Essentials: Running an Adventure Race

If you’ve ever been through an Adventure Race or want to try it some day, then you will absolutely need the proper gear to get you through and keep you going strong.  We caught the Adventure Race bug a couple years ago and recently completed one of the biggest in the country, thus far.  It was no easy task but we had the right gear and attitude to make it an amazing experience.  We were given the opportunity to be equipped from head to toe with some of the top brands and their latest athletic gear.  Let’s dive in to see what we were wearing and how it helped us perform.

ASICS GEL-FUJIATTACK 4

Key Features:

• Solyte Midsole Material
• Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System
• Trusstic System
• Trail Specific Outsole
• Rock Protection Plate
• Discrete Eyelets
• Perforated Sockliner
• Lace Garage

If there is one thing that you need to get you through a race, it’s the right shoes.  Asics has proven themselves to be one of the best running shoes in the world because of their years of experience, technology, and design.  One of the major reasons why we love Asics is their large toe box.  Many shoes tend to be narrow in the toe area, but Asics continue to set themselves apart.

The Asics Gel FujiAttack 4 shoes were no disappointment on any account and held up in some extreme conditions while providing amazing comfort and protection.  Traversing through thick brush, up and down steep terrain and through miles of sand dunes; these shoes still held their form and were rugged enough to get us through all terrain.  Equipped with discrete eyelets that are independently placed for disbursed lace tension and a lightweight midsole, Gel FujiAttack 4 are top notch.  They were breathable yet rugged enough to protect our feet.

Buy Now: Women’s $110, Men’s $110 or to learn more: AsicsAmerica.com

FITSOK CF2 CUSH

Key Features:

• Flowtek Channels
• Engineered Heels
• Precision Toe
• Anatomical Foot
• Max Arch Support
• Superior Fabric Tech
• Microban Antimicrobial

Nobody knows performance socks for athletes better than Fitsok.  The first time we slipped on the Fitsok CF2  Cush Low and CF2 Cush QTR, we both looked up at each other with a smile. These bad boys were super comfortable and never lost their snug fit even while running up sandy dunes without shoes during a sand boarding challenge in the race.  The socks are made to transfer heat and moisture from highest to lowest concentration to keep the feet feeling comfortable all around.  The CF2’s are moderately thick and highly durable.  Even with the thickness of the sock paired with the blazing heat of the sun, neither of us had any excessive dampness.  They may be thick but they are still breathable.  From start to finish we never had to fix any bunching, twisting or drooping socks and ended the 5 hour race with zero foot irritation.

Buy Now: 3pk LOW $20 and 3pk QTR $20 or to learn more: Fitsok.com

UNDER ARMOUR

Providing us with the latest in their Heat Gear line, Under Armour apparel kept us cool and comfortable all through the race.  Their Heat Gear is designed to feel cool, dry and light through your entire workout.  Here is our breakdown for both our men’s and women’s gear.

MENS:

Under Armour Raid Sleeveless T-shirt

Key Features:

• HeatGear fabric is ultra-soft & smooth for extreme comfort with very little weight
• Stretch-mesh underarm & back panels deliver strategic ventilation
• 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Body: 4.7 oz. Polyester/Elastane
• Mesh: 3.5 oz. Polyester/Elastane

The Men’s UA Raid Sleevless T-Shirt is made of HeatGear fabric and is ultra-soft for excellent comfort with very little weight.  While wearing this shirt for over 8 hours, I never experienced any chafing which I believe is due to the added ventilation in the back panels along with a stretch-mesh underarm and a 4-way stretch fabrication.  Like most of Under Armour shirts, the UA Raid has a Moisture Transport System which helps absorb sweat and dries fast which is extremely helpful, especially when you’re racing in this gear all day long.

