I originally wrote this Ragnar Essentials post in April 2014, right after my first Ragnar Relay. When I found out I’d be doing Ragnar So Cal again last year, I pulled it out, briefly patted myself on the back for being so thorough, and reviewed it as I started to make my 2019 Ragnar packing list. If you’re planning a relay race, I’m pretty sure you’ll find it helpful too.
This post contains affiliate links.
Now I’m super excited to be running Ragnar So Cal again, this time as a member of Team Sweat Pink! This will be my fourth Ragnar Relay (I ran Ragnar Trail So Cal in 2018). Once again I will be joining 11 awesome women to run about 200 miles along the coast of Southern California.
It’s funny how you can evolve from a novice to an expert in 34 hours. Oh, I’m not talking about things like becoming a doctor or a scientist. I’m talking about something much more important. I am now an expert in what you need to pack for a Ragnar Relay. (Doctors and scientists! Stay calm! My tongue is firmly in my cheek here.)
When I was planning what I was bringing, I Googled around a little, got some great ideas from other sites, and from that made my own list. I think I packed pretty well. I wasn’t missing anything vital, and (unlike my usual packing) I managed not to bring a lot of extra and unnecessary items. There were a few things that I would consider essential, and I highly recommend that you add them to your own packing list.
Here are my Ragnar Essentials and complete packing list, updated for 2020.
My Ragnar Essentials
Are you planning a @RagnarRelay? Here are my essentials plus a complete Ragnar packing list. #RagnarNation #RagnarSoCal #SweatPinkClick To Tweet
ShowerPill – It sounds funny (unless and until you’ve done a Ragnar Relay) but the first item I would add to the Essential list is ShowerPill. It doesn’t take much explanation though when you imagine six people in a van for 30-plus hours without a place to shower. Oh, and they’re doing a lot of running too. It could have been really bad but ShowerPill saved the day. Yes, you could bring baby wipes, but ShowerPill wipes are much bigger, thicker, and smell fresh and clean, not like baby powder. Plus they are all-natural and contain no alcohol or parabens.
Sunscreen – Two of my runs were in the afternoon, making a good sunscreen a huge necessity. I had received some samples from Kinesys only two days before the race, including their spray-on Performance Sunscreen, which has 30 SPF and is very water and sweatproof. I love how easy it is to apply, and because it is oil-free you don’t even feel it on your skin. It is also free of alcohol, parabens, and PABA, plus it is cruelty-free and vegan. I sprayed it on early in the day, then added a little more before my runs, and I was fully protected through the event. I love Kinesys so much I am now a Kinesys Champion!
Lights and More Lights – Because a night leg is inevitable, Ragnar requires that each team member wear a reflective vest from 6:30 pm to 6:30 am (times changes depending on area/time of year), plus each runner must wear a headlamp and rear taillight. I went above and beyond that though, and I’m glad that I did because it is really dark out there when you’re running pretty much solo at 4:00 in the morning. I used both my Knuckle Lights and my LED Reflective Belt, and I was able to light up the night in front of me. Back then I borrowed a headlamp, but this time I’ll be bringing my Nathan Neutron Fire Rx Runner’s Headlamp. It worked great during my long leg in the middle of the night at Ragnar Trail Los Coyotes!
Since last year I finally purchased a Noxgear Tracer 360 and I love it, so I’m adding it to my Ragnar Essentials list. Talk about lighting up the night!
Body Care Tool – Although I have a foam roller on my list every year, I have yet to use it (see the list of items I brought but didn’t use below). There never seems to be the time or the right place to get down on the ground and roll around. On the other hand, I have tried a few hand held and/or small body care tools that are much easier to use in the van or while standing.
The LifePro Velocity Vibrating Massage Ball is a new discovery but it is soon to become my Ragnar essential. This vibrating massage ball is like a lacrosse ball with benefits. It’s perfect for targeting all areas of your body, it has four speeds, and best of all because of the tight spaces of a van, it’s small! Check out my video!
