Top Ultra Running Gear Picks for 2026 (According to People Who Actually Use This Stuff)
Key Takeaways
The Destination Trail ultrarunning community recommended their favorite pieces of gear via Instagram, and we’ve compiled the most-mentioned items into this list.
Runners suggest hydration systems like the Katadyn BeFree and fuel from Neversecond for keeping you moving when things get real.
From Shokz Open Run headphones to Squirrel's Nut Butter (for anti-chafing), the little things make huge differences on 50+ mile days.
Layering pieces like the Patagonia Houdini jacket (Women’s, Men’s) and smart lighting solutions, like the UltraSpire Lumen Waist Light, can literally save your race (and possibly your life).
On the hunt for the best hydration system or lightweight jacket? We took to social media to find out what ultra running gear Destination Trail runners loved most, and boy, did they deliver.
The following recommendations come from runners who've dragged themselves through all sorts of challenging conditions, like the Arizona Monster 300’s desert heat or the remote and rugged terrain of the Bigfoot 200. Here’s what held up and what they keep reaching for again and again.
Most-Recommended Ultra Running Gear
Hydration
Let's start with the obvious: runners need water. But more importantly, clean water, especially on long runs where the only source is a sketchy stream that’s probably full of bacteria.
Our 2025 Triple Crown winner swears by the Katadyn BeFree water filter + bottle. This thing filters fast, packs light, and can be refilled from basically anywhere. On longer stretches between aid stations (especially when it’s hot out), this is the kind of gear that makes the difference between a good race and a very bad day.
Running Vests
Salomon vests (Women’s, Unisex) remain a community favorite for longer efforts where more gear is necessary.
Waist Belts
UltrAspire waist belts also got major love from our community. People loved the UltrAspire Lumen Ally and UltrAspire Lumen Ally 2.0, which pair the Lumen Waist Light with the waist belt. This provides a light that won't bounce around when navigating technical terrain at 2:00 a.m.
Poles
Leki running poles dominated the trekking pole conversation. When runners face 10,000+ feet of elevation gain (looking at pretty much every Destination Trail course), poles aren't optional gear; they're survival equipment for their knees.
Sunglasses
Because the sun exists and apparently wants to ruin everything: Goodr sunnies. Affordable, functional, and easily replaceable if they get lost on the trail.
Navigation
The top female finisher of this year's Triple Crown loves COROS watches for navigation and battery life. She reported that hers didn’t die during any of her Triple Crown races, which is saying something – each of them takes at least 48 hours to finish. On 24+ hour days, a dead watch isn't just inconvenient; it's a legitimate problem.
Headphones
Need some audio entertainment without blocking out bear warnings? Shokz Open Run headphones use bone conduction technology, meaning runners can listen to music while still hearing what’s going on. Plus, no one wants to be that runner blasting a speaker out loud; it’s not great ultramarathon etiquette.
Nutrition
Good fuel matters and Neversecond always delivers, with a variety of choices from gels to bars. Their products are based on science, delivering energy with a mixture of the stuff our bodies need on longer days — without all the stomach issues.
Lube (No, Not That Kind)
Speaking of keeping things moving smoothly, let's talk about chafing. Squirrel's Nut Butter is the anti-chafe product that sounds like a joke but works like magic. Apply liberally. Everywhere. Trust the process.
Running Socks
We’re dedicating a whole section to socks because this is where our community has OPINIONS. The most commonly mentioned brands were Injinji, Darn Tough, Creepers, and Smartwool.
Here's the thing about ultra running gear: even with the fanciest shoes and the most expensive vest, it’ll likely be a rough run with garbage socks. Blisters don't care about PR goals. Invest in good socks, and buy multiples.
Lightweight Jacket
The Patagonia Houdini jacket (Women’s, Men’s) continues to be the lightweight layer that everyone throws in their pack "just in case" and then uses approximately 100% of the time. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and this thing packs down to practically nothing.
Running Shorts
The Men’s Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts and Runjanji shorts both got love from the community. Comfortable, functional, don't chafe, enough pockets for snacks — what more is there to ask for?
The Little Things That Matter
Here's where we get into the ultra running gear that doesn't look impressive but makes long runs exponentially better:
Bear butt wipes: For when nature calls and nature's toilet paper is poison ivy.
Kula Kloth: A pee cloth (yep, you read that right) that’s seriously awesome.
Buff: Versatile, packable, and useful for everything from sun protection to a makeshift emergency napkin.
Ice bandana: This is a legitimate mood-changer when it’s insanely hot out.
The Wild Card…
Someone in our community admitted to carrying an emergency loaf of bread. Is this scientifically optimal ultra running gear? Probably not. Is it the kind of beautifully weird thing that makes sense at mile 60? Absolutely. We're not here to judge anyone’s carb-loading strategies.
