Kwark Thermo Pro Lite Tights		POLARTEC® Powerstretch® midweight very comfortable, 4-Way-Stretch, tight fit, flat seams transports moisture away from the skin really well	168 g (size M)	59.95 €	******
Kwark Thermo Pro Lite Shirt		as above no zipper extended back	220 g (size M)	69.95 €	******
Montane Kinetic Shirt		DRYACTIV® STRETCH and DRYACTIV® EXPRESS (underneath the arms) gets sweat away from the skin extended back extra breathable underneath the arms zippered breast pocket long front zip	223 g (size M)	89.95 €

• Of course there are many product out there which may be used as a 1st layer. It needs to be comfortable, tight fitting and stretchy.
• You should try not to sweat in the extreme cold. However, it sometimes will happen. Then it is important that your 1st layer gets the moisture away from your skin quickly and that it dries quickly. 
• There are very thin 1st layers and rather thicker ones. That's personal taste. The advantage of the Kwark Thermo Pro Lite Series is that it can be used as a 1st layer ("underwear") but also as your only layer (winter running tights and shirt).
• Other important points are: Does the top have a zipper? If so, does it touch the skin or is it protected. Does my 1st layer function perfectly when combined with my other layers?

Kwark Thermo Pro Tights		as the Pro Lite Serie just thicker fabric (POLARTEC® Powerstretch®)  the emphasis here is more on insulation rather then moisture management	165 g(size M)	74.95 €
Kwark Thermo Pro Shirt		as above high collar, no zipper, extended back	220 g (size M)	94.95 €
Montane Pulse Shirt		POLARTEC® Classic 100 and POLARTEC® Classic Micro (on the sides and the sleeves) Thin fabric underneath the arms and on the sides decreases packing size and concentrates insulation on the torso long front zip	300 g (size M)	89.95 €
Montane Women's Panther Jacket		POLARTEC® Wind Pro (Main Body) and DRYACTIV® Stretch very warm, comfortable, breathable and wind-resistant female specific active cut two-way front zip underarm stretch panels	550 g (size M)	159.95 €
Montane Jaguar Jacket		as above - just that this is the men's version	620 g (size M)	159.95 €
Montane Extreme Smock		Pertex® (outer), POLARDRI® Mini-Rip (reinforcements), DRYAKTIV® 3000 (inner) 3 layers in 1 many intersting features also available with a women's specific cut	875 g (size M)	149.95 €	******

• Again, there are many options on the market. It starts with thinner fabrics with a tighter fit like the Kwark Thermo Pro and it ends with thicker jackets/smocks and pants.
• The main focus here is on insulation and warmth. Windproofness or -resistance are not so important, yet. However, there is already gear out there which is pretty good at both.
• Breathability is still important as this layer needs to work well in combination with the next one. 

Montane Terra XT 2.0 Pants		perfect pants for colder temps great fabric combinaton	580 g (size M)	129.95 €
Páramo Cascade Trousers		superb ventilation possibilities on the sides available with a men's and women's specific cut	572 g (size M)	94.95 €
Montane eVent Venture Pants		light, very robust, wind- and waterproof and still breathable	425 g (size M)	179.95 €
Páramo Fuera Windproof Trousers		great temperature control with 3/4 zip on the sides	297 g	75.00 €
OMM Kamleika Pants		wind- and waterproof interesting: the pants don't make any noise when you are moving due to the innovative Gelanots™ fabric	250 g	95.00 €
Montane Featherlite Pants		the lightest solution - windproof - however, nearly no additional insulation	120 g (size M)	69.95 €
Montane Quick-Fire Jacket		as the Venture Pants it is made from eVent - very light, breathable, wind- and waterproof	320 g (size M)	319.95 €
Montane Prism Jacket		intersting jacket with Prism Insulation	365 g (size M)	139.95 €
Páramo NEW Velez Adventure Smock		water- and windproof with many intersting features	720 g	295.00 €	******

Advise on the 3rd Layer:

