OMM Kit Check

The OMM is just around the corner (27th/28th Oct). If you have been lucky enough to get an entry this year its time to make those final kit decisions. Here is a short guide that might help the process.

Shoes
The event is in the Lowther Hills of southern Scotland. The terrain will feature grassy rounded hills, marshes, tussocks with minimal rock features. The longer legs are likely to include long sections of contouring on grassy slopes and faster running where it is possible to link ridge lines. In this type of terrain we would recommend a shoe with a close fitting upper and an aggressive stud pattern. Our top recommendation is the Inov8 Mudclaw 270, currently on offer at £52.00 (RRP £65.00)

Underwear
For serious mountain events like the OMM we recommend Helly Hansen Lifa over any other brand. Being polypropylene it absorbs much less moisture than polyester underwear and consequently stays dryer and warmer. It also dries out faster which is critical for over-night camps. Top Tip: get some Lifa Boxers for ultimate 2 day event comfort. Also available in womens's fit

Outer Shells
Remember that you will need a jacket with a hood. Don’t be tempted by lightweight garments that are not waterproof. The OMM Kamleika Smock and Kamleika Pants would be a good choice.

Rucksack
If you have the rest of your kit fairly well tuned you should be able to fit it all into a 25L sack. The OMM Classic Marathon 25 is a good choice. Also consider the OMM Chest Pouch which is compatible with all OMM sacks. These pouches are really handy for items which you need to access regularly during the race and alleviate the need to continually remove your sack, saving time and effort. Top Tip: Aim to eat on up hill sections if you can. Because you will be moving more slowly its easier to get food down.

Food
Choose food and drink that contains long chain carbohydrates which will give you all day endurance and avoid ‘sugar crashes’. Try not to eat high sugar or glucose foods like dextrose or Mars Bars. High Five Energy Source is an excellent drink mix for endurance events and their Energy Bars are also recommended. Top Tip: Take a couple of savoury foods as you are bound to get sick of high energy food at some point. Its amazing what a difference a bacon butty can make to morale when things aren’t going as well as they might.

Compass
We would recommend a good base plate compass with a luminous needle and map scales, for example the Silva Expedition 4.

You can download a full kit check PDF from the OMM site or click here

Good Luck!