HOW TO
Got the urge to run long? Then you’ll need to be prepared in terms of navigation, hydration and comfort
The best kit for ultra running
1 You’ll need plenty of battery life to run long, and the new Suunto 9 (£ 499) offers anything from 25 to 120 hours of power. There’s a barometer, GPS, HRM and more to keep you on the right ultra path.
2 Okay, so it looks like a medieval torture instrument, but the Asics Hydration Vest (£65) is possibly the comfiest hydration backpack that we’ve ever worn. Much of this comes down to that front zip, which prevents the backpack bouncing with your every movement. There’s also a 1.5-litre hydration bladder.
3 The brandspanking new Inov- 8 Terra Ultra G (£140) from the trail greats have caused an instant stir thanks to their graphene-infused rubber. Kevlar is also included to make this zerodrop, 260g shoe reportedly one of the most durable trail shoes ever created. We’ll be testing the Terra Ultra Gs next issue.
4 Serious sock consideration is needed before running long, and the Bridgedale Speed Trail (£15) offer huge ultradistance comfort thanks to their pads at key pressure points and breathable Merino wool/ Coolmax fibre construction.
5 Engo Blister Prevention Patches (from £7.19) are unique in that they’re applied to key hot spots inside of the shoe and not to your foot, resulting in up to 300 miles of use per small or large patch. Which is also something that makes them ideal for triathlon race day.