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Contributed By: Anderson MoquiutiAre you gearing up for an ultra race, like The Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA), Brisbane Trail Ultra or next year's Wild Earth Coastal High 50?
Whether you're an experienced runner or taking on your first 50km, 100km or 100 miler ultra-distance challenge, it's essential to have the right equipment to ensure both safety and performance. Our running expert, Anderson has put together a handy guide to the mandatory gear you’ll need for the race and some expert recommendations to help you overcome the finish line.
1. Footwear: The Foundation of Your Run
Before diving into the mandatory gear list, let’s start with footwear. Selecting the right shoes is critical. You need something that’s both comfortable and provides excellent grip, especially on varied terrain. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a great choice, offering breathability, comfort, and durable Vibram soles designed for tackling the toughest trails. Make sure to break them in well before race day to avoid discomfort or blisters.
2. Running Vest: A non negotiable to keep your essentials with you
A running vest is more than just a piece of gear for the race—it's your lifeline on the trail and just as much as your shoes - it needs to fit right and be comfy. Designed to hold your essentials and mandatory gear for the race, from hydration to nutrition and safety items, a good running vest will ensure you can focus on the trail, knowing that you’re stocked up in case of an emergency. The right vest will distribute weight evenly across your body, reducing fatigue and allowing for easier access to your gear without slowing down.
My top recommendation would be the Salomon Adv Skin 12. One of our winners of the Wild Earth Gear Of The Year awards, this running vest is designed for ultra runners. It covers all the essentials like easy hydration, while maximizing comfort and stability - with new ultra-versatile storage. This 12L-version is ideal for those longer races and trails.
3. Thermals: Stay Warm in the Cold Start
Starting early means facing potentially chilly conditions, especially in the mountains. A breathable yet warm thermal top is mandatory for runners participating in the Wild Earth Coastal High 50. The Icebreaker 200 is an ideal choice, known for its comfort and excellent breathability while providing necessary insulation against the cold. Some races also require thermal pants. Icebreaker 200 Thermal Pants are a great option along with a multi-use neck gaiter like this Wild Earth one can provide versatile protection against the elements. A beanie and gloves, like this pair from 2XU keep your extremities warm on cold mornings or late starts. Lastly, for your cold weather gear, consider taking a The North Face lightweight fleece to enable you to layer up if necessary.
4. Headlamp: Light Your Path
A headlamp is essential for any pre-dawn start or night running segment. Most races over 50kms ask for a spare headlamp and you’ll need one with at least 400 lumens to ensure you have adequate visibility in low-light conditions. The Black Diamond Spot 400 is a solid option as a spare, offering a single strap design, multiple brightness settings, and both rechargeable and battery-powered options. Get something stronger for your main headlamp like the Led Lenser MH10. The MH10 is a very lightweight Ledlenser headlamp for its brightness output. It is equipped with a red taillight as well as colour filters for various different uses.
5. Waterproof Jacket: Weather Protection Must-Have
For both the Coastal High 50, Crunch events and most of ultra races in Australia and overseas, a waterproof jacket is a must. Look for a jacket that is not only waterproof but also lightweight, highly breathable and fully seam-sealed. The Mont Lightspeed Waterproof Running Jacket ticks all the boxes with its excellent weather resistance, breathability, and compact packability. If you require waterproof pants, I recommend the Marmot Precip Eco Pants. A good waterproof set will keep you dry and comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you.
6. First Aid Kit: Be Prepared for Any Situation
Safety should always be a priority in any ultra event. Your first aid kit must include a space blanket, a whistle, bandages (minimum size 7.5 cm by 2 m), and strapping tape (minimum 5 m by 2 cm). These essentials will help you handle minor injuries and stay safe in case of an emergency. Check out the AMK medical kit for some of these, please note it doesn’t include a space blanket or whistle so you’ll need to read the inclusions. Many races also require a hi-vis running vest like this Wild Earth fleuro yellow running vest.