• The 3rd layer needs to give you protection from the elements when the weather conditions get rough, i.e. cold and windy and you are still on the move, i.e. your body is still generating heat. The focus now is on windproofness. Rain is not to be expected. However, most fabric combine these two features. 
• If possible the layer still should be breathable to a certain extent. eVent performs here really well. But event does have its limits, too. That's why it is great if the jacket or pants have the built in possibility for maximum ventilation without the need to take them off, e.g. long zippers on the sides of the legs, etc. 
• The layers need to work well when combined. That is why your choice for the 3rd layer will depend on your 1st and 2nd layers, e.g. How much insulation do you still need in layer number 3?
• Of course you can wear layer 3 over layer 1 and you may have plenty more option. It all depends on the circumstances.
• IMPORTANT: If it is your first time to the Arctic you shold play it safe. If in doubt take the heavier, warmer product and an additional layer. Don't risk your health.
• Also, remember that you may need spare clothes to change into 
• ALSO: No matter how many layers, always try not to sweat. This is particularly important if all your spare clothes are wet already!

Páramo Aspira Salopettes		many interesting features which make these pants great for extra insulation and protection	904 g	269.00 €
Millet Expert Down Pant		down pants made for expeditons	730 g (size L)	219.95 €
Mountain Equipment Annapurna Jacket		robust, water-resistand and windproof	1,160 g (size M)	329.95 €
PHD Hispar Down Jacket		great down jacket from the English expert for down clothing PHD	740 g	419.00 €
PHD Yukon Down Jacket		developed for YAU athletes - however, only for the minimalist	490 g	279.00 €	******

Advise on clothing - Extra Insulation:

• The extra insulation will then come into play if you are not moving anywhere or if you are that cold that even moving does not get you warmed up, e.g. when you bivy, melt snow, cook, make repairs or in case of an emergency. Whilst you are okay with your other layers while moving you will immediately feel the cold when you stop. Also, you need to remember the effect exhaustion will have on how you experience temperatures. At the start line you will not sense the cold as much as you will after 12 hours running and walking in the snow.
• Don't underestimate emergencies. You may plan the race in a way that you won't have to bivy out in the cold but things may happen differently. Maybe you will have to help somebody else?! You may have to stop if you want or not.
• The importance of the right clothing increases with the distance you go for. So far for the 100 Milers the temperatures have not gone far below - 35 degrees C and at the beginning your snowmobiles travel up and down quite a bit. Later on the field is spread out more and temperatures get colder. You may not see anybody for 24 hours.  

Marmot Expediton Mitt		for athletes with sensitive fingers and for the longer distances	340 g (size L)	100.00 €	******
extremities Lightweight Mountain Mitt		the inner mitt can be worn on its own or in combination with the Gore-Tex outer mitt	265 g (size L)	159.95 € one pair in size S for sale 119,95 €
extremities Northcape Glove		fleece on the inside makes theses windproof gloves very comfortable	tbc.	54,95 € 1x L and 1x M on sale for 43.95 €
Marmot Midweight Baselayer Glove		great liner glove also perfect if the temperatures are not that cold	25 g (size L)	20.00 €

Adveise on clothing - Gloves:

• In order to be able to survive in extremely cold temperatures you need functioning fingers - especially if you have an emergency. You need to be able to make a fire. If you already have half frozen fingers this is near impossible. 
• Rather too many gloves than not enough!
• Even if you have good mitts you may get cold fingers. In that case you may want to use chemical heat pads. But CAUTION: some of these pads get really hot and may destroy fabrics.
• You always need to know where your gloves are. If it is extremely cold and you use your warmest mitts, these should be attached to your other clothing. That way if you take them off you won't lose them. After a bivy or a break always check if you have your gloves still with you.
• If you bivy and it is very cold, take the gloves with you into the sleeping bag.  

extremities Stretchagaiter

water- and windproof gaiters with Gore-Tex developed for maximum liberty of action

369 g (size S/M)

99.95 €

Advise on clothing - Gaiters:

• Gaiters are not a must but certainly make sense. Often the snow surface will be solid and you don't run the risk of snow entering your shoes. However, there always may be situations when this can happen, e.g. when you bivy off the trails or if wind blows snow on the trail. 
• Also, the gaiters offer extra protection and insulation from the cold. 
• The gaiters should be breathable and not weigh too much.
• You need to test if the gaiters work well with your shoes as gaiters are made more for hiking, trekking and mountaineering boots rather then running shoes.  

