Snowman Race ‘24 Post 9: Equipment
Gear Layout 2 days before the Snowman Race.
The gear for a race like Snowman Race can make or break the experience. I wanted to document and share what I used to help myself remember in the future and to maybe help those that read this with their adventures. The photo above was taken two days before the race and there were a couple of last minute changes that I’ll explain below. I’ll also share a glimpse into my brain with a screen shot of the spreadsheet I used to prep for the race.
Here is the breakdown of the gear I used (underlined sections are links to where you can purchase the product):
Prototype pack from Patagonia. It was my intention to use this pack and before leaving I had it for a few weeks to test, but when it finally came down to the complete kit loaded in the pack I had a fit issue that didn’t work. I had concerns about this from testing, but did not have time to alter or change the pack so I took an alternate pack that was a bit larger and more adjustable. The pack I ended up using was the Hyperlite Aero 28. It worked well, and I’ll share more about it below. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Strider Pro. This has been my go to short for over a decade. Tried and true. This pair I had modified with loops to hold poles, but last minute I switched to a black pair without the loops. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Strider Pant. This is my favorite cold weather running pant. I like it way more than tights as it dried quickly and can be easily removed or put on with shoes on. Unfortunately, it is not currently available. to purchase. (mandatory gear)
Western Mountaineering Flylite. This is my go to summer multi-day run or fast pack sleeping bag. I went to Bhutan knowing it might not be quite warm enough, particularly given the forecast. Last minute I switched for a slightly warmer and heavier bag the Western Mountaineering Ultralight. The sleeping bag switch was a major reason I needed to use a different pack. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover. My favorite long sleeve layer; fast drying, some wind resistance, very lightweight and has a huge temperature range. Deep chest zipper and tight fitting hood are great features. (mandatory gear)
NNormal Race Sock Low. I am pretty particular about socks, and this one works really well for me. It is tight fitting and holds up to a lot of abuse. I have used this sock for 100 milers without needing to change them once. They worked great for the Snowman Race. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt. Super lightweight and super breathable, my favorite shirt when performance is the focus. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Duckbill Cap. I love this hat. This particular one has been my lucky hat for over 6 years. I use it for races, FKT attempt and important adventures. It carries magic within it and makes me smile as it brings up memories when I see it. (mandatory gear)
NNormal Tomir 2. When I flew to Bhutan I was convinced that I would want the extra cushion of the Tomir, but as I spent time acclimatizing and running in Bhutan I decided to run in the Kjerag instead. The Kjerag has been a got to shoe of mine for the last year, including during the Pocatello Round and High Lonesome. I opted for its more precise feel and lightweight. it worked perfectly. (mandatory gear)
Paper Maps. Laminated paper maps of each stage were part of the required gear. (mandatory gear)
WagBag. Also part of the required gear was that every runner start each stage with a WagBag. For those unfamiliar it is bag you poop in and then can carry without a mess or stink. It helps keep sensitive places from getting wrecked by humans crapping everywhere. (mandatory gear)
Nitecore Carbon Battery Bank. Lightest 10,000mHa battery bank I could find. Phones with a mapping program were also part of the required gear, and so was a way to charge it. (mandatory gear)
Garmin InReach Mini 2. This emergency communication tool was also part of the required gear. We actually carried two gps devices, this and a spot tracker. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Branded Hydrapak Flasks 500ml. Each runner needed to carry 500ml water capacity. I used some Patagonia Soft flasks that come with their running vests. (mandatory gear)
First Aid Kit. This kit is something I have been working on for years and am working on putting in production. This particular kit for trail runners weighs 140 grams (5 oz) and has the items I think are critical for a trail runner to carry. I also had a small baggie of medications for altitude sickness, GI problems, and some pain medications. When I do have enough bandwidth to sell these kits I’ll do it on this website in the section for my business Alpine Endurance Medicine. (mandatory gear)
Petzl Swift RL. Great headlamp, very bright for the weight and long battery life thanks to the reactive lighting setting.
Petzl Bindi. Emergency light that is actually bright enough to run with.
Hydrapak Filter Cap. This water filter replaces the standard lid on the 500ml flasks. Handy, simple and reliable. (mandatory gear)
Extra Camera. The Japanese news media NHK is producing a documentary about the Snowman Race. They asked me to carry this DJI action cam which will help spread the message of Climate Change in Bhutan. It was worth the weight penalty to carry and use it.
Ultralight Gloves These are Brushtail Possum Hair gloves. Superlight weight, very warm and don’t absorb water. Very nerdy, but they work well. (mandatory gear)
Z Packs Vertice Rain Mitts. Also very lightweight, good in an emergency.
Patagonia Sun Mask. A very nice fabric tube that can be used for sun or warmth. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Rain Pants Prototype. These are built like the Storm Racer Jacket, very light but also functional. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket. This jacket is a dream. Very lightweight but can handle proper rain very well. It is streamlined for running. (mandatory gear)
Patagonia Prototype Down Jacket. Ultralight and packable down hoody that was part of my emergency system and sleep kit.
Patagonia Prototype Down Pants. Ultralight and packable down pants that were part of my emergency system and sleep kit.
iPhone (not pictured as it was taking the picture). A phone with a digital mapping program, I used Caltopo, in case of difficulty following the route.
Zeal Selkirk Sunglasses (not pictured as they were on my face when I was doing this). Excellent plant based sunglasses with side covers. Ideal for the high mountain environment.
Leki Ultralight FX1 Trail Running Pole.(not pictured) These were not mandatory but strongly encouraged. I like this pole, especially the strap system.
Photo of my fully loaded pack a few minutes before the start.
Spreadsheet breakdown of gear weights, including worn vs pack totals. This does not include water or trail food.