Gear List.

The gear list is somewhat of a work in progress but here's where we're up to with this:

• Two pairs of running shoes in case one pair gets wet. Due to the humidity it can take a while for things to dry, so unless you like putting damp shoes on the next morning, bring two pairs.
• A pair of trail shoes. We'll be running on everything from soft sand to bitumen to dirt to volcanic rock. From experience, trail shoes will be the best all round option. If you want to bring a pair of road shoes and trail shoes, we can tell you which days will be best suited to which shoes. (There are way more trails than roads though, so we usually take two pairs of trail shoes that can handle some road.)
• Your usual warm weather running gear - whatever that consists of for you. Keep in mind most days it will at the very least be warm, possibly flat out hot and/or humid. Socks, shorts, tops etc. Even though there's a slight chance of rain, it's likely to still be warm so a rain jacket is unlikely to be necessary for adventurous souls like yourself. We suggest steering away from 'Killer Cotton' as it tends to hold too much sweat and take ages to dry, regular tech gear gets pretty stinky pretty fast, so we're big fans of merino which stays comfy and is stink-resistant. Our friends at I/O Merino have even offered RunVenturers 20% off so if there's something you'd like, simply use the discount code ioyou20merino to claim your discount! Again, as with the shoes, bring enough so that if your gear doesn't dry overnight you have something else dry and comfry to wear. (Especially on Day 2 & 3 when we're on the move between hotels, there's less chance to wash and dry gear. Once we hit Ubud it gets a bit easier. There'll also be very cheap laundry available although is usually a 24 hour turn around.)
• Some warm clothes. On The Volcano Run it can get quite chilly at the top. We get up there before sunrise (hopefully!) and while you'll sweat like a pig on the way up while you're moving, when you get to the top and stand around, it can be uncomfortably cool standing around in sweat-soaked shorts and t-shirts. A light to medium sleeve top will be a good idea here. If you're really soft in the cold, a buff/beanie, dry t-shirt and possibly even 'tights' for your legs might not go astray either. There's not really anywhere too private to get changed, but if it's still dark, you should be able to find a dark 'corner' to change quickly and reasonably discreetly. Just keep in mind once the sun is up, it will warm up fast and you'll probably want to strip back down again.
• A hat/cap. It gets hot. And it's likely to be sunny. Enough said.
• Some sort of water carrying device. We HIGHLY recommend a hydration pack with a small amount of extra storage space. If you're hell bent on running without one, you could probably get away with a 'fuel belt' or even 'hand held' bottles, but a hydro pack will give you the best flexibility. You can carry more water, a few snacks and supplies and the warm clothes you'll need on The Volcano Run. If you need suggestions of brands/models etc, please ask.
  
• Sunglasses. It will be sunny. So sunglasses will keep the sun out of your eyes. If you forget to bring your favourites, you can always buy a pair for about $4 while you're there.
• Bathers and a towel! Duh, it's Bali! All our hotels have swimming pools. Plus there's the beach. And the waterfalls. And a river. (On The River Run there'll be a chance to change into something other than your running gear before we go rafting, but basically just wear whatever you want as long as you don't mind if you get a little wet.)
• To the best of our knowledge, it's not easy finding 'running nutrition' etc in Bali. Bali is changing FAST so who knows, by the time we get there you may be able to find these sorts of supplies, but if in doubt, bring it with you. We can't comment on specific Bali customs rules but we can confirm as of Feb 2013 there is a box on the customs declaration that requires you to declare "Animals, fish and plants including their products (vegetables, food etc)" so running gels and powders would fit in this category. Traditionally, they have absolutely no problem with sealed packets of food that are easily identifiable but this part truly is up to you.
• First aid supplies. Bali has some great chemists where you can buy all sorts of things over the counter - including what would be 'prescription only' in many countries. But if there's something really specific you need you may want to consider bringing it with you. If you're worried about Customs it may be possible for you to get a note/letter from your doctor confirming you need these supplies - particularly less recognisable things like syringes for diabetics etc. There is some official information on this subject here but if you can understand it, you're doing better than us.
  
• Sunscreen. Many things are much cheaper in Bali, sunscreen isn't one of them. You can buy it there easily enough, but at best it's no cheaper than in places like Australia. And usually, the good stuff is imported and can be a bit expensive.
• A small 'day bag'. Generally speaking, once we leave the hotel in the morning, we're gone for the day. So anything you need for running, or the after-run shenanigans, you'll need to bring with you. Dry clothes, toiletries to make yourself look beautiful etc. Some days we'll have a mobile, improvised change room and you'll need to make do. Some days we'll have access to decent bathrooms. We'll brief you the night before on what you're likely to need so you can pack accordingly. Rest assured, you won't have to walk/run/ride with everything, you'll be able to leave your extra stuff in the car/bus.
• Bug spray. OK, this is a tricky one. We'll be supplying you with a can of our favourite bug spray on arrival. It will be our welcome gift to you. BUT, we do need to remind you we are going to a tropical destination and the mozzies can be right bastards. And at various times, including now, there is an increased risk of diseases like Dengue Fever. Most of these things aren't fatal, but aren't very pleasant either. So protecting yourselves from mozzie bites is actually pretty important. Usually, we rely on the spray. But if you want to try one of those mozzie-repellant bracelets or any other form of protection please go your hardest. (Please keep in mind you can't bring aerosols etc on the plane!)
  
• Torch/Head torch. It will basically be pitch black when we're going up the volcano so a torch, even just a basic one, is going to be real handy. We've done it with nothing more than the torch function on our phone, but something a little more powerful is a good idea. Even better if you have a basic head torch so you can keep your hands free to fight off the killer monkeys. OK, there are no killer monkeys but having your hands free is nice.
• 'Lady Clothes'. OK, this is a slightly delicate one for anyone who's not been to Asia before. We're not sufficiently qualified to go right into the ins and outs of local religions, customs and etiqutte, but if you're a person of the female variety, it's worth keeping in mind that in some places, particularly temples etc, there are sensitivities to exposed female flesh. So while you're 100% cool to go for a run in shorts and a singlet, you most likely won't be allowed into a temple that way. If you have a light sleeve etc this will come in very handy. We'll do our best to alert you of any impending need for such a thing, and even carry a spare sarong etc for you wherever possible, but even outside of our tour, it's worth remembering to carry something with you if you plan on going somewhere this may be relevant. Please know, this is not relevant in the more touristy parts of Bali where basically anything goes.
• Plastic sandwich/zip-lock bags. If you plan on running with something that needs to stay dry, (like a phone, camera etc) make sure it's in a bag. Even if it doesn't rain, it can be warm/humid enough for things to get damp so a dry bag is the best idea.
• Power adaptor. At the risk of stating the obvious, they have different power plugs to other parts of the world. If you have anything you want charged, you may want to buy one of those power adaptor thingies. Or ask us really nicely to charge it for you overnight.
• Liquid restrictions. OK, we're no experts on this, but please also remember, you can only take certrain amounts of ANY kind of liquid on the plane with you. Whether it's perfume, drink, moisturiser, your own urine to drink in case of emergency etc. Click here to read more about that cause the last thing you want to do is pack something awesome to bring with you, and then have to leave it at the airport.
  

Other Notes: It's worth noting there are several big department stores and sports stores (Nike Store, Adidas store, etc) in Kuta. So if you forget to bring something, there's an opportunity to buy regular running gear before we head off into the more remote areas.