Expert Gear Picks from Robyn Lesh

Expert outdoor recreation & racing gear recommendations from Robyn Lesh, Pro Trail Running Athlete, based in South Western Colorado.

Robyn Lesh's CCC by UTMB

A few things I've found that I choose for racing. The best, the lightest, the simplest; they work for me!

Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Trail Ultra Socks — These socks specifically. Thin, light, grippy, cooling (cooling darts on the top of foot). A little bit of ankle protection while still being awesome thin summer socks around the foot. 10/10!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Anti-Friction Cream — This cream is AMAZING. I put it on the night before racing and again the morning of and is the best preventative blister care I've ever found. 🎉
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS Heart Rate Monitor — SO comefy and effective. I got my coros arm band when I wanted a backup for my chest strap monitor. (like three years ago) And I never went back. Slight (~1sec) delay from chest strap (because the arm band is optical vs. detecting the heart's electrical activity) but the numbers line up and the arm band is so so much more comfortable that the slight delay is absolutely worth it.
Robyn Lesh recommends the SiS SiS BETA Fuel Gel - Neutral — 15% off: ROBYNRUNS 40g carb in a small volume. The Neutral flavor has not much/no taste (which I prefer). I empty these into the hydrapac nutrition flasks and the combo makes nutrition SO much easier to get down.
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS APEX 4 White 42mm — Recently upgraded from my Apex 2 (which I used for 3+ years). Flashy! Better button and dial placement. Some new cool features like maps on a separate set of screens from the other metrics. Still super awesome user interface. (this is why I like Coros over some other watch brands)
Robyn Lesh recommends the Precision Fuel Precision Fuel - Carb Only Drink Mix - 30 Serving — I use the carb only drink mix because I am a low salt sweater and prefer to get my salt elsewhere. Precision drink mix has a very light taste and isn't too sweet. A really nice simple product. I mix at 30g/bottle to supplement my gels.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Black Diamond Soft Flask W-MX 500 mL — Wide mouthed. Simple flasks. Easy to use lids.
Robyn Lesh recommends the AONIJIE AONIJIE Trekking Pole Holder – Compatible with C9116 Hydration Pack-E4433 — This is the simplest most versatile pole quiver out there. It works on Aonijie packs but also on any pack! (there are two options for attachments on the top and one simply goes around the shoulder strap of any pack) And if your pack doesn't have a way to attach the bottom you can just use a safety pin.. SO simple, well designed and inexpensive.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Shokz Shokz OpenSwim Pro Headphones Red — Holds mp3 files with a battery life of 6hrs in mp3 mode. No mp3 player needed! Hallelujah 🎉
Robyn Lesh recommends the Petzl Nao RL Headlamp — Exchangeable rechargeable battery pack. No bounce (light weight light on the front, battery pack on the back). Excellent illumination.

Robyn Lesh's Recovery

Sure training is important, but recovery is when we actually make the adaptions from training and get stronger. Here are some of the recovery tools that help me.

Robyn Lesh recommends the Therabody JetBoots Prime — Very easy to pack up and travel with. These are gonna be my summer racing/training relaxation/travel buddy!!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Brazyn Life Morph - Collapsible Foam Roller — Such an awesome tool. Collapsible, transportable, great customer service. SO good. (I waited for like a year and a half before finally buying one a year ago and it's been everything I hoped!)
Robyn Lesh recommends the The Original Stick Little Stick- 14" — I've had this short stick roller since sophomore year of college. Ie, over a decade. It travels with me everywhere!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Fuel Goods Momentous Collagen Peptides — 15% off: ROBYNRUNS For soft tissue/joint/bone health. I actually add it to my breakfast as I find it mixes really well with milk/I can't taste it.ALSO, Fully tested Safe for Sport. This is why Momentous is my go to...
Robyn Lesh recommends the Fuel Goods Momentous Creatine Monohydrate — 15% off: ROBYNRUNS Allegedly accelerates muscle repair and is also taste-less (which is SO SO nice). I add it to my breakfast and it's like it's not there. It also does fine in water or tea or coffee or a smoothy etc. It's temperature stable and if anything only slightly mutes the flavors of things. ALSO is fully Safe for Sport certified, which is why Momentous is my go to...
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Run Anatomic Light Crew Socks — Super comfy, light soft, my go-to day to day chill'n (& jet boot) socks.

Robyn Lesh's GGT 57km

I'm racing in Austria! A race with a huge climb (~4,000ft) off the bat and over 11,000ft in total. Gonna be a good time! Training race for CCC at the end of next month.