Buy Now:  $29.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Under Armour HeatGear Armour Stretch Compression Shorts

Key Features:

• Armour Stretch fabric powers your game with a second-skin feel you can wear all day
• Iso-Chill mesh panels help disperse body heat, making it feel cool to the touch
• 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Engineered elastic waistband with ARMOUR wordmark

You definitely need support down under when you’re racing around like a maniac and diving in all different directions during checkpoint challenges. I’ve tried a variety of other compression shorts and Under Armour always has the best comfort and support. The UA HeatGear AStretch Compression Shorts has a fabric that is essential in high heat temperature along with the Iso-Chill mesh panels which help disperse the heat. These compression shorts did the job.

Buy Now: $34.99 or to learn more: UnderArmour.com

Under Armour Raid Shorts

Key Features:

• HeatGear fabric is ultra-soft & smooth for extreme comfort with very little weight
• UPF 30+ protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays
• 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Covered elastic waistband with internal drawcord
• Mesh hand pockets
• Inseam: 10″
• 5.0 oz. Polyester/Elastane

Don’t let the Under Armour Raid Shorts fool you.  They are made with a thin lightweight material, but can still handle a beating.  I was a little hesitant at first wearing this type of shorts for an Adventure race. The fabric is definitely comfortable and breathable, but I was a little nervous about the heavy wooded areas where the brush was thick. There were a couple spots where my shorts got tangled in a mess of branches but they held up pretty well. The UPF 30+ was great since we spent most the time exposed to the sun on the wide open sand dunes. Plus the 4 way stretch fabrication and Moisture Transport System helped keep me moving freely and kept me dry.

Buy Now: $29.99 or to learn more: UnderArmour.com

Under Armour Fire Sunglasses

Key Features:

•  Ultra-light ArmourFusion frames are built from a combination of titanium & Grilamid for superior strength & flexibility
• ArmourSight lens technology delivers up to 20% more undistorted peripheral vision & are up to 10X stronger than ordinary polycarbonate lenses
• Airflow technology keeps you cool & comfortable
• Three-Point Grip ensures a comfortable & secure fit
• Adjustable nosepad
• All Under Armour Performance Eyewear lenses block 100% of UVA, UVB & UVC rays

I am no stranger to Under Armor apparel but this was the first for wearing a pair of their shades.  The UA Fire Sunglasses were surprisingly light because of the ArmourFusion;  which is made of titanium and Grilamid materials.  Plus they are impact resistant and help protect against those nasty UV’s and debris (blocks 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC rays).  I was complimented more than once on these shades before taking off from the starting line.  The style and Three- Point Grip fit were perfect for a challenge such as this.

Buy Now: $100 or to learn more: UnderArmour.com

WOMEN’S: 

Under Armour Heat Gear Armour Printed Sports Bra

Key Features:

• Super-smooth, double-layer HeatGear fabric delivers superior next-to-skin feel and lasting comfort
• Built for Mid-Impact support so you can stay fit and focused
• Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you dry and light
• Lightweight, 4-way stretch construction improves mobility and maintains shape
• Classic pullover style with racer back design for enhanced range of motion and easy layering
• New super-soft and stretchy branded elastic band delivers a custom, comfort fit

Ladies, lets face it – when you’re out running, biking, sand boarding, paddle boarding, climbing, jumping and doing every other form of movement, you need to keep things tightly in place.  Under Armour knows how to handle that with their Heat Gear Sports Bra.  It is made to keep you secure with what they call the “next-to-skin” fit.  This needed piece of attire is lightweight and helps wick away moisture.  Overall, no awkward adjustments had to be made with this sports bra.

Buy Now: $29.99 or to learn more: UnderArmour.com

Under Armour Perfect Pace Short

Key Features:

• Lightweight, fully perforated woven fabric for superior ventilation and comfort
• Matching built-in anti-microbial brief offers extra coverage and chafe-free performance
• Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you dry and light
• Exposed elastic novelty waistband with a rise that sits just right on your hips
• Scalloped hem with pop color binding detail
• Interior key pocket at front right hip
• 360º reflectivity for low-light safety
• 3″ inseam

If you’re looking for a pair of shorts that are soft, comfortable and super light then these UA Perfect Pace Short are a must for your list.  I like to do a lot of running and cross training so I’ve tried out many brands of fitness clothing.  I will say that I have never worn such a comfortable pair of shorts before.  They kept me cool and dry.  The wide soft elastic waist band was perfect.  It didn’t dig into my skin and was just tight enough to keep my shorts from slipping or shifting.  These are my go to shorts for most of my fitness activities.

