Expert running gear recommendations from Benji Wiederkehr, Mountain Ultra Runner, based in Colorado, USA.
My complete kit for winning and setting the course record at the High Five 100, a 100-mile off-trail, unmarked, self-supported race climbing five 14ers in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado in 28:52 hours.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Jacket — I’m using an older version of this hoodie with the GORE-TEX membrane on the outside. It’s simply fantastic: bulletproof, packable, superlight.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt LS Men's — When expecting lower temperatures or higher winds, I layer a longsleeve over a shortsleeve or go longsleeve only.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Downword Logo Shirt SS Men's — I’m using an earlier, discontinued shirt, called the Motus short-sleeve shirt, but I assume these two are fairly comparable.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Senchi Designs A60 Hoodie — When expecting temperatures below freezing, I layer a Alpha Direct 60 hoodie between my baselayer and my outershell (wind or rain hoodie). Breathable, hydrophobic, ultralight insulation.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Montane Montane Unisex Minimus Nano Pull Over Waterproof Pants — The lightest waterproof pants around with a large enough zipper to put or take off without taking your shoes off.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the PATH Projects Sykes PX — My all-time favorite running shorts with the perfect storage capacity and configuration (three zipper pockets and one internal key pocket).
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Mesh 5 Panel Cap — I’m using an older version of this hat with an ultralight, breathable ripstop instead of the mesh, but I trust that this hat is equally perfect for lightweight protection from sun, wind, and rain.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Ciele Athletics GOCap — I’m using an earlier, discontinued version, called the ALZ cap, but they seem very comparable to the new, smaller version of the Go cap.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Buff Merino Lightweight Beanie — I’m using an earlier, discontinued version with a slightly different material, but the use case is the same: keeping my head warm in wet, windy, and cold conditions.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear — I’m using an earlier, discontinued version with a slightly different material, but the use case is the same: keeping my neck or head warm in wet, windy, and cold conditions.
My complete kit for setting the FKT on the Wild Basin Traverse, a 30-mile technical route in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado in 15:03 hours.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Jacket — I’m using an older version of this hoodie with the GORE-TEX membrane on the outside. It’s simply fantastic: bulletproof, packable, superlight.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Senchi Designs A60 Hoodie — When expecting temperatures below freezing, I layer a Alpha Direct 60 hoodie between my baselayer and my outershell (wind or rain hoodie). Breathable, hydrophobic, ultralight insulation.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the PATH Projects Wadi Tee 2.0 — I really like this shirt, because it’s super light, wicks moisture quickly, and doesn’t sag when wet.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the PATH Projects Sykes PX — My all-time favorite running shorts with the perfect storage capacity and configuration (three zipper pockets and one internal key pocket).
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the SAXX Multi-Sport Mesh — IYKYK
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Feetures Trail Max Cushion Quarter
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Black Diamond Distance 8 Backpack — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml water flasks or a reservoir for 6–12 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter® — Gaiters are a great addition for off-trail routes with scree fields or bushwacking to keep debris out of my shoes.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Mesh 5 Panel Cap — I’m using an older version of this hat with an ultralight, breathable ripstop instead of the mesh, but I trust that this hat is equally perfect for lightweight protection from sun, wind, and rain.
My complete kit for setting the FKT on the Pfiffner Traverse, a 80-mile off-trail route through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado in 29:23 hours.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Jacket — I’m using an older version of this hoodie with the GORE-TEX membrane on the outside. It’s simply fantastic: bulletproof, packable, superlight.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Downword Logo Shirt SS Men's — I’m using an earlier, discontinued shirt, called the Motus short-sleeve shirt, but I assume these two are fairly comparable.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Senchi Designs A60 Hoodie — When expecting temperatures below freezing, I layer a Alpha Direct 60 hoodie between my baselayer and my outershell (wind or rain hoodie). Breathable, hydrophobic, ultralight insulation.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Montane Montane Unisex Minimus Nano Pull Over Waterproof Pants — The lightest waterproof pants around with a large enough zipper to put or take off without taking your shoes off.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the PATH Projects Sykes PX — My all-time favorite running shorts with the perfect storage capacity and configuration (three zipper pockets and one internal key pocket).
