Choosing and Preparing Your Backpack for the Race? What is the ideal backpack weight? – HMDS

Overview

Carrying everything you need for four days of self-sufficiency requires a well-prepared and thoughtfully chosen backpack. Not all packs are suited for this type of endurance challenge. This article explains why the Ultra Bag 20L is the recommended choice and offers expert tips from past participants to help you prepare effectively.

Why Choose the Ultra Bag 20L?

The Ultra Bag 20L is specifically designed for multi-day, self-supported endurance events and comes highly recommended by experienced finishers. Key features include:

Purpose-Built Design: Engineered for adventure racing with features tailored to long-distance comfort and accessibility.
Community Approved: Used and endorsed by hundreds of past finishers.
Mandatory Equipment Included:
- Two 750ml flasks
- Whistle integrated into the sternum strap
Practical Access:
- 270-degree zipper opening for quick and full access to gear
- Front chest pockets for easy access to small essentials during the race

Example in Use

Weight and Load Preparation

Your backpack is expected to weigh between 7 and 9 kg without water at the start of the race. This will decrease by approximately 2 kg by the end as you consume your food. Staying within this weight range is essential for both comfort and safety.

To prepare:

Train with the pack: Practice running or hiking at least 2 to 3 times with a 3-4 kg load in the two months leading up to the race.
Avoid overtraining: Excessive weight or training intensity may lead to back injuries.
Adjust your setup: Use your training sessions to test and optimize gear placement, strap adjustment, and weight distribution.

Packing Strategy

A well-packed bag is crucial. Poor packing can lead to back strain and inefficient use of space. Here are best practices from previous participants:

Essential Tips:

Minimize packaging: Remove unnecessary wrappers and bulk.
Daily rations: Organize food into one package per day.
Know your gear: Familiarity with your backpack setup will save you time and energy on the trail.
Repack freeze-dried meals: Use lighter containers to save space and weight.
Test everything at home: Run complete pack checks before race day.
Stick to the essentials: Only bring items you absolutely need.
Balance your load: Evenly distribute weight between front and back, left and right.
Keep race-day items accessible: Use the front pack for essentials like food, salt tablets, and gear.
Waterproofing: Don’t forget to include a waterproof bag to protect your gear.

Final Thoughts

Packing and training with your race backpack is a critical part of your preparation. Choose the right equipment, know your setup inside and out, and practice before race day. A well-prepared backpack can make a significant difference in your race experience.

For further information or specific equipment recommendations, feel free to reach out to our support team.