13 Valleys 2023: The Kit

This is a really nerdy post about running kit. I've been asked various questions by runners and non-runners, so I thought it interesting to go into some detail about it.

A significant part of completing an ultra run is taking the right kit. The longer the run, the more critical the choices are. Event organisers will specify what they think you need to safely complete the event, and beyond that you use your own judgement.

I try to stick with what I've trained and practiced with - I don't want surprises on the day. I broke this rule on my first century - I ordered a new backpack at the last minute, the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20. Although a great pack, this caused me significant issues with chafing on my lower back as I hadn't learned the correct adjustment. This was exacerbated by the plasters I put on the sores mid-race; I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive in the dressings, and have scars to show for it.

For 13 Valleys, I tried not to overpack, and stuck mostly with kit I know well. It still seems like a phenomenal amount of stuff, and it seems surprising that the full pack, waist belt and poles weighed in at around 7.3kg.

Pulling it all together the night before

Mandatory Kit

• Running pack: Salomon AdvSkin 12 running vest
• Waterproof jacket: Montane Spine
• Full leg cover: Decathlon, the cheapest running tights they had (£14)
• Taped waterproof trousers: Bonatti Waterproof running pants
• Insulated layer: Forclaz Mountain Trekking Down Jacket MT100
• Warm layer (ie: fleece): Montane Via Dragon pull-on running top
• Warm hat or 2 buffs: Montane Logo Beanie, Altura merino snood
• Gloves: OMM Fusion running gloves
• Water (1 litre min.): 2x Salomon Speed 500ml soft flask, 2x Ronhill 500ml soft flask
• Food (at least 800 kcal): 2x OTE Anytime Bar (Cocoa Nibs), 4x SIS gels
• Cup (needs to be able to stand): Decathlon Trail Running Folding Cup 150ml
• Bowl (for use at feed stations which can take hot food): Sea To Summit X-Bowl
• Spork (for use at feed stations): added to list after I'd packed, so I didn't take
• Phone with sufficient battery: iPhone 12 + Bonai 5800mAh power bank
• Head LAMP (One main headlamp with spare battery + 1 additional spare headlamp: Petzl Iko Core + core battery + 3x AAA batteries + cheap Amazon USB headtorch
• Survival bag: Alpkit Hunka waterproof bivi bag
• Small first Aid kit: Lifeventure DriStore waterproof bag, 4x plasters, medical tape, roll of gauze, steri strips, 2x antiseptic wipes
• ID (passeport or ID card): driving licence
• £20 cash: a crisp note
• Map (supplied): stored in Lifeventure DriStore bag
• Route notes (supplied)
• Running shoes suitable for rough terrain: Topo Athletic Mountain Racer 2

Recommended Additional Items

• Sun Cream: small tube of factor 50, didn't need it
• Sunglasses: cheapo option, didn't need them
• Windproof jacket: no
• Running Poles: Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles
• GPS Watch: Garmin Enduro 2

Cold Weather Kit (Mandatory if instructed)

Cold weather measures were mandated shortly before the race start

• EDZ Merino Wool 200g Base Layer Zip Neck Top
• Icebreaker Half-Zip Merino 175gsm Bodyfit long-sleeved top

Hot Weather Kit (Mandatory if instructed)

• Additional 1 litre water: I carried 2 litres total from every checkpoint, so met this requirement even though weather wasn't hot

Me with Salomon AdvSkin 12, Rob with UD Fastpack 20

Additional Kit 

I chose to take various additional stuff; some in my pack, and some in my drop bag, which was accessible at the 75-mile checkpoint.

In Pack

• OMM snack pouch - attached to straps of pack
• 8x Compeed patches (for blisters)
• Mizuno t-shirt (swapped to this around 40 miles)
• EDZ merino running socks (swapped to these around 40 miles)
• Midge net (for outdoor sleeping)
• Pack of Aldi roasted salted cashews
• 8x various Tailwind sachets, caffeinated & non-caffeinated
• Buff (for cleaning feet)
• Trenchfoot cream (foot lubricant/barrier cream)
• Vaseline (for feet)
• Spare contact lenses
• Avon Skin So Soft (for use as bug repellant)
• Blister pack of imodium
• Blister pack of ibuprofen
• Blister pack of paracetamol
• Lifeventure Ultralight 5L dry bag
• Lifeventure Ultralight 2L dry bag
• Silva Ranger Compass
• Garmin charge lead
• iPhone charge lead
• Toilet emergency kit (bags, tissues, wipes)

In Drop Bag

Drop bag at 75-mile checkpoint gave opportunity to swap, replace or use items at the checkpoint