I have two favorite massage guns (so I’ll have to make a choice soon when I start to pack). The Theragun is like the King of Massage Guns. It is one of the most powerful on the market and really helps me keep my body running, both literally and figuratively. I use it before and after my runs for warmup and recovery, plus I use it regularly to keep my body feeling good. I have a special 10% discount code for anyone who emails me and requests it.
I also love the LifePro Sonic X. While not as powerful as the other, it has a lower price point and is quieter. It’s an excellent massage gun and comes with five attachments. Plus you can save 10% when you use this link.
Nuun Endurance and Sport – All that running and sweating takes a lot out of you…literally. Even more so if your Ragnar Race takes place in warm weather. You will be losing a lot of salt and other electrolytes that need to be replaced to help your recovery (and recovery is essential if you have to run again in six hours or so). I have been using Nuun Sport for a while now. I carried a bottle during my run and drank another bottle when I was finished to help with rehydration. I’m also excited that Nuun has introduced Endurance (just in time for my Ragnar!). It’s a blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates designed for longer efforts. I used it on my recent 14-mile run and it worked (and tasted) great!
Road ID – So if you count this list of Ragnar Essentials you may notice that this is item number six on my five-item list. Well, that’s because I just added it! As far as I’m concerned, Road ID is essential for every run, but especially one where you will be running in new areas, sometimes at night, where people who know you personally might not be right at hand. Yes, they have your emergency information, but wearing a Road ID is a much quicker way to get any help needed. And you can save $10 on your $20 purchase with the code DEBBIE10OFF.
Other Necessities
While the above items were essential, there were a few things that were almost as important, and that I will definitely make sure that I bring on my next Ragnar (see, even six years ago I knew there would be another Ragnar!).
Sleeping Bag and Pillow – Yes, a blanket would work (and take up less precious space), but a sleeping bag is warmer, can double as a pillow when it is rolled up, and looks pretty sexy when you wander around Oceanside wrapped up in it at 2:00 in the morning. It also leaves open the option of sleeping outside, which in retrospect, after my van-sleeping backache, sounds like a pretty good idea.
Trail Mix – We had fruit, bagels, peanut butter sandwiches, and bars, but the bag of trail mix that I picked up at Trader Joes was pretty popular. It had some dried cranberries, a variety of nuts, and it filled me up much better than anything else.
Charging Cables/Spare Batteries – I’m not sure if it was because we were mostly all bloggers, but keeping our phones charged was an ongoing challenge, which wasn’t helped by the van having one outlet that didn’t work. I did bring an extra battery for my Note, but that’s not an option for an iPhone (nor for the newer Notes). If you have a multi-outlet plug, bring it! Someone brought a charger that had two outlets and they were both in use constantly.
Zip Lock Bags – This was recommended by a few people and it is such a great idea. Pack each of your running outfits, including anything that you will need for that leg (nutrition, map, lights, etc), in its own separate zip lock bag. It is so easy to pull out when it is time to get ready, plus you have a handy airtight place to put your stinky used running clothes when you’re done with your leg.
Medications – Don’t forget this if you take daily medications. I made sure to have my asthma meds and inhaler, some NSAIDs, and my migraine pills (thank goodness because I did wake up with a headache after my first van-sleep!).
Non-Running Comfy Sneakers – I brought a pair of flip flops as most suggested, but because it was chilly during the evening and nighttime hours, I will be bringing my Oofos OOmg shoes as my go-to rest-time shoe. They are comfortable and will keep my feet warm, and I can still walk around in them. I did appreciate the flip flops when we were done though, so bring along a pair of those too.
Compression Socks – As you know, I’m a fan of (and Ambassador for) Pro Compression, so I will be wearing compression socks on each relay leg. I will also bring a few extra pairs for rest and recovery between legs, as well as for afterward. I know they will help my recovery.
