#ADVENTURE RACE GEAR SKIN#
#ADVENTURE RACE GEAR SERIES#

It’s REALLY breathable, so if it’s windy, a light wind-shell would be a good idea, but for adventure racing, the breathability is a good thing. All I know is that it is wicked warm for it’s weight. This “fur” is called “variegated-fiber” fabric. Instead of the “waffle” design, the R-2 is sort of furry. The R-2 is comparable to a 200-weight fleece, but it is also much lighter and more compressible. It just might be my favorite piece of apparel for adventure racing. It’s been with me ever since, and it’s still going strong. I got it before my NOLS course back in 2000, and I literally wore it every single day while backpacking through the Rockies for 28 days straight. It’s breathable, stretchy, and it wicks moisture like a champ. It has a “waffle-like” texture on the inside of the fabric that increases the insulation factor while minimizing bulk and weight. The R-1 is comparable to a 100-weight fleece, but it’s much lighter and much more compressible.

#ADVENTURE RACE GEAR SERIES#

That’s where the Patagonia Regulator (R) Series works better than anything I’ve tried before. During an adventure race, though, you want to carry as little as possible while being prepared for anything and everything. That way you can add a layer when you’re too cold or shed a layer when you’re too warm, easily adjusting to the changing weather or your changing activity level. If it’s the go-to tape for a guy that has kept feet healthy at some of world’s toughest races, then why in the world would you take some crappy, worthless athletic tape on your next race? Seriously, get some Kenesio Tex Tape, and you won’t be sorry. “Kinesio Tex tape is my tape of choice for 90% of my taping jobs… Kinesio Tex is thin, easily applied, and sticks exceptionally well.” Vonhoff, an accomplished ultra-runner himself who has been a medical volunteer at races such as Primal Quest, Raid the North Extreme AR, and the Western States 100, has this to say about Kinesio Tex Tape (also from his book Fixing Your Feet): This will ensure that the tape stays in place much, much longer.

The adhesive is heat-activated, so you should briskly rub the tape to generate some heat once it’s been applied.

#ADVENTURE RACE GEAR SKIN#

It comes in 2″, 3″, and 4″ widths (although I use the 2″ variety), it stretches, it’s porous and breathable, it’s really smooth, and it sticks to your skin better than anything I’ve used. The paper backing also prevents the tape from sticking to itself or other items in your pack in hot weather. This tape has a paper backing, so it can be measured and pre-cut before applying to the skin. A lot of physical therapists and athletic trainers use it. Well, that’s not true with Kinesio Tape, which was actually designed for muscle taping. According to John Vonhof in his excellent and highly recommended book, Fixing Your Feet, “Athletic white tape is not well suited for taping feet because of its lack of quality adhesive.” And if you’ve ever tried to use athletic tape on a sweaty foot during an adventure race, then you know it’s a lost cause. Stop packing regular old Athletic Tape in your first aid kit. Now, without further ado, here is part 3… K is for Kinesio Tex Tape If you need to get caught up, you can go to Part 1 and Part 2. Well, we’re back with our newest installment in our series of adventure racing gear reviews and recommendations.

Adventure race gear