Blue Hills Gear List

Rootstock Racing

Blue Hills Adventure Race Gear List

Mandatory Personal Gear

AT=Gear must be carried at all times
B=Gear must be carried during biking legs
P=Gear must be carried during paddling legs

Quantity	Item	Notes
1	Whistle (AT)	Must be accessible
1	Space blanket (AT)	Old space blankets should periodically be inspected to make sure they are still usable
1	Rain coat (AT)	Taped, with hood; waterproof, not water-resistant; even if dry, rain gear is an important thermal layer in case of emergency
1	Rain pants (AT)	Taped and waterproof, not water-resistant; even if dry, rain gear is an important thermal layer in case of emergency*
1	Spare thermal top (AT)	Long-sleeve, fleece, wool, synthetic top, to be kept in reserve; this is not your race-top at the start of the race. Arm warmers will not suffice*
1	Thermal hat (AT)	Fleece, wool, or synthetic*
Racer Discretion	Suitable clothing (AT)	Come prepared with suitable clothing for the conditions. Consider that there may be some undergrowth and insects, especially ticks, that would recommend long-legged bottoms. You will absolutely be wet after the paddle, and you likely will end up with wet feet more than once. Plan accordingly!
1	Hydration system (AT)	We recommend you have capacity for at least 50 oz. There is plenty of food and water for purchase along the course, and there will be some opportunity to refill in TAs. We will send these details in the final update. NOTE: We do NOT recommend filling from natural sources on this course.
1	Appropriate pack (AT)	Racer discretion as to type and size, but it must be suitable to carry all required gear and nutrition; teams may want to consider being able to carry other teammates' gear at times as well. You likely will have to carry running shoes while on the bike. Plan accordingly!
1	Headlamp (AT)	Must have sufficient battery power for a night of racing, even though you will not be out for the whole night (in case of emergencies)
Racer Discretion	Dry bag(s) (AT)	Means to keep gear dry during the event, especially food, spare clothing, and any safety-related gear.
1	Certified Bike Helmet (B)	Must fit properly and be work at all times while biking.
1	Rear red light (B)	Must have sufficient battery power for the event; rear lights must be on at all times while biking on roads, and on all surfaces while biking between sunset and sunrise.
1	Front white light (B)	Must have sufficient battery and be helmet or bar mounted. Light must be on at all times while biking in the dark.
1	Reflective Triangle (B)	Something like this (Aardvark reflective yield sign/triangle) To be attached to your backpacks and visible from behind while biking.
1	Paddle (P)	See notes on water conditions under team gear.
1	PFD (P)	Must be a type I-III certified PFD. NO INFLATABLES - we know they are awesome and light, but if they malfunction (and every once in a while, they do), they are not that helpful, especially if there is a genuine emergency.
Racer Discretion	Food	Enough food for 26 hours of racing. Note that there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase food along the course during business hours.

*Regarding required clothing, including rain pants: depending on short term weather forecasts, we may remove some of the items. That said, thermal gear is not about your comfort or even the actual weather; it's for emergencies in case someone is immobilized in the woods. In such scenarios, it may take an extended time for us to assist, and warm gear, rain pants, and rain jackets can help prevent a bad situation from getting worse by helping to prevent hypothermia, even if the day is relatively warm.

Mandatory Team Gear

Quantity	Item	Notes
1	Race rules, maps, passports (AT)	Provided by race organization; Maps will largely be 1:24,000 in scale, though we may print some at 1:30,000. Maps will mostly be printed on 8.5x11 water-resistant paper; some may be on 11x17 paper. Passports will be printed on waterproof paper, and other documents may be a mix of water-resistant and standard, non-water-resistant paper. Each team will receive one set of maps; teams had the option of purchasing a second set at check-in.
1	Tracker (AT)	Provided by race organization; should be attached to a shoulder strap or in a top pocket of a pack.
1	Cell phone (AT)	Charged, but turned off in your packs while racing.
2	Compass (AT)	Any style. Team should have at least once backup compass in case one is lost or damaged.
1	First aid kit (AT)	The list below is the mandatory, minimum requirement, but we encourage you to round out your kit with additional items as you deem necessary and wise. We recommend you consult this medical kit’s supply list for guidance on additional supplies. Antihistamine/benadryl Ibuprofen and/or tylenol Assorted bandaids, especially butterfly closures 4 gauze pads, minimum 3×3 Medical tape suitable for securing bandaging Disinfecting wipes Emergency supplies for those who require it (inhaler, epi pen, etc…)
1	Map case (AT)	Some way to keep your maps dry

1	Knife (AT)	Locking blade
1	Firestarter (AT)	Lighter, waterproof matches, etc.; should be operational in wet conditions
Racer Discretion	Bike repair kit (B)	You must bring proper/preferred repair equipment. Race staff cannot assist with bike repair per ARWS rules. At a minimum, we recommend you consider the following items: hand pump, CO2 cartridges and nozzle, spare tires, chain lube, chain break, bike tool, patch kit, tire levers, etc.

Recommended Gear

Quantity	Item	Notes
	Watch	Keep an eye on the clock! Note: Garmin watches may be worn in AR Mode; make sure to register them with staff at check-in.
	Foot/skin lubricant	26 hours of racing + some wet conditions (even if it doesn't rain) = skin abrasion. Be prepared to take care of your feet preemptively and during the event to enjoy yourself more and increase the chances of finishing!
	Camera	Phones are not permitted other than in an emergency. We have heard of and seen too many cases of people using their phones as navigation devices to allow them. Many companies make small, lightweight, waterproof cameras perfect for outdoor adventures.
	Cash or Credit Card	There are ample opportunities to purchase food and drink on the course. We recommend being in a position to take advantage of it!

Prohibited Gear

Quantity	Item	Notes
	Weapons	Should go without saying, but no weapons allowed (aside from the required utility knife).
	GPS devices	Adventure racing and orienteering are map-and-compass-based events; teams using GPS devices to assist with navigation, pace-counting, etc. will be disqualified. Note: Garmin watches may be worn in AR Mode; make sure to register them with staff at check-in.
	Night vision	Any night-vision enabled devices will result in disqualification.
	Communication devices such as walkie talkies or other radio devices	A cell phone is required for emergencies only; no other such devices should be carried or used unless approved by the organization; use of such devices will result in disqualification.
	Motorized transportation	We do not offer an e-bike division in this event. Any form of mechanical doping is therefore forbidden, in violation of the ethos of adventure racing, and will result in disqualification. If anyone is interested in using an e-bike for issues of accommodation and accessibility, please reach out to race personnel in advance of the event. Such teams/racers may participate with exhibition status and will not be eligible for official ranking in the event.