Things I Brought but Didn’t Use
Because of space considerations, I tried to pack light, but there were a few things that I brought that I never used (doesn’t mean that you won’t though, just sayin’).
Foam Roller – I probably should have used it, but I didn’t. That is why I’m bringing the vibrating ball and massage gun.
Laminated Leg Maps – I was extra prepared and, because I have access to a laminator at work, made a laminated copy of each leg map that I could carry with me. Fortunately, I didn’t need it because the course was well marked for the most part. I still think it was a good idea, though. Also, the Ragnar App is an easier way to check the map and includes a turn-by-turn list.
Fuel Gels – While I carried gels during each run, I never felt the need to use them, probably because I was eating enough between runs (hurray for trail mix!). My legs and total mileage were longer in 2019, though, since I was on an Ultra team, so I brought (and used) lots of gels with me. I’ll still bring some along in 2020.
Headphones – I thought it would be vital to listen to music (or my book) as I ran, but after I started I decided I just wanted to enjoy the experience, communicate with other runners, and not shut out the traffic/ambient sounds (especially during that nighttime run).
I will still bring my Jaybird Vista headphones this year though. I may not use them for when I’m running (though I like having the option) but they will be great to block out ambient noise during those rare times when we try to sleep. They’re super comfy and won’t fall out, so they’ll be perfect!
Things I’d Do Differently
While I was pretty happy overall with what I brought and how I packed, the one change I might make would be the bag that I brought. My husband lent me his Ironman backpack, which was great. It is huge, has a zillion pockets, and can carry everything needed. It is even expandable. The problem was that it was too big and had too many pockets. In the van, frequently in the dark, I couldn’t find what I was looking for half the time, in spite of most of my supplies being in separate zip lock bags. I think that I would try two smaller bags, one dedicated to my run clothes and supplies, the other to my food, recovery supplies, and off-run clothes.
I also wouldn’t worry too much about the food that I brought, at least in our case. Our captain did a big Costco run the night before and stocked up on most food items. If you have special needs (like my vegan ones), that is one thing, but if not, the group shop is enough.
My Complete Packing List
Clothing
- 3 short sleeve or sleeveless running shirts. Include any team-designed shirts in your packing plan.
- One long sleeve/base layer shirt for the night run.
- 3 sports bras
- 3 running skirts
- 3 pairs Pro Compression socks
- 2 pairs compression sleeves or socks for recovery
- One pair of running shoes (that worked for me, some choose to bring two pairs)
- Sweatpants
- T-shirt
- Warm Hoodie
- 3 pairs underwear and one regular bra
- Running Cap – I don’t usually wear one, but after my first run, with no shower or brush, I just wanted to cover up my hair.
- Watch cap – I used it for my night run. It kept my head and ears nice and warm, plus made wearing a headlamp much more comfortable.
- Gloves
- Comfy but warm shoes
- Flip flops
Accessories
- Phone (which also served as my camera and music player).
- Headphones
- Charger and extra battery
- Reflective Vest
- Headlamp
- Taillight
- LED Reflective Belt
- Knuckle Lights
- Running Belt (for me the Nathan Hipster)
- Sunglasses
- Handheld hydration bottle
- GPS Watch
- Race Number Belt
- Foam Roller/Ball
- Sleeping Bag
- Pillow
Personal Items
- Shower Pill Wipes
- Toothpaste/Toothbrush
- Gum
- Sunscreen
- Comb
- Body Glide
- Leg Maps – laminated.
- Medications
- Ziploc Bags (packed as mentioned above for each leg, plus other personal items like toothbrush, gum, toothpaste were packed in separate bags.
Food
- A stash of Clif Bars
- Coconut water
- Nuun Endurance and Sport
- Gels
- Trail Mix
- Clif Cubes (my newer, higher in protein in fat, running fuel)
Things that Others Brought/Shopped for
- First Aid Kit
- Ice Packs
- Coolers
- Water
- Ice
- Gatorade
- Fruit (bananas and apples)
- Quest Bars (not vegan, but others enjoyed)
- Toilet Paper
- Taillight – A few people brought a taillight (just one is needed for each van, so I borrowed one for my nighttime leg).
