Trekking Gear
While trekking is often the most time intensive leg of an adventure race, it requires virtually no gear other than your standard shoes. Nonetheless, a few bits of extra gear may well be worth their weight in gold (which is a good selection criterion if you are going to be lugging the stuff over a long distance!).Socks and shoes are discussed in greater detail under foot care, but our key recommendation for new racers is to bring multiple pairs of shoes and socks. Dry feet go along way to happy racing!
Gaiters can be a life saver if you are racing in brushy areas or scree fields or anytime you need some protection around the lower leg or want to keep dirt or rocks out of your shoes. There are many varieties of gaiters, but racers will typically use the thin light-weight variety. In a pinch, we have seen racers duct tape cardboard around their legs for extra protection.
Trekking poles can be a valuable addition to the gear list for 24 hour+ races. (On rare occasion, we might consider using poles for shorter races on unusually demanding terrain.). When using trekking poles it is important to have poles that are properly adjusted for your height and the use to which they are being put. It’s also important to use proper technique. The links below provide an overview of how to select and use poles.
Towing system. In virtually any race, a towing system can be used to increase overall team time. Trekking is the easiest place to first give towing a try. Towing systems for the trekking leg can be very simple – as simple as a piece of shock cord that is tied to the leaders pack or waist and connected to the member being towed. More complex systems can add additional functionality and also be used on kayaking and biking legs.
Overview of Trekking Equipment
Gaiters
Reviews of gaiters
Trekking Poles
Informative overview of trekking poles:Trekking poles in adventure races