Buy Now:  $29.99 or to learn more: UnderArmour.com

Under Armour ArmourVent Tank

Key Features:

• Soft, brushed construction delivers superior temperature regulation while you run
• Unique ArmourVent mesh back panel delivers true breathability in a light, stretchy, fast-drying fabric
• Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you dry and light
• Rolled forward side seams for a chafe-free fit
• Shaped hem delivers enhanced coverage without looking big and bulky
• Feminine scoop neck and modified racer back
• 360º reflectivity

Running through sand dunes in the hot sun while carrying a loaded hydration backpack requires a very lightweight, durable and highly breathable shirt.  The ArmourVent Tank was the perfect companion for this occasion.  Made to stretch a little, it moved freely with me.  The mesh panel was so light and kept my back from sweating.  This tank was comfortable and held up with my every move.

Buy Now: $44.99 or to learn more: UnderArmour.com

Specialized Ambush Helmet

Key Features:

• Patented Aramid-Reinforced Skeleton provides internal EPS support.
• Patented Energy Optimized Multi-Density EPS construction helps to manage impact energy.
• Mindset 360 fit system provides a secure, customizable fit with 360-degree tension adjustment, five height positions, and an integrated dial for easy, on-the-fly adjustments.
• Micro indexing visor allows for a wide range of fast, secure on-trail adjustments, as well as convenient goggle stowage.
• 4th Dimension Cooling System with massive vents, internal Cross-Channels, and aligned exhaust ports increases airflow to keep you cool.
• Low profile in-molded shell with smooth, snag-free exterior shape.
• Extended coverage for added protection and durability.
• Lightweight, quick-drying liner features a Gutter Action Brow that channels moisture away from eyes.
• Tri-Fix web splitter for improved comfort and ease of strap adjustments.
• Complies with one or more of the following safety standards for bicycle helmets: CPSC, SNELL B90A, CE, and AS/NZS.

The most important thing to protect is that head.  If you can have added style and comfort, even better right?  Specialized Ambush helmet was a great piece to add to our arsenal.  We kept them on for the majority of the time even when we were not on our bikes; mostly because we forgot we even had them on because of how light and comfortable they were.  The ventilation was easy to feel and the visor was another great component to have to help shield that blistering sun.  A quick turn of the dial on the back of the helmet adjusted the size to fit perfectly.

Buy Now:  $180 or to learn more:  Specialized.com

CamelBak

Ultra 10

Key Features:

• Adjustable harness with cargo pockets
• expandable cargo compartment
• integrated reservoir and cargo compression
• stretch overflow storage
• sweat-proof phone pocket
• external fill
• reflectivity
• trekking pole attachment
• fits 30″-46″ chest

Marathoner

Key Features:

• Adjustable harness with cargo pockets
• integrated reservoir compression
• sweat-proof phone pocket
• external fill
• stretch overflow pocket
• fits 30″-46″ chest.

The CamelBak was the core of our gear and helped to rehydrate and refuel us while also carrying and protecting our essential navigational tools. This was also the piece of gear that we kept getting compliments on (even during the race). These awesome packs had a great fit with a good amount of adjustability.  They didn’t bounce around and never felt bulky.  The front pockets were perfect for quick access to our maps, compass and other items we needed most frequently.

Buy Now: Ultra 10 $150 and Marathoner $100 or to learn more: Camelbak.com

Overall, having the right gear really makes everything more enjoyable even during the harshest conditions.  So for your next Adventure Race be sure to suit up with gear that will get you through just about anything.