Drop Bag

Gear bag placed at an aid station before the race, containing fresh clothes, food, and supplies.

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Understanding Drop Bag

A drop bag is a gear bag that you pack before an ultra race and have transported to a specific aid station along the course. It contains fresh supplies you might need at that point: clean socks, a headlamp, extra layers, different food, charged batteries, medication, or a complete clothing change.

Most ultras offer drop bag service at 2–5 aid stations. You label each bag with the aid station name, drop them off at the pre-race briefing, and volunteers transport them to the correct location. When you arrive at that aid station, your bag is waiting. After the race, uncollected bags are returned to the finish area.

Packing drop bags is an art. You need to anticipate what you'll want at each point — which changes dramatically during a 100-mile race. The runner who wanted only gels at mile 30 may desperately want warm broth, dry socks, and a jacket at mile 70. Pack more than you think you'll need; you can always skip items.

Key Facts: Drop Bag

Key facts and insights about drop bag that every endurance athlete should know.

Pre-packed gear bags transported to spec

Pre-packed gear bags transported to specific aid stations before the race

Most ultras allow drop bags at 2–5 locat

Most ultras allow drop bags at 2–5 locations along the course

Must be labeled with the aid station nam

Must be labeled with the aid station name and your bib number

Common items

Common items: spare shoes/socks, headlamp, batteries, layers, varied nutrition, anti-chafe cream

Pro Tips: Drop Bag

Use clear ziplock bags inside your drop bag so you can find items quickly

Pack a handwritten note of what to do at each stop: "Change socks. Eat real food. Refill bottles."

Include at least one item you wouldn't normally think of: lip balm, antacid, caffeine pills

Label everything clearly — in a sleep-deprived state, you won't remember what's in each pocket

Frequently Asked Questions About Drop Bag

Essentials: fresh socks, extra nutrition (variety — sweet AND savory), blister kit, headlamp with fresh batteries (for night sections), warm layer, and anti-chafe cream. Nice-to-haves: spare shoes, caffeine pills, wet wipes, hand warmers, phone charger. Customize based on the course, weather forecast, and your personal needs.

It happens rarely, but carry your absolute essentials (headlamp, warm layer) with you rather than relying entirely on drop bags. For critical items like prescription medication, keep them in your vest, not a drop bag.