As I said in a previous post, during my first ultra in Sri Lanka, I was an idiot. In the interim months between Sri Lanka and Atacama, I made several gear changes to make my life a little easier. Here's a quick rundown for anyone looking for a little reference.
MANDATORY ITEMS
Item: New gear, (old gear, if applicable)
Backpack: OMM Classic 25L, (Osprey Stratos 24L) - The OMM was definitely lighter. Osprey would be good if you like a frame inside.
Sleeping bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantasia 32, (Big Agnes Ethel) - The Big Agnes was way too big and too heavy. The Mountain Hardwear packs up small, that is key. If you have to strap your bag to the outside of your pack, it is too big.
Dry bag: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil, (Freegrace Waterproof Bag) - Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil is the way to go. Your dry bag should weigh nothing, lots of bags out there are bulky and don't pack down.
Head lamp: Petzl Tikkina
Red light: Nite Ize Spotlit LED Carabiner
Knife: Gerber Mini Paraframe Serrated Knife - I only think you need a knife, not a multitool, this one is cheap, sharp, and light.
Mirror: Coghlan's Featherweight Mirror
Whistle: similar to Whistle for LIFE
Bivy bag: SOL Emergency Bivvy - This seems to be the crowd favorite at races, nice and small.
Compass: Sun Company TempaComp
Utensil: Light My Fire Spork, (a metal spoon from my kitchen) - I think it's worth bringing two of these sporks in case you (or a tent mate) loses one.
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Sport Face 70+
Lip Sunscreen: All Good Sunstick, I also take a mini vaseline lip therapy
Meds: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, (I also take allergy, anti-diarrhea, & omneprazole, just in case) - I bring a little bag with all my pills in it. I take enough for a full dose every day of both acetaminophen and ibuprofen in case I get injured. I took altitude medicine to Atacama but did not end up using it.
Blister kit: I recommend building your own instead of buying a pre-made blister kit. Essentials include paper tape, safety pins, alcohol pads and some large adhesive patches. I also take K Tape and some dressing tape to protect my shoulders from blisters
Hand sanitizer: I recommend getting one you can carabiner to the front of your pack.
Toilet paper/wet wipes: I've used biodegradable Coghlan's, but have now switched to just packing normal TP. Sounds weird, but try cutting it two squares at a time - it makes it easier to use.
Running shoes: Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 - I'm a big fan of my Hoka's. I've also heard great things from competitors about Salomon trail shoes. Absolutely make sure you bring a pair a size larger than normal. Your toenails will thank you.
Socks: Injiji toes socks and CEP Compression socks
Tights/Shorts: Under Armour 7" Compression
Running shirt: Under Armour HeatGear long sleeve
Warm jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater
Rain jacket: Marmot Crystalline Rain Jacket - I like this jacket a lot and it is completely waterproof; however, I've found two others that actually pack up even smaller, the catch is that they are windproof/water resistant. They are the Patagonia Houdini and Brooks LSD (which I'll be using next time).
Poncho: Coghlan's Emergency Poncho - This is another standard favorite amongst competitors
Warm gloves: Go for something windproof, I have some by the North Face
Cap & buff combo: I like doing this combo rather than having a hat with a cape; however, make sure your running hat is a lightweight technical running cap. No old school baseball caps, folks.
Sunglasses: Peppers - Mine are usually toast by the end of the race.
2.5 liter water containers: Rough Country Essential Bottle & Holder - I had a hard time finding holsters in the states. I also have the bottles with the extended straw, but found that I prefer drinking out of traditional lids. I also carry a 1.5L Platypus bladder.
OPTIONAL
Sleeping pad: Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated Sleeping Pad - I will never do a race without this pad. The technology of the bubbles makes it so the air is evenly distributed so there is no "sinking" into the middle. Also, it's rare to find a light pad that also has an R rating (4.2) for warmth. Easy to inflate, easier to break down. I love it. 100% recommend.
Trekking poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles - I didn't bring any on my first race and ended up borrowing from a competitor. I don't think I'll ever stop using these, but it is definitely a personal preference.
Extra long sleeve: Smartwool midweight baselayer
Extra shorts: 3" Nike running shorts - I like to have some other shorts to wear around camp.
Underwear: I brought 4 pairs.
Sports bra: I take one UnderArmour sports bra, and one Patagonia Barely Sports Bra for camp (so comfortable).
Calf compression sleeves: Zensah - I take one pair and wear during the day, which also helps project my legs from the sun.
Gaiters: Rough Country Trail Gaiters - I did not need these in Sri Lanka, but recommend them for any course with sand.
GoPro: Hero4
Iphone & earbuds: I took my iPhone and earbuds, but will be upgrading (or downsizing) to an iPod shuffle for future races.
Battery pack: Mopower 12000mAh battery pack - This is a heavy item (10.6 ounces), but if you have multiple things to charge, it will not die in the desert. I used this to charge my Garmin every night, and the phones/iPods/GoPros of my tentmates every night and it still had half it's juice at the end of the race.
Sharpie with duct tape: Just seemed like a good idea.
Camp mug: REI mug - I really enjoy having this at races as opposed to cutting a plastic bottle or drinking out of my electrolyte bottle.
Toothbrush & tooth paste: These are not "optional" in my opinion, but you'd be surprised.
Tennis ball: 100% worth the weight and size to roll out in the evenings. I'll be upgrading to a TriggerPoint massage ball in future races, it's lighter and firmer.
Insect Repellent: I've never used it, but I took a small 1.5 oz container with me. I'll probably omit this moving forward.
GPS Watch: Garmin Forerunner 235 - I'll write another article about this watch on its own. I did not have a GPS watch in Sri Lanka and found it incredibly helpful during Atacama, especially during the long march.
Extra camp shoes: I brought old hotel slippers from Sri Lanka. My recommendation is to bring sandals or some shoe that doesn't have a strap between your toes - a strap will irritate blisters.