Robyn Lesh recommends the AONIJIE AONIJIE 4L Mont Blanc Series Trail Running Pack -MB4L — Light, comfortable, cheap. Well designed pockets. Does all the little things right! (Note, you might need to reinforce some stitching in the first few months of use, but once this is done the pack is fire)
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Anti-Friction Cream — This cream is AMAZING. I put it on the night before racing and again the morning of and is the best preventative blister care I've ever found. 🎉
Robyn Lesh recommends the SiS SiS BETA Fuel Gel - Neutral — 15% off: ROBYNRUNS 40g carb in a small volume. The Neutral flavor has not much/no taste (which I prefer). I empty these into the hydrapac nutrition flasks and the combo makes nutrition SO much easier to get down.
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS Heart Rate Monitor — SO comefy and effective. I got my coros arm band when I wanted a backup for my chest strap monitor. (like three years ago) And I never went back. Slight (~1sec) delay from chest strap (because the arm band is optical vs. detecting the heart's electrical activity) but the numbers line up and the arm band is so so much more comfortable that the slight delay is absolutely worth it.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Trail Ultra Socks — These socks specifically. Thin, light, grippy, cooling (cooling darts on the top of foot). A little bit of ankle protection while still being awesome thin summer socks around the foot. 10/10!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Precision Fuel Precision Fuel - Carb Only Drink Mix - 30 Serving — I use the carb only drink mix because I am a low salt sweater and prefer to get my salt elsewhere. Precision drink mix has a very light taste and isn't too sweet. A really nice simple product. I mix at 30g/bottle to supplement my gels.
Robyn Lesh recommends the AONIJIE AONIJIE Trekking Pole Holder – Compatible with C9116 Hydration Pack-E4433 — This is the simplest most versatile pole quiver out there. It works on Aonijie packs but also on any pack! (there are two options for attachments on the top and one simply goes around the shoulder strap of any pack) And if your pack doesn't have a way to attach the bottom you can just use a safety pin.. SO simple, well designed and inexpensive.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Shokz Shokz OpenSwim Pro Headphones Red — Holds mp3 files with a battery life of 6hrs in mp3 mode. No mp3 player needed! Hallelujah 🎉
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS Apex 4 — Recently upgraded from my Apex 2 (which I used for 3+ years). Flashy! Better button and dial placement. Some new cool features like maps on a separate set of screens from the other metrics. Still super awesome user interface. (this is why I like coros over some other watch brands)
Robyn Lesh recommends the Leki ULTRATRAIL FX.ONE SUPERLITE — Super light, easily collapsed, clip-in gloves are great. Size up on the length if you're planning to use then for a while (more advanced = longer) and the customer service is great!

Robyn Lesh's Broken Arrow Race Kit

Racing the 46km at Broken Arrow! An awesome event, high elevation, steep climbs, ripping descents. Two loops ;-) so a good time to work on mental fortitude! The right gear makes a 46km like this smooth as. Nutrition, hydration, comfort etc!

Robyn Lesh recommends the SiS SiS BETA Fuel Gel - Neutral — 15% off: ROBYNRUNS 40g carb in a small volume. The Neutral flavor has not much/no taste (which I prefer). I empty these into the hydrapac nutrition flasks and the combo makes nutrition SO much easier to get down.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Anti-Friction Cream — This cream is AMAZING. I put it on the night before racing and again the morning of and is the best preventative blister care I've ever found. 🎉
Robyn Lesh recommends the Precision Fuel Precision Fuel - Carb Only Drink Mix - 30 Serving — I use the carb only drink mix because I am a low salt sweater and prefer to get my salt elsewhere. Precision drink mix has a very light taste and isn't too sweet. A really nice simple product. I mix at 30g/bottle to supplement my gels.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Black Diamond Soft Flask W-MX 500 mL — Wide mouthed. Simple flasks. Easy to use lids.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Leki ULTRATRAIL FX.ONE SUPERLITE — Super light, easily collapsed, clip-in gloves are great. Size up on the length if you're planning to use then for a while (more advanced = longer) and the customer service is great!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Trail Ultra Socks — These socks specifically. Thin, light, grippy, cooling (cooling darts on the top of foot). A little bit of ankle protection while still being awesome thin summer socks around the foot. 10/10!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Shokz Shokz OpenRun Mini Headphones Black — The Minis are awesome. So much better than the regular size in any other brands of bone conducting headphones. Like actually. I had no idea they'd make such a difference. Don't get stuck on my hair, don't bounce. I got converted!..
Robyn Lesh recommends the Amazon Mp3 Player with Bluetooth 5.3 HiFi Sound, Mp3 Player with FM Radio, Mini Music Player 32GB for Kids Adults, Earphones Included, TF Card can be Inserted — Tiny, easy to connect to bluetooth. Surprisingly water resistant, more so if you put it in a ziplock snack bag.. My preferred music solution for training & racing!
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS APEX 2 Pro — I've been using my Apex 2 since early 2023. Still going strong!
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS Heart Rate Monitor — SO comefy and effective. I got my coros arm band when I wanted a backup for my chest strap monitor. (like three years ago) And I never went back. Slight (~1sec) delay from chest strap (because the arm band is optical vs. detecting the heart's electrical activity) but the numbers line up and the arm band is so so much more comfortable that the slight delay is absolutely worth it.