Swap

• EDZ 135gsm merino t-shirt
• EDZ 200gsm merino t-shirt
• Salomon 7-inch shorts
• Bridgedale Trail Run Lightweight T2 Merino Sport 3/4 Crew socks
• EDZ merino running socks
• Runderwear long running boxers
• Salomon cap
• Buff
• Bonai 5800mAh power bank

Replace

• Pack of Aldi roasted salted cashews
• 8x various Tailwind sachets, caffeinated & non-caffeinated
• Toilet emergency kit (bags, tissues, wipes)
• 3x AAA batteries
• Glasses (in event of contact lens issues)

For use at checkpoint

• Mountain Equipment Helium 250 sleeping bag
• Micro USB charge lead (for Iko Core batteries)
• Pack of wet wipes
• Contact lens solution

Clothes

What I wore from the startline

• EDZ 135gsm merino t-shirt
• Montane Slipstream 7-inch trail running shorts
• Runderwear long running boxers
• Bridgedale Trail Run Lightweight T2 Merino Sport 3/4 Crew socks
• Topo Athletic Mountain Racer 2
• Salomon cap
• Salomon AdvSkin belt - for snacks, phone, poles

Comments on the kit choices

Shoe choice stands out as critical; I used my second pair of Topo Athletic Mountain Racer 2. They are a low-drop (5mm) shoe, which aids good form - I strive to mid-strike now, which has helped me get to big miles without knee issues. They also have a wide toebox, and their grip is brilliant on both rocky and muddy stuff, and competent in the wet. They are also surprisingly comfortable on tarmac compared to previous shoes I've used. A known issue I have with these is blistering on sides of my heels over longer runs, but lacing them well largely mitigates this. They lack a rock plate, so some care is required with foot placement - something I've very much adjusted to. On the flip side, they flex nicely around bigger rocks, which aids grip.

Topo Athletic Mountain Racer 2

Salomon AdvSkin 12 vest running pack is a brilliant piece of kit - a very well-considered design. The front pouches allow 2x 500ml flasks and, unlike competitors, they are deep enough for the flasks to fully sit in; this is very important to me - having flasks flopping over for hours on end is extremely irritating, which was unfortunately the case with my Ultimate Direction pack. The stretchy pouch that stretches around the lower back brings a major benefit: another 2x 500ml flasks will fit, which avoids the need for a bladder pack; the net result is shorter stops where you only fill the empties, and don't have to remove your pack. It is also easier to measure your fluid intake with individual flasks. The stretchiness of the pack means it actually fits a lot more than the 12L. I complemented it with the Salomon AdvSkin belt; I've had the slimline model of this for a while, and knew it to be good for phone, snacks and attaching poles. The larger one can also fit a jacket or other clothing item if needed.

I broke my own rule by buying some Runderwear boxers last minute. I had previously been using twinskin shorts (i.e. built in underwear) but realised I'd need to swap between shorts and longs during the run. This was a great move as they are supremely comfortable and stretchy, and avoided some chafing I've previously suffered.

As ever, I used mostly merino T-shirts and tops. Apart from being far less smelly than synthetic fabrics, it also avoids sore nipples, is comfy in a range of temperatures and remains comfy and warm when it gets soggy. EDZ kit is really good value - I use their T-shirts, tops and socks. I also used some premium-priced Bridgedale merino socks, though I'm unconvinced they serve me any better than the EDZ ones.

The Alpkit Hunka bivi was a new addition that I had tested during the finale recce; I slept in it on wet grass on a hill. It is heavier and bulkier than a pure emergency bivi (I do own one of these too), but useful for planned sleeping in the wild, especially in the wet. It is also safer in the event of an accident in bad weather and, as I discovered during 13V, handy for warming up at a checkpoint when you are soaking wet.

The Lifeventure Dry Bags were a great purchase, but next time I'll get a couple more small (2L) ones. It is tricky cramming stuff in your bag, so smaller can help with that. They can be compressed, because you can roll the air out of them and seal them. Dry bags are a must because you may find you need to unpack your bag onto wet ground or access stuff in the rain. Keeping emergency clothes dry is very important; I reached a point during the event where all my clothes were wet and I was really cold. Next time I'll make sure I have spares that do not get used unless it is an emergency.

Compeed is brilliant stuff, and can save your run from blistered feet, but you will need a way to get your feet dry. Also, take the time to hold the patch in place and warm it up so that it bonds. Trenchfoot cream is a new addition; I've previously just used Vaseline between my toes, which is very effective at avoiding blisters. Trenchfoot cream purports to avoid maceration from wet feet; it did a reasonable job here, but it seemed less adequate at the anti-chafing. This could be because I need to use it more liberally, but it comes in very small tubes, so I ran out. I think I'll stick with Vaseline, but have Trenchfoot on hand for poor weather.

