Altitude, weather, terrain, time—every ultra asks something different from your gear. There’s no one-pack-fits-all, and what works on the smooth trail at sea level might fail on an exposed ridge at midnight. The difference often comes down to the ultra trail running gear you chose long before the start line.
Why Your Trail Gear Choices Mean Big Time
Skills, mindset, and endurance are all essential—but what about gear? Is it just optional, something external you can take or leave? Not even close.
Safety First on Unpredictable Trails
Trail running presents athletes with unpredictable factors city marathons simply can't match. Sudden temperature plunges can bring on hypothermia within minutes, especially at higher elevations where weather systems sweep through rapidly.
A radical example was at the Hardrock 100, when a runner survived a night lost in the mountains alive solely because he had an emergency bivy sack in his pack.
Your gear transforms from accessories to lifesaving devices when the weather suddenly turns bad.
Comfort Unlocks Your Best Performance
Beyond survival, properly selected gear greatly influences performance:
- Moisture-wicking apparel prevents chafing that can grow from minor discomfort at mile 10 to race-ending agony by mile 50.
- Adequate shoe cushioning spares your quads on extended descents, saving precious energy.
- Well-fitting packs prevent frustrating bounce, allowing mental energy on the trail ahead rather than gear adjustments.
Let's begin from the top.
Essential Headwear: Trail Running Smart
Sun Hats and Visors: Beat the Heat
Open mountain paths have little shade, so adequate head protection is vital in the daytime. Breathable, quick-drying hats with a wide brim are essential for protection from the sun without causing overheating. Choose designs featuring mesh panels to permit heat release on steep ascents.
For runners who prefer maximum airflow, lightweight visors shield the face from UV rays while providing an escape for body heat at the crown. Top trail hats feature sweat-wicking headbands and adjustable fits that stay secure during movement on technical descents.
For warm-weather ultras like Western States or Marathon des Sables, seek out UPF 50+ fabrics and reflective exterior surfaces that will bounce sunlight.
Beanies and Buffs: For Cold Snaps
High-altitude courses commonly experience dramatic temperature swings, particularly at sunrise, sunset, or when moving between exposed ridge lines and sheltered valleys. Lightweight merino wool or synthetic beanies provide critical warmth with minimal bulk, stowing easily in a pocket or pack when temperatures rise.
Multi-purpose buffs serve as neck gaiters, face masks, or as hat substitutes in an emergency, making them one of the most useful items of gear. Materials that maintain insulative properties when wetted by sweat or minor rain are particularly prized in mountain racing. In high-altitude cold, a thin beanie under your running cap layers thermal retention with sun protection – essential in Dolomite or Sierra Nevada racing, where the weather turns in an instant.
Upper Body Layers: Mastering Trail Conditions
Base Layers: Your Second Skin Choice
Moisture management, odor resistance, and compression support
The foundation of your trail running wardrobe begins with base layers that maintain dry comfort against your skin. Technical synthetic or merino wool options transport moisture away from your body, preventing the dangerous cooling effect of sweat-soaked fabric.
For multi-day ultras, merino wool has improved odor resistance with thermal properties retained even when wet. Flat-seam construction will chafe less over shoulders and under arms – areas particularly vulnerable during pack-wearing. In selecting base layers for mountain races, discreet compression helps to assist blood flow during extended efforts. Temperature-regulating fabrics work especially well for courses that traverse multiple climate zones, such as UTMB with valley heat and Alpine cold.
Mid Layers: For Adaptive Warmth
Strategic insulation and easy packing
Mid layers provide essential insulation without restricting movement. Lightweight quarter-zip pullovers offer temperature regulation through strategic venting, perfect for pre-dawn starts when your body gradually heats up. Thumb holes prevent sleeve ride-up and provide partial hand coverage in chilly conditions.
The perfect mid layer:
- Packs down small for stowing when temps rise
- Deploys quickly during rest breaks, aid stations, or surprise weather shifts
- Breathable fleece offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Wind-resistant panels help preserve core temperature in exposed ultras like Transgrancanaria or Diagonale des Fous
Outer Shells: Brave Wind and Rain
Your mobile shelter against the elements
The best lightweight trail running gear offers protection without the bulk—ideal for steep climbs and sudden downpours. For reliable defense against wind and rain, look for packable shells with fully taped seams and waterproof materials such as GORE-TEX, or with a waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm (measured according to the AATCC 127 standard). Jackets in this range can withstand sustained exposure to wet conditions while remaining breathable, helping you stay dry both inside and out on tough terrain.
- 5,000mm: Handles light rain or drizzle.
- 10,000mm: Suitable for steady rain during hiking or travel.
- 20,000mm+: Withstands heavy downpours and long exposure in alpine or ultramarathon conditions.
Adjustable hoods accommodate headlamps and hats while providing face protection during driving rain or wind. The most effective shells include underarm venting and two-way zippers for temperature regulation during climbs. Strategic reflective elements enhance visibility during nighttime hours on longer ultras.
When racing in notoriously wet regions like the Pacific Northwest or Scottish Highlands, prioritize jackets with reinforced water resistance over absolute minimum weight.
Lower Body Wear: Powering Your Rise
Your lower body demands equally protective and performance-enhancing selections.
Shorts or Tights: Range of Motion
Lower body options vary dramatically based on weather and course conditions:
- In hot weather ultras like Badwater or Marathon des Sables, light shorts with integrated compression liners reduce chafing and enhance airflow.
- For mountain races, convertible designs or compression tights help support muscles over long climbs and descents.