Robyn Lesh's Trail Marathons to Short Ultras

25-50km Trail Races

Robyn Lesh recommends the AONIJIE AONIJIE 4L Mont Blanc Series Trail Running Pack -MB4L — Light, comfortable, cheap. Well designed pockets. Does all the little things right! (Note, you might need to reinforce some stitching in the first few months of use, but once this is done the pack is fire)
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Anti-Friction Cream — This cream is AMAZING. I put it on the night before racing and again the morning of and is the best preventative blister care I've ever found. 🎉
Robyn Lesh recommends the SiS SiS BETA Fuel Gel - Neutral — 15% off: ROBYNRUNS 40g carb in a small volume. The Neutral flavor has not much/no taste (which I prefer). I empty these into the hydrapac nutrition flasks and the combo makes nutrition SO much easier to get down.
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS APEX 2 Pro — I've been using my Apex 2 since early 2023. Still going strong!
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS Heart Rate Monitor — SO comefy and effective. I got my coros arm band when I wanted a backup for my chest strap monitor. (like three years ago) And I never went back. Slight (~1sec) delay from chest strap (because the arm band is optical vs. detecting the heart's electrical activity) but the numbers line up and the arm band is so so much more comfortable that the slight delay is absolutely worth it.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Trail Ultra Socks — These socks specifically. Thin, light, grippy, cooling (cooling darts on the top of foot). A little bit of ankle protection while still being awesome thin summer socks around the foot. 10/10!
Robyn Lesh recommends the AONIJIE AONIJIE Running Hydration Belt — Super light, simple, cheap running belt. Holds a 500ml flask, phone & nutrition. Racing and training ✅
Robyn Lesh recommends the Black Diamond Soft Flask W-MX 500 mL — Wide mouthed. Simple flasks. Easy to use lids.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Precision Fuel Precision Fuel - Carb Only Drink Mix - 30 Serving — I use the carb only drink mix because I am a low salt sweater and prefer to get my salt elsewhere. Precision drink mix has a very light taste and isn't too sweet. A really nice simple product. I mix at 30g/bottle to supplement my gels.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Shokz Shokz OpenRun Mini Headphones Black — The Minis are awesome. So much better than the regular size in any other brands of bone conducting headphones. Like actually. I had no idea they'd make such a difference. Don't get stuck on my hair, don't bounce. I got converted!..

Robyn Lesh's Training Gear

Those small pieces of kit that help with the day to day of training. =-)

Robyn Lesh recommends the HydraPak PocketFlask™ 500ml — Great small topped little locking flask. Small topped isn't usually preferable, except for use in a running belt! Where this one is totally perfect.
Robyn Lesh recommends the AONIJIE AONIJIE Running Hydration Belt — Super light, simple, cheap running belt. Holds a 500ml flask, phone & nutrition. Racing and training ✅
Robyn Lesh recommends the The Original Stick Little Stick- 14" — I've had this short stick roller since sophomore year of college. Ie, over a decade. It travels with me everywhere!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Shokz Shokz OpenRun Mini Headphones Black — The Minis are awesome. So much better than the regular size in any other brands of bone conducting headphones. Like actually. I had no idea they'd make such a difference. Don't get stuck on my hair, don't bounce. I got converted!..
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS APEX 2 Pro — I've been using my Apex 2 since early 2023. Still going strong!
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS COROS Heart Rate Monitor — SO comefy and effective. I got my coros arm band when I wanted a backup for my chest strap monitor. (like three years ago) And I never went back. Slight (~1sec) delay from chest strap (because the arm band is optical vs. detecting the heart's electrical activity) but the numbers line up and the arm band is so so much more comfortable that the slight delay is absolutely worth it.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Altra Altra Women's Mont Blanc Carbon Trail-Running Shoes Orange 9.5 — A fun shoe, especially after about 20-30miles on the shoe. Very versatile. Not overly poppy so that it can't handle some technicality if you're good on your feet. Running for Altra this is my go to quick trail shoe.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Altra Altra Women's Experience Wild 3+ Trail-Running Shoes Khaki 7.5 — This is my all around trail shoe. It can do everything. Technical mountain trails to river paths. Travel a lot with this one because it's so versatile. 4mm drop.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Therabody JetBoots Prime — Very easy to pack up and travel with. These are gonna be my summer racing/training relaxation/travel buddy!!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Petzl Petzl Swift LT Headlamp — Great little headlamp for evening or morning runs, or even to throw in a pack as a backup headlamp. Quite bright for it's size and lasts for hours. I'm kinda hooked on this little guy..

