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The first trail running race of the season is coming up. But what’s the best thing to take with you and what about the first aid kit? Our packing list for trail running races will help you get the season off to a good start.
Changeable weather, rain or burning heat: one thing is clear, you can’t pack too much or forget the essentials for a trail running race. Like almost everywhere else, it’s all about finding the perfect balance. Especially in competition. Robust, but above all lightweight equipment is almost essential to avoid having to drag too much ballast up the mountain. Many trail runners tend to carry too much and run with a backpack that is far too full and large in order to be prepared for all eventualities. You should try to minimise your equipment, especially during a race. Our packing list, which has already been tried and tested several times in practice, will help you do this.
Packing list for marathon distances and shorter races
- Running shoes
- Running trousers
- Running shirt
- Running socks (optional: compression socks)
- Running underwear
- Running rucksack (with soft flasks or bladder)
- Drinks
- Gel, bars, etc.
- First aid kit
- Mobile phone
Optional:
- Rain jacket
- GPS-enabled sports watch
- Headgear (headband, cap, …)
- Running gloves
- Running poles
- Change of clothes (long trousers, longsleeve)
- Headlamp
- Drinking cup / folding cup
- Leg warmers, arm warmers
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Packing list for the Ultratrail
- Running shoes
- Running trousers
- Running shirt
- Running socks (optional: compression socks)
- Rain Jacket
- Running underwear
- Running rucksack (with soft flasks or bladder)
- Running poles
- Change of clothes (long trousers, longsleeve)
- Headlamp
- Drinks
- Gel, bars, etc.
- First aid kit
- Mobile phone
Optional:
- GPS-enabled sports watch
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Running gloves
- Personal medication
- Leg warmers, arm warmers
At ultramarathons, there is often the option to drop off dropbags at aid stations. Following our recommendation, you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity to have a complete set of running gear, including shoes for all weather conditions, as a backup.
Our tip: As with any mountain hike or longer trail run, the first thing you should do is check the weather forecast. Depending on the weather prediction, your packing list will change. In warm temperatures, a lightweight head covering is useful. For unpredictable weather, even in summer, a super-light rain jacket should be packed in your backpack.
Minimalist, but still with the most important things: that’s what a trail running race is all about. Photo: Sport Conrad
Tips for planning your race and equipment on the trail running race packing list
Trail running races are often a special situation. Here you want to and should be able to concentrate fully on your performance and the experience without having to worry about your equipment along the way. The right equipment for you is therefore a must before you start the race. And it can change depending on the weather or the length of the race.
The Most Important Thing for a Trail Running Race: Trail Running Shoes
Of course, shoes are essential for trail running. They need to withstand a lot and provide a comfortable fit for many hours, depending on the race distance. During your run, you’ll encounter various types of terrain, from rocky ground to gravel, mud, and even snow. That’s why it’s crucial to have trail running shoes with a profiled sole. Are you planning a trail marathon or even an ultramarathon? Then your shoes should offer enough protection and cushioning to help you get through the run safely and pain-free. (Some manufacturers even offer special shoes designed for ultramarathons).
You shouldn’t make any compromises with trail running shoes: The right model and running in are the order of the day. Photo: Sport Conrad
Our Tips:
- Especially as a beginner, make sure to get good advice. The range of trail running shoes is so vast and can be overwhelming for newcomers, so a specialist will be a great help in finding the right model for your goals.
- Even if your new shoes feel great straight out of the box, be sure to break them in. Your long training sessions during preparation are the perfect opportunity to get used to your trail running shoes and avoid any potential issues beforehand.
The Right Running Backpack
Another must-have for trail running is a suitable running backpack. In the jungle of running backpacks, you’ll find a variety of sizes. The most common models range from about 4 to 20 liters in volume, making it easy to find one that suits distances from a trail half marathon to a 100 km ultratrail. The rule of thumb is: the shorter the distance, the smaller the volume of the backpack should be. For marathon distances, a backpack with a volume of around 4 to 8 liters is usually sufficient. If you pack small and light, everything from the mandatory gear to a rain jacket will fit inside.
A running rucksack is another tip for your packing list: Depending on your distance and preference, you can vary the volume. Photo: Sport Conrad
Our tips:
- The recommended backpack volume is a guideline. Depending on the type of race, you may need more storage space for your gear (especially for self-sufficient races). Always check the aid stations along the course before the race to understand the available provisions.
- Just like with your shoes, you should also test your backpack thoroughly during training. Ideally, do several training runs with a backpack packed as it would be on race day. This will help you get a feel for the extra weight. You’ll also notice potential problems like chafing and get a sense of how easily you can access your gear while running.
- Decide whether you want to run with or without trekking poles. If you plan to use poles, make sure to check if the backpack offers a way to attach them and what type of attachment you prefer.
👉 Here you’ll find everything you need to know about trail running poles.
Safety during trail running races: Remember your first aid kit
Safety is also a top priority in competition conditions. That’s why organisers are increasingly requiring compulsory equipment, including a first aid kit. If you don’t have one with you, you could be disqualified before the start. Sport Conrad offers pre-packed first aid kits in various sizes from approx. 160 grams. When buying, choose a kit that fulfils all the requirements for the run and is still light enough. Nowadays you almost always have a mobile phone with you, but it’s still worth mentioning in this context. Because without a mobile phone, there is no emergency call.
Lightweight Gear: Does It Have to Be Ultralight for the Race?
For trail running, there’s almost everything available in an “ultralight” version nowadays. From ultralight carbon poles to running apparel, these models can be folded down to an incredibly small size, stored compactly, and weigh almost nothing. However, ultralight gear is not a must for a trail running race.
Our tip: When choosing poles, make sure they are foldable so you can store them more easily. It’s important that your clothing is breathable and quick-drying, both on your body and in your backpack. The rest comes down to personal preference.
Lightweight equipment makes sense for a trail running competition: but it doesn’t have to be. It’s more important that you feel comfortable. Photo: Sport Conrad
Bars or Gels? Nutrition in Trail Running Races
Not everyone can tolerate the same foods while running. Some prefer bars, while others lean towards gels. The key is to experiment and find out what works best for you individually. Additionally, the right drink choice can provide your body with energy and essential nutrients. A sports drink mix or a homemade drink with juice works great.
Our Tips:
- Don’t go too long without eating. A few bites every half hour or every 400-500 meters of elevation will prevent a performance drop and help you sustain energy longer.
- Add a pinch of salt to your sports drink. You won’t taste it, but it helps prevent cramps. For long training sessions and races in warm weather, it’s also worth using special electrolyte tablets to refill the electrolytes lost through heavy sweating.
Feeling comfortable in your own equipment is the motto, so that you can concentrate fully on the most important thing in the competition: the trail. Photo: Sport Conrad
Do you think about trail running day and night? Then you should continue browsing here:
→ Trailrunning Essentials: What you need to run!