Expert Gear Picks from John Bruno

Expert endurance and alpine sports gear recommendations from John Bruno, Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer, based in Aspen Colorado (:.

John Bruno's High Alpine Running

6 hour days? 25 mile routes? 8,000 ft of vertical? Sounds like a hoot! Here's what is coming with me.

John Bruno recommends the Raide LF 5L Running Vest
John Bruno recommends the Raide LF 2L Running Belt
John Bruno recommends the Raide TrailTech Short - Men's
John Bruno recommends the Nnormal Kjerag Brut Trail Running Shoe — Big Vibram lugs, integrated gaiter, and DRAINAGE. Running in the alpine means rugged technical trail, creek crossings, mud and snow; all the good stuff. This shoe gives you the groundfeel and grip needed, while remaining impossibly light. I probably would not race in this shoe - but for big mountain adventures? Oh yeah baby.
John Bruno recommends the Roark Bless Up Trail Short-Sleeve Shirt - Men's — Light, breathable, and steezy. I love that I can unbutton a shirt and let that cool alpine breeze in. The collar keeps that vest, and the sun, off my neck.
John Bruno recommends the Carbanic High-Carb Gel Mix — Love that straight up flavor, and that I can make it a carb-dense flask of astronaut food. or a light water bottle mix. Cheaper than most of the high end stuff too.
John Bruno recommends the HydraPak HydraPak 42 mm Filter Cap — Self explanatory: Big thing here is that it locks so I can filter water and put it in a pack or a belt and not soak my kit.
John Bruno recommends the Petzl Swift LT Headlamp — Typically don't need. But better to have, rather than not, in case things get squirrelly.
John Bruno recommends the LEKI Ultratrail FX 1 Superlite Trekking Poles — Make legs go up more fast.

John Bruno's Light & fast ski touring

John Bruno recommends the Blizzard Zero G Peak Carbon - 2025/26 — Just over 1000 grams, medium volume, 99 last. Light and fast, but rigid for the descent. If you’re fit you can push this boot uphill fast and rip the descent. Excellent mobility.
John Bruno recommends the Blizzard Zero G 80 — The Zero G 80 is a finely crafted ski that provides the ultimate confidence in steep terrain. A long running edge, subtle rocker, and tapered tail make precision jump turns and side-slipping quite comfortable. The tweaked Carbon Drive chassis from the Zero G construction makes sure the ski won't fold on you and the mini-sidewall forces the edges into a firm surface. A consistent flex offers the repeatability necessary to have the courage to make the next leap. The Blizzard Zero G 80 will be a ski mountaineering staple for years to come.
John Bruno recommends the Black Diamond Men's Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell — Light, packable, and breathable; without losing that hardshell style protection from the elements where it counts.
John Bruno recommends the Black Diamond Men's Dawn Patrol Hybrid Pants — Lightweight, breathable, flexible and protective.
John Bruno recommends the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Running Poles — Light and stiff; they come with a tiny snow basket that makes for my preferred skimo pole. Not as unwieldy as a full length skimo style pole, very ski-able!

John Bruno's Trail running

Gear I use for both daily training, and long alpine missions

John Bruno recommends the Raide Research LF 2L — This running belt is my go to for slightly longer outings where I want to carry exactly what I need, but still be extremely light. I’ve run 20-25 mile, big-mountain routes with just this belt. No bounce, no chafe, no nonsense.
John Bruno recommends the COROS VERTIX 2S GPS Watch — Rarely leaves my wrist. Charge it for a couple hours and it lasts all month. Easy to use, durable, and intuitive.
John Bruno recommends the COROS Heart Rate Monitor — Makes my watch just a bit more accurate! Long battery life and simple design.
John Bruno recommends the Naked Sports Innovations Naked® Running Band — My daily training belt. Holds a surprising amount of gear: soft flask, Houdini shell, keys, gloves, gummy worms, etc.
John Bruno recommends the Norda 005 - M - Neve — One of the top trail shoes on the market. A great pick for race day. Bombproof construction, amazing bounce and energy return without feeling sketchy, unbelievably light. Even more durable. They’re as bouncy and fun now, at 700 miles, as they were at 7 miles.
John Bruno recommends the On Ultra Vest Pro — Stable, comfortable, intuitive design. The detachable dry bag is a great idea.
John Bruno recommends the Leki ULTRATRAIL FX.ONE (PAST SEASONS) — Not the lightest pole in the world. But super durable; the glove component makes for excellent power transfer and helps with the ‘up’ quite a bit.
John Bruno recommends the Precision Fuel Precision Fuel - Carb Only Drink Mix - 30 Serving — Great taste. Excellent metrics. Sits well.
John Bruno recommends the Precision Hydration PF 300 Flow Gel — Great simple taste. Sits very well. Excellent metrics. Amazing value and convenience.
John Bruno recommends the HydraPak 42mm Filter Cap — Combine this locking filter cap with something like the Raide belt and you have an ultralight kit that can go the distance.

Always searching.

John Bruno

Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer

Always searching.

John Bruno

Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer

About John

I fell in love with the mountains young. Now I live in them, 150 days on skis, the rest on foot. The ultimate searcher, of lines, movement, and something more.