Packing

With RAAM starting just a few weeks down the road it’s time to look at what to bring.  This will give you some idea of what you should (and shouldn’t) bring for the race. Bring enough clothing so that you can be adequately comfortable in hot or freezing cold weather.  Layering works awesome!  It’s more likely to be hot than cold with the cold temps usually only in the very high elevations of the Rockies.   It’s very important that you don’t bring too much there’s just not enough room and you won’t spend much time outside anyway, you will be in a vehicle with heat and air conditioning most of the time.

Each crew member should have one duffel bag or backpack.  It should be no bigger than 10” x 14” x 20”.

Hints

• Remember space is at an absolute premium for everyone.
• Pack as if you are a college student going to Europe for a month with minimal supplies.
• Bring items that are easy to clean in a Laundromat or even better in a motel sink.
• Bring items that you aren’t too concerned about getting trashed.
• Quick drying nylon, such as often used in travel clothes, is great.
• Bring a small mesh laundry bag.  If we have the opportunity to use a laundromat then we can just throw everyone’s bag in together and there are no worries about sorting stuff out.

Items to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Baseball hat or other hat
• Shorts (2)
• Short Sleeve Shirts (2-3)
• Long pants (1) – the pants that convert from shorts to long pants are perfect.
• Long sleeve shirt (sweatshirt, sweater, or fleece) (1)
• Socks and underwear
• Shoes (1)
• Long fingered gloves (1) – something thin.
• Rain jacket/wind shell (1) – something thin. Gore-tex isn’t necessary.  Something as simple as a plastic poncho is fine.
• Pillow – a small favorite travel pillow
• Headlamp – this is a must.
• Coffee mug or water bottle, something with a seal-able top.
• Driver’s license and auto insurance card
• Swimsuit
• Cell phone and car charger
• Watch with alarm
• Camera
• Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving supplies, lip balm)
• Cash
• Pocket Knife

All of the crew’s duffel bag/backpacks will be in the crew van throughout the race. You should only have to get into it when you need a change of clothes. You should bring a small bag, like a waist pack to carry with you when you move to a follow vehicle.