Must-Haves for Trail Runners! - Kelly Mulvany

I have been a trail runner since 1997! I started out in the mountains of Colorado when I was part of a volunteer search and rescue team and have been romping around the trails ever since! I took up ultra-running in 2022 while her in Arizona and just completed my first 100k at the Black Canyon Ultras! Over the past 30 years I have tried so different types of products and gear, and I have refined what works and what doesn't pretty well. Naturally, what works for me might not work for you and I'm happy to chat about it if you reach out! Otherwise, here is my essential gear list for hitting the trails!

Products in this list

ADV SKIN 12 by Salomon — Hands down, the best pack out there. I use the 12 and find I have plenty of room for all my gear without feeling too weighed down. This pack moves with my body; no bounce and very little chaffing.
SOFT FLASK 500ml/17oz 42 by Salomon — On longer or hotter runs, I carry 2 extra flasks in the back so I can quickly swap them out on the fly.
Anti-Chafe & Skin Repair Tins, Original by Squirrels Nut Butter — I carry this in my pack at all times when trail running! It comes in handy for preventing blisters when hot spots pop up, to guard against chaffing and as lip balm when I find I forgot my Chapstick!
CARBO-FUEL Stimulant-Free Drink Mix by Ryno Power — I love this 100% pure complex carbohydrate mix because it's easy on the gut and free of the cloying sweetness that often comes with other products. It's sold in individual packets as well, making it easy to carry on the run!
LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes by LMNT — Because Carbo-Fuel is carbs only, you'll have to add electrolytes. I use LMNT Unflavored because it's easier on the gut than the flavored ones, doesn't taste as "salty" as you would think, and comes in very small packets that are easy to carry.
C30 Energy Gel Discovery Pack 8CT by Neversecond — These gels are more liquid than gel and are very easy to ingest. All the flavors are great and there are even caffeinated gels for when the sun goes down. They are 2:1 glucose:fructose and are easy on the gut.
Stash-hers 5" by rabbit — Trail Runner dream shorts! Less chaffing spots than previous version with storage everywhere: - 360° kangaroo waistband for maximum storage and reduced bulk - Built-in side pockets that fit most phones - Back zip pocket for keys and other essentials Don't worry guys - you have the flowier option called the Stashems
EZ Tee Perf LS by rabbit — I adore Rabbit's Perf tees and long sleeves. They keep the sun off while still being lightweight and breathable! Great for layering up in cooler temps or on their own when it gets hot!
Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew by Feetures — Fits like a second skin! These socks are just the perfect thickness to be comfortable without being too hot, and the right/left anatomical fit means they do not move or slip which helps prevent blistering.
Endurance Fuel-Single Serving by Tailwind Nutrition — Easier on the gut than other products, milder flavor to avoid cloying sweetness, and more usable carbs and sodium numbers. I also love the Mandarin and Tropical flavors! I stash a few single serving packs in my drop bags as treats!
Propulse by Rudy Project — By far the best sunglasses I have ever owned! The Propulse is airy enough that they won't fog up and the lenses will help with trail navigation. The red and crimson base tints utilize High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology. This filters specific light wavelengths to boost contrast, making rocks, roots, and changes in dirt texture pop.
Vista by Topo Athletic — Vibram outsole for traction, an extra roomy toe box to give your feet room to swell as the miles add up, and just enough cushion to keep your feet happy over the miles without feeling bulky. The Mountain Racer is also a lighter weight, less cushioned option that I love for shorter/faster trail runs.
Enduro™ 3 by Garmin — Superior watch when it comes to battery life and functionality in sport. I plug mine in maybe once a month, and it lasted the entire duration of Black Canyon 100k (18 hours) with at least 20% battery life left! It's lightweight and the velcro strap is breathable and lasts a long time.
Champions Breakfast Big Bang Lite Headband by JUNK — For night runs, you want a barrier between your forehead and your headlamp. A ball cap will block the light beam, so instead get a headband. I love Junk because these headbands stay put - and the patterns are SO MUCH FUN!
Lumen 800 Solstice by UltrAspire — For night runs, I prefer to have a waist light because I find I lose my depth perception with a headlamp alone and can experience vertigo. By bringing the light source down lower, shadows are formed and I am far more confident running at night.
UltrAspire 21700 Battery by UltrAspire — I NEVER head out without a backup battery for my light sources!
Actik Core Headlamp by Petzl — I have a headlamp in my pack AT ALL TIMES (you never know when you might experience an emergency and need lighting). This headlamp folds up into a very small bundle and is light weight.
Refillable Travel Bottles - 2 pack by zealios — I don't know how often I skipped my sunscreen because I didn't want to take off the pack dig it out. This little bottle can clip onto your pack or slip in a pocket very easily!
VESPA Ultra-Concentrate by Vespa Power Products — You just have to try it. A potent 175mg of the naturally-occurring, bio-active VESPA Wasp Extract Peptide in an ultra-compact package. VESPA is a natural metabolic catalyst which accelerates fat metabolism by working with your body’s physiology to tap into YOUR unlimited energy, FAT! The key ingredient, the wasp extract peptide, is naturally occurring and derived directly from the Asian Giant Wasp (Vespa mandarinia), commonly known as the “Murder Hornets”. Fat metabolism is not limited to using fat as fuel. VESPA is a metabolic catalyst to also drive gluconeogenesis and ketosis from stored liver fat to meet the metabolic need of high-level physical efforts.