This is what people need to see! Great video Lee! I've done this evaluation many times and cost is the main reason I've not yet entered. To be fair to the organisers at least they give decent examples of each piece of expected kit. However that's a punchy race cost! At least you'll have the kit for any other race ever again!
Just found your channel this is an excellent video I love the content it was really helpful.sorry about your illness I was diagnosed with arare blood condition in 2018 it's took me till the last 3 months to get back to running thankyou.
Did it in 2023. It was blisteringly hot, but still had to carry gloves and waterproofs and thermals. Madness. Now as a South Wales lad myself we were a bit confused with 35 degree temperatures in Sept. What I and many other found in that was it was really difficult to eat anything substantial out on the hills. The only thing I could get down was gels which is not something I normally like but they were a lifesaver. The water filter bottle would be my number 1 piece of kit if the conditions were like that again. What I would say as well is that the kit check in the morning is a cursory, "show me your thermal top, show me your compass" sort of check not a detailed check. Also, I was doing it this year but have pulled out as it looks like i need a knee op. I have accomodation booked a stones throw from the start line. twin room. If anyone wants to buy it let me know.
good video - I did the last race last year, already had most of the kit from other ultras mandatory kit lists (lot of overlap), then borrowed camping stuff. Had to buy the dry bags, bivvy bag and blister kit, but best advice I can say is focus on avoiding getting through each day and avoid the DNF, that is a cost that would hurt the most!
Thanks for the comment mate, yes lady luck will have a huge part to play. I will arrive for and ready but nobody can prepare for a misstep really. So injury can come at any time. I'm sure though I can pick up some bargains from previous dragons selling it. On that note, is your sleeping bag etc for sale ? Serious question 😁
@@leerunsultras I have two young sons and often camp with them under a tarp - think my sleeping bag was £15 new - also after dragons back I'm not sure it will ever smell right again (8 men in a damp tent on a bean heavy diet 🤢). higear divine from millets (£15) and a proper pillow would be worth the weight - anything to help get better sleep. The kit recommendations they have are pretty good, I picked up the salomon long sleeve hooded top and it has become a favourite for cold runs in dry weather and just wearing casually. If I was doing it again I would get some shoe ninjas or similar to dry shoes out (and something to put them in to keep dry as they have to be left outside), and just take two pairs of trainers but extra socks (and powder or similar to dry the feet at checkpoints) you already know look after your feet and the rest is easy.
this is invaluable advice thank you so much, thats good to know you dont have spend that much on a sleeping bag, is it cot beds if so i wont need a mat?
Great vid mate, one thing i would say is to change that sleeping bag, definitely get one with a wide bottom so you can stretch those aching legs out, the tapered bags are far too restricted. Good luck mate. 👊💪👍🏴
I'd check the list again as it looks like you're missing some extra cold weather items - pretty sure Ourea are now requesting you have 2 synthetic fill jackets plus a few other bits
That is one hell of a price.. very suprised it is like doing one of the road majors abroad ( and you do not even get hotels or flights) , however you will likely be able to get cheaper alternatives to the reccomended kit at a better price (nothing again Montane at all , I actually have that jacket which I got as a gift) .. but I would look into our far eastern cousins products and as you said visit decathalon. The cost is likely to be down to the health and saftey requirements ( choppers on standbye etc) . unless you get sauna's jacuzzi's and massusues at each aid station. On the shoe front I would check NNormal's offerings .. Killian (one of the few pro's I follow on Strava) is always out in the Tomir in all sorts of weather
YESS. I have done...... DNF... the dragons back and will be back. Yes its expensive and you have covered quite alot of it. However, nobody is doing this race if they don't have most the kit anyways as they'll no doubt done other ultras. Hats off to anyone who hasn't done anything and giving it a go.
They want you to have those specific things. I own a bag made by North Face. I've used it in several bad weather conditions and think it has proven suitable, but they want you to bring an Ortlieb. Same with the rain gear. My trousers and jacket have proven suitable not only on the motorbike but at Kleinwalsertal as well. So I would have to bring a lot of new things although I own a lot. Good luck for your next run on the dragon's back.