extremities Ice Cap		this Gore-Tex Cap is great when it gets really cold and windy	75 g (size L)	49.95 €	******
extremities ActiveXTook		very light and breathable wind-resistang cap	35 g (size L/XL)	29.95 €
extremities Power Stretch Beanie		good if it is not that cold and there is no wind very breathable	30 g (one size fits all)	21.95 €
extremities Windy Balaclava		for the extremely cold temeratures	90 g (size L/XL)	49.95 €
extremities Power Stretch Neck Gaiter		when a balaclava would still be too much but you want to get additional insulation for your neck	28 g (one size fits all)	19.95 € on sale for für 15.95 €

Advise on clothing - Head and Neck:

• What's still missing: Sun glasses and goggles - the latter you will need if things get very rough and windy and every piece of skin needs to be covered in order to avoid frost bite.
• The head is very important for the heat management of your body. Therefore, be careful not to lose your hats/caps on the trail.
• You need a good solution for extremely bad weather conditions when all your skin needs to be covered. A problem area usually is the mouth as the fabric there ices up quickly as you breathe. Some balaclavas have holes. If yours does not you may have to make them yourself. Otherwise you can just get rid of the ice every now and then. 
• Beware those of you who wear glasses! Remember that you glasses fog up easily. Disposable contact lenses may be the better option.
• Problem areas in your face are the nose and the cheeks. That's where frostbite starts usually. Monitor these areas well. I have seen people using duc tape for additional protection. It looks funny but seems to work to a certain extent.  

extremities Thinny		breathable 1st layer socks	tbc.	9.95 €
extremities Thicky		thicker 1st layer socks	tbc.	14.95 €
Profeet Platinum Winter		ergonimic right and left running socks for winter also with Merino	70 g (size 9-11)	11.95 €
SealSkinz Mid Light		waterproof, breathable socks (Merino inside) Beware: breathability is limited. Also, these socks are thicker than regular running socks. Test them before you go to the race	100 g (size 9-11)	42.90 €	******
SealSkinz Mid Thermal		as above just thicker, i.e. specifically made for the colder temperatures - great for people who easily get cold feet	128 g (size 9-11)	45.90 €

• No matter what solution you go for, please test it well.
• When moving your body generates quite a bit of heat for your feet. However, when you stop moving you will get cold quickly. Therefore, regular running socks are not the best solution. 
• The waterproof SealSkinz are not a must. They have coma a long way, though. Fit and breathability have improved. Still, the latter is not comparable to regular functional socks.
• I often use SealSkinz and sometimes even wear them in Gore-Tex shoes. That is a bit much but it works great for me. Others may get many blisters with such a combination. Again, just testing will show what is best for you.  
• Remember that you shoes will likely need to be at least one size larger than what you normally wear.   

Care PLUS First Aid Kit Emergency		extensive First Aid Kit	480 g	27.50 €
Care PLUS Blister Kit		for the treatment of blisters	150 g	12.50 €	******
Signaling Whistle		does not weigh much an can save lives - Therefore, it should be with you in any running adventure	30 g	5.00 €	******

• You can also put together you personal First Aid Kit from stuff you already have and new things which are particularly important for an ultra run. In a complete kit like above you will likely find things you may not need and other things you are looking for are missing. Think about emergency scenarios and what you will need. Also think about what the cold may do to things like creams or liquids. If you are in doubt about something as a doctor or pharmacist.
• Often athletes have problems with blisters. If possibl try to prevent this problem. Don't wait until it's too late. Don't make last minute experiments with your footwear or buy new shoes just before the race. Besonders häufig treten beim YAU Blasen auf. Man sollte natürlich versuchen, dieses Problem erst
• At the YAU medical support is not as extensive as it is in other races, e.g. the MdS. Of course there are people who help but little problems related to footcare are not really something they should have to deal with and the distances between checkpoints are loooong at times.
• Put your First Aid Kit in something waterproof. 
• First Aid may also mean that you need to quickly build a wood fire. Put your matches, lighter etc. in different places - in your First Aid Kit, your jacket, your sled, etc. Lighters you always should carry on your body. Be carefull when you handle lighters and matches. If they fall into the snow they may not work anymore. You also should have something that helps speed up the fire making, e.g. fire paste and/or gasoline (from your stove).   

