Pack The Essential Gear For Trail Running Ultra Marathon - What You Need To Carry

What should you carry when trail Running? And what is the right gear for an ultra marathon. In this part 2 of Gear For Ultrarunning series, I'm discussing how to pack all you need when trail running.
Curious about the gear I use and recommend: check out this link
linktr.ee/runningwithsimon
Now that you have a running vest, today our topic is what should you carry when trail running. What are the essential gear and items you will need on trail or during an ultra marathon? Because when you're in the wild, you have to have the right gear to face the unexpected. It can quickly because a safety issue if you do not carry the essentials. At the same time, trail running is, well, running. And you can't carry EVERYTHING otherwise your pack will be too heavy.
In this video, I discuss how I pack my gear to make sure I carry the essential when trail running. We'll talk about how much water and how much food to bring, and gear that could save your life. This list comes from thousands of miles on trails - I've faced countless unexpected situation, and I feel it's better to be safe than sorry (or you know...not alive)
As always - Thanks for watching and remember -
Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!
Simon
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Instagram:
/ runningwithsimon
Strava:
/ strava
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My gear list (and suggestions) and where to find them
- Clothes - Running Vest - amzn.to/3J6ugVL
- Clothes - Running Belt - amzn.to/3VB5aWL
- Clothes - Sun Hat: amzn.to/3VFj5es
- Clothes - Running Shirt: amzn.to/3PEoIp9
- Clothes - Arm Sleeves: amzn.to/4cP53gu
- Clothes - Liner Socks: amzn.to/4aD56tY
- Clothes - Smart Wool Socks: amzn.to/3TDCJEP
- Clothes - Thicker Socks: amzn.to/3vB8pTn
- Poles - Black Diamond Alu: amzn.to/49yIcD7
- Light - Headlamp:amzn.to/3TDRgAv
- Light - Safety Light: amzn.to/4ag2xhk
- Nutrition - Gels: amzn.to/49htPmn
- Nutrition - Gummies: amzn.to/3IXTFBh
- Nutrition - Tailwind: amzn.to/4aeruK1
- Varia - Tape: amzn.to/4acK9WX
- Sport Watch: Garmin Fenix 6X: amzn.to/3VHTl16
- Sport Watch: Garmin Fenix 7 (not what I have but if buying today, that’s what I’d get - you want the sapphire glass. Solar - not necessarily): amzn.to/3Txuxpy
- Filming - Go Pro: amzn.to/3VGsv9t
- Filming - Insta 360 x3: amzn.to/3U8Vpy1
These are affiliate links - meaning it’s the normal price but the seller gives back a small % to the channel. You pay the same price and ordering from these links is an easy way to support this channel.

[@runningwithsimon]

I was planning to wait until next Friday but got too excited to share this with y'all! (and yes I do realize I sound bored reading the list, but was very excited to share the content itself as I felt it could be very helpful in planning your next trail run!)

[@Kelly_Ben]

Loved this! You're the first person to talk through HOW to decide what to bring, and don't just give a generic list. I carry salt tabs for other runners too- I've never needed them, but there is always someone who does! I'll add Immodium to my sh1tkit! 😂 Do you think you could make a crewing video for your series? My husband has crewed for me for several races, but with my first 100k coming up, I've got several friends coming to help. Your fun but educational approach would make for a great intro for them... touching on mindset/ motivation, runner grumpiness, basic foot care/1st aid, and the typical aid station help, etc.

[@runningwithsimon]

Yes that's a good idea - I want to do a crewing video for sure (with Nora) and one about pacing too. In the meanwhile, I don't know if you saw our podcast with Mason from Ultra Crew Hub? ultracrewhub.com/ They provide resource and guidance for crewing.

[@Kelly_Ben]

​@@runningwithsimon I haven't seen your podcast yet! Off I go!

[@tamaman9395]

Merci ! I really have been loving your videos recently.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) Things are coming along great, and honestly I have a list of ~40 tip videos to do. Hard to pick which to make next sometimes

[@danielbalestrieri3035]

I was laughing at the toilet paper segment. I always carry a safety pin for blisters

[@runningwithsimon]

I take it you're in the "pop it" clan :P ? But yup that's a good idea.

[@elecAttackxD]

Thanks for the Video!! Really helpful! 👍👍👍

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad it was helpful! Next tip video will be strength training - hopefully Friday but depends if I find time (also working on a training vlog)

[@dannymoura4851]

Another great video Simon! This video pretty much lines up with everything I'm doing, glad to know I'm on the right path. Thanks again for all your helpful videos

[@runningwithsimon]

Great minds think alike!

[@msmary126]

I love your channel so much. You have so much great content to share!❤

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks Mary :) Plenty more to come!