@rennleitung_7 Yeah, the ortlieb bags are wanted because they stack better in the vans tbh. But other races say that the duffle like your NF ones is OK. It's a fantastic challenge tho. Thank you
These races are a once in a lifetime experience type thing but they are pricey. It's one of the reasons that lots of people who want to do them volunteer at the event before they take part themselves. They get a feel for the event and race credit towards their own entry.
Bags and a couple of minor bits aside I had most already. I managed to find extra synthetic top on vinted which saved a fair amount of money £20 vs £140
That's an absolute great shout. My daughter is the vinted king 🤣 ik get here to keep an eye out. What else have I missed. (I have bought the see through dry bags too )
@leerunsultras food, there's places you can to up (coop on day 3 for example). For camp you can always slip out your insoles and walk around. The bag weight does become a concern when packing!
I’m mega jealous you’re doing this race, I’ve been interested for a few years now but the cost really does stop me… if I was going to spend that much I think I’d rather do a UTMB somewhere in France. That being said I live in the Welsh valleys and you can’t beat the trail running 🏴 🏔 Enjoyed the vid keep it up 👍🏻 no doubt you’ll complete the dragons back 💪🏼
I feel your pain, I've done the Montane Spine race and the entry fee was nothing to how much I had to shell out for kit alone! No ifs or buts when they are checking your kit, on 2 occasions I had full kit checks. Luckily everything on the required list was in my pack. I witnessed people fail with substandard sleeping bags and stoves. ( The must common reasons for mandatory kit check failure) They must return with the correct kit or fail to make the start line. I probably spent upwards of £5000 .
@@pauldunn1242 it's mad isn't it, I have missed loads of and not taken into consideration all the money I will spend in training recces, travel, coaching nutrition. Why do we do this to ourselves 😂
Maybe you can borrow some things from a friend, for instance a dry bag, a mat or the first aid kit. Everybody needs to have one, but most people don't need it. So there should be lots of unused kits around. BTW What about running in every city. Is it still a thing?
100% still a thing just recovering from glute tendonopothy I've got most of the things on the list there's just a few things I don't . But I will be able to pick them up a lot cheaper than the recommended
@Chris-dw3xl tbh mate I only heard of it when I searched for the title of this video, I will have to look into it and maybe do a little video about it. Google it highland kings ultra, there was a BBC article about it being the world's most luxury ultra marathon
So the manufacturers got together to sell more merchandise by promoting this race whether in silence or openly it just a way to get money from something you can do for free
Even after reading a few comments I wasn't prepared for that start fee. Yikes. Shilling GoreTex shit :( Ye, go spread those forever chemicals in the pristine nature.
As an outdoor instructor with over 40 years experience I’m horrified to see Montanne being recommended they were good once BUT ARE NOW MASS PRODUCERS OF SHIT POOR QUALITY.? Look at OMM stuff brilliant
@@RightRoundYe 😂😂😂 I've been in the military for 20 years and taught map reading . Just because I've not used a thumb compass doesn't mean I'm not experienced. Such a clown comment 🤣 keep the hate it's good for the algorithm
@leerunsultras there is no hate except you calling me a clown. I've taught experienced navigators how to use a thumb compass and not everyone gets it. Hopefully you'll try a thumb compass get on great with it. Good luck snowflake! (Some hate because you asked for it 😜)
You said I wasn't a skilled orienteer just because I haven't used a thumb compass. That doesn't mean I'm not skilled. I used to map reading back in the days when we didn't have GPS. You know good old intersection and re section. But automatically categorising. Me because I don't use a thumb compass makes that a clown comment simple as
@@leerunsultras sorry if it hurts your feelings but if you have never used a thumb compass there is no way you're a skilled orienteer. Just go to a non-military race and maybe gain some real life experience. I found your video interesting but your response is nothing but butthurt army bravado.
In what way - nobody is forcing you to enter the race or pay full price for any of the kit - the vast majority can be bought second hand or discounted - you can also volunteer for the event (good fun btw) and reduce the cost to a minimal fee or even nothing.
@ I’ve volunteered on quite a few of the events run by this company- no doubt they are expensive but certainly not a ripoff when you look at what you’re getting
This is what people need to see! Great video Lee! I've done this evaluation many times and cost is the main reason I've not yet entered. To be fair to the organisers at least they give decent examples of each piece of expected kit. However that's a punchy race cost! At least you'll have the kit for any other race ever again!