- Our captain made a notebook for each van that contained the Ragnar Bible, leg maps, time estimates, and more. It was essential. We used it constantly.
- Van Decorating Supplies
I hope this list will help you plan and pack for your Ragnar Relay. If you have any suggestions that I missed, please let me know in the comments.
Did you miss out on Ragnar So Cal? You can still save $100 on any overnight Ragnar Relay with the code FIT20. If you’d like something a little shorter (think of finishing by sundown) you can save $40 on any Ragnar Sprint or Sunset Relay (including Santa Clarita Sunset on October 17) with the code FITSUN20!
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Rachel , Deborah, Lisa, Smitha, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Whoa! I wouldn’t have thought of most of this stuff… I’m so bd with the sunscreen especially!
I’m pretty bad with sunscreen in general, but in circumstances like this I’m pretty vigilant. Plus it’s so easy just to spray it on.
Great idea about the wipes. Nobody wants stink people in the same vehicle!
I tell ya, the wipes were the best thing ever!
I sure did use that foam roller. In parking lots, on sidewalks, wherever I could.
This is a fantastic post – so helpful. I know you mentioned that you weren’t happy with your bag – I was really happy that I had that shopping bag type option as I threw everything in there in the dark and didn’t have to took around too much for anything. I’d highly recommend that for next time 🙂
I think your idea with your bag was great. I know it was really easy to access. That’s why I’m thinking two small bags, one with my running stuff, one with my “accessories.”
OMG thinking of sleeping bags brings back SO MANY MEMORIES!!!!! I used to camp A LOT and if you can believe it, I actually lived in a TEEPEE for 2 months!!!!!!
I actually had to buy a sleeping bag (we had one..somewhere..but couldn’t find it. I think it was probably my son’s when he did camp when he was a kid (and he’s 37 now, so it was a little old 🙂 ).
Pinning and sharing with my team! Thanks for becoming an expert for me. 🙂
Good! I’m glad you think it will be helpful!
Yes, to all of these things! Action Wipes and Shower Pill are my favorite wipes, hands-down, and definitely saved our van during Ragnar last year. I’ll be bringing an entire pack again this year! I also keep a package of Action Wipes in my desk at work for those days that I can somehow manage in a runch. We don’t have showers at work 🙁
I have super sensitive skin (and am slightly picky) and Kinesys is definitely my sunscreen of choice! I can’t afford it regularly unfortunately, but for something like this where it’s constant sun on you, it’s a must. Last years Rangar Napa, my first leg was through Sausalito when the sun was at it’s hottest and I’m glad I had sunscreen! My night leg was dark of course (haha) and my 3rd (and 4th since I picked up a leg for an injured vanmate) were in a downpour or grey clouds.
I brought my comfy neck pillow and an airplane-style blanket that worked out. We didn’t have much extra room for sleeping bags unfortunately, and they would have gotten messy since it rained for 2/3 of the race!
The small duffel that I brought was great – one big pocket for all my running clothes and shoes (and rest clothes and shoes) and 2 side small pockets for accessories and wallet, fuel, etc. Unfortunately I used that bag until it literally fell apart, so now I have to find a new (and equally Ragnar perfect) before September!
Yes, I think a smaller duffel would be a better idea. My bag was just too deep and had too many pockets. I was always digging for stuff that I couldn’t find :-). I’d love to know what duffel you finally pick!
My sleeping bag rolled pretty small, so I don’t think it took more room than a blanket. The neck pillow is a great idea. Kat, our driver, used one when she was sleeping in the driver’s seat and she looked pretty comfortable.
