2019 Ragnar ROAD: Ultimate Packing List

You’ve trained your butt off, gathered your favorite friends, booked the vans and organized every last detail. Now, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. But before you hit the road, make sure to pack like a pro to maximize your race weekend experience.

Not sure how many extra socks you need? Or whether that box of tissues is worth is? We’ve got you covered. Have no fear, the ultimate Ragnar packing checklist is here! Print it off, email it to your team, and relax – the best things in life leave a little room for the unexpected.

Here are some pro-tips from the Ragnarians themselves:

• • “Throwing a fully topped-off external charger in your bag can be a lifesaver when it seems like everyone in the van needs to use the car charger.” – Gephry Taton
  • “Place a Bounce dryer sheet inside each bag containing your running clothes to help alleviate the smell after running.” – Rachel Mackey
  • “Put each running outfit in a Ziploc bag. When you’re done with your leg, put your sweaty clothes back in the bag!” –  Jacquie G.
  • “Strange, but it works….my teammate brought an old skirt with an elastic waist and we would put it over our head and change outside. Genius!”  – Mary Healey Gafner
  • “Dry shampoo comes in handy!” Cheryl A
  • “Air fresheners for the vans. If you hope to remain friends with your drivers when it’s over.” – Marnie L Rosenberg
  • “Put frozen water jugs in your cooler. Less wet mess, plus as it thaws you have cold water. Use reuseable water bottle to save room and be green.” – Jamie Zynda
  • “I pack a little aid bag for each van – contains things like ibuprofen, immodium, extra sunscreen, dramamine, tums, hydrocortisone cream, tampons, allergy pills, band aids, cold compresses, and things like that that can come in extremely handy if you have it with you.” -Lindsey Harkness
  • “Remember, all your crap and the crap of 5 other people need to fit into your van!” – Jessica Galaviz
  • “Use a race belt for the numbers (have 2) so you can skip the pinning.” – Rachel Schreier Schewe
  • “KT Tape is a necessity, never know when you may need it!”­ – Dawn Burris
  • “Toilet paper…because just in case.” – Jean Smith
  • “Wear something other than sneakers/shoes during your off time. Flip flops or sandals. Time without socks is good.” – Matthew Clayton

Runner safety is our number #1:
During a 200-ish overnight running relay, you’ll be running outside of your van during the night time. Safety should always come first, but it’s especially true at a Ragnar Relay. It’s not only important to us, but it is required that you have the proper safety gear:

• Reflective Vest (required for every runner) – like Nathan Reflective Vests.
• Headlamp (required – 2 per van) – You can share headlamps with your van-mates, but we suggest having your own because they get sweaty and fit differently on everyone. Nathan’s run-specific headlamp family has a new edition, and it’s lighter than ever. Thanks to a powerful USB-rechargeable battery, the super-light Neutron RX kicks out 200 lumens of crisp RUN-Right Light™ on roads, trails, paths, and everywhere in between.
• Taillight (required – 2 per van) – Nathan Sports offers the “StrobeLight” in 4 different colors.
• Hand Flash light – Not required, but awesome.

Recovery time is essential: 
Running three – or more times in a 24-hour period can take a toll on your body. Help your body recover faster with these tools:

• Compression Socks: Balega 
• Elevated Legs: Find Elevated Legs at major exchanges and the finish line during select Ragnar Relays, or better yet, rent them for your van.
• KT Tape is an elastic sports tape designed to relieve pain while supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Ragnar goes green:
Ragnar wants to reduce the impact we leave on communities we run through and the beautiful environment we experience. Here are efforts to be aware of:

• Cupless race: Ragnar will provide water along the course, however we will no longer be providing cups. This means you’ll need to bring your own water bottle to fill up. We also suggest not buying plastic water bottles, but instead bringing a larger water cooler in your van and filling up your personal water bottles as needed.
• Trash and Recycling Bags for Every Van: Every van will receive blue recycling bags (in addition to trash bags) to sort their waste into trash and recycling. There will be trash and recycling bins throughout the course to dispose of your waste properly. Please #LoveTheLocals and pick up litter when you see it.

Here are a few additional resources to check out:
Fit Food Mamma’s: How To Pack for a Ragnar Relay
How to Pack For a Ragnar According to An Ambassador
Traveling Mom: The Ultimate Ragnar Packing List 
Another Mother Runner: How to Pack for Ragnar

Now is your turn to tell us your pro-tips in the comment section below! Is there anything we missed? Is there anything you shouldn’t worry about bringing? We’d love to hear your comments!