Clear some closet space…
Gear, gear, and more gear. One of the major by-products to doing any outdoor activity over a number of years is the sheer volume of equipment one collects along the way. (Or maybe it’s just me.) The quest for greatness often involves test-driving lots and lots of products designed to lighten your load – and subsequently your wallet. Getting advice from those who have tread before you is never a bad idea so here is some of the equipment I have used along the way…
Gear Reviews:.
Stuff I have used (general items):.
- Patagonia Outerwear: I can’t say enough good things about Patagonia clothing and outerwear. Their baselayer items are the bomb and they have really stepped up to the plate with their jackets, shells and overall outerwear. I can’t speak to the quality of their footwear but given the level of performance achieved elsewhere, am guessing you can’t go wrong with their shoes either.
- nuun: I sweat. A lot. No use trying to deny it. I have struggled for years to find a good solution to the problem and nuun has jumped to the rescue. nuun is very easy to use, tasty and provides the element of “one less thing to think about” so needed in ultra events.
- GoLite packs: Lightweight and amazingly rugged.
- Ultimate Direction Kicker Valve bottles: These take a little getting used to but once you do, they are pretty great.
- WrightSock Anti-Blister Coolmesh socks: These puppies are double layered socks that really help keep your feet happy.
- BodyGlide: Keep chaffing at bay.
- Garmin GPS: I have used both the 305 and 405. Each has pluses and minuses but both provide great information for every run.
- iPod Shuffle: Sometimes you just need a little distraction. Light and capable.
- Saucony Omni Grid TR V: These shoes are no longer made but man they worked well for me. I have one pair left that I made into screw shoes. If I could get more, I would.
- Nathan Packs: Really love these packs for ultras. I have the HPL028 and HPL008 and like both of them. The perfect addition to any ultra-runner’s arsenal.
- Brooks Shoes: In ’10 I switched to Brooks early in the year (Adrenaline series) then switched to a more neutral shoe later in the year as my mechanics improved (Cascadia). I am going to run the Denver Marathon in their new flat, the Green Silence. Great shoes for sure.