What to Bring to Your HYROX Dallas Race Day

Hayden Wilcox
Oct 20
4 min read

So, race day is almost here. You’ve trained for the runs, the sled pushes, the lunges. But what about your gear bag? Packing smart can save you stress, time and energy on the day. Whether you’re stepping into HYROX for the first time or you’re a seasoned competitor, here's a complete “what to bring” guide to ensure you show up prepared for HYROX Dallas.

Bag & Basics

Start with the essentials: a solid gym/backpack bag that can hold everything from shoes, spare clothes, gels and a towel. Make sure it stays closed and easy to carry, since your bag drop at HYROX has size and contents rules (see the official FAQ: carry one cabin-size bag, liquids sealed tightly).

Must-have items:

Your race ticket/QR code & athlete registration details (you’ll need them at check-in).
Your timing chip & ankle strap - this is absolutely required for your time to register.
Spare dry shirt, spare socks. Trust me: when you finish, you’ll want to change out of sweaty stuff.
Towel and toiletries for after the race (many athletes mention this in forums).
A lightweight jacket or hoodie- for the warm-up or after you finish, when your body cools down fast.

Clothing & Footwear

Your clothing and shoes matter more than you might think. In HYROX you’ll be switching between 1 km runs and functional workout stations (sled pushes, burpee broad jumps etc). The right gear helps.

Shoes: Don’t wear brand new shoes on race day. Wear ones you’ve trained in. Many HYROX athletes say your shoes must handle running and functional work - traction on sled pushes matters.
Socks: Comfortable, breathable, minimal risk of blisters. One athlete survey noted socks are a serious topic in HYROX gear-talk.
Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, non-restrictive. You’ll sweat, move fast, change planes. Avoid anything brand new that you haven’t tested.

Hydration & Nutrition

You’ll burn tons of energy, sweat a lot, and move from run to station fast. So your fuel and hydration setup counts.

Water bottle or hydration pack: Some athletes prefer a small hydration pack so they can sip without stopping. Others rely on water stations.
Electrolytes / sports drink: Especially in Dallas or any warm venue - top up electrolytes to avoid cramping.
Fueling snacks: Easily-digested carbs pre-race (banana, rice cakes, energy bar), maybe one gel for mid-race if you really need it. Many HYROX athletes recommend bringing at least one gel even if there are aid stations.
Post-race snack or meal plan: Think recovery - carbs + protein shortly after you finish. Pack something you’ll actually eat.

Race-Day Essentials & Extras

Here are some items that often make the difference between “just finished” and “felt good while racing”.

Race number / bib and safety pins or any race-tag system you’ve been told.
Timing chip strap (ankle) and wristband if provided at check-in.
Phone + portable charger: To capture finish photos, check event updates, contact friends.
Watch or tracking device: If you use one to monitor your splits, heart-rate, etc.
Towel for post-race / to sit on.
Dry clothes to change into (shirt, underwear, socks) - you’ll finish drenched.
Flip-flops or sandals: For walking around post-race, especially if you’ve got blisters or sore feet.
Small first-aid items: Blister plasters, bandaids, pain relief gel.
Cash / card / ID: Sometimes for parking, food, merchandise.
Bonus items:
- Tape for toes or fingers if you blister.
- Mask or bag for dirty gear.
- A small foldable chair or mat if you’ll spend time cheering or waiting for friends.

Quick Pre-Race Checklist

Here’s a handy checklist to tick off the night before or morning of the event:

Confirm race ticket & start wave time.
Pack shoes, spare shoes/socks, clothing.
Pack snacks, gels, water bottle / hydration pack.
Pack change of clothes, towel.
Pack race number, chip strap, wristband.
Pack phone, charger, ID, wallet.
Pack performance gear you use (watch, headband, gloves).
Pack first-aid (blister care, bandaids).
Check arrival time (arrive 90 mins before wave start) and venue logistics.
Practice your warm-up clothes and plan for cool-down clothes.

Final Tips Before You Go

Test everything beforehand - run in your shoes, wear your clothes, eat the fuel you’ll bring. Don’t try new items on race day.
Keep it simple - the more you pack, the more you manage. Bring what you know.
Stay organised - label your bag, lay everything out the night before.
Arrive early - give yourself buffer time for check-in, bag drop and warm-up.
Plan post-race - reserve space in your bag for after the race so you’re comfortable and chilled while you recover.

Enjoy the race - give it your all, and let your training and preparation shine. Your bag is packed, your body is ready, and now it’s time to go crush it at HYROX Dallas.

Relevant Articles:

HYROX Nutrition: What to Eat 2 Weeks Before Race Day

HYROX Dallas 2025: Countdown & What to Expect

HYROX Boston 2025 Recap: What Went Down at the Season’s Newest Stop

What to Expect at Your First HYROX Event: A Beginner’s Survival Guide

Race Day Essentials

BUY HYROX Training Shoes - Womens

BUY HYROX Training Shoes - Mens

BUY Honey Stinger Organic Honey Waffle

BUY Energy Chews for Race Day

BUY LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes

BUY HYROX Training Sports Bra