We recently shared our picks for AR gear starting with letters A through E.  To check that out go here.  Now, we’ll continue with our list of adventure racing gear that we use and love, starting with the letter F.

F is for Fuel – e-Gel & e-Fuel by Crank Sports

Crank Sports make some tasty gels that blow away the competition.  Don’t believe me?  Just compare it to your gel that you’re currently using and see for yourself.  The e-Gels have plenty of carbs, amino acids, anitoxidants, and electrolytes to keep you hydrated and ready to go.  They also have a product that is perfect for adventure racing – e-Fuel.  It is basically a gel in concentrated liquid form in a handy little pouch (a lot like a gel pouch) that you can pour directly into a water bottle or your hydration bladder. There is no need for mixing any messy powders that leave clumps only to clog your bite valve, it mixes immediately, it provides tons of energy and electrolytes, and it is simply delicious.  My favorite is the Citrus Slam.  You can compare e-fuel to other sports drinks like Gatorade, Accelerade, and Cytomax by going here.  Once you try e-Gel or e-Fuel, you won’t go back to anything else.

G is for Gripper Gloves by Outdoor Research

The OR Gripper Gloves are fantastic.  They are not big and bulky, but they are warm and comfy while still breathing well.  The Windstopper Fleece and grippy palms make these great on paddling and biking sections.  Pair these up with liner gloves, and you’ll be all set for cold weather adventure races.  They are also quite a bit cheaper than comparable North Face and Mountain Hardwear gloves. Check them out.

H is for Hydropel

Do you always seem to get blisters and hotspots?  Or do you chafe like an S.O.B.?  Then pick some of this stuff up.  I never race without first applying Hydropel to my feet liberally.  I also apply it to certain delicate regions that are prone to chafing (that would be my crotch in case you were wondering). It works on the nips, too, if that is a problem area for you.  I prefer Hydropel over BodyGlide or Sportslick, because it is a little thicker and seems to stay on throughout an entire race much better.  Get some of your own right here.

I is for Injinji Toesocks

Yes, these socks look weird.  And the first time you put them on, they may feel a little weird.  But after 2 minutes you’ll love ’em.  If you have blister problems, use Hydropel (listed above) with these socks and say buh-bye to blisters.  In cold weather I use these Injinjis as a liner sock under a wool sock. They wick well, breathe well, and prevent friction between the toes. Get a pair and you won’t be sorry.

J is for Jelly Belly Sport Beans

Jelly Belly Sport Beans are awesome.  When you don’t feel like slamming down another gel, or when you just want something to chew, you should grab a pack of sport beans.  They are loaded with energy and electrolytes, they taste great, and you can even get them with caffeine (an adventure racer’s best friend).  You can get them in 4 packs or by the case right here.

So that’s it for this installment of our recommended adventure racing gear A to Z.  Be sure to check out Part III in our series.