Update 24 October 2025: Section 1.1 — All team watercraft must be of the same type. (For example, a team may use only packraft(s) or only kayak(s), but not a mix such as a hard canoe and a packraft.)

1. Mandatory Equipment

1.1 Team Equipment

The team must carry the following at all times:

  • GPS tracking device (provided by the organiser)

  • Race maps (provided by the organiser)

  • Control card (provided by the organiser)

  • Checkpoint descriptions (provided by the organiser)

  • Waterproof map case

    • recommended size A3 or larger

  • First-aid kit, packed waterproof, including:

  • Fire-starting tools, packed waterproof

  • Knife

    • blade length at least 59 mm

  • 2 fine-tipped permanent markers

  • Camera (not a mobile phone; must be waterproof or securely protected against water)

The team must have the following at the start, at checkpoints specified in the descriptions, and at the finish:

  • Shelter (tent, tarp, bivy bag, or similar)

  • Paddle- or oar-powered watercraft, e.g.:

    • Inflatable boat, packraft, kayak, canoe, rowboat, or similar

      • Air mattresses or similar items are not permitted – if unsure, confirm with the organiser

    • One or more watercraft(s) so that all team members can travel on water at the same time

    • All team watercraft must be of the same type — for instance, a team may have only packraft(s) or only kayak(s).

  • Repair kit for the watercraft

The team must also have the following at the start, at designated disinfection points, and at the finish:

  • Disinfection kit:

    • Disinfectant solution (provided by the organiser)

    • At least 2 pairs of rubber gloves

    • At least 2 sponges

    • A container of at least 0.5 L for mixing the disinfectant solution

1.2 Personal Equipment

Each participant must carry the following at all times:

  • Mobile phone with case and waterproof bag

    • The phone must be either in a case that prevents accidental activation while in the pack

      • or have the battery removed

      • the phone must be switched off and fully charged before the start and sealed by the organisers in a provided bag

    • Before the start, the switched-off and fully charged phone (in its case, if applicable) will be placed in a bag provided by the organisers, which will then be sealed.

    • The sealed bag must be stored inside a waterproof bag or case.

    • One of the team’s mobile phones may be (and is even recommended to be) replaced by a satellite communicator, such as a Garmin InReach Mini, which allows sending text messages even in areas without mobile network coverage.

  • Race bib

  • Compass

  • Whistle

  • Waterproof jacket with hood

These items may be carried in a teammate’s pack since the team must remain together at all times.

When travelling on water, each participant must also wear:

  • Personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket)

    • Must keep the wearer afloat without movement

    • Inflatable or gas-filled PFDs are allowed only if fully inflated during use

  • Helmet

    • Canoeing, climbing, or cycling helmet

2. Prohibited Equipment

  • GPS devices with displays

    • Non-display GPS loggers are allowed

    • Garmin devices with Adventure Racing (AR) mode are permitted

      • Ensure you know how to use AR mode, activate it before the start, and be prepared to demonstrate at the finish that the watch was used only in AR mode

  • Mobile phones or other radios

    • Exception: the sealed spare phone carried for emergencies

  • All motorised equipment

  • Any maps other than those provided by the organiser

3. Recommended Equipment

  • Clothing suitable for near-freezing conditions and wading in 5°C water, e.g., light dry suit and boots or quick-drying shoes

  • A fully waterproof spare set of clothes (long-sleeved shirt and trousers, e.g., merino wool) for emergency warmth in case of soaking or injury

  • Waterproof backpack (or ensure all gear is packed in waterproof bags)

  • Sleeping bag

  • Sleeping pad / mat

  • Watch (waterproof, with alarm, no GPS)

  • Headlamp

  • Personal medications and first-aid supplies (e.g., EpiPen/epinephrine, bronchodilators, cortisone cream, approved painkillers, allergy or medical ID, sunscreen, plasters)

  • Mosquito protection, including:

    • Insect repellent

    • Mosquito head net or similar

  • Cash or credit card