Lakeland 100:50 Kit List
Copyright Steve Ashworth
We’ve got plenty of Lakeland veterans on our staff team so if you are looking for top kit tips - we’ve got you covered!
With over 1100 Lakeland event miles between us (and that doesn’t even count the training!!) we’ve honed our footwear, clothing systems and gadgets down to a fine art and we love to share what we’ve learned. If you’re in Ambleside, be sure to pop in and chat but if you live a little further afield, we thought we’d gather together some key items from the essential kit list for you to choose from…..
Compass - for when the Lakeland liquid sunshine means low cloud and tricksy nav.
Best value: Silva Starter
But if you’re counting the grams and need good graphics and a larger baseplate for more accurate nav, go for the: Silva Field
Need a reminder on how to use your compass? Click here for tips and vids.
First aid kit - make sure you include blister plasters, dressings, bandages and tape. KT tape stays put really well on wet, sweaty feet but make sure they’re dry before you pop it on.
You can find more info on blister care here and it is well worth tuning in to extreme medic and adventurer Dr Will Duffin in Episode 21 of Outdoor Gear Chat.
Full WATERPROOF body cover - remember we mentioned the Lakeland liquid sunshine above? Some of us have been hailed on over the years. Check the forecast and be prepared.
For the ultimate in lightweight waterproofs with taped seams choose from the Montane Minimus Nano Pull Over & Trousers. Check out the Rab Phantom Jacket if you prefer a full zip, it’s available in a women’s fit too.
If the forecast is what we like to call “minging” then take a serious look at these options: Minimus Lite Coat // Downpour Trail Lite // Downpour Trousers
EMERGENCY base layer top and bottom - if you’re caught between checkpoints and need to stop, or your stomach is refusing to keep anything down making staying warm tricky, these two toasty suggestions are lightweight and pack down small.
Rab Syncrino(Merino)
Montane Slipstream Tights // Montane Dart (Synthetic)
Copyright Montane
Head torch / spare batteries - even if you’re not planning to run in the dark, they’re an essential. Back up torches work a treat so you don’t have to faff around changing batteries in the dark.
Petzl Nao RL // Fenix HM62-T // Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Ultra
Backup Torches
Petzl Swift LT // Silva Smini Fly
There is a ton of great info in our podcast: Lighting - Beam Me Up
Whistle (included on most running packs) - these little guys are a LOT louder than the ones on your pack!
Best value: Ultimate Equipment Orange Emergency Whistle
Lightest: Lifesystems Mountain Whistle
Hat - don’t forget a BUFF or similar is acceptable as hat but if it’s forecast to be cold definitely carry both.
Great value, lightweight and with a peak that will keep your waterproof hood out of your eyes: Rab Talus 5 Panel Cap in Maya Blue/Tempest Blue
This offers a waterproof option if the weather isn’t great: Montane Cetus Waterproof Cap in Black - The Climbers Shop
On the outside chance there’s a heatwave (and it does happen occasionally) these hats will protect you from the sun: Rab Boonie // Black Diamond Desert Mullet Hat
Gloves - Hands can get extra chilly when you are using poles for hours on end. If the forecast is chilly consider packing a couple of pairs.
OMM Fusion Glove // Black Diamond UL Overmitt
Emergency foil blanket or bivi bag - fingers crossed you’ll never need it.
Lifesystems Thermal Survival Bag
Lifesystems heatshield Blanket (Single)
Emergency food equivalent to 400kcal e.g. 2 mars bars. Great value. Great to eat when squished. We also stock a huge range of gels, jellies and bars.
Solid plastic cup - not even worth discussing.
Spork - perfect for shoveling those calories down!
Copyright La Sportiva
Footwear - If you want to come in and talk/try on shoes then make sure you have pleeeeeeeeenty of time spare. Bring your socks, bring your insoles if you use them and we can talk you through all the nitty gritty details of the huge range of men’s and women’s trail shoes we have in stock. Tread, grip, midsoles, drop, lacing patterns - we can discuss the merits of them all but the BEST shoes for you - are the ones that fit.
Need a little more info? There is plenty in our Buyers Guides or take a listen to our Outdoor Gear Chat podcasts - Episode 18 is specifically for this event:
"Lakeland Legends" Cathy & Wayne are veterans of a number of Lakeland 50's but why has neither of them stepped up to the Lakeland 100 start line?
Sponsored by Montane, this podcast describes the high's and low's of their respective 50 mile trots around the Lakeland fells, their favourite kit and top training tips. Amid all of the technical info you can also learn why one of them called their Mum and the concerning question of whether being given watermelon by a semi-naked man in the dead of night was, in fact, a reality”
Happy training and have a GREAT race!
