An Ultra Runner’s Guide to Running Gear

Our resident ultra running expert Ando Moquiuti has put together the ultimate list of essential gear for runners.

10.08.2022

From the road to the trail. Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your gear, Ando has you covered.

 

 BEST VESTS AND BELTS FOR RUNNERS

1. SALOMON ADV SKIN 5 SET RUNNING PACK

The ADVANCED SKIN 5 SET makes it easy to access your essentials and accessories. An updated closure system, combined with the Sensifit construction, adjusts to your body shape precisely and quickly. It's the ultimate solution for demanding endurance runners.

 

 
2. NAKED UNISEX RUNNING BAND

The waist belt that started it all. The original, high performance Naked® Running Band redefines how to carry fuel, fluids, accessories, or trekking poles. Weighing in at only 62 grams with 2 litres of capacity, the belt can hold multiple brands and sizes of hydration flasks as well as carrying energy gels, fuel bars, sunglasses, headlamp and all sizes of smart phones.
 

 

 
3. ULTIMATE DIRECTION UTILITY RUNNING BELT

The Utility Belt is sleek but durable and light (64 grams) yet packed with storage. It carries a 500ml soft flask, trekking poles, any phone, a jacket, and other small valuables with no bounce. The Utility Belt is ideal for daily use or as an alternative to a vest or handheld in a race. UD tip: wear the Comfort Belt with the Ultimate Direction logo in front.
 

 
BEST HEADLAMPS FOR RUNNERS

1. LED LENSER MH10 RECHARGEABLE 600 LUMEN HEADLAMP

The Led Lenser MH10 Rechargable Headlamp is a very lightweight Led Lenser headlamp for its brightness output. Weighing in at 158 grams, it’s equipped with a red tail light as well as colour filters for various different uses. And its USB 3.0 charging system offers an international standard for comfortably charging your Ledlenser. Perfect for runners, hikers and everyone who is looking for extremes outside!

2. BLACK DIAMOND STORM 450 LUMEN HEADLAMP

For the technical consumer who wants the best, brightest, most waterproof, feature-rich headlamp to use for fast-paced, extreme environment activities, the Black Diamond Storm is a great choice. Weighing in at 92 grams when loaded with batteries, this ultralight headlamp can keep things lit when caught away from a power source for a long expedition.

 
BEST RAIN JACKET / WINDBREAKER FOR RUNNING

1. SALOMON BONATTI JACKET

Showers - so what? Gusts of wind - so much the better. The updated Salomon Bonatti Waterproof jacket isn't put off by the weather. Now 40% lighter (150 grams) with a ultra-breathable micro-porous waterproof membrane, it'll keep you comfy and dry all year long, come road or trail.

 

2. PATAGONIA HOUDINI AIR RUNNING JACKET

Inhabiting a space between the Houdini and the Airshed. This jacket is made for longer missions when breathability and a bit of weather resistance are essential. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. Ultralightweight, breathable double weave with a texturized back allows for increased airflow next to skin to help avoid that hot, sweaty feeling during high-output activities. It’s perfect for use over tech tees and baselayers when more protection is needed but you also want breathability. The zippered chest pocket converts to a stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop for stowing away.

 

3. UNDER ARMOUR QUALIFIER RUN 2.0 1/2 ZIP RUNNING JACKET

When the weather won't cooperate with your run schedule, layer up with the Under Armour Qualifier Run 2.0 ½ Zip Running Jacket. A water-resistant ½ zip that is also incredibly light and breathable. That means you can run without worrying about the forecast.  Its water-resistant woven overlay on the chest provides for added durability along with anti-odour technology which prevents the growth of odour-causing microbes leaving you fresher for longer.

BEST TOPS FOR RUNNERS

1. 2XU AERO MENS RUNNING TANK TOP

With X-VENT fabric technology, the Aero Tank combines a double-knit sweat-wicking body and lightweight breathable mesh back to keep you dry and cool so you can perform in comfort.

 

2. THE NORTH FACE PRINTED SUNRISER MENS TANK

Featuring FlashDry and a 100% recycled fabric on the front, the Men's Printed Sunriser Tank is a lightweight shirt for trail running in warmer conditions. Design features like rolled shoulder seams and a breathable back panel help you maintain focus on your goal. The unique print on this style is inspired by the courses from our Athlete Team's favourite trail races.

 

Best Hats for Runners

1. CIELE LIGHTWEIGHT BUCKET HAT

362 degrees of performance and protection. Ciele took the iconic bucket hat and added all the features of your favourite cap, creating the world's best sunny day runday hat. With +50 UPF protection on the brim and body and heat dumping COOLwick mesh on the top and sides because running in the sun is hot.

 

2. CIELE GOCAP LIGHTWEIGHT RUNNING CAP

Clean, modern design thinking and runner approved performance and protection. our GOCap - Century FD - Ravine edition, an instant summer classic, features lightweight construction, large reflective front facing font. Quick-drying COOLwick fabric and UPF +40 sun protection. This cap is built using repreve, the world's number one brand of recycled performance fibre.

