🏃 Ultrarunning Gear I Recommend
Every item here has been tested on trails during training and races. I've run 100-milers — this is the gear that got me to the finish line.
Trail Shoes
Hoka Tecton X3
The carbon plate gives you late-race pop when your legs are gone. I've raced two 100-milers in these — stable on technical terrain, cushioned enough for road sections, and they drain well after creek crossings. If you're running one ultra this year, these are the shoes.
Check Price on Amazon →Altra Lone Peak 8
The zero-drop workhorse. Wide toe box lets your feet splay naturally at high mileage. Not as cushioned as the Hoka, but bombproof reliable. I keep a pair as my training daily driver.
Check Price on Amazon →Hydration
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Vest
Tried five vests before landing here. Stays locked in at mile 80, front pockets are accessible at pace, carries two 500ml soft flasks without bouncing. The rear storage fits a rain jacket and extra nutrition for 20+ mile stretches between aid stations.
Check Price on Amazon →HydraPak SoftFlask 500ml (2-Pack)
These collapse as you drink so there's no sloshing. Compatible with the Salomon vest. I go through a pair every ~6 months of heavy use. Keep spares.
Check Price on Amazon →Nutrition
Maurten Gel 100 (Box of 12)
Hydrogel technology means no GI distress — and if you've bonked at mile 60 because of stomach issues, you know that's everything. I take one every 30 minutes during races. Not cheap, but neither is a DNF.
Check Price on Amazon →LMNT Electrolyte Mix (Variety Pack)
1000mg sodium per packet — exactly what you need when you're sweating through a Houston summer training block. No sugar, dissolves instantly in a soft flask. The Citrus Salt is my go-to.
Check Price on Amazon →Watches & Tech
Garmin Enduro 3
Solar charging + 300-hour GPS mode means you'll never worry about battery during a 100-miler. Trail maps are legit. Yes, it's expensive — but it's the last watch you'll buy for ultra distances.
Check Price on Amazon →COROS PACE 3
If you don't need solar or trail maps, this gives you 95% of the Garmin's running features at a third of the price. 38-hour GPS battery covers any 100-miler. Excellent training load metrics.
Check Price on Amazon →