7. Hydration: Stay Fuelled and Hydrated
Hydration is crucial during long-distance runs. Carry at least 2 liters of water, which can be achieved through a hydration bladder in your backpack and 2 x soft flasks. A good running vest with storage capacity, like the one’s mentioned above offer space for hydration gear and other essentials. It’s also a good idea to add a soft cup, like this Instinct Trail cup to your kit so you can refill with warm tea at check points.
8. Additional Essentials: Stay Organised and Informed
Other items you’ll need include a Ziploc or waterproof bag for your food scraps and rubbish (this Sea to Summit Drybag will work perfectly to keep your thermos and fleece dry inside your running pack), a fully charged mobile phone, a compass, and a race map. The Suunto Clipper compass is compact and easy to attach to your gear, while the "Maps.me" app allows for offline map access if you prefer digital navigation.
9. Expert Tips: Extra Gear to Consider
Beyond the mandatory gear, consider adding a few extra items to enhance your race experience. For nutrition, the Fix Nutrition gels, Precision electrolytes and Clif bars are my go-to, but be sure to test them during training to ensure they suit your stomach. Hiking poles are another great addition and can be a game-changer during ultra races, especially on challenging terrains and over long distances. Offering improved stability and helping you distribute your body weight more evenly (particularly helpful on steep climbs or decents). These Leki Ultratrail FX. One would be a gift to your legs for races like UTMB and the Kokoda Challenge.
10. Anti-Chafing Cream: Avoid Unnecessary Discomfort
Chafing can turn any race into a painful ordeal. Applying anti-chafing cream, such as Squirrel’s Nut Butter or Body Glide, can prevent irritation and ensure you stay comfortable throughout the race. Make sure to carry some in your pack or apply it before you begin.
Mandatory Gear Lists
UTA 100 and most of the races mandatory gear list
With the right preparation and gear, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the race. Visit Wild Earth’s stores or check out their online shop for any last-minute gear needs. Remember, the key to a great race is not just in the running but also in the preparation.
Not sure how to find your local 50km or 100 Ultra races? No problem, we’ve listed one 50km race from most states around Australia. If you have any other recommendations let us know and we’ll add them here.
Best 50 km Ultra Races in Australia
- Wild Earth Coastal High 50, August/September, Gold Coast QLD
- Blackall 50
- UTA 50 by Ultra Trail Australia, May, Blue Mountains NSW
- Glasshouse 50, May, Beerburrum QLD
- Brisbane Trail Ultra 60, Brisbane QLD
- Ultra Adelaide, July, Elder Park, Adelaide, SA
- Heysen 105, SA
- Surf Coast Century Cradle Mountain Run, Great Ocean Road VIC
- Wonderland Run Grampians, August, Halls Gap, Grampians VIC
- Collie River Ultra, September, Collie WA
- Tasmania's Gone Nuts 101 Adventure Race, March, The Nut, Stanley TAS
- Yandina 50 Sunshine Coast QLD
Best Trail Races in Australia 100km and over
- Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA), May, Blue Mountains NSW
- The Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB, Nov, Snowy Mountains
- Brisbane Trail Ultra (BTU), Brisbane QLD
- Ultra Adelaide, July, Elder Park, Adelaide, SA
- Surf Coast Century Cradle Mountain Run, Great Ocean Road VIC
- Tasmania's Gone Nuts 101 Adventure Race, March, The Nut, Stanley TAS
- Heysen 105, SA
- The Guzzler Ultra, Brisbane, QLD
- Glasshouse 100, May, Beerburrum QLD
Stay calm, stay prepared, and most importantly, have fun!
Good luck, and see you at the starting line!
About the Contributor:
Anderson Moquiuti is the Wild Earth Inventory Coordinator, running expert and all-around good vibe guy. A Guillain-Barré survivor, Ando started running in 2010 inspired by the GC Hospital Physiotherapists, his mates Sam Weir and Ben Malby. He's run many ultra races including Wild Earth Coastal High 50, UTA50 and 100, Tarawera 50 and 100 (5x), Glasshouse 100 miler, Two Bays 56kms, Blackall 50 and 100 and many marathons (PB 2:37). When he's not exploring the local trails with his family, you will find him running along the beach or hyping up his team and the local community to get moving. Follow his adventures on Instagram.
