First triathlon gear checklist for women
This is a starter checklist. It lists categories of gear, not specific products. Rachel's own picks and tested reviews will be linked here as she publishes them.
Always read your race's athlete guide first. Each race sets its own rules on wetsuits, transition setup, bags and timing chips, and the guide is the final word. USA Triathlon publishes its multisport competition rules for sanctioned races in the US.
Swim
- Swimsuit or tri suit you can wear all day
- Goggles you've already swum in (a spare pair is a good idea)
- Swim cap (races usually hand one out at check-in)
- Wetsuit, only if your race allows one for the water temperature
- Anti-chafe balm for the neck and underarms if you wear a wetsuit
Bike
- A bike in safe working order (brakes, tires, gears checked)
- An approved helmet. USA Triathlon rules require the chin strap to be fastened whenever you have your bike out of the rack during the race
- Shoes (bike shoes, or the same running shoes for your first race)
- At least one water bottle and a bottle cage
- Flat kit: spare tube, tire levers, and a pump or CO2
Run
- Running shoes you've trained in. Elastic laces make transitions faster
- Race belt for your bib number
- Hat or visor
Transition and race morning
- Small towel to mark your spot and dry your feet
- Sunscreen, applied before the swim
- The fuel and drinks you've practiced with in training
- Photo ID and any USA Triathlon membership or one-day license your race requires
Rachel's tested picks
Coming soon. Each pick will link to a full written review with a clear disclosure of how she got the item.