Gear Guide
The mandatory gear list contains what we believe is the absolute minimum to keep you safe during the event and in the high country’s unpredictable weather systems. If you would normally take something extra on a run of this duration, you should still take it.
The course passes through remote trails, where protection from the elements and medical/support services could be some time/distance from athletes needing assistance. It is therefore imperative that the mandatory gear is carried at all times.
In order to reduce waste, we are a cupless event. We encourage runners to carry their own drinking cup, bottle, or hydration vest that they can use at aid stations for the selection of hydration options.
Athletes must carry the mandatory gear at all times during the race. No mandatory gear = no start!
All athletes should be prepared for random spot checks, which may occur at any time during the race. Any infringement may result in disqualification or removal from the event.
If you have any questions regarding the mandatory gear list – please contact us and we’ll be more than happy to confirm.
Gear Guide
Here is an expanded explanation of the gear that you need to carry. If AFTER reading this you have questions – please contact us.
Long Sleeve Thermal Top (polypropylene, wool) Cotton, CoolMax, lycra, and any compression garment will not be acceptable
Long Leg Thermal Pants (polypropylene, wool) Cotton, CoolMax, lycra, and any compression garment will not be acceptable
Waterproof and Breathable Jacket with Fully Taped Waterproof Seams and Hood
The breathability must be provided by the material itself and not exclusively by mesh panels. Minimal underarm vents are allowed if the jacket material itself is technical and breathable. Large mesh panels, even if covered by flaps are NOT permitted. A premium jacket would have a waterproof rating of over 15,000mm hydrostatic head and a breathability MVTR rating of 20,000g/m²/25hrs however much lower ratings are completely acceptable. Any non-membrane jacket must still be in very good condition with waterproof coating intact. The jacket must fit you. Plastic rain ponchos, wind jackets, water-resistant jackets are NOT suitable.
Beanie, Balaclava or Buff Style Headwear x 1
Full-Fingered Windproof & waterproof gloves (large size dishwashing gloves are waterproof ) (Polypropylene, Wool)
Headlamp A high-quality headlamp is recommended for GSER. Test your headlamp on bush tracks at night prior to the event to make sure it provides enough light to both see the track and the course markings. Make sure batteries are new or fully charged and you have enough battery capacity / spare batteries.
Backup Light This can be a small torch or something like the Petzl E-lite.
Mobile Phone in Working Order with Fully Charged Battery
Mobile phone coverage over the course varies from excellent to average. We strongly recommend you have a Telstra sim.
Whistle
Emergency Space Blanket (or Light Bivvy Sack Equivalent) Don’t underestimate your needs!
Snake Bite Bandage with Indicators (Minimum Dimensions 10cm Wide x 2.3m Long Unstretched)
Lightweight Dry Sack This is to keep the compulsory clothing dry (multiple NEW Ziplock plastic bags work well for compressing your clothing and being able to see the item through the plastic; useful for random gear checks).
Water Bottles or Bladders
Water Bottles or Bladders with a capacity to carry a minimum of 2Litres of water.
All entrants no matter the distance must start their race with 2Litres of water
50-mile events must be refilled to full at every aid station.
We strongly suggest you carry 2L in a bladder and another 500ml plus in handhelds or soft flasks if the weather forecast is hot.
Food Bars / Portions:
You need to start each leg with 2 food portions so they can sustain you during the following leg.
Ziplock Bag For Personal Rubbish
Long Leg Waterproof Pants Must be waterproof but does NOT require the same specs as the waterproof jacket, i.e. does not need taped seams, does not need to be breathable, maybe plastic.
100-Weight (Minimum) Long Sleeve Synthetic Fleece Top
100-weight fleece is equivalent to 214gsm Polartec Fleece. Must not be made of wool as you will mostly need this item if it is wet and just above zero. If it were guaranteed to be dry weather for the race, a woollen fleece would actually be preferable. The fibres of a synthetic fleece will not absorb water whereas the fibres of a woollen fleece will hold water and make you feel colder and clammier. Also once a woollen fleece is wet, it will never dry out for the rest of the race.
Race Bib – PROVIDED BY ORGANISERS IN YOUR RACE PACK. Must be worn on your front, over your stomach or chest and be visible at all times over the top of your outermost layer of clothing such as waterproof jacket, high-visibility vest or other garments (safety pins are also provided in your race pack). The race number has a single disposable timing tag already stuck to its rear side. Do not fold, bend, cut or pierce the race number as you may damage the timing tag. It must be worn as is, unfolded. A recommended method of securing your race number is to use a race belt which allows you to easily have your number visible over the top of your outermost item of clothing. You will need to provide your own race belt if you choose to do this.
External Mobile phone charger and relevant cables
GPS Trackers PROVIDED BY ORGANISERS IN YOUR RACE PACK (GSER50/50R and GSER56).
For the purposes of live tracking of runners – all runners will be fitted with GPS Trackers. These are fitted on race morning and must be stowed high on the shoulders or at the very top of the pack.
These will be provided by the Event team at Check-in.
| Additional items that may be required: |
|---|
| Collapsible Cup (important if you want to take soup, tea or coffee at checkpoints) |
| Anti-chafe Body Glide/body lubricant |
| Sunscreen |
| Cap or sun hat |
| Spare socks |
| Spare headlight batteries |
| A spare good quality headlamp in case your primary headlamp stops working and so you don’t have to run the rest of the way with only your backup light. |
| More substantial first aid kit (sterile dressings, roll of strapping tape, blister care such as blister block patches or Compeed, antiseptic wipes and any relevant personal medications). |
| Additional warmer clothing at supported checkpoints |
| External battery charger for your phone |
An issue of great concern is toilet paper and human faeces being left visibly on the track. If you have tricky bowels we suggest you buy a Go Anywhere Toilet Kit (“Wag Bag”) from an outdoor retailer. We encourage you to purchase one of these kits as we simply cannot have people leaving faeces and toilet paper in this pristine environment. Remember to Leave No Trace!
The Go Anywhere Toilet Kit is a portable, waste collection system that turns solid and liquid waste into a hygienic, odourless, biodegradable substance. The waste collection bags are pre-loaded with non-toxic Poo Powder which treats up to 900g of liquid and solid waste allowing for multiple uses. The Poo Powder contains a decay catalyst that controls odours and breaks down solid waste into a spill-proof, bin friendly substance.
After using the kit, carry it with you to the next checkpoint where there will be a waste bin for disposal.
If AFTER reading this list – you have Mandatory Gear related questions – you can call Matt Veenstra direct on 0424 333 576. .
Please note: We will take a very hard line with the Mandatory Gear list, It is not negotiable, it must be taken on your person. If you are found to NOT have the gear – unlike in our other events where we warn/penalise you and give you the opportunity to get the gear before continuing – we will pull you from the course with NO WARNING! In this event, in this environment – it is that important.