Thursday, September 13, 2012 - Blog on a Log

12 Must-Have Items for Swamp Donkey Racers

Are you one of the 250+ racers running, paddling and biking your way through the Canadian wilderness in this year's Swamp Donkey Adventure Race?  Teams will be trekking through the woods, paddling pristine waterways and mountain biking the trails in an attempt to be the fastest team to reach all of the checkpoints before the 9-hour cut off...all while using some great gear!

If you're racing on September 22--or just looking to liven up your adventure gear--check out our list of 12 must-have items for Swamp Donkey racers:

Compass
If you drop a glove, you should still make it. If you break a paddle, you could probably swim...but in a race to locate wilderness checkpoints a compass is the one piece of gear you really cannot do without. For the best shot at a great time use one with adjustable declination and precise measurements so you can be sure you're heading right on track.

Map Case
The compass might be item #1, but your map's going to come in at a very close second. Make sure you know where you're headed (even if you're having trouble actually getting there) by keeping your guide for the day dry and protected. Hey--it's always good to have a little security against that teammate dropping the whole thing over the side of the canoe (you know who you are!)

Throw Bag
When your one wayward teammate does toss the map overboard only to go in after it, you might be glad of a way to pull them back on course. A throw bag is mandatory team gear, so pack up and rest easy; it's one of those 'just in case' items you never think about until you need it.

Bailer
Better yet, check off four must-have safety accessories in one with a 4-bailer. This great value multipurpose item will keep you safer (with 50' of 1/4" high quality floating line), drier (with a 1L bailing bucket), louder (with a waterproof whistle) and brighter (with high visibility reflective tape). "Safer, drier, louder, brighter"...you're practically in the Olympics!

Classic Fox 40 Whistle
The #1 tried and true outdoor whistle - There's no moving parts to freeze or jam, and the  115 decibel blast will cut through the sounds of wind, water, or your cheering/screaming teammates (depending on where you're currently sitting in the pack).

Emergency Blanket
Whether it's the changeable September weather or an unexpected dunk in the lake, you'd hate to miss the 9-hour cutoff due to a case of the chills. Ultralight and compact, an emergency blanket more than pulls its weight in the 'just in case' category.

Water Bladder
After spending the better part of 9 hours trying to slog through Canadian marsh faster than 249 others, even the best of us might feel a little parched.  Celebratory beverages will have to wait until the after party, but while you're on the trail there's nothing better than a water bladder.  Carry enough water for the day with a reservoir that slips right into your pack.

Electrolyte Tablets
Think Gatorade without the sugar. Nuun tablets are designed to increase the amount of water absorbed into the bloodstream, so all that purified, bladder-carried water you've been carting around actually makes its where it needs to go. This isn't an energy drink--it's pure hydration for endurance activities.

Headlamp
It's hard to follow a map you can't see - if the day turns out dark or you're out later than you'd hoped, you'll be glad for a means to light your way.  Keep those hands free for your handlebars with a bright and lightweight headlamp.

Rain Gear
In an ideal world race day would be a comfortable 20 degrees with clear sunny skies...but just in case, it's probably best to back some good wet-weather gear.  A good waterproof breathable jacket and pants lets your sweat escape when you're working hard--and with good value options, you don't need to spend a fortune to keep dry.

Water Purification
No one wants to be thrown off track by what they're drinking.  Keep yourself and your teammates running strong by treating any on-trail top ups before consumption.  Hey, who wants to have to admit "We we're in the lead until the E. coli hit."

Canoe Drop Seat
Three in a canoe is never that comfy.  Your duffer will love you for the inclusion of a mid-boat drop seat--especially when their arms are still able to hold on to the bike handlebars.  Who could turn down the chance to have an extra paddler per boat?  That stuff wins races.... just sayin'!

Racing the Swamp Donkey?  Check out the full list of mandatory gear for racers.