Worlds Toughest Mudder Equipment 2014

Details: Written by Dave Gluhareff

By Team Strength Runner Athlete Leslie St. Louis

The entire 2014 list of my equipment, with new thoughts for 2016 in blue. Mostly I am keeping the same things, but a few more changeouts, if I can afford it!

Trail Toes, http://www.trailtoes.com/ -- I used this instead of other body glides and did not regret. Not one single blister -- crazy!
Basic, digital watch - I personally, wouldn’t wear something I would be sad to lose or break. My watch broke off jumping off the cliff, just fyi
Running waist belt or hydration pack -- I used a small waist belt but since I already had a Nathan Hydration Pack I brought that too (but didn’t use it).
Swiftwick Pursuit Socks -- I used two but more if you have them or can afford them
Cw-x tights -- I used one but bring spares if you have them
calf sleeves -- I used one but bring spares if you have them
compression tank/shirt -- at least two
Cold gear tops -- no cotton, at least two
Beanie -- at least two
Mad Grip Pro Gloves -- I didn’t really use them, but they are good to have depending on the weather, terrain and obstacles. They can be bought at Home Depot and other similar stores, which is helpful for choosing the right size.
wetsuits --- at least one shortie and one full length. They should be able to be layered, if needed. I used Deep Dee and Xterra Vortex sleeveless and bought both off ebay, for $40 and $60. I am going to make sure these are not too ripped and just mend them, if there are holes.
neoprene gloves -- I used NeoSport Wetsuits Neoprene 3mm Gloves from amazon.
Buff -- at least one
Clear goggles for keeping out dust
Salomon Speedcross -- two pairs (one new, one used)
NeoSport Wetsuits Neoprene 5/3 Vented Bib Hood -- a must-have! This saved me!
EGear Dual Function Signal Light -- two
Zip Ties -- for the strobe light
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp -- get a headlamp that can be submerged, not just a waterproof one. Also bring a few spare headlamps. I went cheaper for those, picking up a two pack at Costco.
Pit area items: Tent, tent stakes, hammer, Multi-Tool, Sleeping Bag, Dry Towels, Basic First Aid ( Advil, Band-Aids, mole skin, ace bandages, chapstick), water jugs
Wind layers -- DIDNT HAVE BUT needed! Wind jacket (not sure on pants) to go over the wetsuit. I have heard even cheap ones do the job. Def on the list this year.

Other Expenses:

Transportation and Lodging -- use the WTM website and WTM facebook community page for ideas. I bought through priceline express for 2016, narrow to Las Vegas Lake.

Entry -- there are periodic deals throughout the year, but unless you win an entry from the year before, there is really no way around this one and it will be about $400. This is the biggie expense, so plan for it. While I balked at this, it is actually comparable to other events in other sports. For instance, here in Colorado, the 100-mile Leadville 100 is the same price.

Pit Crew -- You don’t have to have one, but it awesome for so many reasons. You only get two people, so choose wisely. It is $40 per person and they will probably have their own list of items to bring. They should plan to dress warmly too!

Nutrition -- I had a mini crisis in 2014 when I planned to use Tailwind for the majority of my calories, only to realize that I trained by sipping it, but was chugging it during the race -- no bueno! Also, I was excited for poptarts and brought tons but they tasted like gravel to me and I couldn’t even chew them. Also buy WAY more than you think you will need. I weaned myself off of caffeine about a month before the race. 2016 I am planning to use:

Micro mac and cheese
Cup o noodles
Meal bars
Chomps
Advocare rehydrate gels
Gu roctane gels
Beet elite
Beta Red (another beet product)
Advocare slams

Stores and Websites to know, love and use:

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc
amazon.com
sierratradingpost.com -- use their facebook deals
6pm.com
ebay.com
rei.com (outlet)
craigslist/garage sales/friends, etc
http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/index.php/home -- for wetsuit sizing