Il defo be seeking alternatives 😂
Belting video mate its opened my eyes as to what's actually involved in it, preparation, money, and of course the fitness 😂
Madness isn't it, that's why I'm so focused on getting it all sorted 9months out. And that doesn't take into consideration recce weekends 😮
Great video Lee, and an interesting insight ro what you need and the cost of taking part!
@@Gez-C I know and I've not even covered the cost of training and recces eother
Just found your channel this is an excellent video I love the content it was really helpful.sorry about your illness I was diagnosed with arare blood condition in 2018 it's took me till the last 3 months to get back to running thankyou.
glad to hear you are getting over the worst of it. as for my diagnosis things are as they are mate have to keep moving forward
Did it in 2023. It was blisteringly hot, but still had to carry gloves and waterproofs and thermals. Madness. Now as a South Wales lad myself we were a bit confused with 35 degree temperatures in Sept. What I and many other found in that was it was really difficult to eat anything substantial out on the hills. The only thing I could get down was gels which is not something I normally like but they were a lifesaver. The water filter bottle would be my number 1 piece of kit if the conditions were like that again.
What I would say as well is that the kit check in the morning is a cursory, "show me your thermal top, show me your compass" sort of check not a detailed check.
Also, I was doing it this year but have pulled out as it looks like i need a knee op. I have accomodation booked a stones throw from the start line. twin room. If anyone wants to buy it let me know.
Holy moly! I was out as soon as you mentioned the entry fee 😮 They're really keen on getting you to buy the Montane products. They must be good!
@@markg99 🤣🤣🤣 if only I could pick up a Montane sponsor !!! ...... Walks off hands in head sobbing because they wouldnt even look at me
It is called the “montane dragons back” through sponsorship so they’ll be pushing all their products 👍🏻
exactly and its top of the range kit to be fair mate, but there are good cheaper alternatives for sure
Another great video 👏🏻👏🏻
@@danielstaves appreciate it bro, don't be too hard on your self with the DNF bro injury happens you might the right decision
@ I’m not, it couldn’t be helped. Loose pavement is clearly my kryptonite 🤣
No more road running, trails only haha
@danielstaves road running is the devil 🤣😜
good video - I did the last race last year, already had most of the kit from other ultras mandatory kit lists (lot of overlap), then borrowed camping stuff. Had to buy the dry bags, bivvy bag and blister kit, but best advice I can say is focus on avoiding getting through each day and avoid the DNF, that is a cost that would hurt the most!
Thanks for the comment mate, yes lady luck will have a huge part to play. I will arrive for and ready but nobody can prepare for a misstep really. So injury can come at any time. I'm sure though I can pick up some bargains from previous dragons selling it. On that note, is your sleeping bag etc for sale ? Serious question 😁
@@leerunsultras I have two young sons and often camp with them under a tarp - think my sleeping bag was £15 new - also after dragons back I'm not sure it will ever smell right again (8 men in a damp tent on a bean heavy diet 🤢). higear divine from millets (£15) and a proper pillow would be worth the weight - anything to help get better sleep. The kit recommendations they have are pretty good, I picked up the salomon long sleeve hooded top and it has become a favourite for cold runs in dry weather and just wearing casually. If I was doing it again I would get some shoe ninjas or similar to dry shoes out (and something to put them in to keep dry as they have to be left outside), and just take two pairs of trainers but extra socks (and powder or similar to dry the feet at checkpoints) you already know look after your feet and the rest is easy.
this is invaluable advice thank you so much, thats good to know you dont have spend that much on a sleeping bag, is it cot beds if so i wont need a mat?
@ need a mat or similar, I took a blow up mattress with mini pump but would go for something simpler if I did it again
Anyone out there have a montane discount code? 😅
@@DanRuns 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great vid mate, one thing i would say is to change that sleeping bag, definitely get one with a wide bottom so you can stretch those aching legs out, the tapered bags are far too restricted. Good luck mate. 👊💪👍🏴
@@Welshrunningninja amazing info 💪 ty
I'd check the list again as it looks like you're missing some extra cold weather items - pretty sure Ourea are now requesting you have 2 synthetic fill jackets plus a few other bits
@@alexandermajor6467 that is correct mate, 2x synthetic 300g tops. The other cold weather is the gloves
I have always been too scared to calculate the total amount I spend on Dragon’s Back 😂. I also got a hotel in Conway the night of registration.
