Packing for an ultra can be a daunting task, even if you’re the most detailed person on earth (which I am not).
In fact, I’m normally the poster child for fly by the seat of my pants preparation. I’m the person who signs up for a race without ever looking at the course details, or shows up to the airport with just enough time to get through security and be the last person to board the plane.
All that said, I’ve run enough ultra marathon races by now to know that a little planning pays off in a big way, and really can’t be avoided when you’re tackling long distances, like say, 100 miles. And to be honest, I’ve learned the hard way too many times – like the time I ran 90 out of 100 miles at Antelope Canyon – and I now want to be able to cross ill preparation off my long list of excuses for why I might not finish a 100 mile race.
In an effort to avoid as many gear pitfalls as possible, I’ve assembled a packing checklist with my ultramarathon necessities (heavily adapted from this one I made in 2015).
What’s on your packing list? What did I miss?
Stay sweaty!
XO
Jamie
I love a good list! They always make packing so much easier (and when you wake up in the middle of the night thinking about that ONE thing you ALWAYS forget you just pop it on the list and go back to sleep)!
I can’t pack without a list…not even kidding.
Sour bat gummies didn’t get an official spot?
You’re crushing prep in all kinds of way. Can’t wait to see you make it all happen.
Sour bat gummies are LABELED on my fuel bag..so there’s that. 🙂
Great list – body wipes are a must for sure. I also make sure I have a buff or 3 with me – they’re so versatile + spare socks. Depending on where the race is and what time of year – some bug spray/insect repellant is useful too. Especially for multi-day events.
So true – spare socks and buffs are a must! Insects don’t usually mess with me (knock on wood) but a great addition, none the less!