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the SAXX Multi-Sport Mesh — IYKYK
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Salomon Salomon S/LAB GENESIS 2 — I’m using an earlier version of the S/LAB Genesis, but the new version seems very comparable.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter® — Gaiters are a great addition for off-trail routes with scree fields or bushwacking to keep debris out of my shoes.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Darn Tough Men's Run Quarter Cushioned Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the CEP The Run Compression Calf Sleeves 4.0
My personal favorites of belts, vests, and packs for unsupported, high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Raide Research UL 1L Running Belt — Fits essentials, calories and one 500ml flask for 2–4 hours of high-alpine mountain running in fair conditions.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Raide Research LF 2L — Fits essentials, calories, and one 500ml flask for 2–4 hours of high-alpine mountain running in fair conditions.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Salomon ADV SKIN 5 — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml flasks for 4–6 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Salomon ADV SKIN 12 — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml flasks or a reservoir for 6–12 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Salomon ADV SKIN CROSS SEASON 15 — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml flasks or a reservoir for 8–24 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Black Diamond Distance 8 Backpack — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml water flasks or a reservoir for 6–12 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Black Diamond Distance 15 Backpack — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml water flasks or a reservoir for 8–24 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Black Diamond Distance 22 Backpack — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml water flasks or a reservoir for 12–36 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Minimodular Vestpack Prototype 1.0 — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml water flasks or a reservoir for 12–36 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
My personal favorites of clothing layers for high-alpine mountain running in all conditions.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the PATH Projects Wadi Tee 2.0 — I really like this shirt, because it’s super light, wicks moisture quickly, and doesn’t sag when wet.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Downword Logo Shirt SS Men's — I’m using an earlier, discontinued shirt, called the Motus short-sleeve shirt, but I assume these two are fairly comparable.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt LS Men's — When expecting lower temperatures or higher winds, I layer a longsleeve over a shortsleeve or go longsleeve only.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Path Projects Wadi LS Hooded Tee 2.0 — When expecting a lot of direct sunlight and hot conditions, I’m using a sun hoodie for additional protection.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Windshell Hoody — I’m using an earlier version of this hoodie but I assume they are fairly comparable: breathable, lightweight, packs down super small, and yet very protective from higher winds on exposed ridges in mild to cool temperatures.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Norvan Jacket — I’m using an older version of this hoodie with the GORE-TEX membrane on the outside. It’s simply fantastic: bulletproof, packable, superlight.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Rho LT Hoody — I mostly use this as a baselayer in very cold conditions, but it works as a standalone in cool conditions as well (except for technical climbing and bushwacking).
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Senchi Designs A60 Hoodie — When expecting temperatures below freezing, I layer a Alpha Direct 60 hoodie between my baselayer and my outershell (wind or rain hoodie). Breathable, hydrophobic, ultralight insulation.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody — When expecting temperatures below freezing on routes with downtime or sleep, I’m bringing this hoody against the cold. It’s typically too warm while moving, but excellent insulation at rest.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the PATH Projects Sykes PX — My all-time favorite running shorts with the perfect storage capacity and configuration (three zipper pockets and one internal key pocket).
My personal favorites of nutrition and hydration products for long-distance, high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the The Feed PROBAR Meal On-The-Go Bar — I’m using these bars as meal replacement on extended, unsupported routes with lower intensity, where I plan to take breaks to refuel and recharge. They offer many great flavors with different ingredients to prevent palette fatigue.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the The Feed Bobo's Oatmeal Bars — I’m using these bars as meal replacement on extended, unsupported routes with lower intensity, where I plan to take breaks to refuel and recharge. They offer many different flavors to prevent palette fatigue, but oats are the dominant ingredient.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Barebells Barebell Vegan Hazelnut & Nougat — I’m using these bars as meal replacement on extended, unsupported routes with lower intensity. They are pretty easy to eat on the go and the hazelnut & nougat flavor is my special sweet treat.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Maurten Maurten Solid 160 — These bars are a very reliable alternative to gels on extended extended, unsupported routes with medium to high intensity. I’m using bars in addition to gels to switch up the texture of my nutrition. They are easy to bite and chew with a simple, natural, sweet flavor.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Maurten Maurten Gel 160 — These gels are a very reliable foundation on extended, unsupported routes with medium to high intensity. They have a simple, sweet flavor and an easy to swallow viscosity.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Carbs Fuel Carbs Fuel Energy Gels — These gels are a very reliable foundation on extended, unsupported routes with medium to high intensity. They have a simple, sweet flavor and an easy to swallow viscosity. They can be a bit overly sweet and I mix them up with other gels after 16 hours to prevent palette fatigue.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Open Fuel Ultra Fuel Sports Drink Mix — These drink mixes are a very reliable foundation on extended, unsupported routes with medium to high intensity. They come in a few delicious flavors and dissolve very quickly in water.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Pep Sport Nutrition TRAIN Powder — These gels are a very reliable foundation on extended, unsupported routes with medium to high intensity. They are based on real food and come in natural, tasty flavors. They don’t taste sweet and therefore are a great alternative to anyone who doesn’t like the sugary flavors of most synthetic, simple sugar drink mixes.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Pep Sport Nutrition ELECTROLYTE Powder — These powders are a simple addition to add electrolytes to water or any carb drink mix for routes with high intensity in hot conditions.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the The Feed SaltStick Electrolyte Capsules + Caffeine — These caps are an easy way to consume electrolytes on routes with high intensity in hot conditions. They allow you to balance your consumption more precisely than if your electrolytes are mixed into your hydration. I’m typically using the caffeinated ones during the night and the non-caffeinated ones during the day.
