Recommended Equipment

This race covers everything from flow trails to raw singletrack, lava fields, swamps, and steep alpine climbs - often in remote terrain with limited support.

Here’s what we recommend bringing:

Bike

1. Full-suspension mountain bike (100–140mm travel): Ideal for the mix of technical descents, rough jeep tracks, and flow trails. Hardtails are doable but less forgiving. If you don’t have a proper mountain bike we recommend checking out Lauf Elja XC or Lauf Elja Trail - bikes designed for races like this.
2. Aggressive trail tires (2.4"–3.0") with good side knobs and puncture protection - conditions range from sharp lava to wet roots and mud. But there are also tarmac and gravel sections so don’t pick too knobby tires.
3. Easy climbing gears are strongly recommended - expect long, steep climbs (like Reykjaheiði on Day 3) and hike-a-bike sections where spinning is key.
4. Dropper post for technical descents and swampy dismounts.
   
   

Gear

1. Hydration pack: Especially for Day 4 (no water sources); plan for 2–3 liters on long stages.
2. GPS device with loaded routes and map-routing (not just turn by turn) - some sections are unmarked or in low-visibility terrain. If you don't already have a good head unit with proper map navigation, we have tried this one on the route ourselves and can recommend it: https://www.laufcycles.com/product/hammerhead-karoo-3
3. Multitool, spare tube, tire plugs, pump/CO₂, and chain link - you'll be far from help at times.
4. Waterproof shoe covers or quick-drain MTB shoes - swamp crossings are unavoidable (Days 3 & 5 especially). Leave your road shoes at home.
5. Lightweight rain jacket and layered clothing: Weather can change fast in the highlands. Bring your whole cycling and outdoor wardrobe and pick outfit for each day based on the weather forecast.
   
   

Other Essentials

1. Ride snacks: Bring fuel for long gaps between aid or refill points.
2. Sunblock + chamois cream: You’ll want both.
3. Phone in waterproof case: Emergency use and photos - trust us, you’ll want to remember this.