Garmin Enduro 3 GPS Watch by Garmin — I’ve used the Enduro for all of my long training runs and biggest races, including UTMB, and it has been incredibly reliable. The map feature is fantastic. The screen is easy to see, even when you’re moving, and it’s been a huge help with navigation and staying on course.
The battery life is crazy. After using it for UTMB, I still had 80% battery left, which is pretty impressive considering how long I was out there. I also love how much data it tracks, from sleep and recovery to steps, heart rate, training metrics, and everything in between.
For long-distance running and ultras, the combination of navigation, battery life, and all the training/recovery data makes this a watch I rely on for both training and racing.
Petzl NAO RL Headlamp Black by Petzl — I use this headlamp for all of my early-morning runs in the dark and fog, as well as for mountain 100K–100-mile ultras. I genuinely can’t say enough good things about it. The light is bright, clear, and reliable, which makes a huge difference when running technical trails in the dark. I also love the easy battery switch. It’s quick and efficient, especially when you’re crewing and need to swap batteries without wasting time.
Free Belt Pro 2.0 - Black/White by Compressport — I’ve used this waist belt for everything from daily runs to long training runs and races up to 100 miles, and it has become one of my go-to pieces of running gear. It fits incredibly well without squeezing my stomach, which is especially important for me on long runs when I can experience bloating and GI issues. The belt moves with my body and adjusts as my stomach changes throughout a run without bouncing or feeling restrictive.
It’s also fantastic for organizing nutrition. I can easily carry gels, snacks, my phone, and water, so I use it for everyday runs as well as long ultras. Comfortable, secure, and practical.
Phantom Waterproof Pants by Rab — These are some of the best lightweight waterproof pants I’ve used. They’ve saved me so many times, whether I’m high up in the mountains dealing with freezing, wet conditions, standing around at a race start, or crewing.
They weigh practically nothing, so they’re easy to throw in my pack and forget about until I need them. The waterproofing is excellent, and I really like the drawstring waist, which makes them easy to adjust and keeps them secure over other layers.
Smith Bobcat by Smith Optics — I’ve brought these sunglasses with me on every long mountain ultra for years, and they’ve held up incredibly well. I love being able to swap out the lenses at crew stops depending on the conditions, which is especially useful during long races when you’re running through changing light.
They’re perfect for exposed sections of trail and provide great protection without feeling like an extra piece of gear I have to think about. After years of use and countless miles, they’ve proven to be incredibly durable and reliable.
LIGHT-BELT LB1 by LightBelt — One of the most underrated pieces of gear I own. I’ve had this waist lamp for 5+ years with zero issues and have worn it on all of my biggest training efforts and races. It shines incredibly bright and does an excellent job lighting up the trail, especially when paired with a headlamp. I love having the light lower to the ground because it helps pick up roots, rocks, and changes in the trail surface. It’s also extremely reliable, with great battery life.
Mont Blanc Gloves by Black Diamond — My favorite gloves! I use these on almost every cold-weather run. They’re great for keeping my hands warm while providing a good level of water resistance on wetter, milder days.
On really cold days, I pair them with an overmitt and stay incredibly warm. The digital fingertips are also a huge plus. You can use your touchscreen without taking your gloves off, which is especially convenient during long races.
REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens Black L by REI Co-op — These are a lifesaver when the weather turns cold and wet. They got me through UTMB 2025 if that says anything! I use them as an outer layer over my running gloves to keep my hands warm and dry, especially in rain, snow, and windy mountain conditions.
The GORE-TEX shell provides excellent waterproofing without adding much bulk, so they’re easy to throw in a race vest and pull out when conditions deteriorate. They’re especially great paired with a warmer liner glove on really cold days—the combination keeps my hands comfortable without having to carry a bulky winter glove.
Injinji Ultra Run Mini Crew Socks Blue by Injinji — My go-to socks for long runs and ultras. I pair these with blister friction cream and rarely have issues with blisters, even during long races in the wet, humid conditions we get on the East Coast.
One of my favorite things is that I can wear the same pair for an entire race without needing to change them, which says a lot about how well they perform. I also love the ankle height, and they’re comfortable, functional, and durable.
Foot Kinetics HikeGoo Blister Prevention Cream for Hiking and Backpacking - Long-Lasting, Sweat-Resistant Cream - Prevents Chafing, Hot Spots, and Blisters on Feet by Amazon — This has become a staple in my race kit. I use it with my toe socks for long training runs and ultras, and it makes a huge difference in preventing hot spots and blisters.
I especially appreciate how well it holds up in wet, humid conditions. I’ve used it on long East Coast mountain efforts where my feet get sweaty and wet for hours, and it continues to provide a protective barrier between my skin and socks. One application usually lasts all day, so I don’t have to stop and reapply during a race.
