A scenic view of a river or reservoir surrounded by green hills and mountains, seen through the blurred framing of two people in helmets.

Kit List

Below you will find a list of mandatory and recommended kit for Trans Caledonia 2026.
Please note, you will not be able to race without the mandatory kit. We’ve highlighted which items are mandatory below:

  • Full face helmet

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Rucksack or hip-pack

  • Snacks and 1.5L water

  • Phone

  • Navigation device (phone or dedicated GPS)

  • Bike repair: multitool, inner tube/tubeless repair kit, mini-pump/CO2, powerlinks/spare chain links

Riding kit

  • A full face helmet is mandatory (one with a removeable chin guard is acceptable)

  • This is Scotland - come prepared for all weather! Scottish conditions can be unpredictable. We recommend bringing a mix of:

    • Long and short sleeve jerseys

    • Lightweight and warmer riding layers

    • Riding trousers and/or shorts

    • Warm socks (we highly recommend Bridgedale’s mountain bike socks, you can get 30% off here)

    Waterproofs are essential - A waterproof jacket is mandatory, and waterproof trousers are strongly recommended.

    We recommend bringing at least 4 sets of clothes, preferably 6.

  • Knee pads are strongly recommended.

  • We strongly recommend bringing goggles / glasses. Clear lenses are recommended.

  • We strongly recommend bringing gloves (two pairs in case it rains, or a warmer pair). Scottish trees are tight!

  • Back protectors are recommended for added on-trail protection and peace of mind. Many mountain bike–specific backpacks also include an integrated back protector, which can be a convenient option.

Race pACK Essentials

  • ‍You’ll need a way to carry tools, spares, food, waterproofs, water and other essentials while on your bike. A backpack or a generously sized hip pack is mandatory.

    ‍Our official backpack partner is Deuter, whose packs are proven and trusted for multi-day racing. Deuter have kindly provided a rider discount. Use code deuter-TransCaledonia-20 at checkout.

    ‍ Recommended options:

    • For minimalists: Rogla 5 a lightweight vest-style biking backpack

    • For carrying additional kit: Race 8 or for those who like a little ventilation Race Air 10 (Race Series)

    • For riders who prefer a hip pack: the Pulse Pro 5

    If you want even more room consider their Attack packs which come with back protection.

  • It is mandatory to carry the following while riding:

    • Multi-tool

    • 1 x inner tube or tubeless repair kit (tyre plugs and insertion tool)

    • Mini pump / CO2

    • Powerlinks and/or spare chain links

    • Chain breaker (can be part of multi-tool)

    We also recommend carrying:

    • Hanger (if applicable)

    • Leatherman or similar general multi-tool

    • Spare AXS battery (if applicable)

  • ‍ We recommend all riders carry a small first-aid kit.

    ‍ ‍We recommend including:‍

    • Space blanket

    • 1–2 bandages

    • Adhesive dressings

    • Basic pain relief (Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen)

    • Blister pads

    • Antiseptic wipes

    • Any personal prescription medication required for the duration of the event (e.g. inhalers)

    ‍ Deuter also have first aid kits designed for adventures.

  • It is mandatory that all riders carry a mobile phone. You need to be contactable while on course, and we will communicate important updates via a dedicated WhatsApp group.

    It is mandatory to have some form of navigation device be that a phone with apps or dedicated GPS device.

    Please ensure you have active mobile data coverage for the duration of the event and bring a charger (plus any necessary adaptor). All accommodations will have charging facilities available.

  • Although we provide meals and a lunch food station throughout the race, this is a demanding week of sustained effort. It is mandatory that you carry 2 x energy bars/gels or similar.

    It’s always better to have more fuel than you think you’ll need rather than risk running short.

  • It is mandatory that you carry at least 1.5 litres of water.
    You may also wish to bring isotonic mix/tabs along for your hydration pack.

  • A dedicated GPS device with navigation is recommended. It is mandatory to have some form of navigation device be that a phone with apps or dedicated GPS device. A dedicated GPS device allows you to follow the route reliably and efficiently throughout the race, reduces reliance on your phone, and helps preserve battery life.

Bike & Spares

  • We strongly recommend 140 - 180mm enduro bikes. No e-bikes are permitted.

  • Our mechanics will carry a limited selection of general spare parts. However, with the wide variety of bikes and components in use, we can’t cover every possible setup. We recommend that you bring key spares specific to your bike - particularly items prone to wear or damage.

    • brake pads (at least one fresh set)

    • rear derailleur

    • derailleur hanger

    • chain

    • spokes (specific to your wheels!)

    • inner tubes

    • 1-2 tyres

    • other sacrificial parts which may be specific to your bike

    • Chain lube

Luggage

You can travel with the following bags:

  • 1 x bike bag (must be emptied and will be stored for the duration of the event week with no access during the week)

  • 1 x holdall/duffel - transported by our team during the race. Max 25kg.

  • 1 x small bag / backpack - transported by our team during the race

  • 1 x riding backpack / hip pack - transported by you on your bike

  • Transported by our team during the race. Max 25kg.

    We recommend the following:

    Remember the Deuter discount code (deuter-TransCaledonia-20).

  • If you need a bit more space you’re welcome to bring a smaller backpack.

    We recommend:

Useful Extras

  • Please bring a towel with you for our accommodation on the 3rd and 4th nights.

  • Accommodation will be on a shared basis (two or more riders per room). As you might expect after long race days, some people snore. We recommend bringing earplugs to help ensure a good night’s sleep and proper recovery.

  • To take advantage of the spa hotels or nearby lochs (lake)/rivers.

  • For your backpack consider a rain protector or dry bags

  • If you’re super organised and want to pack a set of clothes for each day, packing bags/cubes are really handy.

  • You may have heard of the famous Scottish midge - they’re small biting insects and although should be reducing in numbers by September we recommend bringing some insect repellent / midge spray.

    The sun also does actually shine in Scotland so suncream is a useful extra.

  • If you want to come fully prepared for Scottish conditions, we recommend Bridgedale’s waterproof socks. They provide reliable protection in wet weather while remaining breathable and comfortable for long days in the saddle.

    You can get 20% off their stormsock collection here.