Thanks, Debbie, this is great! I just pinned it to my Ragnar Pinterest board so I’m all set! Now I just have to wait five months for my Ragnar! 🙂
I’m sure that 5 months will fly! I’m glad the list will help.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head with your list. I’ve done two Ragnars and consider myself and expert as well. The one thing that went over very well during our last Napa Ragnar was a bottle of Biofreeze Spray. Everyone on our team used it and our van ended up smelling less like sweat and more like Biofreeze.
I’ll have to find those Action wipes for the next trip. Those look perfect for Ragnar (or post any race for that matter).
I’m afraid I have a problem with the smell of biofreeze. I’m not sure if I prefer sweat, but it gives me a headache and makes me feel a little nauseous. It’s a good idea though for those that like it.
I need to get my hands on those wipes! I also want to try that pocketfuel gel that I wrote about – the coffee ones sound amazing! 🙂
What a great write up Debbie!
Thanks Jody. That pocket coffee stuff sounded pretty interesting. And Active Wipes are the boss!
What a helpful guide to Ragnar!! I would love to do it one day but it seems like such a logistical challenge…this makes it seem a little less scary!
Frankly, I would never have done it if I hadn’t been asked to fill in for Melissa. Now I can’t wait to do it again. Yes, it is logistically challenging, but when you have a good captain and a couple people who’ve done it before you’re golden. It truly is an unforgettable adventure.
I’ve done 2 Ragnars now and this is literally a spot on list of essentials. Wipes are a must, as well as, for me, extra socks and shoes to change into post run.
Actually I forgot to put compression sleeves, which I brought but didn’t really use until post race. I’ve edited the list to add them though, and next time I will definitely use them between runs. I didn’t wear socks between run (though judging by my stinky feet it would have been a good idea 🙂 ).
My husband just gave me knuckle lights for Easter. Squeal! Glad to see your packing list, it’s very helpful!
What a great list! I will definitely look back on your list when I need to pack!
What a lovely bunch of ladies representing sweatpink! X2 rocks for sure!
Such a great list, will have to bookmark this so I can go back to it when I need it 🙂
Sunscreen is a must-have! I really liked Nuun Performance, which is what I think Nuun Endurance replaces, and I’m excited to try that out when I get back to long distance running.
I think the Endurance tastes much better than the Performance, which makes it easier to drink.
Wow! Looks like you are definitely going to be well prepared for this Ragnar race!
I hope so! It was helpful for me to look at the list I wrote 5 years ago. I was like, oh year, I forgot about that!
Putting every item I’d need for each leg in its own individual zip lock bag was the best advice I got and used. There was no scrambling looking for that one thing. Great list!
Thanks, I agree. It’s a brilliant idea and even better for putting those stinky items back in there when you’re done!
What a complete list! You probably know I’ve done a similar relay-type of run, but it didn’t involve any overnight running. SO much fun!!! I run a lot in the wee dark hours (you probably know that, too LOL). I’m a huge fan of Knuckle Lights and my Noxgear vest. I’ve never worn a headlamp, though…I’d be weary of getting a headache from one (???)
Yes, I know about your early morning running! I don’t mind the headlamp, especially if I’m wearing a hat or something. It gets annoying after a while, but I (the headache queen) have never gotten a headache from wearing it.
Yikes. That’s a lot of stuff to pack. If I ever do a Ragnar, I’ll be sure to check out this post.
But it is NOT on my bucket list — have no desire to ever do one – too old to go without sleep and don’t want to run at night… But otherwise it wold be fun to be part of a team.
That was kind of my feeling before I did my first relay but then I was hooked. I’m still not crazy about the sleep (or lack thereof part), but the experience makes up for it to me.
I am constantly updating and paring down my list after each Ragnar as well. The knuckle lights are a life saver and necessity for sure! I just saw the new sweat pink trail race thing but I think the trail race scares me especially at night!
You should sign up for it! I had so much fun at the one I did. Of course I had my longest run at midnight but it was so amazing.
This just proves to me that I’m too scattered to do a Ragnar Relay! LOL! The packing list is pretty overwhelming. Sounds like fun tho!
