Discussion: mandatory gear
in: The Savage Adventure Race - GOALS ARA (May 1, 2016 - Coatesville, PA, US)
Apr 28, 2016 3:01 PM
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The mandatory gear list shows "first aid kit suitable for all teammates". What do adventure racers normally bring for a sprint race? I want to carry as little as "mandatory".
Realistically, I don't need anything for a 3 hour race in a small county park. In a normal case, I would just go back to my car at the end of the race and address any small injuries. I understand the need if its 12 hour or 24 hours in a more remote area.
Realistically, I don't need anything for a 3 hour race in a small county park. In a normal case, I would just go back to my car at the end of the race and address any small injuries. I understand the need if its 12 hour or 24 hours in a more remote area.
Apr 28, 2016 7:34 PM
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FB:
Need
Tape
Antihistamines
Bring
above plus whatever they tell you that you 'have to' bring
Tape
Antihistamines
Bring
above plus whatever they tell you that you 'have to' bring
Apr 28, 2016 7:55 PM
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If they don't tell you exactly how much you have to bring of an item, bring as little as you can to keep the weight down. I did a few AR's where they required that you have sun tan lotion but they did not specify how much. We would squeeze a spoonful into a plastic bag. They never rejected it.
Apr 28, 2016 9:28 PM
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Some ultralight/waterproof AMK, set it and forget it. 0.5 is only 4 oz, 0.7 is ~8.
Apr 28, 2016 11:10 PM
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I actually have that kit, but its a little bulky for my ultimate direction pack
Apr 29, 2016 12:08 PM
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Wouldn't worry about this too much. If they don't specify, it's up to you. If it was me, I'd maybe throw a couple of bandaids into a ziploc. Maybe a packet of antibiotic cream if you have the single use packets. A few Ibuprofen tabs. Beyond, that I think it's up to you. Benadryl is the one other thing I would always carry. That should be small and light enough, and again, if they don't specify, then I think it's all but impossible to fault you or penalize you for it.
Apr 29, 2016 1:00 PM
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Bash:
+1 on the Benadryl or other antihistamine. You could save a life - possibly your own.
Other notes:
1) First decide what you need for safety and health (e.g. sunscreen), taking into account the nature of the race, weather and distance from help. Imagine what you would want for a few possible AR scenarios - broken wrist, major cut, bee sting reaction, etc. Not all of this will be first aid gear, e.g. you could use an extra shirt to make a sling. Don't use clever tricks like cutting your emergency blanket into pieces and just carrying a tiny one (some people do). Be prepared for the real world. This doesn't result in a large kit, even for the longest ARs.
2) Then look at the mandatory gear list and see if additional items are required. The only time I will go superlight on these items (thus rendering them useless) is if I believe the item will never be used in any situation (based on years of outdoor experience) or if I am planning to carry something better for the same purpose.
3) Know how to use everything you are carrying. Make sure all teammates know where the first aid kit can be found. Discuss any individual issues, e.g. allergies, required meds, any past health issues while racing.
4) If you plan to keep adventuring in the outdoors over the long term, get some first aid training, preferably a wilderness first aid course since the regular ones assume you can always just call an ambulance.
Other notes:
1) First decide what you need for safety and health (e.g. sunscreen), taking into account the nature of the race, weather and distance from help. Imagine what you would want for a few possible AR scenarios - broken wrist, major cut, bee sting reaction, etc. Not all of this will be first aid gear, e.g. you could use an extra shirt to make a sling. Don't use clever tricks like cutting your emergency blanket into pieces and just carrying a tiny one (some people do). Be prepared for the real world. This doesn't result in a large kit, even for the longest ARs.
2) Then look at the mandatory gear list and see if additional items are required. The only time I will go superlight on these items (thus rendering them useless) is if I believe the item will never be used in any situation (based on years of outdoor experience) or if I am planning to carry something better for the same purpose.
3) Know how to use everything you are carrying. Make sure all teammates know where the first aid kit can be found. Discuss any individual issues, e.g. allergies, required meds, any past health issues while racing.
4) If you plan to keep adventuring in the outdoors over the long term, get some first aid training, preferably a wilderness first aid course since the regular ones assume you can always just call an ambulance.
This discussion thread is closed.