🏕️ Ultralight Gear Checklist for 100-Mile Races

Don’t Carry What You Don’t Need – Go Far, Go Light

---

🎯 Introduction: Why Ultralight Matters in a 100-Mile Race

Running 100 miles isn’t just about endurance – it’s about efficiency. Every ounce you carry affects your pace, fatigue, and even your risk of injury. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply trying to finish before cutoff, your gear choices can make or break your race.

✅ Going ultralight doesn’t mean going unprepared. It means being smart: carrying only what you’ll actually use, choosing lighter alternatives when possible, and planning around aid stations, drop bags, and race-specific requirements.

💡 Motivation Box:
“The lighter your pack, the longer your legs will last.” – Every gram you drop now pays back at mile 80.

In this guide, we break down everything you actually need for a 100-mile trail ultra. From your shoes to your headlamp, from hydration to drop bag tricks – here’s your no-nonsense, race-ready checklist.

---

👟 Section A: On the Runner – Lightweight Clothing & Footwear

Let’s start with what’s literally on your body. Choosing breathable, non-chafing, and weather-appropriate gear is step one. But going ultralight also means ditching “just-in-case” extras and focusing on form + function.

---

✅ Shoes: Grip, Comfort & Lightness

You’ll be on your feet for 20+ hours. Go for:

• Trail-specific shoes with aggressive lugs (like HOKA Speedgoat, Altra Mont Blanc, or Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro).
• Drop: Choose based on your running style (low-drop for efficiency, moderate-drop for fatigue relief).
• Weight target: Under 300g per shoe is a great benchmark for 100-mile trail ultras.

Pro Tip: Break them in during your long runs or back-to-backs – never debut them on race day.

---

🧦 Socks: Cushion + Anti-Blister Defense

• Double-layer socks (e.g. Wrightsock) or toe socks (e.g. Injinji) to prevent friction
• Merino blends for sweat-wicking and odor control
• Pack 1–2 extra pairs for drop bags (dry feet = longer legs)

---

👕 Clothes: Lightweight, Layered, and Race-Approved

Your base gear should include:

• Lightweight technical shirt (no cotton!)
• Running shorts or tights depending on weather
• Cap or buff for sun protection and sweat-wicking
• Cold race? Add a light wind jacket or race-approved waterproof shell
• Night running? Reflective accents or vest recommended

🧵 Expert Tip: Cut off extra tags, labels, drawstrings – they rub, and they weigh more than you think.

---

🕶️ Accessories: Small but Mighty

• Ultralight sunglasses (wraparound for mountain glare)
• Thin gloves or mitts for early morning chill
• Buff – triples as sweatband, neck warmer, emergency bandage

---

🥤 Section B: Hydration & Nutrition Setup – Stay Fueled, Stay Light

Overpacking food or water can slow you down just as much as underfueling. The key? Know your race aid layout, practice with your gear, and find your personal sweet spot between weight and reliability.

---

🎒 Vest or Bottles?

• Hydration vests offer hands-free convenience, gear storage, and balance.
  • Look for 5–10L capacity max
  • Best picks: Salomon Sense Pro 5, Nathan VaporAir, UltrAspire Zygos
• Soft flasks (500ml x 2) reduce sloshing, collapse flat when empty
• Handheld bottles – great if you prefer quick aid station fills

🔍 Weight Hack: Leave empty soft flasks in the vest when not in use – they weigh almost nothing and might save you later.

---

💧 Water Planning: Aid Station Mapping

Ask yourself:

• Where are the water stations?
• Are you crossing streams (filtration optional)?
• How much do you actually need between points?

Add-ons:

• Water purification tablets (like Micropur or Aquamira)
• Filter straws (e.g., Sawyer MINI) if going remote

---

🍫 Nutrition: Dense, Portable, and Familiar

Aim for:

• Energy gels (25–30g carbs each)
• Chews or waffles as variety
• Nut butter packets or trail mix for slower-burning fuel
• Electrolyte tablets (Nuun, SaltStick) or dissolvables (Tailwind, Maurten Drink Mix)

✅ Carry a mix that you’ve used in training – and always know what’s available on-course.

🔦 Section C: Safety, Navigation & Required Gear – What You Must Carry (and Why)

Most 100-mile ultras—especially those in the mountains—require a list of mandatory gear. Some races are stricter (like UTMB), while others are more lenient. Regardless, safety isn’t optional. When you’re out there at 2 a.m. in the cold, climbing a mountain ridge, you’ll want to be prepared.

