Sort the Chaos: A Comprehensive Packing List for Triathlon
As a three-sport event, triathlon requires a lot of… junk. Although you want to set up your transition areas to be minimalist and clutter-free, I recommend packing a bag armed to help you take on any possible pre-race disaster. Here is the packing list I run through before every race.
Pre-Race Items
Timing Chip
Race clothes
Tri kit or whatever garments you plan to race in
Second Kit
If you’ve traveled and are doing a course preview the day before the race, be sure to pack clothes you swim/bike/run in.
Beanie, Jacket and Sweatpants
It’s usually chilly at 5am on the waterside. Plan ahead to stay warm while you set up your transition area.
Warmup Shoes and Socks
This is a pro move for two-transition races or when there will be a long gap between transition closing and your race start.
Heart Rate Monitor, Watch, Bike Computer- fully charged
Waterproof Sunscreen
Chapstick with SPF
For long races you may want to keep this easily accessible in your transition area or take it with you on your ride or run.
Water bottle to sip on pre-race
Pre-Race Snack
Towel
Just a small one for a quick dry and to wipe your feet after the swim
Swim Essentials
Wetsuit
BodyGlide
Chaffing is no fun. Lather up with BodyGlide in all the places your wetsuit will rub.
Aquaseal
In case you discover a massive wetsuit rip the night before your race, you can use Aquaseal to make a repair
Fast Skin if the race is not wetsuit legal
Swim Cap
These are provided in your race packet, but make sure to take it with you!
Goggles (2 pairs: one clear, one tinted)
For the Ride
Bike
Helmet
Bike Number
Bike Shoes
Socks- if you wear them
Rubber Bands
If you do flying mounts and want to keep your shoes perched upright with you run with your bike, thin rubber bands can be used to attach the heel strap of the shoe to the bike.
Electrolytes and Race Fuel
Water bottles or hydration system for bike, full
I recommend putting a rubber band or hair tie on all bottles. This can be used to stash sunglasses or save the long-haired racers from and uncomfortable race and Baywatch tangles when a hair tie breaks.
Sunglasses
Flat kit on bike
2nd spare tube in transition bag
If you discover a flat in the morning, you won’t want to have to use the spare tube from your flat kit .
Spare Bar Ends
If you’re racing a road bike, USAT requires bar ends in handle bars. They pop out easily during transportation, so I recommend having a spare one live in your race bag.
Bike Pump
Usually there are tons of floor pumps being passed around in a transition area, but having one stashed in the car can provide ease of mind.
Bike gloves
Most triathletes don’t race in gloves. Having once shredded my hands and losing a month of swim training while regrowing flesh, I’m an advocate of gloves.
Electrical Tape
Great for taping gels onto the bike or pinning down a flapping bike number
To Run it Home
Race Bib
You must have your race bib on before you leave the transition area for the run.
Race Belt
A race belt can be used to quickly strap on your number in T2.
Safety Pins
Although safety pins are typically handed out along with the race bib for those pinning the number to their clothes, I keep a few pins permanently on my bag. If you will be using safety pins, you can pin them onto a shirt to pull on for the run, or wear it from the very start; most race bibs are waterproof.
Running Shoes
Socks, if you wear them
Visor
Many athletes like to wear a visor on the run for sun and sweat protection.
Electrolytes and Race Fuel
Hydration
Know what hydration will provided on the course or pack a hand bottle or camelback.
Post-Race
Post-Race Shake or Other Nutrition
Flip-flops , hat and other clothes for post-race
Baby wipes
It’s nice to be able to get the sweat off your face.
Bike Lock
If you plan to go out for a celebratory burger, it’s nice to have a lock.
Miscellaneous Items
ID, credit card, USAT card, health insurance card
Phone
To document your victory
Spare clothes for seasonal weather
Check the forecast and be prepared for weather conditions. This may mean winter bike gloves, sleeves, knee warmers, and ear band, embrocation or rain wear.
Sharpie
Skip the body marking line or touch up your numbers if they rub off with sunscreen.
Duct Tape
For when you’ve got a situation that requires a creative fix
Headphones
You can’t race with headphones, but pack them if music is part of your pre-race routine.
Ibuprofen, Tums
Just in case
Tampons
I have saved countless women in a panic on race day. Don’t be the next rescue!
