff and it worked perfectly.
Ciele “Evil Empire” cap – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: I am very undecided about this cap for running… I either loved it or continuously cursed at it. I like the look but thing I will invest in a different cap for next adventure. I have a man bun so that might be the issue. Maybe I should look at woman’s hats!
Stance Ankle socks – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: 620km and still look brand new! Best running socks I know.
HOKA SPEEDGOAT 3 – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: When I first wore these I hated them but as you get used to them they become the best running shoes for this kind of distance and terrain. I love the Hoka on a long run as I really think the cushioning helps your legs recover quicker. I used the Mafate EVOs for the Transalpine and the first few days of this trip.
GORE® buff
GORE ® Branded shirt – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: I would normally run in a GORE R7 running shirt but for multiday running with a heavy pack this is more appropriate. This is also my go to hiking top.
FOR EMERGENCY + CAMP: THIS IS EXTRA WEIGHT BUT I THINK IT IS ESSENTIAL. KEEP IT ALL IN DRY BAGS
GORE® M Base Layer Thermo Turtleneck – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: Great for sleeping in at night.
RAB Microlight Alpine Jacket – CLICK TO SEE – NOTES: This is my evening jacket. Perfect weight to keep warm and packs down small. When you have so many other layers to use there is no need to go bigger.
GORE® M GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Thermo Gloves – CLICK TO SEE
GORE® M Thermo Long Socks – CLICK TO SEE
GORE® M Beanie – CLICK TO SEE
GORE® R5 GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Tights – CLICK TO SEE
