What to Pack for a Trail Ultra

Packing for an ultra is not just about ticking off a list. It is about strategy. What goes in your running pack? What stays in your crew kit or drop bag? And what is worth the weight when things get tough?

This guide helps you prepare with confidence and avoid surprises on race day.

On-You: Running Pack Essentials

These are the items you will carry every step of the way. Think light, functional, tested, and female-focused.

• Hydration vest (fitted, 1.5–2L capacity)
• Soft flasks (easier than bladders for aid-station refills)
• Nutrition (pre-portioned for between checkpoints: gels, chews, rice cakes, dates)
• Mandatory gear (waterproof jacket, thermal base, survival blanket, whistle, phone, bandage, headlamp if required)
• Electrolytes (small sachets or tabs)
• Anti-chafe balm (tiny decant, a true lifesaver)
• Lightweight buff and gloves (for sudden temperature swings)

Weight tip: Ask yourself what is essential if you get stuck between checkpoints in bad weather. That is your baseline.

Crew Kit / Drop Bag: Comfort and Contingency

This is where you stash the extras that do not make sense to carry but can reset your race when you need it most.

• Spare shoes and socks (dry feet equal morale)
• Change of clothes (base layer, sports bra, gloves, beanie)
• Full nutrition resupply (restock gels, chews, real food)
• Hot food or broth (if your crew can supply it)
• Baby wipes or toilet paper (reset and hygiene)
• Battery pack and charging cable (for watch, phone, or headlamp)
• Comfort item (flat Coke, gum, or your favourite snack)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste

Strategy tip: Think of drop bags as insurance policies. You might not touch everything, but if things go sideways, you will be glad it is there.

Weight: Worth It vs. Waste

Ultras teach efficiency. Every gram adds up. The goal is knowing what is worth the weight.

• Worth carrying: survival blanket, lightweight shell, small emergency fuel. You will never regret these if weather turns or you hit a low point.
• Crew-only: big food, spare layers, heavier extras. Keep your pack lean.
• Test everything: do not wait until race day to find out a jacket rubs or your pack bounces.

Mindset: Pack not just for the day you hope for, but for the one that challenges you. Mandatory gear lists exist for a reason; they are written from lessons learned the hard way.

Female-Specific Extras

Women’s needs shift across training and racing cycles. Small details can make a big difference.

• Menstrual kit (pads, tampons, or cup — stress can bring an early cycle)
• Sports bra change (a small shift that brings huge mental reset — ideal for crew kit)
• Layering options (women often feel temperature fluctuations more intensely)
• Hair ties and headband (simple, essential, non-negotiable)

Final Tip: Pack to Move, Not Just Survive

Some items keep you safe. Others keep you moving. Both matter. The goal is not to carry everything but to choose wisely — light where you can, essential where you must — and always with a plan for the conditions you cannot control.

Reflection Prompt

• What items give me peace of mind when I am hours from help?
• Which pieces belong in my pack, and which belong with my crew?