My 50-Mile Race Kit - Evan Watkins
Everything I am bringing to Pass Mountain 50 Miler. From shoes and apparel, to fueling and hydration, this is what I trust to get me through 50 miles in the Arizona desert.
Evan Watkins's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
Products in this list
- Raglan Tech Tee by Dust — One of the best running shirts I've worn. Insanely lightweight, no nipple chafing lol, and the material actually feels cooler as it gets wet. Pretty much everything I want in a shirt for racing in the heat.
- La Sportiva Prodigio Pro by La Sportiva — I wanted something with plenty of responsive cushioning for the longer distances without giving up the protection and grip I need on technical trails. These are one of my top choices for anything 50k to 50 miles.
- Ciele - GOCap - Classic - Athletics - Deep Space by Ciele Athletics — Super lightweight, comfortable, and the only running hat I’ve found that actually fits my head well without making it look weird.
- CARB DOPE (45g) - by Formula 369 by Formula369 — One of the best values I've found for fueling long efforts. Great carb content for the price, simple ingredients, and super easy on my stomach. Makes it a lot easier to hit my carb goals without spending a fortune on gels.
- UltrAspire Lumen 400z 2.0 Waist Light Black by UltrAspire — I love having a waist light instead of relying on a headlamp, especially on trails. This one puts out plenty of light, and it fits right onto my Mountain Racer belt, so I don't have to carry anything extra.
- Mountain Racer Waist Pack by UltrAspire — I've never loved having a full vest on when I don't need one. If I’m racing somewhere with aid stations 10 miles or less apart, I can usually get away with this instead of carrying a vest. It holds everything I need without all the extra load on my shoulders.
- SOFT FLASK 500ml/17oz 42 by Salomon — With Salomon specifically, the wide opening compared to the size of the flask makes these super easy to clean, which is something I really appreciate with how often I use them.
- 800 mL Softflask w/ Bite Cap by UltrAspire — For longer stretches between aid stations, I want as much water as I can comfortably carry. This 800 mL bottle is the perfect size for my belt, and the locking top makes it easy to pull in and out without worrying about spilling.
- La Sportiva Prodigio Max GTX by La Sportiva — A great trail trainer for getting in longer miles, especially if you race in the Prodigio Pro. They have a similar feel underfoot, so transitioning between training and race day feels pretty natural.
- Anti-Chafe Formula Skin Protectant - 1.5 oz. by Bodyglide — Body Glide is pretty popular in triathlon, so I've been using this stuff for years. If needed I will pair it with an anti-chafe cream for extra protection, and I've never had an issue. Easy to apply, doesn't feel greasy, and just works.
- Adventure Packet Bundle by Squirrels Nut Butter — I like keeping one of these packets in my waist belt just in case. They weigh practically nothing and barely take up any space, so if I start chafing mid-race, I can apply some right there on the trail and keep moving.
- The Smooth Starter Pack by Chamois Butt'r — Another product I carried over from my triathlon days. I like having a cream alongside Body Glide for areas that need a little extra protection, especially when I'm going to be out there for hours. The smaller packets are also great for throwing in a race bag.
- COROS Heart Rate Monitor by COROS — Pairs directly with my COROS PACE 4, and I find it a lot more comfortable than wearing a chest strap. I like having more consistent heart rate data, especially on longer runs when I'm trying to keep my effort under control.
- PACE 4 by COROS — Super lightweight, comfortable enough to wear all day, and does everything I need it to. The battery life is great for longer races, and I love how easily it pairs with my COROS heart rate monitor.
- Roark Men's Alta 5" Shorts Black S by Roark — The liner on these is about as good as it gets. No hard seams rubbing against my skin, and I've never had an issue with chafing in them. Super comfortable, even on longer runs / races.
- Electrolyte Booster Hydration Drink Mix - 50 servings by Formula369 — I use 1–2 scoops of the lemonade flavor per hour depending on conditions. Each scoop packs 500 mg of sodium, plus potassium, magnesium, and other electrolytes. Great dosage, and the flavor is spot on. Not too strong, not too subtle, just easy to drink for hours on end.
