Ultrarunning
15 bits of kit to help you run an ultra
Running an ultra is hard enough – don't let your kit be the thing that slows you down.
Planning on tackling an ultramarathon in the not-too-distant future? Making the right decision on what kit to use is important not only for your enjoyment of the experience, but also potentially the difference between finishing or falling short of achieving this extraordinary goal.
Here, ultrarunning athlete and journalist Fergus Scholes – whose previous races include the 250km, five-day Ultra X Jordan and the mountainous 280km, six-day Trans Atlas Ultra Marathon – gives the rundown on his top ultramarathon gear picks for 2021...
All the kit you need for your next ultra
© Kyle Meyr / Red Bull Content Pool
01
Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0
The Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 is the best, and lightest, yet
© Ultimate Direction
With each release, the Mountain Vest by Ultimate Direction just keeps on getting better and lighter. Now weighing in at a mere 230g, this is pretty much the lightest carrying-capacity-ratio you’ll find. It has storage of up to 13.4 litres, which is largely in the central zippered compartment to the rear. There is also a separate area to house a bladder of up to 3 litres, and overlaid on the outside is corded elastic ideal for quick stashing a windproof top. The front pockets are a brilliant configuration, with a number of stretch mesh options for a smartphone or two 500ml soft flasks. There are also two adjustable rail sliding sternum straps.
02
Merrell MTL Sky Long
The Merrell MTL Sky Long kicks are both sturdy and light
© Merrell
This is a really well built and comfortable trainer offering decent protection for long days on the trail. With stack heights of 27.5mm in the heel and 19.5mm on the toe, there’s plenty of cushioning and the outsole is armed with decent 5mm lugs for grip on loose terrain and coupled with the Vibram MegaGrip for stickiness on smoother surfaces. The upper is both minimal and breathable so your foot doesn’t feel too boxed in and there’s less chance for rubbing, plus it’s tear-resistant so all good if you’re bashing into rocks. At 280 grams, they're nice and light too.
03
Berghaus Hyper 100 Jacket
The Berghaus Hyper 100 Jacket has got it all
© Berghaus
It’s hard to believe a jacket that weighs 97 grams can be as waterproof as this one. Boasting a waterproof rating of 20,000mm, this is a level normally offered by only the most heavy-duty of rain jackets, plus its breathability is insane at 50,000g/m2 – keeping you dry and cool, even if running hard in a downpour. It keeps on getting better too, as it’s really well cut and fits brilliantly. It has elasticated cuffs and waist, a snug hood and it packs into nothing, so is ideal to stow unnoticed in your pack.
04
Montane Unisex Podium Pants
Montane unisex podium pants: light, tough, well-priced
© Montane
British brand Montane is the master of making light, tough, decently priced trail gear, and it's a great one to turn to for water and windproof pants. Weighing just 100 grams, the Podium pants pack down to nothing, and in use they’re waterproof to 15,000mm and highly breathable too (15,000g/m2). They’ve got an elasticated waist, articulated knees and taped seams, while zips on the outside of the ankles allow you to easily throw them on over your trainers.
05
Arc’Teryx Calvus
The Arc’Teryx Calvus: ideal in rain, sun, heat or cold
© Arc’Teryx
This moisture-wicking cap is ideal in a wide range of conditions: rain, sun, heat or cold. One of the best things about it is its snug fit, and being so lightweight at 50 grams, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. It's finished with a water-repellent treatment, has a comfortable sweatband around the rim, and breathable side panels.
06
Compressport R2 Oxygen Calf Sleeves
Compressport R2 Oxygen Calf Sleeves: highly recommended
© Compressport
Calf guards come highly recommended for ultras – not only are there the handy practical benefits like adding some protection from the sun and prickly branches, but there’s the performance side of things too. Helping with both blood circulation and muscle support, there’ll be some marginal gains to be had from wearing them. These are lightweight, well-built, and fit like a second skin.
07
Injinji Run Midweight Mini-Crew
Injinji Run Midweight Mini-Crew: comfy, durable toe socks
© Injinji
If you’ve never tried a ‘toesock’ before, I’d strongly recommend giving this particular pair a try. They’ll feel a little unusual the first time you put them on, but you soon get used to them. Each toe is snuggly protected – making them ideal if you’re prone to toe blisters – and they’re super comfortable yet durable for the longest of runs.
