Digging Deep is a self-shot film by Jakob Carlsen that explores his two completions of the Arizona Trail Race as well as the training and challenges he overcame along the way. Watch the full 48-minute film here, plus find a detailed packlist from Jakob…

Originally published April 2020; updated January 2021 (full film now available for free)

Digging Deep is a self-shot film from Jakob Carlsen (@jakobcarlsenphotography) documenting his experience training for and completing two rides of the Arizona Trail Race—1,250 kilometres from the Mexican border to Utah. The film is a collection of footage Jakob gathered during training rides and from his GoPro during both events. Watch the full film below, followed by a detailed gearlist from Jakob, which includes some helpful information for those considering an attempt at the Arizona Trail.

  • Digging Deep Film
  • Digging Deep Film
  • Digging Deep Film
  • Digging Deep Jakob Carlsen
  • Digging Deep Jakob Carlsen
Digging Deep Film

Jakob rode an Ibis Ripley V1/V2 with a mix of bags from Revelate Designs, Topeak, and Apidura—as well as a homemade frame bag and handlebar harness. Find Jakob’s complete gear list below:

Clothing

  • Xbionic Trailshirt
  • Xbionic Baggy shorts
  • Aclima wool boxershorts
  • Light wool socks
  • Xbionic long socks
  • Xbionic Bandana
  • Riding Gloves
  • IXS MTB helmet
  • Pearl Izumi X-Alp Elevate shoes
  • Gloryfy prescription sunglasses

Sleeping Gear

  • Nordisk Telemark 1 LW tent
  • Nemo sleeping pad
  • Montbell Downhugger 900 #2 sleeping bag

Electronics

  • Garmin Oregon GPS
  • Garmin InReach
  • GoPro on small Gorilla tripod
  • GoPro on a Gimbal
  • Sound recorder and microphone
  • Olympus Tough camera
  • Iphone
  • Headphones
  • Anker Powerport solar charger
  • Powerbank 10,000 Mah
  • Various charging cords / wall charger
  • Fenix LD22 Light / Rear Light
  • Headlamp
  • Spare Batteries

First-Aid Kit

  • Several Band-Aids
  • Tweezer
  • iPod
  • Sunscreen
  • Lipbalm
  • Chamois Cream
  • Body Glide Balm, cut down
  • Comb (for cactus)
  • Cold relief pills
  • Magnesium pills
  • Pain killers
  • Caffeine tablets
  • Salt sticks

Food & Drink

  • Plastic Spoon (cut down)
  • Magnesium cup
  • 2 water bladders
  • MSR Water filter

Extra Clothing

  • Xbionic vest
  • Outdoor Research Rain Jacket / Pants
  • Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
  • Wool Socks
  • X-Bionic sleeves
  • Warm gloves
  • Wool Long Underwear
  • Wool T-shirt

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush (cut down)
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss (also for tire repair)
  • Wet-naps
  • Deodorant
  • Earplugs
  • Small bottle of soap

Tools & Spare Parts

  • Multitool
  • Leatherman
  • Chain oil
  • Toothbrush and cloth for chain cleaning
  • Quick Links (3)
  • Spare brake pads and retaining pin
  • Spare Hanger
  • Rubber clamps for shoes
  • Superglue
  • Tire sealant
  • Curved needle for tire repair
  • Tire repair kit
  • Different sizes spare bolts
  • CO2 cartridges (2)
  • Tubeless repair plugs
  • Fiberfix Emergency Spoke Replacement Kit
  • Gear cable
  • Cable Lock
  • Pump, both for manual and CO2, with Gorilla tape and electrical tape

Misc

  • Toilet paper in plastic bag
  • Passport
  • Cash
  • Visacard, Mastercard, Drivers license, insurance card
  • Rubberbands
  • Pencil
  • Extra backpack padding for the Grand Canyon portage

Learn more about the Arizona Trail Bikepacking Route here.

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