Run The Wild's Karin is an experienced ultra runner and UKA Run Leader and Coach in Running Fitness. She's also no stranger to the Alps, throwing herself into the challenging races that take place throughout the mountainous landscapes.

In this blog, she shares her essential kit for conquering everything from major competitive events to off-grid adventures.

Despite the dust having barely settled from my last 100km race just 11 days ago; I find myself packing my running bag for my next mountain adventure.   

Although I wouldn’t recommend taking on two large events within such a short time frame, I’d like to be successful in next year’s ballot. This is my only opportunity to participate and secure a chance to run in next year's major event. 

When looking to pack your kit bag for a 50km+ trail run, whether this be a race, training, or simply an adventure, I’d recommend looking at your local race's mandatory kit as a starting point.

When checking into my last race, I was told there was another option to take a ‘light’ version of the event’s mandatory kit list. Throughout the race, you can then choose to swap your lighter kit for something more functional during a bag drop or when you require assistance.

For instance, if a race is starting at 9am in summer, it’s unlikely you'll be using your headtorch for at least 11 hours. In this scenario, you can carry the minimal requirement, such as a headtorch of 200 lumens. As you approach nightfall, you can swap to a more practical but heavier torch of say, 500 lumens or more.

Every race is different, so always check the rules. Never compromise safety, and if you’re inexperienced, err on the side of caution. But if you've wondered why the elites seem to have such small packs, this may explain it! 

I’ll always take a battery pack if I want to listen to music or a podcast, expect to navigate using my phone, or want to take pictures. Running out of battery is inconvenient at best and dire at worst.

For any big race, I'll first consider how long I'll be running the trails in the dark. If I start at 7am, I'll have a maximum of four hours of dark running. 

The event I'm running suggests a torch of at least 200 lumens, but I find this impractical for technical trails. I'll usually use a minimum of 500 lumens, and sometimes even double that for a more effective night run.

A spare battery is sufficient for potential head torch failure. Although carrying two torches seems excessive, ensure you have a backup for emergencies.

Whatever the weather forecast, I’ll always pack my hooded waterproof jacket. It’s lightweight and protects me against unexpected exposure. 

If it’s going to rain, I may opt for a technical jacket that's slightly heavier. An unbreathable but highly waterproof layer often offers the best protection. 

I’ll also pack over trousers but I’ll only use them when I have to. The difficulty of pulling trousers on and off can slow you down, plus they restrict movement.  

Like my trusted jacket, I’ll always pack a buff for my adventures. I find a buff or neck gaiter is multipurpose. For example, when dipped in cold water, they act as a cooling aid, making them a very lightweight and versatile piece of kit! 

A cap or visor is a personal preference, but I generally wear them to protect against the rain and sun.

Recently, I read a discussion on the protocol for blowing your whistle in an emergency situation. The consensus was to blow for as long and loud as you can. 

I must confess that I’ve never had think about it before. Most running packs have a whistle hidden somewhere, so always locate it before heading out on a run adventure.  

I typically won't carry a survival blanket on a training run. Although it’s lightweight, in over 35 years of running, I'm yet to see one used other than at the end of the London Marathon. However, if I’m going for a longer run, I’ll bring a first aid kit containing a safety blanket. From personal experience racing competitively, I’d opt to for extra layers for warmth first.

This brings us onto layers. I don’t like getting cold, so I’ll always pack an extra warm layer or two. My mantra is to train hard and race easy. So when I'm training, I’ll have a slightly heavier pack with my extra layers and kit. This means on race day, my pack never feels as heavy. 

A soft cup is another brilliant lightweight piece of kit. It’s super easy to dip into a stream, under a water fountain, fill with a fizzy drink or even some soup. They’re also useful for holding onto a few snacks, which you can munch as you walk from the aid station back to the race route. 

With training, I usually bring 500ml of water unless the weather’s really hot. I prefer to hydrate before and after running, refilling on the go and planning my routes around refill sites.

In a race scenario, I personally never race with a water bladder. Mainly because when you use bladders, it's harder to gauge how much liquid you have left. They’re also trickier to replenish and tend to warm up more from the heat coming off your back. It’s a personal choice, but those are a few reasons why I choose soft cups.  

Self-adhering bandages, or vetrap, are typically used by vets. I always carry a roll with me when running because, unlike standard bandages, it’s easy to tear so there’s no need for scissors. It can be used to strap a twisted ankle or to hold gauze onto a wound. I’ve even seen it used as makeshift clothing repair. 

Situation-depending, I’ll always pack spare food. Remember, train hard and race easy! There have been so many times when I’ve been running and can’t get my head around why I’m less motivated or lightheaded. With a bite of a bar and a bit of energy gel, my attitude suddenly shifts.

Although I will use running gels, I’m also a big fan of real food. Cured meats, crisps, nuts, and a bite of a sandwich. Your body will naturally crave salt, some texture, and energy. I want to bring a snack that's both efficient in calories for its weight and satisfying.

ID is something I always carry. If you have any medical conditions, your address and emergency contact on a small laminated card can be lifesaving. It’s lightweight and takes up little room. If you never need it, that’s fantastic. But if you do, you'll be thankful. 

Poles (or cheat sticks, if that’s what you call them) have become a staple for most runners taking part in mountainous events across Europe because they have many advantages. They improve stability, share muscle load, and boost propulsion. 

With running poles, there’s a balance of strength versus durability. Pay attention to the different holding mechanisms, such as loops or gloves, and variable length versus fixed. If you need help finding the best pair for you, visit your nearest Runners Need store to get advice from a run kit specialist. 

Test different options before buying to find what suits you best. I use a quiver to attach my poles to my running vest, while some prefer waist-held devices.

I choose sunglasses that darken in bright light and clear up when it's cloudy. In the mountains, where the sun's glare is strong, eye protection is essential.

I carry a self-adhering bandage and a basic first aid kit, opting for a more extensive first aid kit on solo adventures. My usual kit includes sterile wipes, gauze, scissors, and a few plasters. While I haven't needed it for myself, I've assisted other runners on the trails.

Lip balm is essential for extended sun exposure, especially when consuming salty food and drinks, and sweating excessively.

Thank you to Karin from Run the Wild for some excellent kit recommendations for your trail adventures.

If you're gearing up toward a Run the Wild event in the future, don't hesitate to speak to your trail guides for advice on all things related to kit, training and race preparations. 

For personalised kit advice, book an appointment with an in-store specialist at your nearest Runners Need store.