Bodyglide Anti-Friction & Sun Formula		great protection for stressed skin (easy to apply - like a deo stick, i.e. you don't get the stuff on your fingers) in addition this stick protects you from the sun. That way you don't need additional sunscreen	66 g	14.98 €
Care PLUS Skin Saver Lipstick SPF 30		in the cold lips suffer. This lipstic helps	14 g	3.50 €	******
Care PLUS Foot Powder		powder to help prevent blisters	66 g	3.95 €	******

• With the right clothing and footwear you have already done most of the job. However, as at other ultras parts of you skin will suffer (e.g. rashes). Then it is good to have a solution handy.
• Sun and cold are tough on the skin. Creams may help but you need to remember that these can freeze if you don't have them close to your body heat.  

MSR XGK EX		the bestselling expedition stove very interesting for athletes who go trekking in the mountains (as it was made for high altitude cooking)	489 g	174.95 €	******
MSR WhisperLite Internationale		very light multi-fuel burning stove the favourite of YAU athletes	402 g	104.95 €	******
MSR Fuel Bottles		available in 3 different sizes	325 ml = 79 g 650 ml = 139 g 975 ml = 207 g	from 14.50 €	******
MSR Heat Reflector with Windscreen		increases stability and shortens cooking times	tbc.	18.95 €	******
MSR Titan 2L Pot Set		super light	227 g	79.95 €	******
MSR Titan Fork & Spoon		hard to beat	28 g	19.95 €	******

• Some try to avoid the use of a stove. Others love the breaks in between with a hot chocolate or a meal. But even if you don't plan to use a stove you need to have one.
• Butane/Propane stoves are not the right choice in the cold.
• If it is the first time you are using a stove make sure you learn how to operate it before the race. Try it at home! Also, get you fingers puposely really cold and then try to operate your stove. Ideally you can start your stove with thin gloves, too.
• Regarding the transport of stoves on airplanes it is difficult to get a correct answer. It seems to work if you really clean them well and put them in your main luggage (not the carry-on).
• Regarding accessories you can of course save money. It does not always have to be Titan to be light. Plastic may do for fork and spoon. Aluminium pots are ligth, too.
• You should need to know how to take apart your stove in order to do maintenance or repairs on it. It also means that you should have a repair kit with you. 

Snowsled Ice Blue Plastic Shell		plastic sled specifically for light weight trekking on snow ausreichend stabil, leicht und preisgünstig	2.2 kg	89.00 €	******
Snowsled Hauling Harness		comfortable pulka harness also available without shoulder elements (if the weight of the loaded sled is very low)	tbc.	119.00 €	******
Snowsled Rigid Hauling Shaft		the new hauling shaft from Snowsled. Functions 100% better than the old one	tbc.	129.00 €	******
Snowsled Pulk Bag		this bag was designed as a pulk bag, ie. there is a zipper from end to end and the bottom is waterproof	tbc.	109.00 €	******
Snowsled Adjustable Straps		the straps help keeping the load in place	tbc.	19.00 €	******
Snowsled Base Board		it also helps with stability it also protects the bottom of the sled can be used as a base when cooking	tbc.	29.00 €	******

• The pulk sled is a very important part of your gear. If you want to save some money you can just buy the shell and build the hauling shafts yourself. All you need is electrical piping, rope some screws and carabiners. But make sure you test it extensively. You don't want suprises during the race. Your construction needs to be stable as otherwise it may break on the many downhills or keep overtaking you on your left or right
• Other plastic shells work, too. Make sure the plastic is not too thin and the bottom is made well. I have also seen athletes put teflon runners on the bottom of their sleds. This keeps the sled on track and protects it.
• As a harness you may also want to use an old climbing harness or the hip belt of a backpack. However, these alternatives also mean less comfort and functionality. 
• Always be prepared to make repairs, e.g. deal with holes, breaking poles, etc. It means you will need spare parts and/or tools and kit.
• There are alternatives to a specialised pulk bag, too. Some people use large sports bags. Make sure the zipper is big and works well. Otherwise you may have problems with it in the cold. The bag should be light and water resistant at the bottom as there is always some snow in your sled and if it is not too cold it may melt.
• Organise the gear in your sled well. It is very frustrating if you have to look for stuff when it is really cold.
• Don't load your sled too high. Otherwise it may tip over to the side all the time.
• If you don't buy the adjustable straps you need a similar solution because you do have to tie your stuff well onto the sled.

