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Can't find the big running thread - Forum Search really is utter bawbags - so asking fresh.
The local mountain running assocation is running a race on my usual training loop next week, so I'm wondering about giving it a go. Thing is, their required kit list - while sensible - is a bit more than I have, so want some recommendations/ guidance.
They demand: cagoule, buff/ hat, gloves (got, easy), phone (don't usually take, but can make it work), whistle, foil blanket.
How does one carry a foil blanket? How big is a foil blanket, anyway? And assuming it doesn't fit in a pocket, what's suggested for carrying with the least bouncing/ discomfort/ hassle?
I don't have a running vest or owt - I've never seen the need for my usual 10-12k cross-country trail runs.
Foil blankets are tiny. They will easily fit in a small pocket.
The kit list is pretty minimal but you'll still need something in which to carry it. I get that lot in a small bumbag with some sweets/gels. I guess it'll depend how how compact your waterproof jacket (cagoule - really?) is.
Welp, searched online - got a Decathlon running waist band type thing en route. Decent reviews, sounds like it should fit the essentials in without bouncing around too much; I guess we'll see. Wondered about the reusable blanket, but the dimensions aren't great (16cm x 14cm x 2cm isn't small if you're carrying it on your person), and I don't plan to be actually using it ever...!
You've beaten me to it, but a running belt is the answer. The Decathlon one is great and will more than do the job. You can fit loads in it if you so desire.
and I don't plan to be actually using it ever...!
No-one plans to use one, like no-one plans to claim on their car insurance. But when you need it, you need it.
Yeah, my point is that "reusable" implies getting yourself in a situation more than once in which you need an emergency blanket, and given the extra bulk, that you think you're likely to (over just buying 3 single-use ones). Which... isn't how I run!
Bum bag. Charity shop special is usually £2.
And I personally would go a sleeping bag stylee/bivvy. This is from experience of trying to use a cheapy foil blanket halfway up a windy munro....and then being given a mylar/foil bivvy bag to sit in and wait for MRT on a training excercise. The foil blanket was noisy, flappy, gappy, cold and hard to keep under control. The bivvy I pulled the neck drawstring tight and settled in....
No-one plans to use one, like no-one plans to claim on their car insurance. But when you need it, you need it.
And when you need one it's not a blanket you need it's a bag. Blankets are pretty much useless, to the extent that I'm surprised they're speccing one as mandatory kit. Most of the races I've done specify a bag.
Edit: beaten to it by Matt.
A decent running bum bag is handy to have anyway.
Check the kit list doesn't also require waterproof pants. I turned up at my first fell race which required something along the lines of "full body covering with hood" which I interpreted as hooded jacket. Race organiser loaned me a pair several sizes too small but box ticking was complete and I was able to race 🙄 . They were strict on ensuring taped seams on waterproofs too.
The requirement of pants is a pain because the standard hiking ones most people own don't pack small enough to fit in a bum bag along with everything else.
And I've never done a race that specified a bag or a foil blanket.
But the alternative that is required in the races I've done is a full set coverage extra layer and fully seem taped waterproofs which pretty much mandates a bag/vest over a bumbag.
So a foil blankets a very minimal packing coverage requirement.
The requirement of pants is a pain because the standard hiking ones most people own don't pack small enough to fit in a bum bag along with everything else.
The cheap, 'mac in a pac' type ones from trespass/regatta/mountain warehouse are excellent for this. I got mine for about £12, they are super light, pack tiny, pass kit check and actually perform surprisingly well.
Oh and they're trousers, not pants. 🙂
In a race I take a blanket because it's light and if I hurt myself someone will know I'm missing almost straight away and roughly where I am.
If running on my own I take a bivvy bag, weight less of an issue and I could be in it much longer
Oh and they're trousers, not pants.
ok 👍