Arizona Trail Gear: What Worked Well and What’s Even Better

When I embarked on my Arizona Trail Race (AZTR) ITT, I quickly realized how critical the right Arizona Trail gear is for success. My timing coincidentally aligned with the race’s current late October schedule, but I made several mistakes during that ride—mistakes I would correct if I attempted the Arizona Trail Race again.

The three biggest gear-related issues I encountered were:

1. Skipping Supplements: Failing to pack key supplements affected my energy and recovery.
2. No Sleeping Bag: Cold nights were far more challenging without proper insulation.
3. Inadequate Gear Testing: My water bottle mounts and bike-carrying harness failed because I didn’t test them thoroughly beforehand.

While these were my most significant errors, most of the other changes I’d make are minor adjustments to optimize efficiency and comfort. The most important lesson, however, was realizing that I underestimated the trail and overestimated my readiness—a mindset I would completely overhaul for future attempts.

If you’re planning your own AZTR ride, take the time to carefully consider your Arizona Trail gear and preparation strategies. For more tips, check out my Arizona Trail Resupply Guide and explore my Arizona Trail Planning Aids for detailed route and resource information. With the right preparation, you can tackle the AZTR with confidence.