Kit List Essentials

Last year we published a feature exploring Mandatory Kit Requirements in ultra distance races. Here we refresh ourselves on the key takeaways and take things one step further. Read on for an exploration of hypothetical kit list essentials and key items to suit different race scenarios.

It is generally accepted that mandating kit lists for ultra distance races is an important aspect of rider health and safety alongside enabling a level playing field. As the sport trends towards professionalism along with a growing calender to suit all abilities, mandatory kit lists for participants are commonplace. Beyond the 'baseline' of lights, helmet and hi-viz, the items which should be made mandatory are largely dependant on the race conditions, terrain and remoteness.

It goes without saying that remoteness and possibility for extreme weather are two factors that could significantly influence essential kit requirements. With a more robust criteria for those gnarly races such as Silk Road, mandatory kit should be restricted to an actual minimum to keep you alive, rather than a full packing list. With this in mind, a mandated kit list would increase the idea of a level playing field; if all riders had the appropiate kit to survive a stormy night out in the mountains, the focus of competition is then shifted onto the racing itself.

With regards to road and gravel races all of the above is also relevant but perhaps to a lesser degree, particularly for races which have plenty of resupply and accomodation options. For road races another layer of risk to take into account is road traffic; it's no surprise that the worst accidents happen when a rider is hit by a vehicle.

Keen followers of DotWatcher may be aware that DotWatcher team member Nicky Shaw was involved in a road traffic accident during the inaugural VIA race this summer. Nicky was hit by a car from behind, despite adhering to all the mandatory kit requirements it was clearly insufficient to avoid the collision. With this in mind we are keen to focus on items to enhance road safety, or at least make a rider 'feel' safer whilst riding. The fact is that we have no control over drivers on the roads, so that risk will always be omnipresent.

The Essentials

The following items are deemed essential pieces of kit for all races, regardless of terrain or conditions. These could be considered a baseline, with the items expected to be included in a mandatory kit list issued by race organisers.

Emergency Bivvy

Essential if you are forced to sleep outdoors unexpectedly, for survival in bad weather in case of injury or necessary sleep. The metalised LDPE material is designed to reflect and retain up to 90% of your body heat, whilst the bright orange exterior is great for visibility.

Approx Weight (including stuff sack): 105g

Visibility Vest

An essential for dusk, night and dawn riding, ideally with 360-degree graphics designed around on-bike position and night-time reflectivity. A vest such as Apidura's includes adjustable straps allowing the vest to be worn over bulky layers or a hydration vest. Essentially, this particular vest is EN 17353 compliant, meeting the European standard that some audax and ultra distance events mandate.

Weight: 106g

Helmet

It goes without saying that a helmet is an essential for all rides regardless of distance or terrain. For ultimate safety look for features like Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which can reduce the rotational forces on your head during an impact. Aspects such as padding and ventilation are important considerations in terms of comfort. A visible colour such as white or orange is a sensible choice for visibility.

Lights

Lights provide the ability to see and be seen, with races typically mandating a minimum of two front and two rear lights. Lumens (lm) are a way of measuring a light's output; for reference, single standard car headlight is 1200 lumens. For riding on unlit roads at night you're going to need a main light of at least 750 lm, with a narrow beam pattern to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. If riding dark forest trails off road, at least 1000 lm is advised for clear visibility of technical terrain. When it comes to rear lights a rating of 100+ lm is ideal. One should be flashing at all times, whilst the second can be turned on for night riding. It's worth noting that in the UK it is a legal requirement to have approved front and rear lights on between sunset and sunrise, other countries may have similar laws in place.

Reflective Tape

As with lights, the legal requirements for reflectors in the UK only apply between sunset and sunrise. Frustratingly, amber pedal reflectors are required (front and back), which isn't something that integrates well with clipless pedals. A secondary option is reflectors on the back of the heel.

and include a red rear reflector and four amber pedal reflectors, one at the front and rear of each pedal.

Common sense might suggest that replacing an amber pedal reflector with a reflective heel strip or ankle band might suffice. However, neither meets the legal requirements which pertain strictly to pedals – an annoying problem for those who use certain makes of clipless pedals not designed with reflectors in mind, and an area of legislation in need of review.

Bell