Download a printable PDF packing list here: Packing List.
I have been doing Bataan annually since 2012. It has become an annual journey for me. Over the years, I learned there are two types of people on the course. #1 are those who came prepared (and are happy). #2 are those who didn't prepare and look like death! I’m writing this so you can be like marcher #1 – "The happy people."
Bataan isn’t like other half-marathons or marathons, don't have beautifully paved streets with water stations every mile. You’re out in the beautiful high desert with rolling hills, some challenging climbs, at times, high winds, and of course, sand. You're going to use muscles you didn’t know you had, and your feet and ankles will be challenged in ways that you don't get on the pavement. I'm not telling you these things to scare you off. I want you to be prepared, so you'll have an amazing march.
I should mention that Bataan has two main pack size divisions, the light, and heavy [click here to see all the event categories]. For the light, you can wear any style pack or none – I suggest you wear a small pack. Then there is the heavy division. For this, you must start with – and finish with a min of 35 pounds. You can add bags of rice, flour, or whatever you like to make up the weight. You'll also need a sizeable military-style rucksack to carry it all in.
I do the women's civilian light division, so my packing list is based on that. I'm sure the personal items for heavy would be close to the same, with maybe a few minor adjustments. Depending on your size and appetite, you might need more or less of the nutrition/food items listed. I always take extra stuff to share on the trail with those who didn't pack enough. You'll know who they are cause they'll be dragging themselves along with a glazed look in their eyes or alongside the trail, trying to work out cramps from lack of electrolytes.
The following is what I carry in my pack – for the entire march – you may want to add or delete items as you see fit. Some items below contain links to show you where to find the item(s) or what they look like. You will see them as you scroll over the words.
Okay, enough chit-chat. Let's get to my packing list. Click here [Bataan March Packing List] for a PDF printout below, minus the chit-chat.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR PACK
Pack – I've been using the Osprey Raven 14—I found it the perfect size for my body type and gear needs. I'm changing it up this year -- wish me luck!
Extra socks (2 pairs) – rolled up in a zip lock bag. The zip lock bag ensures the socks stay dry and clean. I wear Swiftwick Aspire 12 – These socks are compression. I wear them pushed down slightly until my calves start to revolt; then, I get the benefit of the compression when they are pulled up fully.
Foot powder – sample size – I use Gold Bond.
Hand sanitizer – sample size — you'll thank me for this one.
Safety pin — in case you have to pop your own blister. Hopefully, you won't get any.
Baby wipes . You'll love me for this one, too, when you're in a potty that doesn't have paper or sanitation.
Sunblock 50 – I like to use the spray — you can burn within 15 minutes in the desert, even when it's overcast and cool!
Blister pads (ample supply) — I use Dr. Scholls Blister treatment pads. – I say ample supply so you can pass them out to those in need.
Body Glide or Petroleum Jelly, AKA Vaseline (in travel size) — I pack both.
Cell phone – (keep an extra ziplock bag for it in the VERY off-chance it rains).
Cliff Shot Blocks — I carry 3-4 packs – and tend to share them when people seem to need nutrition. – I like orange.
Pickle Juice – Yep! Pickle juice. 2 flasks — see Surviving the Bataan Death March for more info on this.
PayDay candy bars (1-2) already cut up into bit sizes in a zip-lock bag.
Trail Mix – I keep a small zip lock of this — I like to fill the small mini M&M tubes with trail mix and keep it handy. Flip the top open and pour it into your mouth!
Sunglasses — You'll want to pull these out while on the trail.
Clear glasses — You'll want to wear these once the sun starts to go down to keep the sand out of your eyes.
Sports Beans – 2 packs
Frozen Uncrustables -- This was another gem I picked up while doing Ironman triathlons. They will thaw throughout the day, and they are going to be MONEY!
Salt replacement – I usually take tablets, but during my Ironman, I discovered Base Electrolyte Salt — it was AMAZING..! It's now my go-to. Gatorade – single-serving packs (3-4)
Water bottle or bladder for water. I use a bladder and then connect an extra bottle with a carabiner to my pack. I use this for Gatorade. I keep water in my pack bladder.
GU Energy Gel Packs — 4+ [Do NOT drink g Gatorade with gel packs — this has been known to cause stomach upset.]
Money..! This is for the food village. Once you hit that spot on the course, you're going to thank me! Take $10.00 – $20.00 — this should cover you. You can also buy an extra beer at the end of the event and you'll need cash for it.
Video camera. I tend to keep my iPhone for music and messaging, etc., and use a small camera to capture video.
Solar Charger for your phone and camera. I don't know what I ever did without mine. This thing is priceless while on the march! Start off the march with a full charge and keep it all day! When I use it, I clip it to my pack – so it's taking a charge while I'm charging my devices.
Antacids – Keep a small supply of these in case your stomach decides to revolt on you.!
Lip balm Pain reliever. Just do it! — I keep all my "Meds" in a small zip lock bag. Any other prescription medications you may need to take during the day.
**Remember to train with your pack! You'll want to get used to the amount of weight you'll be carrying come event day! Also, see How to Survive the Bataan Death March & Don't Bonk Bataan (nutrition)
EVENT PACKING LIST
Below is a partial list for the complete PDF packing list [download here: Bataan March Packing List].
Everything listed above plus the following
PARKING PASS!!!! -- You can't get on the base without your pass and ID.
Bonnie Jungle Hat — to keep the sun off your face and shoulders. Pack or Ruck – I use the Osprey Raven 14—I found it the perfect size for my gear needs.
Neck gator — this will help keep the dust out of your mouth and sun off your neck.
Wind Jacket — in 2014, it was FREEZING the morning of Bataan, and if you're out on course later in the day the winds tend to kick up and it will cool off. There was another year, I believe 2018, when it snowed that morning!!!
Skull hat for the morning if it's cold.
Running gloves. Boy was I happy I had these at 2014 Bataan!
GPS watch or watch — I like to keep track of my march stats. Or just set a time on your iPhone.