Ajungilak Denali 5-Season		the warmest synthetic sleeping bag on the market (extreme temperature range down to - 49 degrees Celsius)	3.8 kg (without pack sack)	350.00 € not available online but can be ordered via Email	******
Ajungilak Tyin 5-Season		also synthetic not as warm as te Denali ("only" down to -41 Grad C extreme temperaturen), but lighter and smaller packing size	2.9 kg (witout pack sack)	280,00 € online nicht erhältlich, kann aber per Email bestellt werden	******

• Apart from the sleeping bag you will also need a sleeping mat and a bivy bag. In addition a fleece liner and/or Vapour Barrier Liner (VBL) help getting some extra warmth. 
• Lestra is currently developing a complete sleeping system for the YAU. We hope to have more detailed news in November. 
• Regarding weight and packing size down is the better choice. However, the price is higher, too. It will also depend on what else you plan to do with the bag. In the dry cold down is fine. If you go to places where it will get cold and wet, the synthetic bag may be the better option. Although a good VBL and bivy bag can protect the down over an extended period and in more humid air, too. 
• If you borrow a sleeping bag from friends or family make sure that it still insulates properly. Wrong storage of a sleeping bag can take away a lot of the functionality of a sleeping bag.
• The extreme temperature range already means that you risk hypothermia, i.e. at that temperature the bag is not nice and cosy anymore. Consider that when putting together your sleeping system.
• A VBL or a fleede liner will give you some extra warmth. When the sleeping bag is big enough you can put on down clothing and other warm clothes inside it.
• The sleeping bag should also have enough space for you to have your shoes and other items you don't want to freeze inside it.
• A good sleeping mat is important as a lot of the cold comes from the ground. If it is really cold you can also make a bed of twigs underneath the mat - that is if twigs are availale.
• You can of course also take along a tent. However, in an emergency it is not very practical. Putting up a tent in - 40 degrees with you gloves on is a real challenge.
• Look for places to rest that are less cold, e.g. don't biviy on a lake or river if you don't have to. 

inov-8 roclite 318 GTX		inov-8 shoe with Gore-Tex membrane great on snow	318 g (UK 8)	125.00 €
icebug GG Fly BUGrip		with BUGDri membrane and integrated water resistant gaiters 16 carbid steel spikes on each shoe for extra grip also available as a women's model not available on Racelite.de but can be ordered online	tbc.	180.00 €
Montrail Continental Divide GTX		Details will follow	tbc.	tbc.
Montrail Hardrock Mid GTX		Details will follow	tbc.	tbc.

• Athletes have used all kinds of shoes at the YAU. Trail running shoes with a membrane are likely the favourite. It is a very individual thing. Those of you who get blisters from hot and wet feet may prefer trying a shoe without membrane but or not use waterproof socks. Others love water resistant shoes. In any case you need to test your shoes extensively. No last minute experiments.
• You should be aware that you will likely need shoes 1 size larger than your regular size - due to thicker and more layers of socks.
• An interesting add-on are the Neo Overboots. Certainly for those doing the 300 and 430 miles. The Overboots are wind- and waterproof. They go over your shoe and protect you up to your knee (depending on what model you buy). It helps you when your feet are cold or if you get into overflow (= water on the ice). Unfortunately, it is difficult to get these shoes in Europe but you can order them in a sports store in Whitehorse. If you are interested we can give you the contact information. 

Petzl Myobelt XP		perfect for the YAU - a good reach but also with economy mode if you don't need to pick up something far away the separate battery pack which you wear close to your body heat helps economise batteries and reduces the weight on your head	220 g (incl. batteries)	79.95 €	******
Petzl e+LITE		great emergency head torch	27 g	24.95 €

• A big portion of the race happens at night, especially for the 300 and 430 mile racers. Therefore, you should not make compromises when buying your head torch.
• Reach and battery life are important. The reach is important because you want to pick up the reflective Quest markers which can be a considerable distance apart from each other. If the batteries last longer you can economise the amount you need and thus save weight. Of course you can and should put spare batteries in your drop bags, too.
• An emergency or back-up head torch is a must. If something goes wrong with your main head torch it is good for your nerves if you can immediately replace it.
• Even if you see the trail at night without your head torch it needs to be switched on. Dog teams travel silently and they may not see you in time. Also, it helps snowmobiles to see you and slow down. 

