The right gear enables the adventure. While trail runners pride themselves on ultra-light packs and a minimal set up, there are some items that are a must. From our REQUIRED and recommended gear, to the playful (trail beers, anyone?), read on for our detailed gear list that will empower you to go further, lighter, and safer into the freedom of the hills.
Running Gear
The required gear list for Aspire trips consists of the following:
1) Your stylin’ running threads.
Pack for the variable weather of the alpine terrain and valleys in the Pacific Northwest. ‘Nuff said.
2) A Waterproof layer to keep you dry no matter what blows in
“There is no bad weather, only bad clothing,” as the saying goes. Hypothermia is no joke, and runners covering long distances are at increased risk as their bodies manage the prolonged output, nutrition, and the dance with the elements. Fortunately, the right layers can function as a panacea, keeping runners (mostly) warm and dry. Alpine weather can be fickle, and we recommend bringing multiple coverage options with you
Coverage level: Drizzle
For light rainfall and warmer temps, look no further than the Patagonia Houdini Air. A personal favorite of our crew, it’s packable, lightweight, and weather resistant.
Coverage Level: Active Rain
When it’s raining in earnest, your runner will need more between them and the elements. For solid coverage and higher output runs, the Arc’teryx Norvan SL Hoodie is as good as it gets. Lightweight with breathable Goretex Shakedry, this jacket is great for prolonged running in the rain.
Coverage Level: Inclement
Sometimes, you need to batten down the hatches. If you’re headed out into the maelstrom in search of your own strange brand of nirvana (ours too!), the Outdoor Research Foray is a great option. This jacket is built out with the features to stave off the storm. The Foray’s side zips run from waist to bicep. This means the jacket can be worn over a pack with ease. Leaving the side-zips open increases the breathablilty, keeping sweat from comprising dryness from the inside.
2) Insulating layer for warmth on those ridgelines.
A breathable insulating layer is critical protection at higher elevations and colder temps. Look no further than the Patagonia R1 Hoody. Lightweight, quick-drying and incredibly breathable during higher output runs. Given all this, it’s surprisingly warm making it the perfect mid-layer for daylong mountain treks and beyond.
3) Fly trail kicks. Don’t forget socks.
We’ll save the hours of talk about which shoes, which socks, and why for the trail. Don’t leave them at home (we’ve all done it).
4) Running Pack/Vest
Sufficient to carry approx. 1+ liters of water, food stuffs, and clothing over long miles.
Ultimate Direction makes some great options. They provide our crew with Adventure Vests for the season and we use their Fastpack 30 as our “Oh Shit” pack, so we’re fast, light and ready to respond in any situation.
5) A headlamp to light the way home
Even the most experienced runners occasionally underestimate how long they’ll be out. Runners should be prepared for the unexpected and take headlamps out anytime they head onto the trail. Look for a torch with an output of 400 lumens or higher, with solid battery life. Light output decreases as the battery drains, so look for headlamps with battery life at or above 5 hours at full power for runners putting in miles in the dark. We like the Petzl Nao because of its 700 lumen output, stability, and rechargeable battery.
6) Emergency Blanket
Best case scenario, you carry one of these light weight sheets with them for years and it never leaves its neatly folded square. Worst case scenario, it saves your life. Don’t be caught in a backcountry pickle without one. REI has great options.
7) Pack a Water Filtration system and bottles.
Many of the areas where we run trips feature ample water sources. We require the capacity to carry 1-1.5 liters of water.
Trail runners ranging more than a few miles from the car (that’s you, Aspire runner!) will need to carry means of purifying their water. There are a plethora of options out there, from iodine pills to inline filters, to our suggestion for the fast and light… the Katadyn BeFree. It enables you to drink directly through the filter and it’s soft pack bottle saves space and weight. The Saloman XA filter is another good option with very similar technology and different flask sizes.
8) GPS Navigation
Modern technology means backcountry navigation has never been easier. Aspire requires that our runners hit the trail with some type of navigation. We encourage Gaia GPS, an app for smart phones that holds map layers and GPS tracks. A $20 subscription to Gaia Premium comes with extensive map overlays, making great gifts for trail runners who like to get into the weeds exploring remote mountain nooks and crannies. Note: GPS devices and apps are not a stand-in for backcountry navigation skills. Learn more about Aspire’s approach to backcountry navigation.
Bonus: Some extra security for the loved ones waiting at home.
For an added level of safety, the Garmin inReach Mini features SOS, two-way text messaging, weather and location sharing. This device can make all the difference when things go sideways far from help.
9) COVID Mask
See our Covid-19 Guidelines for pandemic protocols.
Other recommended on-trail gear:
-Creams: Sunscreen, Anti-chafe, Lip balm.
-Hat & Gloves
-Poles
-GPS Watch, Camera, SPOT
-Hat, Visor, Buff
-Insulative Layer
Camping Gear
The shortlist of camping gear you won’t want to forget when packing for your Aspire trip.
Note: All personal gear must fit in a duffel or pack
for shuttling. Ideally this duffel would be
between 85-120 Liters.
-Sleeping bag, pad, tent *
-Personal toiletries and towel
-Post run comfort clothing and shoes
-Swimsuit, sandals, and beachwear
-Post-run wear, pants, insulative jacket, hat
-Rain jacket and pants
-Bug Spray
-Headlamp
Rental Kits
** A $150 gear rental package can be purchased that includes a sleeping bag, a sleeping bag liner, a sleeping pad, a pillow, and a 2-person tent from our friends at ExPed. We speak from experience when we say that ExPed’s set-up takes camp comfort to a whole new plane.
Show up with everything mentioned here and you’ll be well on your way to an incredible time in the mountains. See you at the rendezvous spot!
