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The weather forecast promises changeable conditions for the day of the race. Should I pack an extra jacket? A headband and a pair of gloves wouldn’t hurt either. Should I buy some gels, do I need a first aid kit?
You have probably asked yourself these and similar questions, and rightly so, because the choice of trail running equipment for your trail race needs to be well-thought-out!
I pack my suitcase and take…
… the essentials and not too much! Trail running is hard work. Sturdy, but, above all, light equipment is almost essential so that you do not have to carry too much stuff up the mountain. Many trail runners tend to carry too much and run with a backpack that is far too full and large to be prepared for all eventualities.
Especially for competitions, you should try to keep your gear to a minimum. What should you look out for when buying, and what do you really need to avoid carrying unnecessary grams or even kilos? We have put together our experience and useful tips for you. At the end, you will find some suggestions for packing lists that have worked well in practice.
Before the race
As with any mountain hike or long trail run, the first thing to check is the weather forecast. The packing list changes according to the weather forecast. In summer temperatures, a light headgear makes sense. If the weather is changeable, an extra-light rain jacket is a good idea, even in summer.
The elephant in the room…
… is undoubtedly the right footwear. Your trail running shoes need to be tough and comfortable for hours on end, depending on the distance of the race. During your run, you will be running on a variety of surfaces, from rocky terrain to gravel, mud, and snow. That’s why you need trail running shoes with a profiled sole. Are you planning a trail marathon or even an ultra distance? If so, your shoes should provide enough protection and cushioning to keep you safe and pain-free. (Some manufacturers even make shoes specifically for ultra trail marathons).
Our tips:
- If you are a beginner, get good advice. The range of trail running shoes on the market is so vast, and so difficult for beginners to navigate, that a specialist will be able to help you find the right model for your ambitions.
- Even if your new shoes feel great right out of the box, you still need to break them in. Your longer training sessions in preparation are ideal for getting used to your trail running shoes and eliminating any problems in advance.
Choosing the right backpack for running
Another must-have for trail running is a suitable running backpack. In the jungle of running backpacks you will find a wide range of sizes, the most common models have a volume of around 4 to 20 litres, so there is something for everyone, from the trail half marathon to the 100km ultra trail. The shorter the distance, the smaller the volume of the rucksack. For a marathon distance, a pack volume of around 4 to 8 litres is usually sufficient. If you pack small and light, you can carry everything from the compulsory equipment to a rain jacket.
Our tips:
1) The recommended pack volume is a guideline. Depending on the type of event, you may need more space for your gear (especially for self-sufficient events). Always check the catering options on the course before the event.
2) As with your shoes, you should test your rucksack during training. It’s best to do a few training runs with a pack that’s the same size as it will be on race day. That way you can get a feel for the extra weight, notice any problems such as chafing, and get a feel for how easy it is to access your gear while running.
3) Decide whether you want to run with or without poles. If you are going to run with poles, make sure that there is a way to attach them and what type of attachment you prefer.
The safety issue
Even in a competitive environment, safety is always paramount. That’s why the organisers are increasingly prescribing mandatory equipment, including a first-aid kit. If you don’t have one, you could be disqualified before the start. Sport Conrad sells pre-packed first aid kits in various sizes, starting at around 160 grams. When buying, choose a kit that meets all your needs for the race and is still light enough. Almost always present these days, but still worth mentioning: the mobile phone. Without a phone, there is no emergency call.
Light equipment
Almost everything you require for trail running is now available in an “ultralight” version. From ultralight carbon poles to running clothes, these models can be folded minimal, stowed to save space and weigh almost nothing. Make sure the poles are foldable, so you can store them easily. It is important that the clothing on your body and in your pack is breathable and dries quickly if your gear gets wet.
Nutrition
Not everyone can eat everything when running. Some prefer bars, others gels. The only thing that helps is to find out what works best for you – again, it is wise to use your preparation for the race to try different things. Choosing the right drinks can also help to provide the body with energy and essential nutrients. A sports drink to mix or a homemade drink with juice works well.
Our tips:
- Avoid going without food for too long. A few bites every half hour or every 400–500 meters will prevent a drop in performance and last longer.
- Add a pinch of salt to your sports drink. The salt won’t taste good, but it will help prevent cramps. For long training sessions and competitions in hot summer temperatures, it is also worth considering using special electrolyte tablets to replenish the electrolytes lost from the body through heavy sweating.
Packing list for marathon distances and shorter races
- Running tights
- Running shirt
- Running socks (optional: compression socks)
- Running underwear
- Running backpack (with bottles or bladder)
- Drinks
- Gel, bars, etc.
- First aid kit including mobile phone
Options:
- Rain jacket
- GPS sports watch
- Headgear (headband, cap, …)
- Running gloves
- Trail running poles
- Change of clothes (long trousers, long sleeves)
- Headlamp
- Drinking cups / collapsible cups
- Leg warmers, arm warmers
- A pair of sunglasses
- Sun cream
Ultratrail packing list:
- Running tights
- Running shirt
- Running socks (optional: compression socks)
- Rain jacket
- Running underwear
- Running rucksack (with soft bottles or bladder)
- Trail running poles
- Change of clothes (long trousers, long sleeves)
- Headlamp
- Soft drinks
- Gel, bars, etc.
- First aid kit including mobile phone
Options:
- GPS-enabled sports watch
- A pair of sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Running gloves
- Personal medication
- Leg warmers, arm warmers
Drop bags are often provided at aid stations, especially at ultra events. If this is the case, you should take the opportunity to drop off your complete running kit, including shoes for all weather conditions.
Trailrunning is your thing? We have more inspiration for you:
→ What you should know about trail running poles