Komperdell Carbon Duolock Men		extremely light and still rugged also available as a women's specific model (= shorter)	182 g	109.95 €
Komperdell Contour Titanial Men		a bit heavier (still light, though) but cheaper also available as a women's specific model	223 g	79.95 €

• Trekking poles make sense at the YAU. On uphills and downhills they give you valualbe support as it may be slippery and you have the weight of the sled in your back.
• In addition the poles help you to show your snowmobile guides if you bivy next to the trail (you put them near the trail where the guides can see them and put flagging tape on them - which is provided by the organiser).  

CamelBak Zoid		2.1 L insulated Omega Reservoir	535 g	59.95 €	******
CamelBak StoAway		insulated 2 L reservoir (can be integrated in any backpack)	610 g	44.95 €

• If you use a water bladder (and most athletes do) you need to have it over your 1st layer of clothing and under the other layers.
• The mouth piece freezes really easily. Therefore, it needs to be insulated well and if possible not exposed to the cold very long.
• The pipe can be warmed up underneath your armpit. Also, it needs to be insulated well.
• A thermos with something hot to drink should be in your sled. 
• You can also use chemical heat pads which you attach to bottles and then wrap it in clothes. That way a Coke can stay drinkable for quite some time - of course only if it is not extremely cold. But be careful as the heat pad may damage your clothes.  

Trekking Mahlzeiten		freeze dried expedition meals from Trekking Mahlzeiten we have almost everything in stock	from 125 g	from 4.45 €	******
travellunch		freeze dried meals from Simpert Reither again, we have almost everything in stock	fom 100 g	from 2.75 €	******
Energy OatSnacks		great tasting bars!	65 g	1.60 €	******
PowerBar Harvest Bars		the classic	60 g	1.99 €	******
PowerBar C2MAX Performance Bars		energy while you are on the move	65 g	1.99 €	******
PowerBar C2MAX Powergels		fast energy	41 g	1.79 €	******
K1000 Compact-Ration		compact food for emergencies	250 g	5.40 €	******
Peronin		innovative liquid meals - developed for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica with vanilla or chocolate taste	100 g	4.10 €	******

• As is the case with your gear you should test your food prior to the race. It's frustrating to look forward to a break and a meal and then finding out that it tastes aweful. 
• Those of you who know that you need a lot of food when racing should keep that in mind. There are great meals at the checkpoints but the distances between these checkpoints are long.
• Athletes sometimes make the mistake to use too many gels and energy bars - way more than they use when training. This often causes stomach problems.
• If you take along bigger snacks (bars, chocolate, etc.) make sure you cut it into small pieces before you start. Stuff gets really frozen if you don't carry it close to body heat. Not good for your teeth ...

Energizer Lithium-Batteries AAA		last longer when it,s cold (in general these batteries last up to 7x longer than regular alkaline batteries, e.g. in a camera) weigh less than regular batteries if you plan to use them in a head torch make sure your head torch works with them	tbc.	7.95 €	******
Energizer Lithium-Batteries AA		as above	tbc.	7.95 €	******
Suunto MC2-Global		great compass for the YAU and any other adventure	74 g	69.90 €
Gerber Magnum LST Jr		very light knife. However, it is also small, i.e. it won't help you chop wood	43 g	42.00 €
Gerber Multi-Plier 400		Light and versatile	170 g	67.95 €
Packtowl UltraLite		for your drop bags	from 21 g	from 12.50 €
SealLine STORM SACK		very light waterproof pack sacks for organising your sled and keeping certain things waterproof also good as drop bags	from 62 g (5 L)	from 12.50 €
Kahtoola Crampons		super light crampons go over any running shoe	540 g	129.00 €	******

• This list is incomplete. 
• There are always athletes listening to music. In places where the trail is very winding you should avoid that as you won't hear snowmobiles coming and they may not see you in time to break.
• Your pack sacks should not be too big. Always what you need is at the bottom and it is a pain to get everything out and then into the bag again ...
• Crampons are a must only for the 430 miles. Of course there are places where a 300 miler may want them, too. However, most athletes do without.
• Who wants to be sure to be able to build a good wood fire should have a small axe or saw. Otherwise, you depend upon fallen trees and branches - which not always are handy.