My personal favorite shelters for sleeping during unsupported, high-alpine mountain fastpacking.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Outdoor Research Helium UL Bivy — The most built-out of the bivy options in this list. It’s waterproof, breathable, offers a bug net, and offers substantially more livable space thanks to the pole frame.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Rab Trailhead Bivy — An inexpensive option for a waterproof, breathable, minimal bivy.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Mountain Laurel Designs FKT ProVent UL BIVY — The lightest of the bivy options in this list. It’s waterproof and breathable, but doesn’t provide much livable space.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp — Very simple, light, 1-person, 1-pole tarp with a small footprint for areas with little space for setting up a tent.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 1 — Very simple, light, 1-person, 1-pole tarp with a small footprint for areas with little space for setting up a tent.
My personal favorites of safety gear for extended, unsupported, high-alpine mountain running.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Garmin inReach® Mini 2 — I always carry my inReach Mini to share my location with my family and to send an SOS message if something goes wrong. I’m still using version 2 instead of 3, because it has all the features I need and it’s slightly lighter.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Fenix Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 — If I plan to run extended sections of a route without daylight, I bring this headlamp as my primary light source. The light source and battery life are excellent and the headband is very comfortable. The Boa-like system make micro adjustments quick and easy.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the SOL SOL Emergency Blanket — I always carry my emergency blanket in the high-alpine in case I get exposed to weather without being able to keep my body temperature steady through movement. Unquestionable benefit-to-weight ratio.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the SOL SOL Escape Lite Bivy — I bring the SOL bivy instead of the blanket if the chances are high that I might need a dirt nap in cold or wet conditions. The bivy does a great job at keeping you warm even without an insulation layer.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Victorinox Classic SD — This tiny pocket knife comes with all the tools I might need in an emergency, specifically knife, scissors, tweezers for wound care. It’s part of my minimal first-aid kit which belongs in my pack on almost all remote routes.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the RovyVon Aurora A8 USB-C Keychain Flashlight with UV Sidelights — If I plan to start or end a route in daylight, but with a higher risk that something goes wrong, weather, technicality, exposure, remoteness, etc., I bring this tiny flashlight as an emergency light source. My preferred variant includes an amber sidelight for ambient light and a red/blue flashing sidelight as an emergency signal.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the HydraPak UltraFlask™+ Filter Cap — I try to treat my water from natural sources in almost all areas that I’m exploring. These filters are simple and quick to use with minimal added weight to a regular soft flask.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Amazon BIC Mini Lighter — I bring a small lighter as a last resort to start a fire to keep my body temperature up if something goes truly wrong. It’s part of my minimal first-aid kit which belongs in my pack on almost all remote routes.
Benji Wiederkehr recommends the Amazon Leukotape P — I bring a small section, rolled around my lighter, in my minimal first-aid kit which belongs in my pack on almost all remote routes. It’s great for small wound care or gear repair. It might not truly fix what’s broken, but it gets you back to the trailhead.
Swiss-trained, Colorado-based, roaming the Rockies on remote, rugged, technical routes.
