Trail Running Mandatory Gear

Training for an upcoming trail running event?

Most ultra trail events will require a mandatory gear kit with running essentials to keep you safe along the way. To help you with your event preparation, we have created a collection of the best options to suit your mandatory gear requirements for Ultra Trail Australia and all other ultra distance or trail running events. These products all meet the specific requirements set by race organisers from leading brands in industry. 

1. Long sleeve thermal top & pants (polypropylene, wool)

A long sleeve thermal top is a trail running essential when running longer distances, particularly in alpine environments. When you are setting off on an ultra, you are locking in for 5+ hours and the weather can change drastically over that period. UTA events require thermal items to be made of either a high performance synthetic material (polypropylene or polyester) or merino wool, both of which are available at Sherpa. Polypro thermals will be cheaper and lighter to carry whereas merino is a natural fibre, odour resistant and softer against the skin. For long lasting performance and wear, we recommend look at the Sherpa merino thermals. 

2. Waterproof and breathable jacket

It's important to always be prepared for bad weather while out trail running. A waterproof, breathable running jacket will not only help keep you dry but always provide extra warmth and wind protection in extreme conditions. To gurantee 100% waterproofness, mandatory gear jackets must have fully taped (not critically taped) waterproof seams and hood. Also imortant to take note of the breathability ratings on these jackets and the cheaper options will not be as breathable. 

3. Beanie, balaclava or head sock (Buff)

Owning your own Buff is like a gateway to a career of trail running! For under $30 these versatile, lightweight and breathable head socks are perfect for all conditions - sun protection in the heat and wind protection in the cold. Plus there are so many awesome colours and styles to choose from to spice up your trail running outfit! We also stock a great range of Winter beanies and merino balaclavas for trail runs in colder & alpine enviroments. 

4. Emergency space blanket + whistle

The best-selling SOL Survival Emergency Bivvy with Rescue Whistle ticks off two mandatory items for the price of one! It's one of the lightest emergency bivvy's on the market, weighing only 100g and packing down smaller than a soda can. The waterproof, windproof material reflects 90% of body heat while sealed seams keep out rain, wind, and snow.

5. Running Headlamp

Any ultra trail race of 50km or more will require a reliable, lightweight running headlamp. This is an important peice of kit, even if you expect to finish before sunset - you never know how you'll perform on race day! For trail running we recommend a headlamp with 600 lumens or more, preferably with reactive lighting to adjust to different trail conditions. The Petzl Swift RL 1100 is a popular headlamp for trail running with an impressive battery life and ultra-powerful reactive lighting. 

6. Full-fingered lightweight thermal gloves

When the body gets cold, the first thing to go in your fingers and toes! Keeping your extermeties warm will help maintain body heat and keep you focused on the run. At Sherpa we have a great range of polypro and merino lightweight glove liners which meet the requirements for UTA. Our best-selling merino igloves come conductive thread sewn into the thumb & fore finger for touch screen compatibility.

7. Waterproof rain pants

Known for their afforability and value for money, the Sherpa Hiker II Rain Pants are the perfect match for ticking off your mandatory gear list. With an impressive 10,000mm waterproof rating and relaxed, unisex fit, these rain pants are perfect for throwing over your running kit in bad weather. 

8. Lightweight Synthetic Fleece Top

A mandatory item for longer distances (100km+), a syntethic fleece top will keep you warm and dry when the weather turns or the sun sets. Be prepared for the cold with Sherpa 180 GSM lightweight fleece tops from just $59.95 - a winter staple for all outdoor activities.