08
Rudy Project Tralyx
Rudy Project Tralyx sunnies: robust, sexy, snug
© Rudy Project
The Tralyx are a robustly built and great looking pair of sunnies that’ll withstand the rigours of an ultra. Lightweight at 28 grams, they fit really nice and snug without any bouncing around, and they come in narrow and wider fitting options too. One thing to consider is that if you’re expecting to be running in lower light or dark conditions, photochromic lenses are a great shout as they react to light levels, becoming almost totally clear in low light and fully tinted in full sun.
09
Camelbak Crux 1.5L Bladder
Camelbak Crux 1.5L Bladder: 20% more water per sip
© Camelbak
Camelbak is the go-to brand for hydration, and this bladder doesn't disappoint. Housed within a compartment in your backpack, it's ideal for those lengthier stages of your run where there are less frequent re-supplies. The ‘Crux’ model serves up 20% more water per sip, and matches up to the trustworthy build quality you demand when selecting gear for your ultra.
10
Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon
Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon: could get you across the finish line
© Leki
Although some might start an ultra with no intention of using poles, once reality kicks in they can become a vital piece of kit to see you to the finish line. These 100% carbon poles are super light at 200 grams, and collapse into four smaller segments, making them easy to stow on or in your pack. To use them, you affix the snugly fitting removable velcro straps to your hand, and then clip in these new poles. With a generous cork grip, they’re comfortable to use for downhills, and adjustable so you can vary the height to suit you.
11
Coros Apex Pro
Coros Apex Pro: it's got your back
© Coros
A newcomer to the running watch world, Coros is fast becoming a big hit in the ultrarunning community. With a titanium bezel and sapphire glass screen, it’s built for adventure life so you needn’t worry about knocking it about. Its standout and most notable feature to ultrarunners is the battery life: 30 days of regular watch use, 40 hours in full GPS mode, a charge time of just 90 minutes. It’s tailor-made for long days on the trail. The interface is nice and intuitive, and it’s got a barometric altimeter which is good for accurately tracking altitudes.
12
Petzl NAO+
Petzl NAO+: a smashing head torch
© Petzl
Emitting a huge 750 lumens on max setting, this is probably the most capable head torch you can run with before things start getting too big and heavy. Coming in at 175 grams, the weight fine to run with, plus it’s comfortable. If you’re expecting to run at night, the trail will be as clear as day up to 140 metres ahead. It’s water-resistant to ‘splashes’ (so, no swimming with it), and has a rechargeable battery that will give up to 15 hours on the 320 lumen setting.
13
Jaybird Tarrah Pro
Jaybird Tarrah Pro: 14 hours of non-stop tunes
© Jaybird
A 14-hour battery life – need we say any more? Running an ultra means you’ll be on the trail for a long time, so the last thing you want is your motivating tunes going quiet. These Jaybirds are built to last too and will withstand submersion in one metre of water for 30 minutes. And with the fabric cord connecting the two earbuds sitting round the back of your neck, you won’t accidentally drop or lose one.
14
Raidlight Desert Gaiters
Raidlight Desert Gaiters: essential for desert ultras
© Raidlight
A good fitting pair of gaiters will do a remarkably good job at keeping nearly all sand out of your shoes. It’s no wonder, then, that they’re a must for desert ultras. In order for them to work effectively, you’ll need to have a velcro strip stitched to trainers – best get a cobbler to do this – then the stretchy gaiters affix to make a really good seal.
15
Firepot Food
Firepot Food: a delicious way to get the calories in
© Firepot
When you’ve just run 50km and there are more long trail days come, tucking into a meal is of course about getting those all-important calories in. However, be sure to make it a delicious one too, as this will transform it into a hugely moral boosting occasion. Enter Dorset-based Firepot Meals. Its slow-cooked dehydrated meals taste so good, and with a full range of vegan, gluten-free and meaty ones, there’s options for everyone. A particular mouth-watering favourite is the Orzo Pasta Bolognese, which packs 1,000 calories in the 200g extra-large serving