 

BEST WINTER THERMALS FOR RUNNING

1. ICEBREAKER 200 OASIS LONG SLEEVE MERINO THERMAL CREWE

This Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Merino Thermal Crewe is a classic, versatile merino wool base layer shirt, the 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe combines casual comfort with technical performance. The 100% merino wool weighs in at 252 grams and features offset shoulder seams prevent pack rub and chafing, underarm gussets for comfort and mobility and a drop tail hem for added coverage.

 

2. XTM MERINO MENS CREW NECK BASE THERMAL TOP

Made from 100% Australia Merino wool, the Merino Crew Neck is a great winter weight base layer. It is naturally temperature regulating; keeping you warm in cold climates and cool in warm climates. It's odour repellent, extremely breathable, silky smooth and non-itch. Designed for all types of exercise from general leisure to hiking, climbing, running, cycling, rowing and snow sports...Try them and see what you can add to the list, they'll soon become your second skin.

 

BEST SOCKS FOR RUNNERS

1. INJINJI OUTDOOR MIDWEIGHT CREW PERFORMANCE TOE SOCKS

The Outdoor Midweight features a high-density padded interface with maximum cushioning. The padded heel and extra metatarsal support will ensure you have the comfort you need for long distances and the most demanding of workouts. As your feet face the elements, Injinji's exclusive natural moisture-wicking Nuwool, the Outdoor Tetratsok provides exceptional comfort and performance, unlike any other athletic wool sock. "Free Your Toes!"

 

 
 
2. SMARTWOOL PHD RUN ULTRA LIGHT CREW UNISEX SOCKS

Smartwool’s PhD® Run Ultra Light Pattern Crew socks are simple in look, but not in design, these technical running socks are built with our Indestructawool™ technology for enhanced durability, our 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a performance-oriented fit, and our Shred Shield™ technology to ensure your toenails don't tear up such a great sock. Don't leave home without 'em.

 

BEST WINTER RUNNING ACCESSORIES

RUNNING GLOVES

1. ICEBREAKER REALFLEECE SIERRA UNISEX MERINO GLOVES

Lightweight fleece gloves for everyday performance, the Sierra Gloves features our warm, breathable, and odour-resistant RealFleece® fabric, with touchscreen-compatible fingertips for gloves-on phone use. Featuring RealFleece® - An authentic brushed merino Merino Wool that is naturally warm and soft to the touch along with touchscreen technology in thumb and index fingertips!

 

2. 2XU Run Unisex Gloves

The 2XU Run Glove features a lightweight, brushed thermal fabric, that is moisture-wicking and touch screen compatible so you can keep cold hands at bay all winter long. 

 

BEST BEANIES FOR RUNNERS

1. ICEBREAKER MERINO POCKET ADULT BEANIE

Simple, warm and fully reversible, the slim-fit Pocket Hat is a comfy 100% merino wool hat with two colours for versatile winter warmth. 
 

2. 2XU RUN UNISEX BEANIE

The 2XU Run Beanie features a lightweight, brushed thermal fabric that is moisture-wicking to keep your head warm and dry all winter long. Featuring a reflective 2XU logo and trims.

 

3. ARCTERYX CREST TOQUE BEANIE

Close fitting wool blend reversible toque with an Arc'teryx "A" on one side and a solid colour on the other. A warm, versatile hat for winter mountain sports, the Arc'teryx Crest Toque is reversible wool and acrylic blend beanie.

BEST NECK WARMERS FOR RUNNERS

1. XTM MERINO MULTI NECKWARMER

One Size Fits Most Its extra long design allows it to be worn in over 9 different ways including a neckwarmer, balaclava and beanie. Being constructed from 100% Australian merino 230g it is easy to breathe through, temperature regulating, stays warm even when wet, odour resistant, non itch and UPF 50+. Performs in temperatures where most others can't.

2. THE NORTH FACE DIPSEA COVER IT 2.0 GAITER

Stay protected with the versatile The North Face Dipsea Cover It 2.0. Available in a vibrant selection of colours and patterns, this update also has UPF 40+ sun protection and improved construction.

 

 

BEST ARM SLEEVES FOR RUNNERS

1. SKINS ESSENTIALS UNISEX COMPRESSION ARM SLEEVES

SKINS unisex Compression Sleeves power your forearms and biceps with medium-strength DNAmic Gradient Compression technology so you can pump more energy into your serve or up your reps while reducing risk of injury.

2. CEP UNISEX COMPRESSION ARM SLEEVES

Athletes whose arms feel light even after long days of competition have a secret weapon: Arm Sleeves with precisely defined medi compression, which guarantees more arm power and faster recovery. The anatomical design of the sleeves ensures a wrinkle-free, stay-put fit with elbow padding for additional protection and maximum comfort. Beat your goals with the Arm Sleeves and be ready for the next challenge in record time.

 

About the Contributor: 
 

Anderson Moquiuti is an ultra-running athlete, Guillain-Barré survivor, dad, and our go-to guy for all things running here at Wild Earth. When Ando isn’t dreaming at Wild Earth you will find Ando living his dream running waterfalls trails or along the coast, "every dream starts with one step forward, then another".  Follow him for running inspiration and adventure on Instagram.

 

 

If you need any further help, don't hesitate to come in store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.