Rucksack essentials

Next year (September) I’m planning to run 170 miles (6 marathons in 6 days) across the width of the UK with no support team - just running between B&Bs.

I obviously want to travel light – what would people suggest as the key essentials for my rucksack? Like, what are your thoughts on a waterproof jacket? Should I take one, or am I going to get wet anyway?

I do however plan to drop off a few key essentials (clothes for the evening etc) at the B&Bs the week before, ready for when I arrive. Any other ideas for this?

Any other advice would be much welcome (ie, should i run in shorts or running tights?)

Many thanks, Shaun For more details, see my blog ... www.runningcoast2coast.wordpress.com

If you get wet on the coast without adequate clothing for a length of time, you are going to get very cold.

When you say no support team, you are going to pass your ETA each day to someone aren't you?

How experienced are you running wise and in the outdoors generally? just wondering.

Good luck with it.

Spare socks, wet wipes, blister plasters, toilet roll, immodium instants tape for rucksac chaffing, head torch, mobile phone, map- can you leave next day's map in each night's "drop bag"?

Good luck!

On the waterproof / shorts front and being unsupported. I guess one thing to consider is what if you can't run? i.e you've injured yourself and either you can't move, or you can walk, but not run. 

Thanks for the comments so far.

On the safety issue, I'll be running with one other person and we're mostly sticking to a route which is navigable by road.

I would suggest in addition to your kit your are wearing as a minimum you carry a dry top pref long sleeved, a waterproof jacket, gloves, hat/buff, map, phone (charged and with an ICE number in the phonebook), A little food additional to what you will consume whilst running.

Basically if it all goes horribly wrong you will most likely have a wait until someone can get to you/finds you. Think of what you would want to keep you warm and as comfortable as possible.