With the GORUCK Challenge looming for 75+ PAX in the next 10 days, there is significant #mumblechatter on final kit preparations and clothing options for game day.  As a graduate of Class 193 and a GORUCK events #nerd (Selection anyone?), I’m providing my terribly unqualified view on gear for the Challenge.  Below is my final Challenge kit and game day clothing setup (assuming cold weather).  Most everyone has given their gear some kind of test, but if you are lacking anything after reviewing this post, make your way over to #GOP and see @GOP this weekend for final adjustments.

A few thoughts to keep in mind:

• It will be cold
• You will be wet
• Wet + cold = skin irritation and blisters
• You will be on your feet for 11+ hours of the Challenge (no training events were this long)
• When you stop, you will be much colder than when moving
• GORUCK requires ALL participants to bring certain items (see end of post)

 

With that in mind, first, my kit (click to enlarge):

GORUCK Challenge Cold Weather Kit:

1. GORUCK GR1 (Sand)

2. Omega Pacific D Screw-Lok Carabineer

3. GR TAC Hat

4. Class 193 F3 Patch

5. SeaLine Baja 20L Dry Bag

6. SmartWook Hike Socks

7. Mechanix Vent Covert Gloves

8. Source WXP 3L Hydration Bladder (w/ Helix mouthpiece option)

9. CVS Vaseline

10. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

11. Spenco 2^nd Skin Blister Kit

12. Honey Stinger Vanilla Waffles (3)

13. Grabber Hand Warmers

14. Aloksak Dry Bags (assorted sizes)

15. Drawer Liner

16. Rothco 550 Paracord (15 ft.)

17. BA F3 Sticker

18. Bic Lighter

19. CRKT M16-10KZ Tanto Tactical Folding Knife

20. 6 Masonry Bricks, Wrapped in Gorilla Tape

 

This kit should provide almost everything you could possibly need for the Challenge without over packing.  I over packed the first time, and it just adds unnecessary weight which you will hate.  During the Challenge, I hope to keep everything inside my ruck as dry as possible.  Getting stuff wet in your ruck (like your bricks) only adds weight and makes everything that much more painful.  Anything I need to keep dry and have immediate access to (stingers, knife, lighter, paracord) will go in the Aloksaks and be in the outside diagonal zip pocket on my ruck.  I also plan to drop several hand warmers in this pocket with my extra pair of gloves to switch out when my hands go numb (and reheat the pair I just removed).  Everything else (bricks, extra socks, Vaseline / Body Glide, blister kit) will go in the 20L dry bag.  With everything in either the 20L dry bag or in the front zip pocket, there will be plenty of room for my water bladder inside the main compartment.  I recommend against putting it in the zipper pocket on the back of the ruck; it throws the ruck off-balance and makes for an uncomfortable ride.  There are a few other items each team may want to bring and distribute among participants:

EXTRA DUCT TAPE

Advil

Icy-Hot

Blister Kit

Salt Pills

Paracord

Extra Carabineers

Extra Chow

 

A few extra items spread around the group shouldn’t put anyone under significant additional stress.

 

Next, clothing (click to enlarge):

 

GORUCK Challenge Cold Weather Clothing:

1. Bates Lites USMC DuraShocks Boots

2. SmartWool PhD Ski Socks

3. Blackhawk HPFU Slick Pants

4. Nike Pro Combat Core Compression 2.0 Shorts

5. Icebreakers Oasis Long Sleeve Crew (200gm Merino Wool)

6. Nike Element Half-Zip

7. Mechanix Original Covert Gloves

8. Custom-Made Rescue Belt

9. Patagonia Soft Shell Jacket

 

Clothing selection is a much bigger consideration compared to when Class 193 completed the Challenge in the unrelenting heat last summer.  Since it will be cold and you will be wet, there is the potential for a lot of added discomfort.  Even with the cold, I’m making no plans to change for the duration of the Challenge.  The only extra clothing items I will pack in my ruck are an extra pair of socks and a second pair of gloves.  The gloves I plan to use, the socks are precautionary if we have an extended period of extreme cold.  Since it will be cold and you will be wet, the key will be to wear layers that can keep you warm even when SUBMERGED in water.  The Patagonia soft shell will most likely reside in the top of my ruck during the Challenge unless we stop for an extended period, it’s raining, or the wind is unbearable.  You might be thinking this looks more like a cool weather setup instead of a cold weather setup; however, the base layer merino wool shirt provides all the warmth I’ll need.  Everything else in the setup is basically designed to protect against wind or keep the extremities warm.  Regardless of how warm or cold you are throughout the night, the hot shower post-Challenge will be simply #epic.

 

A few other notes on items in my kit:

• I will apply Vaseline to both feet before the Challenge (to prevent water absorption) and have some with me in case my ruck starts to rub; you can also use Body Glide or Desitin for waterproofing / chafing
•  The pocket knife and lighter are to cut and fuse the ends of the paracord if needed
•  I hope I don’t need to use my rescue belt…

Just keep in mind, it will be cold and you will be wet.  I’ve provided a link to the GORUCK packing list; please note the items that are REQUIRED: http://bit.ly/X9u8rB

 

Reminder: It will be cold, and you will be wet.

 

After the first hour, you won’t be worried about what’s in your ruck…

 

Any questions, sound off below.

 

Durango