I haven't even thoughrbthat far ahead lol IL lean in on friends for that haha
That is one hell of a price.. very suprised it is like doing one of the road majors abroad ( and you do not even get hotels or flights) , however you will likely be able to get cheaper alternatives to the reccomended kit at a better price (nothing again Montane at all , I actually have that jacket which I got as a gift) .. but I would look into our far eastern cousins products and as you said visit decathalon. The cost is likely to be down to the health and saftey requirements ( choppers on standbye etc) . unless you get sauna's jacuzzi's and massusues at each aid station. On the shoe front I would check NNormal's offerings .. Killian (one of the few pro's I follow on Strava) is always out in the Tomir in all sorts of weather
Il defo be looking for cheaper alternatives for sure
YESS. I have done...... DNF... the dragons back and will be back. Yes its expensive and you have covered quite alot of it. However, nobody is doing this race if they don't have most the kit anyways as they'll no doubt done other ultras. Hats off to anyone who hasn't done anything and giving it a go.
Good luck on the next time around butty.
They want you to have those specific things. I own a bag made by North Face. I've used it in several bad weather conditions and think it has proven suitable, but they want you to bring an Ortlieb. Same with the rain gear. My trousers and jacket have proven suitable not only on the motorbike but at Kleinwalsertal as well. So I would have to bring a lot of new things although I own a lot.
Good luck for your next run on the dragon's back.
@rennleitung_7 Yeah, the ortlieb bags are wanted because they stack better in the vans tbh. But other races say that the duffle like your NF ones is OK. It's a fantastic challenge tho. Thank you
@@leerunsultras thank you mate. It was the heat of 2021 that got me, then a harsh fall of the back of tryfan that tore the knee up.
These races are a once in a lifetime experience type thing but they are pricey. It's one of the reasons that lots of people who want to do them volunteer at the event before they take part themselves. They get a feel for the event and race credit towards their own entry.
Yes I know many that have gone that way but I couldn't commit 2 years running 🎽
Bags and a couple of minor bits aside I had most already. I managed to find extra synthetic top on vinted which saved a fair amount of money £20 vs £140
That's an absolute great shout. My daughter is the vinted king 🤣 ik get here to keep an eye out. What else have I missed. (I have bought the see through dry bags too )
@leerunsultras food, there's places you can to up (coop on day 3 for example). For camp you can always slip out your insoles and walk around. The bag weight does become a concern when packing!
We. Need to have a catch up so we can go through some kit. @@lloydwatkin
I’m mega jealous you’re doing this race, I’ve been interested for a few years now but the cost really does stop me… if I was going to spend that much I think I’d rather do a UTMB somewhere in France. That being said I live in the Welsh valleys and you can’t beat the trail running 🏴 🏔 Enjoyed the vid keep it up 👍🏻 no doubt you’ll complete the dragons back 💪🏼
It's a hell of cost mate but it will be life changing event for sure
I feel your pain, I've done the Montane Spine race and the entry fee was nothing to how much I had to shell out for kit alone! No ifs or buts when they are checking your kit, on 2 occasions I had full kit checks. Luckily everything on the required list was in my pack. I witnessed people fail with substandard sleeping bags and stoves. ( The must common reasons for mandatory kit check failure)
They must return with the correct kit or fail to make the start line. I probably spent upwards of £5000 .
@@pauldunn1242 it's mad isn't it, I have missed loads of and not taken into consideration all the money I will spend in training recces, travel, coaching nutrition. Why do we do this to ourselves 😂
Thanks mate. Will be following your channel as I’ll be there in 2025 too.
same here ;-)
Love this mate 🤩 let's get as many as we can here
That's great news. I'm in a. WhatsApp group for all 25 dbrs If you want to join inbox me on Instagram lee runs ultras
Montane brilliant to sponsor a race and make their kit mandatory 😂
Their brand is not mandatory you can get alternatives but as long as they meet the requirements
How much are Sherpas?
As in Sherpa shorts the are £60 but they are the best shirts out there
@leerunsultras I was thinking more of a team of Sherpas to carry all the stuff!