Lol. That’s why I need a list! Otherwise I pack everything!
Thanks for this updated post! I’m not running a Ragnar, but I will need some of this stuff for my upcoming trail race. Great list!
Thank you for these very helpful tips, Debbie. I have never done a Ragnar, but I would like to join a team sometime. I don’t quite know how to get on one, though, I guess Ragnar has a way of connecting people looking for teams with teams looking for people. I have done other (shorter) relays and really enjoyed the companionship and team spirit.
I am very interested in the vibrating massage ball you review. That seems like it could really help with my piriformis issues during a long car ride. Right now I do use a lacrosse ball.
For two of the teams I’ve been on I’ve replaced other runners, so I don’t really know how to get on one any other way. I think it’s a matter of gathering friends together and going for it.
I really like the vibrating massage ball. I think that because it vibrates there is less need to roll so hard, as some people do. It loosens up the fascia without pain, and that’s a good thing.
Showerpill & sunscreen (and shades) would definitely be at the top of my list. And food — I always bring food! Having never done a Ragnar, not sure what else I’d need.
I think those are the main things! Besides running clothes, of course. 🙂
Oh yeah! This is definitely going to come in handy if/when I register for the Ragnar I think I’m doing in October!
Thanks for sharing (I’m already emailing it to my friends)
What Ragnar will you be doing? Is it your first? It really is helpful to have a list.
What a useful list and great tips! Also interesting to see what you would do differently. I have never done a Ragnar but I would love to do one. I will definitely be coming back to this post if I do!
Thanks. I learn a little something at each one, so my list evolves over time.
Great list! I bet its really hard to pack for this kind of race. I would probably overpack and end up not using half the stuff I packed! This list is so helpful.
That’s why the list is so helpful. And, amazingly, all this stuff fits into one big bag (or two smaller ones)!
I miss the Ragnar day’s but I don’t miss the packing for it!! I remember color coded sticky notes and ziplocs driving me nuts. But what an adventure each ragnar is!
They really are an adventure. Packing is my least favorite part but the Ziplocs really do make it easier.
Great list! I’ve done several one-day relays (like a 1/2 Ragnar LOL), and a lot of these (or similar) items are on my list as well. Relays are fun 😉
Relays are a ton of fun! Ragnar has a new series, Ragnar Sunset, which is similar to the relays you’ve done. They’re a one day thing with a smaller team. The idea is to finish before the sun goes down.
Thanks for the info. I’ll keep it in mind.
You definitely cannot have enough lights on you. You do kind of become an expert in a short time. I learn things every time I do one. Reading your list again makes me want to do another one again soon. Have an amazing time in SoCal
Thank you! I love doing Ragnar even though they are exhausting!
What a totally awesome article. I so want to do a Ragnar. This list would be so useful for anyone doing one,. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us. XO
Thank you! You really need to do one! They are so much fun!
A pretty thorough list. I’ll be sure to come back to it if I ever do a Ragnar which I highly doubt. The thought of running in the middle of the night doesn’t appeal to me. I like my sleep way too much. But never say never. 😉
I always thought I’d hate the midnight runs but they turned out to be my favorite leg! Who knew? You might also look into the new Ragnar Sunset races. Smaller teams that finish before sunset, so they’re just a one day gig.
Thanks for the info. I’ll keep it in mind.
Great list! I have only done a Ragnar Trail race, so while some of these are the same, we also had to add in tents/camping gear/coolers/food and that sort of thing. It was actually my first camping experience as well, so I learned A LOT!
My Ragnar trail was basically my first camping experience too (not counting a time or two I may have camped with my parents when I was a kid). I learned a lot too, including to bring a lot warmer clothing/sleeping bag, everything. I was so cold at night!
If I ever run a Ragnar . . . that is one really comprehensive list! I’m sure it’s going to help a lot of runners.
Just curious, how is the female to male ratio at Ragnar?