Rootstock's races are always impeccably organized, relentlessly challenging, and endlessly fun. We're so excited to see what they cook up now that they have five days to work with!

-Cliff White, Team Strong machine

A Note on Gear

As an Adventure Racing World Series race, the Endless Mountains utilizes a race-specific version of a standardized gear list. This list has been developed by multiple expedition race directors in conjunction with leadership at ARWS and refined over time. Make sure to read the document closely, taking note of the inferred items section as well. 

Depending on race week conditions, we may move a few items of this list from required to recommended, but you should come prepared with all of the required equipment as listed.

We will update the list as needed leading up the race, and we will notify participants via periodic updates of any changes. 
For additional guidance on gear, check out these selected articles in our Expedition Playbook article series:

Gear bins and bags

​1 Bin/Bag x Competitor (55lb/25kg weight limit)

Participants may choose between hard-sided gear bins or soft-sided bags for gear transport during the race. As with many expedition races in the US and abroad, we require that teams bring the 27-gallon HDX reinforced stackable bin for easier gear transport. Open Adventure, a race company in the UK, requires all teams to use soft-sided water-resistant duffel bags such as the North Face Basecamp Duffel (size large). See below for a side-by-side comparison of the two.*
 
Hard-Sided Bins
Soft-Sided Bags
Advantages
  • Gear and food are better protected during transportation
  • Somewhat easier to keep organized
  • Easy to mark with identifiable stickers/labels, etc.
  • Easier to stack for in-race transport.
  • Lighter than bins: allows racers to pack more clothes, food, etc.​
  • Easier to travel with: more pliable and counts toward a checked bag
  • Easier to carry individually
Disadvantages
  • Heavier; cuts into your bin weight limit
  • Lighter bins are prone to cracking and breaking during transportation, especially when at capacity
  • Can be difficult to fly with; may incur extra baggage fees
  • Gear is more prone to damage during transport; especially true for food
  • The bags recommended above are water resistant, so not totally secure against rain and moisture (line them with trash bags) 
*We will do our best to transport bags and bins safely. This said, ultimate responsibility for your gear falls on you. Make the choice that works best for you and your teammates, and pack wisely. Rootstock Racing is not responsible for damaged equipment or food during transportation, and gear bags and bins may be exposed to the elements during the race.

paddle bags

2-Person Team - 1 Paddle Bag
3/4-Person Teams - 2 Paddle Bags

(65lb/30kg weight limit per bag)

Teams will be required to pack all paddle gear in paddle bags. Oversized duffels or hockey bags work well for this. All gear will need to fit inside your bags, including packrafts. Exceptions may be made for paddles if they do not fit in your bag. In such instances, paddles will need to be bundled and carefully labeled with your team's number. Paddle bags will be required to meet a certain weight requirement, outlined in the gear list. Extra clothes and nutrition may also be packed in your paddle bags as long as the bags fall under the weight limit.

bike boxes

1 Box x Competitor

​(65lb/30kg weight limit per box)

We are requiring bike boxes for the Endless Mountains for the following reasons:
  • Transporting loose bikes in a truck significantly increases the chances that a bike is damaged during the event.
  • Bike boxes allow racers to pack clothes, shoes, and food that make racing and transitions more enjoyable.
  • Bike boxes make life significantly easier for volunteers.
  • Bike boxes are a standard part of expedition racing across the globe. For newer teams, we hope this event will serve as a learning experience that will empower you to consider racing in expedition races further afield, perhaps even internationally.

Each racer must provide a bike box that meets ARWS standards: 140cm X 80cm X 30cm (55.1in X 31.5in X 11.8in).
 
Some racers buy pre-made bike boxes, and many custom build their own. Building your own box requires more effort and sometimes some trial and error, but it also can be more affordable. In our experience, we have seen most custom boxes hold up better than those being sold on the market. The great folks from Rogue Adventure in Australia have a terrific resource page with quite a bit of information to get you started. If you opt to go this route, we recommend using 6mm plastic sheeting (rather than their stated 5mm).