I know from the photos on social media I am not the only one who lays all their gear out the night before a race for a last final double check before it gets packed away ready for my early alarm. When you actually stop and look at the shear amount of gear we often carry for a race, it looks crazy. The mere thought of packing it into a 12L vest can be quite daunting.

It is definitely doable though so here are some of our top tips to squeeze everything in.

Tip 1 - Watch the experts!

If you've got 20 mins and you want a great all encompassing guide to packing your mandatory kit we recommend learning from the best.

In this youtube clip Lucy Bartholomew takes you through exactly how she packs her running vest with mandatory gear for UTA100. We love Lucy and there are some gold tips in here so if its your first time we highly recommend spending the time watching this through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8K5rFudgZk

Tip 2 - Zip lock bags of different sizes.

Some people use vacuum packing bags but ziplock bags work great. Whilst some of your mandatory gear usually has to remain in a "dry bag" I find it best to keep almost everything in some form of zip lock bag.

This makes it easier to pack it down and remove the air from inside. It also allowed me to combine things so if they want to see a small item like my spare head torch at a gear check, instead of rummaging around trying to find it I just pull out a larger easier to locate item like my thermals and my spare head torch is easily visble in the same bag.

I use different size bags for different compartments in my vest to maximise space. I also like to fold my fleece into roughly the same size as my bladder and place it in the bladder pouch if I'm not carrying one. Its a great way to use the space and provides an extra bit of cushion on your back.

Tip 3 - add in a running belt or shorts with extra secure pockets for the small items you use a lot.

This is more for convenience but recently I have started taking the items I used to pack in the zip pockets at front of my pack out and placing them in my tights or a running belt. This usually includes my phone, gels for the next sections and sometimes headphones.

Separating these common items out means less manoeuvring and adjusting the pack when its in a comfortable position. I have also found trying to get things out of the front whilst moving particularly when its dark and you're tired can result in dropping things.

Give these a go and let us know what you think? and if you think we've missed any drop them in the comments below.

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