Initial Equipment Assessment

Reviewing the required equipment list for the G2G it is apparent that there are some differing requirements for this event compared to the MDS.  Here is what is posted:

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT TO BE PROVIDED BY PARTICIPANT:

• Backpack
• Sleeping bag rated  0 Celsius (32F) or warmer. Note: the manufacturers label must be intact and reflect that this minimum requirement is met.  No alternatives (e.g. silk liner) will be acceptable.
• Sleeping pad
• Light down jacket
• Compass
• Knife with a minimum 5cm blade
• Signal mirror at least 6cm in diameter
• Whistle
• Space blanket (at least 2.2 metres by 1.4 metres in size)
• Two head lamps with spare batteries, minimum 80 lumens
• Red flashing light (to be afixed to backpack for night stage)
• Participants must supply their own containers for water 
• 2,000 calories per day and a minimum of 14,000 calories at the start of Stage 1

Several items may/will require new purchases.......

Sleeping bag rated to 0 Celsius/32 Fahrenheit:  This one could hurt.  My Western Mountaineering
Highlight bag is rated to 35 Fahrenheit.  Hopefully there is some leeway with the requirements (about 3 degrees) so a new bag will not need to be procured!

Light down jacket:  Current front runner is Montbell EX Light Down Jacket at less than 6 oz ($200, ouch).

Knife with minimum 5 cm blade: While my Leatherman "Style" multi tool was functional and sufficient during the MDS, it's blade is about a centimeter short of the required length.  If this requirement can not be waived, then I am seriously considering a 15 gram Baladeo folding knife ($25).  If this is required I will seriously consider bring my "Style" just for their scissors.

Signal mirror at least 6 cm diameter: For the MDS my signal mirror was a small one inch diameter mirror.  Most signal mirrors are not round and thus surface area comparisons are in order.  6 cm diameter equates to just under 30 square cm or 4.5 square inches.  Any mirror 2x2 inches or larger meets this requirement.  The StarFlash signal mirror is 2x3 inches and weighs in at 0.8 oz.  the SOL Rescue Flash Signal mirror is the same size but weighs in at 0.32 oz.  Nothing major, just a little bit more weight.

TWO headlamps with spare batteries (80 lumens minimum):  This one has me baffled.  While I understand the necessity of a great headlamp, the need for two is a little over the top given the reliability of LED lighting.  Perhaps there is concern of losing one.  Anyway I am currently intrigued with Cabela's XPG RGB II headlamp (by Princeton Tech).  This runs on 3 AAA's and can throw 120 lumens on high.  Included are red, green and blue low level LEDs for various applications.  It also weighs in slightly lighter than my 80 lumens Petzl.  At $45 I my have to give it a try, just in case I misplace my other headlamp.  Lithium batteries of course.

Red Flashing Light: not required for the MDS however I have found an excellent model by Nathan that fits the bill on size, weight and performance (Clip-on LED Safety Strobe, $10).

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