What I Packed (and why) for the Rat Race 100

The Rat Race 100 isn’t just a run, it’s a full-body, full-mind, full-day-and-night adventure. Whether you’re chasing the finish line or just trying to keep moving forward, your kit becomes your best friend. Here’s what I took with me on the test pilot, what worked, and why I wouldn’t do 100 miles without it.

 

Running Pack: Great Glen 15
I’ve tested more packs than I can count, but this is my go-to. The Great Glen 15 hits the sweet spot: big enough for all your essentials, but low-profile enough to stay comfy over 30+ hours. Six adjustment points mean it stays put even when your water’s low or you've ditched a layer. On long hauls like this, comfort is everything — and this one delivers.

 

Hydration: scRUNch Reservoir + Flask
I carried a 2L scRUNch Reservoir for water, plus a 500ml scRUNch flask with electrolytes. Staying hydrated is critical, but it’s not just about water — you sweat out essential salts and minerals too. Electrolytes help replace what you lose, reducing cramps, nausea, and that all-too-common energy crash. Pit stops can be hours apart — this setup kept me steady between them.

 

First Aid Kit: Trailmed or LifeSystems Light and Dry Pro
You hope you won’t need it… but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s there. A proper first aid kit lets you patch up cuts, blisters, or sore spots without missing a beat. TrailMed and LifeSystems Light and Dry Pro are compact but fully loaded — just chuck one in your pack and forget it (until you really need it).

 

Reusable Cup
This little guy is worth its weight in gold. Rolling into a pit stop cold and tired? A hot drink is one of the quickest ways to warm up and reset mentally. Having your own cup means you’ll never miss out on coffee, tea or soup when it counts.

 

 

Insulating Layer: OMM Core Fleece
The OMM Core range is made from PrimaLoft® ACTIVE ultra-light that traps heat like nothing else, but breathes incredibly well. I wore the Core fleece with a shell over the top, unzip the outer slightly and it ventilates beautifully on the move. At night, this thing kept me warm without adding bulk.

 

 

Full Leg Cover
Don’t underestimate this one. When the sun sets and your pace slows, it gets cold fast. Swapping out shorts for a pair of full-length tights or trousers at night made a world of difference. It’s not about style, it’s about staying warm and keeping those legs turning over.

 

 

Waterproofs: Kit List Smock + Trousers
The Kit List Waterproof Smock and Trousers came with me all the way from Bamburgh to Edinburgh, and when the weather turns, they prove their worth. Fully taped seams, breathable and bombproof, designed to meet Rat Race kit list specs, this is the kind of gear you want when the rain hits sideways at 3am.

 

 

Trekking Poles
I’ve never been big on using poles… until I hit mile 70. Trekking poles are a leg-saver on climbs, and a joint-saver on descents. They spread the load and give you that extra push when the tank's running low. Totally worth it.

 

 

Hat + Gloves: Rat Rag + Sea to Summit Gloves
On a hot day, my cap kept the sun and sweat out of my eyes. But when night fell, I switched to a beanie and gloves, and I was thankful. Even in summer, coastal winds can chill you fast. I used our Sea to Summit Gloves with pull-over mitts to trap warmth and cut the wind. A Rat Rag added extra protection, multifunctional and light, it’s an easy win for your kit list.

 

 

Toothbrush and paste
Sounds random, but this might’ve saved my race. As dawn broke and I hit a low point, I was falling asleep at the pit stop. A quick brush of the teeth and bam, I felt like a new person. I would definitely recommend.

 

 

Nutrition

Don’t rely solely on pit stop food — bring what you know works for you. I packed a mix of flapjacks, gels, and real food I’d trained with. Eating little and often is the key to keeping your legs (and brain) working deep into the miles. That said, eating solid food got tougher later into the event, so I switched to bottles of Huel. Having liquid calories made it much easier to stay fuelled when my appetite dropped — it really helped keep me going. Heads up: Always try liquid calories and gels during your training before race day. What works for one person might not work for you, and it’s important to know how your stomach reacts under race conditions. Testing your nutrition in training helps avoid nasty surprises on the day.

 

 

Socks & Foot Care
I used the Rat Race Endurance Merino socks for the event — they’re durable, breathable, and great for long distances. I only brought one pair of shoes and swapped socks every couple of pit stops to keep my feet fresh and reduce the risk of blisters. I also packed some emergency waterproof socks just in case my shoes got wet, which can be a lifesaver on a long coastal route.

Silicone Lube (for your feet)
This was a game-changer. I started the event with sore feet from a previous test pilot trip and expected the worst. But applying silicone lube every few hours kept blisters and hot spots away entirely. My feet felt better after 100 miles than they did before. No joke.

 

 

Headtorch & Safety Light
For the Rat Race 100 Test Pilot, I used the Trailstorm 600 Head Torch, and it didn’t miss a beat. It lasted the full night during the April run, and the adjustable beam was a real bonus when picking out the trail or scanning ahead. It runs off a rechargeable battery, but if you’re running low or want backup, you can swap in standard AAA batteries on the go, no downtime, no drama. I paired this with the Urban Safety Strobe Light, which clips onto your pack and gives constant rear visibility through the night. Because it flashes rather than running solid, the battery life is excellent, and it’s rechargeable too. A small bit of kit that makes a big difference to your safety in the dark.

 

Final Thought
When you're 70 miles deep, your gear isn't just gear, it's your safety net, your support crew, and your lifeline. This isn’t about carrying more, it’s about carrying smart. Build your kit with care, and it’ll carry you to the finish line.

 

Need the basics?
We’ve bundled the must-haves into one handy Essential Kit Bundle: bivvy bag, first aid kit, whistle, Rat Rag, and reusable cup — everything you need to tick off those safety-critical boxes in one go.

https://ratracestore.com/products/essential-multi-sport-bundle