---

💡 Headlamp: Your Lifeline at Night

• Brightness: 200+ lumens minimum for trail running
• Weight: Keep it under 100g if possible
• Features: Adjustable beam, rechargeable battery, red light mode (to preserve night vision)
• Top Picks: Petzl IKO Core, Nitecore NU25 UL, Black Diamond Spot 400-R

🎯 Pro Tip: Always bring a spare battery or second light (required by most races).

---

🧭 Navigation Tools: Don’t Rely on Cell Signal

Even if your race is well-marked, always prepare for the unexpected:

• GPS Watch with route loaded (Coros Apex 2, Garmin Enduro, Suunto 9 Peak)
• Paper map & compass – ultralight and race-legal in many self-navigation races
• Course Map Printout – stash in your vest as a backup

⚠️ Some races require a map + compass even if you’re using GPS.

---

🆘 Emergency & Required Gear

• Emergency Blanket (space blanket)
  • Ultralight (under 60g), retains heat in case of bonking or exposure
• Whistle
  • Often integrated into packs, but check it’s race-legal
• Mini First Aid Kit
  • Blister tape (Leukotape or Compeed), a couple of ibuprofen, safety pin
• Small Knife or Scissors
  • Only if required (some skyrunning races do)

📷 Infographic Idea: “Mandatory Gear for 100-Mile Ultras” – checklist layout with visual icons.

---

🪜 Section D: Trekking Poles – Should You Bring Them?

Not all 100-mile races allow or require poles, but if you’re tackling mountains, technical climbs, or long descents, they can be a game-changer.

---

✅ When to Use Poles

• Elevation gain over 4000m? Consider them.
• Technical trails or slippery descents? Yes.
• Flat or fast courses? Skip to save weight.

---

🔄 Best Ultralight Poles

• Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z – collapsible, featherlight
• LEKI Micro Trail Pro – trail runner favorite, glove-compatible
• REI Flash Carbon – budget ultralight option

💡 Pole Tip: Practice folding and storing on the go – attach to your vest or running belt quickly when not in use.

🎥 Mini Video Embed Idea: “How to Deploy and Store Poles During a Race”

---

📦 Section E: Drop Bags & Crew Strategy – Efficient, Not Excessive

Drop bags are your chance to refresh gear, nutrition, and morale. But overpacking them is a common mistake. Think of them as mini pit stops, not full re-gearing sessions.

---

🎯 What to Include in Drop Bags

• Dry socks (and maybe a second pair of shoes for blister emergencies)
• Light jacket (if entering a colder night section)
• Nutrition restock – gels, bars, electrolyte tabs
• Spare batteries or headlamp
• Tiny towel or wipes (mental reset!)
• Power bank + short charging cable

---

🧰 Organizational Tips

• Label clearly by name, number, and location
• Use color-coded bags or tape for night visibility
• Keep gear in Ziploc bags to avoid moisture exposure

📎 Internal Tool: Printable Drop Bag Labels – coming in Bonus Tools section
📝 Download: “Drop Bag Planner PDF” with checkpoints & priority items

---

💼 Section F: The True Ultralight Strategy – Carry Less, Move Faster

Packing light isn’t just about the gear – it’s a mindset. Here are key principles seasoned ultra runners follow:

---

🔁 Multi-Use is King

• Buff = sweatband, scarf, sun blocker, wipe, bandage
• Rain jacket stuff sack = pillow at aid stations
• Safety pin = gear fixer, foot care tool, race bib clip

---

✂️ Trim the Fat – Literally

• Cut off excess straps on packs
• Remove unneeded zipper pulls or labels
• Ditch the backup for your backup (except lights)

---

🧠 Know the Course, Plan Around Aid

• Study the aid station chart: you may only need 250ml flasks between some stations
• If a station has hot food – no need to carry your own soup!
• Night section? Carry heavier items just before, not all day

🎯 Mindset Hack: Every item you don’t use = wasted energy spent carrying it.

🗣️ What the Masters & Mentors Say

We asked elite runners, coaches, and ultra veterans what matters most when packing for a 100-mile race. Here’s what they had to say:

“At mile 85, the last thing you want is to regret carrying 3 lbs of ‘what-ifs’. Strip it down. Carry only what your past self used and your future self will thank you for.”

“Your gear list should evolve with your confidence. The more experience you have, the less you’ll need. Ultralight isn’t risky – it’s just smart.”

“I used to pack for disaster. Now I pack for progress. Test your kit in training and learn what matters. You’ll never go back.”

“There’s elegance in simplicity. In 100s, every saved ounce buys you time, comfort, and clarity when you need it most.”