[@emmarunyeard6832]

Great tips x

[@birdiewi]

Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate your videos so much. I really feel like I connect to so much of what you are saying. I am new to trail running and don't yet have a goal for a distance. I am super slow but really want to run long. Your videos are really helping me to start forming a plan.

[@runningwithsimon]

The most important is not speed or distance, but to enjoy the trail :)

[@michelleharnett1351]

Thanks, Simon. That was very comprehensive and I really appreciate your emphasis on safety. I also have a small first aid kit that includes blister stuff, but also sterile wipes, strapping tape etc. (One mountain event I did even wanted us to carry a crepe bandage and a triangular bandage - thankfully not needed.) Edited to add - I didn't have enough TP on my run this morning - quelle horreur!

[@runningwithsimon]

I appreciate when mountains events have safety requirement. Many rely too much on people having common sense, but it's always dangerous that some people aren't aware that - hey - it's for real out there. Also, don't forget my words of wisdom next time "I don't always shit myself...let's call it 10%" - Simon

[@jaredayres]

Helpful. Thanks!

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dr.RBZultrarunningnewbie]

Like your newer setup, Simon. I met ya briefly during the Black Canyon expo. Been following you since I learned about ultra trail running back in December, as a newbie myself to this sport. Thank you for all the helpful tips for those of us new to the ultra space.

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad it's helpful - and I'm always happy to meet folks at expos :) Were you going for the 60K? How did it go?

[@z4m01]

The Squatting Guy is moving! 😂 Does he have a name yet? Very useful video, thanks! Loved the math formula. I use this kind of functions all the time to decide things in my day to day.

[@runningwithsimon]

haha I'm glad someone noticed :P

[@Doorgunner50]

Great list. I also include a buff and or bandana. Both are very versatile. As for tape/ band aids, I've found luekotape to be awesome stuff.

[@runningwithsimon]

Leukotape is great! Stick super well if you skin is dry

[@Doorgunner50]

@@runningwithsimon I peel a few feet of leukotape off the roll and wrap it around an old credit card or hotel key card and it packs up nice and flat. Same with duct tape.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@Doorgunner50 Nice good idea. I used to tape a few around my poles (more when I was hiking/backpacking a lot). It was particularly helpful for quick fix of equipment like tent holes

[@Leeroy49]

Thank you for all the advice. Just completed my first trail ultra. Unexpected adventure :)

[@runningwithsimon]

Congratulations!!! Unexpected good, or unexpected bad?!

[@Gator35]

The filming setup is gorgeous!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) It’s also super practical and makes filming much simpler with good audio!

[@1PeakMindset]

Awesome information as always. Though I consider myself pretty experienced, I know there’s always something to learn🙂That was Imodium just in case of emergency. Thanks Simon! Zion 100k coming up🥳🥳🥳

[@runningwithsimon]

Vermont 100 in '22 is the race that convinced me I should ALWAYS have some. I got sick (not from running funny enough) and luckily had some (but not enough). I cannot imagine finishing the race without the 6-8hrs of semi-normalcy those 2 imodium provided.

[@Ojibwayrunner]

Great video with great information. Would it be possible to request a video with you and Nora about crewing? Maybe cover what she watches for in you, underhydration, delirium, etc. How does she know you are doing ok and should continue on or are at risk of something bad happening. Stuff from a crew persons perspective. Thanks in advance.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - yes that's a good idea. I'll do a how to crew and how to pace video. Really comes down to knowing your runner for the specific you mention here, but I'll dig deeper in the video. Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@lindawilliams6220]

Thanks!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks Linda :)

[@nataliamartinkova]

Your decorations changed! I love it! On another note, I'm 3 weeks out from my first ultra (52km, flexible date, not a race), fell on my long run, and will need 4-5 days to recover. How do I best salvage my season? Do I treat recovery as a very bad beginning of taper or should I work back to the peak and postpone by ultra?

[@runningwithsimon]

Main thing is to not worry too much about it. It stinks that you fell, but nothing you can do about that now. #1 priority is to make sure you are not injured. #2 is to take time to heal properly. And only once those are cleared can you go to #3 which is getting back to training. We don't lose fitness as fast as we fear, and a 4-5 days is not going to affect negatively your preparation. I'd only consider postponing if you are injured. As for where to start back training (if you do before the race) I'd simply resume to what was already the plan

[@manostroulinos1726]

Great tips thanks very much for sharing!! On your last point, about blisters etc., it can be useful to have either a small sharp knife or a big needle to burst any blisters (if you cannot prevent them), and a little disinfectant (H2O2 or Betadine or similar). Also in some cases it would help to wrap up each toe in some sort of bandage in advance (so pre-cut thin stripes can help). All that can be inlcuded in a first-aid kit of course - and this can be another point, "how to organise your first-aid kit". 🙂

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! I personally leave that in drop bag, because I wouldn't do on trail and would wait until aid station. I know some might, so it's a good suggestion.

