Must Have Mountain & Mandatory Running Gear
Entered a long distance Trail or Mountain running event?
So you’ve just entered a long distance Trail Running event and found out turning up in shorts and a singlet isn’t going to cut it! Mountain Running events often have a Mandatory Gear List and this is subject to a pre-race check. We prefer to run trails with the minimum amount of necessary equipment, however there are times mandatory equipment may save your life if you are caught out in bad conditions, become lost, disorientated or injured during an event or even out on a training run in the bush. The gear required does vary for each event: often the location, distance and time of the year does determine the gear.
Bogong has sourced the best gear available to keep you moving light and fast but give you the safety, warmth and protection should the situation demand it. Do remember that this is a general guide as your race could require less or more equipment, but this should help you to get the gear you need.
Download our Printable PDF Gear Checklist.
Common Mandatory Gear
| Item | Example | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket with hood This is the go to jacket for trail runners. Full weather protection at only 180 grams |
Outdoor Research Helium jacket |
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| Waterproof pants* These highly effective waterproof overpants weigh in at a measly 160 grams and are super compressible to pack down small. |
Outdoor Research Helium Pants – Men's and Women's |
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| Thermal top & Pants (synthetic) Need to be quick drying wicking type such as these excellent Mont powerdry garments |
Mont PowerDry |  |
| Beanie & Sun hat Lightweight, quick drying and very breathable with it's mesh side panels the Outdoor Research Swift Cap is ideal for keeping the sun out of your eyes. |
OR Swift Cap |
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| Warm Hat. Beanie or Neck Tube The weather can get cold in the mountains so something to keep your noggin warm is a must |
Neck Tube |
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| Gloves (waterproof*) Light, thermo-regulating, touchscreen-compatible fleece gloves such as the Outdoor Research Vigor Sensor Lightweight Gloves are best. Some events require waterproof gloves in which case the Outdoor Research Revel Shell Mitts are ideal. |
Outdoor Research Vigor Lightweight Sensor Gloves – Men's and Women's |
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| Fleece This simple, warm pullover is made from Polartec Classic Micro 100-weight fleece. |
Mont Micro Bush Shirt |
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| Headtorch (backup torch*) A good LED head torch is essential such as ones from our Petzl or Led Lenser ranges. Some events require a secondary lighting source such as the Petzl e+Lite ultra-compact emergency headlamp. |
Petzl Swift RL Rechargeable Headtorch |
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| Map of area & map case |
LifeVenture Dristore Loctop Bag |
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| Whistle Many packs are fitted with a whistle these days, but if yours isn't, you will need one. |
Orange safety whistle |
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| Compass | Suunto Clipper Compass |
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| First Aid kit A basic kit is required to be carried by many events |
Equip First aid kits |
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| Snake Bandage* |
Equip Premium Snake Bite Bandage with Indicator |
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| Space blanket |
Life Systems thermal blanket |
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Other gear you might need |
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|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen* |
XTM Sunscreen |
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| PLB/Epirb* Many remote race routes are not marked or closely supervised – an emergency satellite beacon may be a good idea. |
RescueME PLB |
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| Heat pack* For alpine events and freezing early starts hand warmers can be handy |
XTM Hand Warmer |
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| Pack to put it all in Bogong has specialist running packs by Salomon, Ultimate Directions and Camelbak |
Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0 |  |
| Socks with toes! * | Injinji Trail Running Socks |  |
* Optional depending on events
Mandatory Gear for Mountain Running
Questions?