- Split-leg designs increase freedom of movement on technical terrain
- Wide waistbands reduce discomfort under pack belts
- Crew-height socks prevent debris intrusion and guard against ankle scrapes
Most experienced ultrarunners prefer shorts over full tights in mixed conditions, balancing airflow with moderate protection. Anti-microbial treatments help limit odor buildup when laundry isn’t an option.
Waterproof Pants: Critical Backup
Infrequently worn for a full race, waterproof overpants are a lifesaver in foul weather:
- Full-length side zips allow quick on/off without removing shoes
- Ankle closures block mud and trail debris
- Reinforced seat and knee zones prevent tearing on rough terrain
For races with mandatory gear lists like UTMB or Hardrock, opt for compact-stuffing, fast-deploying models. These pants offer essential warmth and weather protection on exposed ridges or during unexpected overnight exposure.
Footwear: The Foundation of Your Trail Run
All this protection for nothing without the right foundation – your shoes in direct contact with the trail.
Choosing Your Ideal Trail Running Shoes
Trail shoes are your direct line to the ground. Unlike road models, they’re built to grip loose surfaces, protect against impact, and stay stable when the terrain turns unpredictable.
Look for outsoles with 4–6mm lugs for traction on mud, scree, and wet rock. Rock plates guard against sharp ground, while toe bumpers protect on steep descents. Lower heel-to-toe drops (4–8mm) improve balance on uneven terrain, while higher drops ease strain on long downhills.
Sizing matters too—many runners go up half a size to account for swelling in hot or high-mileage races.
Ultimately, a great trail shoe blends grip, protection, and endurance—not hype.
One standout model that checks all the boxes for long-distance performance is the Mount to Coast T1.
Mount to Coast T1: Elite-Level Control and Comfort
The T1 delivers where it counts. A dual-zone TUNEDFIT™ lacing system lets you fine-tune forefoot and midfoot tightness separately—ideal for descents, technical climbs, or long hauls. The wide toe box supports natural toe splay and stability.
Its aramid-reinforced upper resists tears and abrasion, while the anti-siphon knit tongue keeps water out and dries fast.
Underfoot, LightCELL™ foam offers 45% more rebound at half the weight of EVA—tested for consistency deep into ultra distance. The Vibram® outsole pairs Megagrip, Litebase, and Traction Lug for lightweight traction across wet roots, gravel, and exposed rock.
The T1 is built for runners who go long, go technical, and won’t compromise.
Socks: The Unsung Heroes of Comfort
Too often overlooked, socks can make or break your race:
- Left/right anatomical design prevents bunching
- Targeted cushioning protects high-impact zones
- Seamless toes reduce blister risk
Crew-height socks help block trail debris and protect ankles for wet courses like Jungle Ultra, quick-drying, anti-microbial materials prevent skin maceration. The shoe-sock-foot system must work together as a unit.
Hydration and Nutrition Packs: Fueling Up
When the miles add up, fuel into your body is as critical as the fabric you wear. Choosing the right trail running hydration pack means balancing access, bounce control, and storage volume across long distances.
Vests vs Packs: What Suits Your Ultra
- Vest packs: lower bounce, more accessible hydration/fuel, ideal for supported races
- Backpacks: more volume for sleeping systems and gear, better for self-supported events like Marathon des Sables or Tor des Géants
Choose a system that balances:
- Load stability and capacity
- Ease of breathing during climbs
- Quick-access pockets for gels, salt tabs, or soft flasks
- Pole carrying systems for steep terrain deployment
Bladders and Bottles: Staying Hydrated
Both systems have value:
- Bladders: 1.5–2L volume, hands-free drinking via hose – great on technical terrain
- Bottles: easy to refill at aid stations, carry varied fluids (electrolyte vs water)
Most experienced runners use both: bottles for active drinking, and bladders for backup water.
Critical Extras: Don't Leave Home Without
These trail running essentials often go overlooked—but they can make or break your safety and momentum in the second half of an ultra
Navigation Tools: Know Your Route
Even well-marked races require:
- GPS watches with route loaded
- Offline topographic apps like Gaia GPS, Trail Forks
- Paper maps and compass as fail-safe backup
- Handheld GPS devices for races like Barkley or Hardrock
Headlamps: Lighting Your Way Forward
- Brightness range: 300–900 lumens
- Combo beam (spot + flood) for terrain awareness
- Battery backup: spare cells or rechargeable options
- Secondary headlamp for races with extended night segments like Tahoe 200 or UTMB
First Aid Kit: For Trail Emergencies
Essentials include:
- Blister care tools
- Athletic tape
- Anti-chafing cream
- Painkillers and allergy meds
- Emergency blanket, whistle, wound closure strips
- Waterproof case to protect contents
Poles: Give a Boost to Steep Ascents
- Carbon fiber keeps weight low
- Collapsible designs stash away easily
- Reduce quad fatigue and joint impact on long descents
- Improve climbing efficiency on courses like Hardrock 100 or UTMB
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Skin Savers
- Zinc-based sunscreen offers physical UV defense
- SPF lip balm prevents cracking that interferes with eating
- UV increases ~4% per 1000 ft gain – essential for races like Leadville or Andorra Ultra Trail
- Sun sleeves provide modular, reapply-free protection
Gear Up & Conquer Your Ultra
The mountains present challenges that reward the well-prepared and punish the negligent. Your equipment decisions reflect respect for the country and commitment to your goals. Each item of equipment serves a double or triple purpose: protection, performance, and emergency backup.
Good gear does not guarantee success, but poor preparation virtually ensures failure. Let this ultra marathon gear checklist guide your choices—item by item, mile by mile.