What to Pack for Bataan Death March

Download a printable PDF packing list here: Packing List. 

I've been tackling Bataan every year since 2012. It's like my yearly pilgrimage. Over time, I've discovered there are two species of folks on the course:

1. Those who came prepared and- are smiling late into the course.

2. The ones who didn't prepare and resemble extras in a zombie movie!

I wrote this post so you can be like marcher #1 – "The happy (happier) crowd."

Bataan isn't like other half-marathons or marathons. There are no beautifully paved streets or water stations every mile. Instead, you’ll find yourself in the stunning high desert, navigating rolling hills and some challenging climbs. Be prepared for high winds and, of course, sand. You will engage muscles you didn't know you had, and your feet and ankles will face challenges that pavement running doesn't present. I'm sharing this information not to discourage you but to ensure you are prepared for an amazing experience in March.

Bataan has two main divisions for pack sizes: light and heavy. In the light division, you can either wear any style of pack or no pack at all; however, I recommend using a small pack.

In contrast, the heavy division requires you to start and finish with a minimum weight of 35 pounds. You can use items like bags of rice, flour, or anything else to reach this weight. Additionally, you will need a sizable military-style rucksack to carry all of your gear.

I participate in the women's civilian light division, so my packing list is tailored to that. For those in the heavy division, the personal items would be quite similar, with perhaps a few minor adjustments. Depending on your size and appetite, you may need more or fewer nutrition and food items than what I’ve listed. I always pack extra supplies to share with others on the trail who may not have packed enough. You'll typically spot them struggling along with a glazed look in their eyes or resting by the trail as they try to relieve cramps caused by a lack of electrolytes.

Adding Weight to Make Weight

I recommend buying non-perishable food items while in town; the race will collect these at the end of the event and donate them to a local food bank.

1. Rice

2. Can goods (taped together)

3. GORUCK plate

4. Workout plates

The following is a list of items I carry in my pack for the entire march.

Feel free to add or remove items as you see fit. Some items below include links to show you where to find them or to provide images for reference.

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. It's the perfect size for my body type and gear needs. But since I'm a smaller, 5'4" person, you'll want to find what fits your build and needs.

• Extra socks (2 pairs) – rolled up in a zip lock bag.

  • The Ziplock bag ensures the socks stay dry and clean.

  • I wear Swiftwick Aspire 12 compression socks. I wear them pushed down slightly until my calves start to revolt, and then I get the benefit of the compression when they are pulled up fully.

• Extra safety pins for your Fallen Hero Memorial Bib. These bibs will be in your registration packet. We will have some pins at packet pickup, but they might run out.

• Foot powder – sample size – I use Gold Bond. 

• Hand sanitizer – sample size — you'll thank me for this one.

• Safety pin—A clean one, kept stored with a couple of alcohol wipes, in case you have to pop a blister. Hopefully, you won't get any. I can't stress enough how you need to keep it clean.

• 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.

• Solar Charger for your phone, camera, headphones, or speaker. 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 up all day! When I use it, I clip it to my pack – so it's taking charge while I'm charging my devices.

• 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 will 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 will 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.

• Antacids – Keep a small supply of these if 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.

ITEMS YOU'LL NEED RACE MORNING!

• PARKING PASS!!!! -- You can't get on the base without your pass and ID.

• Boonie Jungle Hat: To keep the sun off your face and shoulders. 

• Neck gator — This will help keep the dust out of your mouth and the sun off your neck.

• 

  2023 MOH BATAAN TEA

• Wind Jacket— If you're out on course later in the day, the winds tend to kick up, and it will cool off.

• Something to cover up with in the morning. 🥶 I believe it was in 2018 when it snowed that morning!!! In 2023, it was the coldest year EVER! I wore a coat for most of the day. It was FREEZING!!!!

  • I normally take a fuzzy housecoat from Goodwill. Yes, I look like an idiot, but I'm a warm idiot while everyone else is freezing. I drop it along the trail, and it, along with all the other clothing I drop off, is waiting at the finish. You can look for your dropped gear or leave it to be donated.

  • Be ready for the heat! #layers. There was another year, 2019, I think it was, when it was so hot that people were dropping weight and dropping out like flies. Moral of the story come preped for cold, but also be ready to sweat your ass off too.

• BENNIE for the morning if it's cold.

• Running gloves. Again, it is better to be warm than freezing and miserable.

• GPS watch or watch — I like to keep track of my march stats. Or just set a time on your iPhone.

• Headphones or speakers—Speakers are great early on the course, and headphones are a must when going into your mental hurt locker. The music helps keep your mind off of the suffering.

• Moisture-wicking shirt for the march. Make sure it's something that doesn't rub, causing chafing. Speaking of chafing, I suggest moisture-wicking underwear. There's nothing worse than monkey butt. No one wants that! I like longer biker length, so they don't ride and bunch up while walking.

• BDU pants or other pants/shorts to wear during the march. I like the pants because the pockets give me instant access to my nutrition etc without having to drop my pack.

• Race belt — or you can pin your number to your shirt. I prefer the belt.

• Headlamp—You'll need one in the morning while you're at your car and finding your way to the toilet and the start line. It's also useful in case you're out while the sun goes down (if you're out that long).

• Arm sleeves: I wear Swiftwick. They protect against UV, wind, and cold. They are also light and breathable enough to wear throughout March.

• Memorial signs, Ribbons, flags, and similar items should already be attached to your pack on race morning. Memories of Honor is including a Memorial Bib in each participant's packet. A limited supply of blank bibs will also be available at packet pickup if you'd like to personalize one. We will try to deliver the blank bibs and safety pins to packet pickup as soon as possible, as they were not shipped with the original bibs.

UCK FOR THE FALLEN WITH**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). MEMORIES OF HONOR

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Check out How to Survive the Bataan Death March for more information.

Please share and like our Memories of Honor page with everyone you know and tag us @MemoriesofHonor on FB and #Memoriesofhonor #EveryDayIsMemorialDay on Twitter. Let's leave no sacrifice unhonored.

Amy Cotta | Memories of Honor Founder & Mother of GySGT Zych, USMC

Certified N.S.C.A Personal Trainer