Robyn Lesh's Travel/Daily Life

Little pieces of gear that I use for travel & daily and are awesome!

Robyn Lesh recommends the Nitecore Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank — SUPER awesome battery pack. The lightest for the capacity. I've had for like three years and use it weekly for topping up my phone in daily life as well as as a backup power supply for travel and racing.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Brazyn Life Morph - Collapsible Foam Roller — Such an awesome tool. Collapsible, transportable, great customer service. SO good. (I waited for like a year and a half before finally buying one a year ago and it's been everything I hoped!)
Robyn Lesh recommends the Owala FreeSip ® — This bottle is so so sleekly designed. Locking pop top, straw or chug for drinking. Before borrowing one of these I didn't know drinking from a water bottle could be an ergonomic experience 😂 Bought one the next week and am hooked 😅
Robyn Lesh recommends the Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo PRO Sandals — I travel everywhere with these sandals. Recovery (non)shoes, packable non-flipflops, happy feet. Extra great for letting the toe-sies breath after racing.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Endurance Racing Knee Socks — I use these for compression socks when traveling. All road trips over 2hrs and all flights. Help my lower legs feel much happier after long periods of sitting/travel!
Robyn Lesh recommends the The Original Stick Little Stick- 14" — I've had this short stick roller since sophomore year of college. Ie, over a decade. It travels with me everywhere!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Altra Women's Escalante Racer 2 — My go-to wear around and cool looking shoe. Packs down small for travel. Has just enough underfoot for long days walking around and I also love the look <3
Robyn Lesh recommends the Therabody JetBoots Prime — Very easy to pack up and travel with. These are gonna be my summer racing/training relaxation/travel buddy!!

Robyn Lesh's Mid-Distance Ultras

~100km Racing Kit

Robyn Lesh recommends the Petzl Nao RL Headlamp — Exchangeable rechargeable battery pack. No bounce (light weight light on the front, battery pack on the back). Excellent illumination.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Nitecore Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank — SUPER awesome battery pack. The lightest for the capacity. I've had for like three years and use it weekly for topping up my phone in daily life as well as as a backup power supply for travel and racing.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Leki ULTRATRAIL FX.ONE SUPERLITE — Super light, easily collapsed, clip-in gloves are great. Size up on the length if you're planning to use then for a while (more advanced = longer) and the customer service is great!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Trail T-Free Socks — Great if one happens to have a tendency for blisters beside the big toe. Preventative yo!
Robyn Lesh recommends the Sidas Anti-Friction Cream — This cream is AMAZING. I put it on the night before racing and again the morning of and is the best preventative blister care I've ever found. 🎉
Robyn Lesh recommends the AONIJIE AONIJIE Light Green 10L Trail Running Vest Backpack - C9116 — Light, cheap, well designed. Good pockets, comfortable. Ticks all the boxes for me!
Robyn Lesh recommends the SiS SiS BETA Fuel Gel - Neutral — 15% off: ROBYNRUNS 40g carb in a small volume. The Neutral flavor has not much/no taste (which I prefer). I empty these into the hydrapac nutrition flasks and the combo makes nutrition SO much easier to get down.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Precision Fuel Precision Fuel - Carb Only Drink Mix - 30 Serving — I use the carb only drink mix because I am a low salt sweater and prefer to get my salt elsewhere. Precision drink mix has a very light taste and isn't too sweet. A really nice simple product. I mix at 30g/bottle to supplement my gels.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Black Diamond Soft Flask W-MX 500 mL — Wide mouthed. Simple flasks. Easy to use lids.
Robyn Lesh recommends the Shokz Shokz OpenRun Mini Headphones Black — The Minis are awesome. So much better than the regular size in any other brands of bone conducting headphones. Like actually. I had no idea they'd make such a difference. Don't get stuck on my hair, don't bounce. I got converted!..

If there's something I want to do there are two options, either get up and do it, or stop pretending I care about it. So get up and get moving.

Robyn Lesh

Pro Trail Running Athlete

If there's something I want to do there are two options, either get up and do it, or stop pretending I care about it. So get up and get moving.

Robyn Lesh

Pro Trail Running Athlete

About Robyn

Hi! I run for Altra Running and have been a professional trail and mountain running athlete for the last five years. I love adventures and great gear to support those adventures. I'm a bit of a gear nerd and am always looking for the lightest, best, and most functional gear for every application, training, adventuring and racing.