The kit faff is always a big part of any event, even when you think you’ve got your packing list dialled. This is exacerbated when you’re heading into fairly unknown weather, with temperatures ranging from -5 degrees and snowing to 20 degrees and sunny.

It doesn’t help if you leave for said event when the forecast is saying 0, and it drops the bonus 5 degrees as you fly. Nothing a quick dash to decathlon can’t solve though.

I’ve known for definite what I’ll be bringing along on the Atlas Mountain Race for a few days now, but I’ve kept quiet about the contents of my bags. This is mostly because I didn’t want any unsolicited input on it now I’ve reached a final setup I’m happy with and can’t change.

I would say I’ve gone very safe, but I haven’t got a lot of creature comforts. Looking around at other riders setups I’m somewhere in the middle in terms of bag bulk.

So, enough waffling, here it is:

Bike:

  • Cannondale Scalpel SE 1
  • Shimano XT 12s groupset with 32 x 10-51T gearing
  • HUNT Beyond custom carbon SON 28 dynamo wheels
  • Vittoria Mezcal 29” x 2.35” tubeless tyres
  • Profile Alloy Tribars

Bags:

  • 11l Ortlieb Seat Pack
  • Apidura 5l Race Bar Bag
  • Apidura Backcountry Top Tube Bag
  • Apidura Backcountry 1.2l Snack Pouches
  • Apidura Backcountry Downtube Bag
  • Salomon ADV 12 Skin Backpack

Clothing (including what I’ll be wearing from the start):

  • Albion Long Sleeve Merino Base Layer
  • Albion Merino Riding T-Shirt
  • Albion ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts
  • Albion Insulated Gilet
  • Albion Ultralight Insulated Jacket
  • Albion Rain Jacket
  • Albion socks
  • Long merino wool socks
  • Leg warmers
  • Sports bra
  • Shimano windproof gloves
  • Silk glove liners (a panic purchase from decathlon)
  • Albion Merino Neck Warmer
  • Albion Burner
  • Gore overshorts
  • Fleece helmet liner
  • Lazer Genesis Helmet
  • Glasses
  • Fizik Terra Atlas shoes

Sleep System:

  • Alpkit Numo sleeping mat
  • Alpkit Kloke bivvy bag
  • Rab down trousers
  • Albion Zoa Lightweight Insulated Jacket (prototype)

Toiletries/First Aid:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Suntan lotion
  • SPF lip balm
  • Personal medication
  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Anti-diarrhoea tabs
  • Antacids
  • Antibiotics
  • Steri strips
  • Bandage
  • Wound dressings
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Blister plasters
  • Sudocrem
  • Chammy cream
  • Vaseline
  • Toilet roll
  • Mini soap

Electricals:

  • Charging plugs
  • Charging cables
  • 10,000mah power bank
  • Headphones
  • Phone
  • K-Lite Ultra dynamo light
  • K-Lite dynamo usb charger
  • 2x cherrybomb rear lights
  • Fenix helmet light
  • Spot Gen 3 tracker
  • Etrex 32x
  • Etrex 22x
  • Spare batteries

Tools and spares:

  • 2x inner tubes
  • 1x utralight inner tube
  • Dynaplugs
  • Tyre boots
  • Tube Patches
  • Topeak Hexus X Multitool
  • Gerber Dime tool
  • Gear cable
  • Valves and valve core remover
  • Brake pads
  • Spare cleat
  • Chain lube
  • Spare spoke tool
  • Mini spanner
  • 2x mech hanger
  • Sleeping mat repair tape
  • Gorilla tape (round seat post)
  • Zip ties
  • Café lock

‘Nutrition’:

  • Hydration tablets
  • Chlorine Dioxide tablets
  • Lots of food/snacks, including Outdoor Provisions Nut Butters
  • 2x 750ml water bottles
  • 2l Camelbak bladder
  • 2x 500ml Salomon collapsible bottles

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Molly Weaver.