@Scartoons-t1h not allowed self suffiectbe race
Maybe you can borrow some things from a friend, for instance a dry bag, a mat or the first aid kit. Everybody needs to have one, but most people don't need it. So there should be lots of unused kits around.
BTW What about running in every city. Is it still a thing?
100% still a thing just recovering from glute tendonopothy I've got most of the things on the list there's just a few things I don't . But I will be able to pick them up a lot cheaper than the recommended
Second for what’s the first most expensive race ???
Highland kings ultra £15999
@ dude that’s a typo yeah ? 😂so I guess you’re entering it then 🤣
@@Chris-dw3xl No typo 😂😂😂
@ does anybody enter ??? Or is it just for pros
@Chris-dw3xl tbh mate I only heard of it when I searched for the title of this video, I will have to look into it and maybe do a little video about it. Google it highland kings ultra, there was a BBC article about it being the world's most luxury ultra marathon
Steal it all mate 😂🤪
@@BenNotley I might have too,,, I'm going to be frequenting all the charity shops 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Running is for everyone depending on your budget 😂 … that said good luck butt
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ksrrimor special
What’s the first most expensive race?!
Kings highland ultra
If this is the 2nd most expensive,which is the MOST expensive then mate
That would be the highland kings ultra £15,499 ❤
@@leerunsultras wow absolute mental price that 😳😳
@johnathanlangdon3607 I know it's crazy isn't it. I think it may be the most expensive in the world? 🌍
So the manufacturers got together to sell more merchandise by promoting this race whether in silence or openly it just a way to get money from something you can do for free
So you've never entered a race ?
I would be interesting to see how you can get breakfast and dinner and your accommodation plus full safety support for a week for free
Even after reading a few comments I wasn't prepared for that start fee. Yikes.
Shilling GoreTex shit :( Ye, go spread those forever chemicals in the pristine nature.
What do you mean by spreading forever chemicals ? I'm lost 🤔
@@leerunsultras GoreTex contains PFAS
@@ikarian3612 yes but only trace amounts and Gore-Tex fabrics are also safe to wear and meet the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX textile safety standard.
As an outdoor instructor with over 40 years experience I’m horrified to see Montanne being recommended they were good once BUT ARE NOW MASS PRODUCERS OF SHIT POOR QUALITY.? Look at OMM stuff brilliant
😂😂😂 il defo be looking at alternatives when it comes to cost
Don't look old enough for 20 years in the infantry! How old are you mate?😂 Only look late 20s!!
I love you🤣 so that 23 years ago lol I actually joined in 2001
If you don't own a thumb compass and need to trial one... You probably aren't a skilled orienteer!
@@RightRoundYe 😂😂😂 I've been in the military for 20 years and taught map reading . Just because I've not used a thumb compass doesn't mean I'm not experienced. Such a clown comment 🤣 keep the hate it's good for the algorithm
@leerunsultras there is no hate except you calling me a clown. I've taught experienced navigators how to use a thumb compass and not everyone gets it. Hopefully you'll try a thumb compass get on great with it. Good luck snowflake! (Some hate because you asked for it 😜)
You said I wasn't a skilled orienteer just because I haven't used a thumb compass. That doesn't mean I'm not skilled. I used to map reading back in the days when we didn't have GPS. You know good old intersection and re section. But automatically categorising. Me because I don't use a thumb compass makes that a clown comment simple as
@@leerunsultras sorry if it hurts your feelings but if you have never used a thumb compass there is no way you're a skilled orienteer. Just go to a non-military race and maybe gain some real life experience. I found your video interesting but your response is nothing but butthurt army bravado.
Have another comment for your algorithm!
What a rip off.
@@bendigeidfranemmanueljones5694 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I don't drink or smoke.
In what way - nobody is forcing you to enter the race or pay full price for any of the kit - the vast majority can be bought second hand or discounted - you can also volunteer for the event (good fun btw) and reduce the cost to a minimal fee or even nothing.
@alexandermajor6467 The price the market will bear greatly exceeds the cost.
@@alexandermajor6467 The price the market will bear greatly exceeds the cost.
@ I’ve volunteered on quite a few of the events run by this company- no doubt they are expensive but certainly not a ripoff when you look at what you’re getting