🏔️ Ultralight Gear by Race Type

Every 100-mile race is different. Terrain, weather, elevation, and aid station spacing all affect what you should pack. Here’s how to tailor your ultralight setup for different environments:

🏔️ Mountain Ultras (e.g., Hardrock, UTMB)

• Must-have: Waterproof jacket, gloves, thermal layer, trekking poles
• Terrain-specific: Extra grip trail shoes, emergency blanket always
• Strategy: Expect weather swings; dry socks in drop bags are essential

🏜️ Desert Ultras (e.g., Moab 240, Javelina Jundred)

• Must-have: Sun sleeves, hat with neck cape, 1L+ water capacity
• Terrain-specific: Lightweight gaiters for sand; cooling towel
• Strategy: Pack electrolyte-heavy nutrition; carry salt tabs

🌲 Forest Night Ultras (e.g., Western States, Cascade Crest)

• Must-have: Dual-light system (headlamp + clip-on backup)
• Terrain-specific: Reflective gear for night sections
• Strategy: Use breathable layers to manage humidity + sweat

🛤️ Flat & Fast Courses (e.g., Tunnel Hill, Jackpot 100)

• Must-have: Minimal vest or belt; high-cushion shoes
• Terrain-specific: Road-friendly shoes; no poles
• Strategy: Drop all non-essentials – speed wins here

---

🔬 Does Less Weight = Better Performance?

Studies in endurance sports show that every kilogram of extra load increases energy expenditure by 2–3% per hour. Over 100 miles, this compounds into hours of added effort.

• Backpack Load & VO2 Max: Heavier packs increase oxygen cost, especially during uphill locomotion.
• Biomechanics: Lightened loads reduce vertical oscillation and muscle fatigue, especially in the calves and quads.
• Elite Runner Ratios: Many top runners aim for a gear-to-bodyweight ratio under 5%.

📌 Conclusion: Lighter gear = less fatigue, lower energy cost, better time. But it must still meet your core needs.

---

💰 Budget vs Premium Ultralight Gear: What’s Worth the Investment?

Gear Item	Budget Option	Balanced Pick	Premium Ultralight
Headlamp	Energizer Trail 200	Petzl Actik Core	Nitecore NU25 UL
Hydration Vest	Decathlon 5L Trail Vest	Nathan VaporAir	Salomon Sense Pro 5
Rain Jacket	Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite	Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket	Montbell Versalite
Trail Shoes	Merrell Trail Glove	Altra Lone Peak	HOKA Tecton X2
Trekking Poles	Cascade Mountain Tech	Black Diamond Distance Z	LEKI Micro Trail Pro

🧠 Tip: Spend more on what you’ll carry longest: shoes, hydration, jacket.

---

🎒 Real Race Kit Examples from Runners

Elena (UTMB Finisher)

• HOKA Speedgoat 5
• Salomon vest (8L)
• 2x 500ml soft flasks
• Buff, gloves, emergency jacket
• Maurten drink mix in every drop bag

Marcus ‘Night Fox’ (Moab 240 Sub-90h)

• Injinji toe socks (3 pairs in drops)
• Nitecore dual lights
• Trail Butter + Spring Energy combo
• Ziplock of KT Tape + safety pins

Anna (Budget First Timer, Pine to Palm)

• Decathlon gear + Inov-8 shoes
• $20 headlamp + backup keychain light
• Granola bars + saltines
• DIY duct tape kit

📸 Want to share your kit? Tag us with #My100MileSetup

⚖️ Interactive Weight Calculator (Coming Soon)

Enter your gear items and see your projected pack weight:

• Hydration: ___ ml → ___ g
• Nutrition: ___ items → ___ g
• Jacket: ___ g
• Lights: ___ g
• Emergency kit: ___ g
• Total Estimate: ___ g / ___ lbs

🛠️ Advanced Version: Auto-convert between metric & imperial + presets for major races.

---

🧘 Runner Personas: Pack Like YOU Run

The Minimalist

• 5 essentials: shoes, shorts, flasks, buff, light
• No poles, no jacket, no backup – pure efficiency

The Gear Geek

• Power bank, 3 watches, GPS tracker, everything logged
• Color-coded drop bags, backup gels, spare everything

The Mountain Goat

• Trekking poles always, jacket + gloves packed
• Prefers stability over speed

The Crew Commander

• External battery brick, custom-labeled bags
• Notes for crew taped to bottles, timed nutrition plans

🎭 Find your style, build your checklist, and own the trail.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. How light should my gear pack be for a 100-mile race?

Ideally, your fully loaded vest (including water and nutrition) should weigh under 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg). Every ounce saved reduces fatigue over 24+ hours.

2. Do I need to bring trekking poles for every 100-miler?

No. Only bring poles for races with significant climbs and descents. They’re most useful in mountainous courses. Flat races don’t require them and they add unnecessary weight.

3. Should I use a hydration vest or handheld bottles?

A hydration vest is more balanced and lets you store gear easily. Handhelds are lighter for minimalists but less versatile. Choose based on personal comfort and race needs.

