The mandatory gear list below is the MINIMUM required while racing. Please adapt what you carry according to the conditions. Even though the event is run at the height of summer, athletes should be aware that snow, wind and rain are possible at any time in the high mountains. If in doubt, check out the gallery of images at the 2017 event! Food, drink and other supplies are deliberately excluded from the Equipment list as they are best left to individual athletes to decide. However, it is worth pointing out that teams should prepare for providing all their own food and water throughout the event. There may be some supplies at the Transition Areas but nothing should be expected during a stage – meaning all fluid and food requirements should be carried. Off the kayak sections, there is very little water available on the run and bike stages so plan with that in mind. 

Mandatory equipment, including bikes, will be checked and signed off at race registration on Friday the 18th of January. Teams are not required to bring their paddles to gear check. All equipment must be in excellent working condition, show no visible signs of excessive wear and tear and be correctly sized for the competitor. Note that the equipment below indicates what is required for each stage. If you are part of a team doing X4 and have no intention of completing a bike stage, there is no need for you to bring a bike. Only those out on the course require the mandatory gear. However, it is worth keeping in mind that you may be required to ‘sub’ in for someone else so a few spare pieces of equipment might be a good idea.

X4 competitors should note that the organisers will transport their two bikes to the barge for the Day 1 start. No drop offs at Camp Creek are permitted due to a lack of parking space and road safety. 

Athletes are not permitted to alter, cut or adapt any race collateral provided by the organisers – for example, do not cut down bike numbers, do not stick sponsor stickers on kayaks, etc. 

Two very important things to remember;

1) Your race bib must be worn as your outermost garment at all times. Please remember to wear your backpack and PFD UNDER your race bib. Teams must remember to hand over the bib to the pair taking on the next stage. 

2) You must remember to carry your YB Tracker at all times. It is your responsibility to move it between the different stages – do not forget it! Teams must remember to hand over the YB Tracker the pair taking on the next stage.