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Race ready: Your essential HYROX Johannesburg 2026 prep and pack guide
Pack and Prep for HYROX 2026 | JHB Edition
HYROX is one of the most physically demanding fitness events on the calendar, combining running with functional strength stations in a high-intensity race format. Success on race day comes down to preparation, from following a HYROX-specific training schedule to packing smart with the right kit, the right fuel, and the right recovery essentials.
To support athletes heading into HYROX season, we’ve created the ultimate HYROX Prep and Pack List: practical, performance-driven, and built around what competitors actually need for the HYROX Johannesburg on 1 March.
Choose Your Bag Wisely
Your HYROX weekend starts with the right bag. Choose something that is easy to clean, spacious enough to fit everything you’ll need, but compact enough to travel with. Ideally, it should fit into an overhead compartment if you’re flying; the last thing you want is your race kit disappearing into checked luggage.
A great option is the Thandana Laminated Large Weekender Bag, which comfortably fits your full race outfit, a lightweight hoodie or jacket, a casual post-race change of clothes, toiletries, slides or sandals, and even weekend attire if you’re travelling.
Plan for a Shake-Out Session
Most athletes train or do a light shake-out session the day before HYROX. For this, a backpack is ideal; it makes commuting simple and keeps your essentials easily accessible.
Pack resistance bands, water bottles, headphones, a change of clothes, and most importantly, proper hydration support. Electrolytes are essential, especially at Johannesburg’s altitude, where dehydration can sneak up on you quickly.
One HYROX packing essential is Carmién’s Cranberry & Hibiscus Cold Brew. It delivers sugar-free hydration and antioxidants without the crash and is specially developed to brew directly in cold water. Simply drop it into your bottle for a refreshing flavoured drink.
Recovery and Toiletries Matter
HYROX is high-impact, so recovery tools aren’t optional; they’re part of the race-day plan. Make space for magnesium spray or muscle balm, electrolytes, a towel, and pre- and post-event fuel such as snacks or easy meals.
Foot care is a key priority when preparing for and recovering from an event. Kroko Heel Balm is a standout essential, formulated with 20% urea and Vitamin D to deliver fast, intensive hydration. It helps soften rough, cracked heels and very dry skin, with noticeable relief in as little as 15 minutes. It’s also ideal for other dry areas such as elbows and knees.
For those prone to hotspots or corns, Kroko Corn Protectors are the best option during training and on event day. They provide cushioned, targeted protection, helping to reduce pressure and prevent rubbing against the shoe without medicating the area.
To help keep feet comfortable throughout training, Kroko Foot Powder is another great addition. It keeps feet and shoes dry and fresh, contains an anti-bacterial ingredient to combat odour-causing germs, and includes anti-fungal protection to help prevent athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
After the event, if further treatment is needed, Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters can then be considered as part of a recovery routine.
Don’t forget practical hygiene essentials like wet wipes and deodorant. Travel-size skincare can also make a big difference post-race. Eco Diva Naturals’ Micro Minis are ideal for HYROX weekends, powered by African botanicals, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and superfoods to hydrate, rebalance, and restore skin at a cellular level.
Nutrition and Supplements
Training for HYROX places heavy demands on recovery, and protein is one of the most important staples for supporting lean muscle repair before and after sessions. METALAB’s new 300g tubs are perfect for travel, while their 900g tubs and Clear Whey options work well for home prep.
Crafted from ethically sourced whey concentrate and isolate, METALAB products are cold microfiltered for a silky-smooth blend and deliver high-quality protein without any unnecessary additives. And if you forget to pack yours while travelling, you can now order METALAB directly via Sixty60 for delivery straight to your accommodation or even the HYROX venue.
On race weekend itself, energy gels or chews and carb-focused snacks are also smart additions, especially for race morning fuel.
Don’t Forget the Admin Essentials
It’s easy to focus on training and forget the logistics, but admin essentials are critical on race day. Make sure you pack your ID or driver’s license, race confirmation, timing chip details, and a phone charger or power bank. Having cash or a card on hand is useful for vendors, or load payment details onto your phone or smartwatch.
A mini first aid kit is also worth including. Store all of these items in a small organiser pouch so they don’t get lost in your main bag. We love this Travel Set in Leather.
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Featured Image: HYROX South Africa