4. How many headlamps should I carry?

Always carry a primary headlamp (200+ lumens) and one backup (compact or clip-on). Most races require two light sources for safety during the night sections.

5. Is it okay to leave out the emergency blanket?

No. Many races require one, and it can be lifesaving in cold conditions or if you’re immobilized on the trail. Get an ultralight version that weighs less than 60g.

6. Do I need to pack toilet paper?

Only if there are remote sections without aid or toilets. Pack a small amount in a ziplock, or use biodegradable wipes instead.

7. What is the most forgotten gear item in ultras?

Spare batteries, anti-chafe balm, and socks. These small items make a big difference when you need them at mile 70.

8. Should I bring a GPS watch if the course is well-marked?

Yes. A GPS watch helps with pacing and distance tracking, even if navigation isn’t required. Load the course if the race allows it.

9. Can I use one outfit for the entire 100 miles?

Yes, if conditions are consistent and you’ve tested it in training. Otherwise, pack spare socks and a shirt in drop bags for safety and comfort.

10. Should I bring my own food or rely on aid stations?

Bring your own tried-and-tested nutrition. Aid stations vary in quality and contents. Always have a fuel plan you control.

11. What kind of rain jacket is race-legal?

Look for jackets with taped seams and a waterproof rating above 10,000mm. Popular choices include the Salomon Bonatti WP and Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket.

12. Do I really need a whistle?

Yes. It’s often mandatory and helps if you’re lost or injured. Many hydration vests have built-in whistles.

13. How do I keep weight down in drop bags?

Stick to essentials: socks, batteries, minimal nutrition, and a shirt. Don’t pack full backups unless necessary. Label bags clearly and organize with ziplocks.

14. Can I race without a hydration system?

Only if the race has frequent aid stations and weather is mild. Most ultras require at least 500ml of carrying capacity.

15. What socks prevent blisters best?

Double-layer socks (like Wrightsock), toe socks (like Injinji), and merino wool blends are top choices. Bring extras in drop bags.

16. Is a power bank worth carrying?

Yes, especially if your GPS watch or phone can’t last 24+ hours. Bring a mini USB cable and a low-weight battery (like Nitecore NB10000).

17. Should I carry electrolyte pills or powder?

Use what works best for you in training. Electrolyte powders are efficient with water, but pills are easier to dose on the go.

18. What first aid items should I pack?

Minimal is best: leukotape or blister pads, 2 ibuprofen pills, a wipe, and a safety pin. That covers 90% of race-day issues.

19. How many gels do I need for 100 miles?

Depending on your fueling plan, you may need 20–30 gels or equivalent. Mix in real food if possible and use drop bags for refueling.

20. How do I mentally prepare for gear stress?

Practice with your full race kit on long training runs. Test your gear, simulate aid stops, and reduce choices on race day to stay focused.

🧪 Ultralight Gear Mindset Quiz

Take this quick test to see if your gear is holding you back or helping you fly.

1. Do you carry items “just in case” that you never used in training?

Yes
No

2. Does your full pack weigh over 5 lbs (2.3 kg)?

Yes
No

3. Do you use multi-purpose gear like a buff for multiple roles?

Yes
No

4. Have you done a long run using your full race-day kit?

Yes
No

5. Do you know exactly what’s in your drop bags?

Yes
No

6. Do you carry more water than you realistically need between aid stations?

Yes
No

7. Have you ever used everything in your pack during a race?

Yes
No

8. Do you carry gear because “others might have it”?

Yes
No

9. Do you plan gear based on weather forecasts and course profile?

Yes
No

10. Do you review your gear list and remove non-essentials before packing?

Yes
No

Submit

📚 Further Reading & Resources

Looking to go even deeper into ultralight gear and race preparation? Here are some of the most trusted resources in the ultrarunning world:

• 🥾 iRunFar – Mandatory Gear for Ultras
  A comprehensive breakdown of what’s required and what’s smart to carry across different races worldwide.
• 📋 Trail Runner Mag – Ultralight Pack Essentials
  A minimalist’s take on race-day gear, with weight-saving strategies from elite trail runners.
• 📦 REI – Trail Running Gear Checklist
  A general yet very practical checklist for beginners and experienced runners alike.
• ⛑️ MountainUltra.org – Gear Prep Guide
  In-depth advice for mountainous 100-milers, with an emphasis on mandatory gear and safety.
• 📺 YouTube – Ultralight Ultrarunner Kit Breakdown
  A video walkthrough of a real 100-mile race kit by a seasoned ultrarunner.

💬 Got a favorite gear tip? Share it with us in the comments or tag us on social media using #My100MileSetup.