The Montane Spine jacket is brilliant - too much for a summer run, but for the other three seasons it is a fabulous choice; hugely waterproof and windproof, yet somehow airy and a good hood. Nevertheless, the conditions were bad enough that water was finding the gaps around my neck. I'm not sure much can be done when the weather gets that bad.

I've got on fine with the Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles. You have to pick your size, as they are of fixed length. Although they are my first set of poles, I bought according to the recommended sizing and they have been fine. They have been a great addition for big runs; I don't tend to put them away much, I use them the majority of the time, and otherwise carry them in one hand, fully-extended, or fold them up and carry one in each hand. Occasionally, for a big technical descent or long tarmac section, I'll attach them to my waist belt. The Salomon pack has attachments for them, but they didn't seem to sit securely so I preferred mounting them on the waist belt. I'm considering a quiver, but I don't know how easy they are to use.

The Garmin Enduro 2 was an extravagant purchase. Knowing I intended to take on multi-day races, I researched battery life of the various options, and it became clear that this was the only real choice that would avoid mid-race charging. It has proved to be far more useful than I imagined. It is great for the expected applications - navigation, tracking, post-race stats. The extra value comes from feedback around you condition, training results and sleep, and the hints it gives to progress in your training. I also love the MIP display, which is visible in bright sunlight, and at night can be illuminated with a headtorch rather than wasting battery on a backlight. I had to do a little configuration pre-race to ensure battery usage was reduced (turned off backlight and disabled push notifications), but it comfortably managed the 43 hours.

The Forclaz Mountain Trekking Down Jacket MT100 is somewhat of a Decathlon bargain at £55, if you need to meet a mandatory kit requirement for an insulated layer. It will pack tiny, but is genuinely useful in combination with a waterproof jacket. Likewise, the cheapest, lightest Decathlon tights (£14) proved perfect - hugely stretchy, thin enough to avoid overheating but thick enough to defend against bracken and other irritating plants on the trail. I don't suppose they will last, but I'd usually use thicker ones through winter training.

I grabbed the Montane Via Dragon pull-on running top at a reduced price, and it is an excellent piece of kit. It is fleece-backed but also really lightweight, nicely stretchy and long-bodied and sleeved. Definitely a good choice for regular or emergency kit in your pack. The OMM Fusion running gloves were also nice, but in heavy rain I'd have been served better by a different choice. I need to consider some waterproof gloves (sometimes these will be mandated on kit lists), although cycling experience has led me away from the futility of trying to find waterproof gloves. My previous gloves were thin but fleece-lined Ale ones that somehow kept me warm in all conditions (even though my hands would get damp).

The Petzl Iko Core is a great headtorch - very light and lasts extremely well with their rechargeable battery. I got through the two 12-hour nights easily with two of the Core batteries, and an extra set of AAAs. Durability-wise, I have had one break the connection in the twisty headband, which had to be replaced under warranty. A cheap Amazon rechargeable headtorch served as a backup, but next time I'll want the backup to have replaceable batteries too - this is a critical safety item.

Regarding the fuel, I rely on Tailwind, mixed according to their instructions, and drinking 500ml per hour in moderate conditions. This is sufficient without additional food. I add in savouries (cashews, crisps, pretzels) to make it palatable over the time. They had Voom drink at the checkpoints (the electrolyte and energy versions); I tried these a couple of times, but they were horribly sweet. I carried OTE bars with no intention of eating them - like most sports food, they are too sweet for me. I carried SIS gels which are, mercifully, not too sweet; I use them in the event of a fuelling failure, as they quickly recover me from a bad state. I think I used one on 13 Valleys.

What will I change for next time?

Not much. I'll keep at least a couple of warm layers as emergency-only, in a separate dry bag, even if it bulks my pack out. I had a separate collapsible bowl and cup, but others were carrying a smaller collapsible bowl/cup that would work for everything - hot and cold drinks, pasta, porridge, etc. I also need a spork. 

I'll add some Topo gaiters - their shoes have specific attachments for them. Gaiters prevent stones jumping in your shoes. They also keep the worst of the mud out; you won't stay dry, but it is still quite a benefit. I've previously used Salomon gaiters, but they only work if the shoe has a gap in the tread or step between forefoot and heel. I'm considering trying waterproof socks, but they weren't something I wanted to introduce last minute in case they caused worse blistering.

A really simple, practical improvement would be to add something grippy to my LifeVenture DriStore bags. When I used them in the outer pockets of the pack, e.g. where a bladder would sit, they would gradually rise up and pop out of the pack, because they are smooth. Perhaps some gaffa tape would do it.