In this portion of our guide, we will discuss the equipment, gear, supplies, and accessories involved in adventure racing, sometimes called expedition racing.
Adventure racing is a multidisciplinary team sport that typically includes a mix of activities, including trekking, mountain biking, paddling, and navigation. However, it might also incorporate other disciplines, such as climbing, rappelling, horse riding, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Racing can vary from a few hours to several days and often involves navigating through rugged terrain and unpredictable environments. The emphasis is on teamwork, endurance, and strategic planning.
Since this is the shopping area of our guide, we'll focus on the equipment and gear used in the sport rather than the sport itself, but we'll discuss the sport in more detail in our Sports & Recreation section.
With multiple disciplines involved in the sport, participants in adventure racing require a wide array of equipment to compete safely and effectively.
Essential equipment depends on the specific disciplines involved in a particular race, as well as the duration. While there are likely to be others as well, adventure racing generally requires items for navigation, trekking, mountain biking, paddling, climbing, and survival.
Navigation is a critical aspect of adventure racing since teams are required to work their way across remote and challenging terrains. In this, they will likely rely on high-quality compasses and detailed topographic maps. Although there are many other good choices, Silva and Suunto are renowned for their reliable compasses. While traditional navigation techniques are prioritized, some races allow the use of GPS devices, such as those produced by Garmin. Altimeters and wrist-worn computers might also be used. The Suunto Core, for example, offers altitude, weather, and other information.
Trekking involves walking through varied terrain. For this, durable and comfortable gear is required. Sturdy but lightweight running shoes from brands like Salomon and Inov-8 are preferred by many, as they offer a good grip and quick drainage. Trekking poles from companies like Black Diamond and Leki help reduce the impact on joints and may also improve stability on uneven ground. Lightweight, ergonomic backpacks store essential materials.
Mountain biking is a common element of adventure racing. High-performance mountain bikes from manufacturers like Specialized and Trek are commonly used, as they are designed to withstand rugged conditions. Bike repair kits, often from brands like Crankbrothers and Park Tool, are carried for on-the-spot repairs.
Paddling sections of adventure racing might involve canoes, kayaks, or rafts, depending on the race. Canoes or kayaks are likely to be sturdy but lightweight. Brands like Old Town and Perception are often used. Paddles will also be lightweight yet durable. Those produced by Aqua-Bound or Werner are sometimes chosen. Safety vests (personal flotation devices) from companies like Kokatat and NRS are used for the water sections.
Some races involve climbing or rappelling components requiring specialized gear like climbing harnesses, carabiners, and ropes. Black Diamond and Petzi are trusted brands.
In multi-day races, teams must be prepared for various conditions and emergencies. Compact yet comprehensive first-aid kits from Adventure Medical Kits provide essential medical supplies. Hydration packs and water bottles from CamelBak and HydraPak ensure teams stay hydrated, and participants are likely to pack energy gels, bars, or electrolyte tablets to provide the necessary fuel. Clif Bar and GU Energy are well-known brands. Headlamps and flashlights are required for nighttime navigation, and lightweight bivy sacks, emergency blankets, and insulated jackets protect from the elements, especially during overnight stays. Patagonia and SOL are respected brands.
These and other manufacturers or retailers specializing or focusing on providing the products necessary for adventure racing are appropriate for this category, as are websites offering product reviews or comparisons.
Recommended Resources
The online retailer specializes in adventure racing, orienteering, and other endurance sports gear. The store offers a curated selection of products, ranging from essential items for beginners to high-end gear for professional racers. Its online catalog is sorted by the type of discipline, product type, essentials, apparel, and sales items. Besides its online catalog, the site offers adventure racing news, sponsored events, and an introduction to its services to race directors and pro teams.
https://adengear.com/
The Colorado-based company designs and manufactures high-quality adventure packs and gear. They offer a range of backpacks tailored for different activities like hiking, biking, trail running, and adventure racing. A telephone number and office hours are published on the website, which highlights its backpacking equipment, many of which were designed specifically for adventure racing. Other products include headgear, hydration products, water purification products, hip packs, and accessories.
https://outthereusa.com/
Thought Sports is an Australian company that specializes in adventure gear, training, and races. It offers a range of products for orienteering, adventure racing, and pack rafting and offers high-quality training courses. Based in Gippsland, Victoria, they also organize events like the Explore Gippsland Adventure Race. Their product pages include compasses, orienteering gear, wrist compasses, kayak rescue throw bags, trekking poles, gaiters, pack rafts, and bivvies, which are available online.
https://www.thoughtsports.com.au/
Based in Bethel, Maine, True North Adventure Sports is an online store specializing in outdoor sporting goods, offering a wide range of equipment and gear for activities like rock climbing, backpacking, trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and trail running, with an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly products. Besides its online product catalog, the website includes a section on adventure racing, with announcements of upcoming races and other events.
https://www.truenorthadventuresports.com/
The Colorado-based company specializes in creating ultralight packs, bags, apparel, and accessories for trail running, ultrarunning, fast-packing, and. hiking, focusing on innovative designs and sustainable products. Its product range includes hydration vests, running apparel, handhelds, and belts designed to enhance the outdoor experience for athletes of all levels. Adventure gear backpacks include its Ultra Vesta 6.0, Fastpack 20, and Race Vest 6.0. Hydration gear is also available.
https://ultimatedirection.com/
