Essential Triathlon Gear: What You Need and What You Can Skip
Here’s a breakdown of the essential gear for each discipline and transitions, along with what you might consider optional.
Triathlon is a sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running, making it easy for necessary gear to feel overwhelming. With three disciplines and transitions to consider, it’s easy to buy things that are not essential and overlooking things that can come in handy. I’ll share my experience (and mistakes) so you know what you need and what you can skip.
Swim Gear
Essentials:
Swimsuit or Tri Suit: A triathlon-specific suit is ideal as it’s designed for all three disciplines, reducing the need for changing clothes in transitions.
Goggles: Invest in a pair of comfortable, anti-fog goggles. Consider tinted lenses for outdoor swims in bright conditions.
I’ve experienced several early morning swims looking directly at the sunrise were I only had the feet of the person in front of me to follow.
Swim Cap: Often provided by the race organizers, but having a backup is wise. Either for you or someone that forgets their own.
Wetsuit (if allowed): For open-water swims in cooler temperatures, a triathlon wetsuit enhances buoyancy and keeps you warm. Wetsuits deserve a whole guide on their own.
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Optional:
Earplugs: Useful if you’re like me and feel discomfort from cold water and experience dizziness and headache.
Anti-Chafing Balm: Prevents wetsuit-related irritation, especially in saltwater races. Really handy for the closing part of the wetsuit scratching against the back of the neck.
Buoy: Good for open-water training but not allowed in races.
Bike Gear
Essentials:
Bike: A road bike, triathlon bike, or even a mountain bike for beginners will work. Ensure it’s well-maintained and comfortable.
Helmet: A certified helmet is mandatory for safety and race regulations.
Cycling Shoes: Clip-in shoes can improve pedaling efficiency, though beginners can start with regular athletic shoes.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from sun, wind, and debris.
Flat Kit: Includes spare tubes, tire levers, and a mini pump or CO2 inflator.
Hydration System: A water bidon is crucial for staying hydrated during the ride.
Optional:
Cycling Shorts: Although optional, it is heavily recommended. It will improve comfort, allowing for longer rides and prevent chafing.
Aero Bars: Enhance aerodynamics on longer races but require practice. Check the race regulations to see if it is allowed.
Bike Computer: Tracks speed, distance, and other metrics; useful for pacing.
Run Gear
Essentials:
Running Shoes: Invest in a pair suited to your gait and race distance. Break them in before race day.
Socks: Lightweight, moisture-wicking socks reduce the risk of blisters.
Hat or Visor: Shields your face from the sun and helps with sweat management.
Optional:
Race Belt: Makes it easier to attach your bib number without using safety pins.
I really recommend it after ruining a perfectly good running shirt with pins.
Compression Gear: Socks or sleeves can aid recovery but aren’t a necessity.
Handheld Water Bottle or Belt: Useful for long-distance events.
Transition Gear
Essentials:
Towel: For drying off after the swim or cleaning your feet, avoiding moisture in your shoes that can cause blisters.
Water bottle: To rinse your mouth from the salty water or remove sand from your feet.
Transition bag: A simple way to carry and store your gear. A backpack works fine.
Optional:
Elastic Bands: Speed up your mounting on the back in T1.
Elastic Laces: Speed up your shoe change in T2.
General Recommendations
Practice with Your Gear: Test everything in training to ensure comfort and familiarity.
Check Race-Specific Rules: Some events have gear restrictions, such as wetsuit bans above certain water temperatures or aero bars.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Start with good quality essentials and upgrade as you gain experience. I still have good quality gear that I started with and are perfectly good. The cheap options? Not so much.