[@Jameshooperlikesrunning]

Although I am only in my second year of running, this year I have entered 5 trial runs in and around Edmonton (AB Canada). Considering the longest is 26 km, I was debating if I required a vest. After watching these videos I am pretty sure I will. If anything having a safety 💩 pack makes it worth it! Thank you as always for a great video.

[@runningwithsimon]

The vest becomes very helpful when hiking too (although in this case, arguably you can use a normal pack). Also Edmonton! Would love to see Jasper some day!

[@Doorgunner50]

Last summer we did day hikes all around Southern Utah and I found my race hydration vest to have enough room for everything we needed (most of which Simon mentioned) and it was so much lighter and more comfortable than an actual day backpack.

[@skakunek]

I would add peeper spray. Not for the races but rather trainings/longruns. It might get handy during dog/boar/drunk encounters…

[@runningwithsimon]

Safety first!

[@jandewitt7067]

I would love you see a video on what you eat in a day, not just while running but off days. You must burn a huge amount of calories with all your training so I imagine you consume quite a lot of calories on an average day.

[@runningwithsimon]

That's a great suggestion! I've been thinking about it, although not sure the format. I'm considering either doing 'a day in the life' where you see how i juggle between work, run, and of course, talk about specifically what I eat. Or a more general one talking about nutrition in a day to day life to support all this - which is really important for recovery and such

[@jandewitt7067]

Thanks for the response! I like both of your ideas!

[@emmarunyeard6832]

Totally agree with all of that 🎉I like to have salt pills but I always have a few small chunks of kendal mint cake to go alongside them for that sweet spot salt /pure sugar hit (not sure if kendal mint cake is an American thing or just a crazy quaint brit item... Its basically an up cold mountains bar of pure minty sugar which can be crumbled down.. Massive boost and the intense mint can feel fresh.. The juxtaposition between the salt and sweet works for me x May I ask what gels you use.. I know it's purely personal taste and gigestiin but I am always fascinated by gels.. I use mountain fuel chia based and some maple ones with a final push gu guarana caffeine.. A bit scared by the more standard ones following a 😱💩💩💩 type issue withing 5 mins of taking one many moons ago... It was my first ever gel and it was at an aid station... I had only been running for a short while and this was a 'frolic' trail event... 10k Laps of some cracking and hilly English countryside so there was no pressure.. Just do what you could.. So it seemed a safe time to try the gel!!!!!! WOW that thing went through me like a ferret through a drainpipe 😂😂😂😂 so I avoided them for years untill I started going past marathon distance and after experimenting, found some I 'gel with' excuse the pun 😅 but thinking back, I may have misjudged that first gel.. It was early days and I had a LOT of naivety and a lot to learn x

[@runningwithsimon]

If I buy for myself, I typically take an assorted box of Gu gels. I don't think they are necessarily any better than others in terms of quality, but I like a few of their flavor. Some people really like Maurten - I personally hate the texture, but it goes to show that it's very personnel. Varying the flavor helps me a lot. And if racing, I take whatever they have. The high sugar concentration can be an issue for some. For me I'm sure when having 10-15 during a race, it's a factor but not 5min after. But I had issue with almost puking- basically as soon as it touched my tongue I started retching violently for 5min. Not fun. I guess you already know but just in case, make sure to drink water when taking a gel - it helps. I think gummies tend to be milder. Here's what I have (these are affiliate link so if you order from them, same price for you, but they share a small % with me). - Nutrition - Gels: amzn.to/49htPmn - Nutrition - Gummies: amzn.to/3IXTFBh

[@emmarunyeard6832]

Nip in the bud is right 😂x

[@runningwithsimon]

It takes a second for my brain sometimes. There's a video for example I said "red like a potato" haha

[@originalplanksta]

I never forget my best trail running partner, my doggo, Rufio….

[@runningwithsimon]

Oh buddy... I bet you've shared some great time together out there... Our dog (Nuka - she was a golden retriever) definitely enjoyed trail, but she was also waaaay too excitable to do long distance. She'd just run in circle around us until she'd be pooped out lol. Miss her...

[@akwurd]

Did you get a new camera?

[@runningwithsimon]

I did get a new one! But not in this video. This is with my old DSLR I got like 8-10 years ago (and a webcam for the side shot). But I did upgrade to a 360 camera for my next race. Eager to test it out in an ultra

[@elprofejeremy]

Thanks!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@elprofejeremy]

You are welcome. Keep up the great work.@@runningwithsimon