Finding the perfect items to include in your running toolkit can feel like a never-ending quest. What works wonders for one person might feel cumbersome for another. Every runner is unique, with individual needs and preferences.
But it can be overwhelming when you start trying to build your kit. When I started, I had difficulty finding a list of potential items to experiment with.
Here are some of the must-have items for having around the house and with my crew at ultramarathons. Consider it a jumping-off point for building your customized running toolkit.
Fuel Options
For longer runs, having fuel options in your toolkit is a must. Experimenting with different options is essential to discover what works best for you on the run. The more diversity in fuel options you have the better. Here are some of my favorites.
- Almonds
- Applesauce pouches
- Cheeze Its
- Fig Bars (Nature’s Bakery)
- Gin Gin Chews – great for helping with nausea
- Gnarly Fuel 2.0 – liquid calories with electrolytes
- Gnarly Hydrate – liquid electrolytes
- Gold Fish Xtra Cheddar
- Heather’s Choice Packaroons
- Honeystinger Chews
- Instant Mashed Potatoes Cup
- Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
- Peanut Butter M&Ms
- Potato Chips
- PROBARS
- Saltine Crackers
- Trail Butter – the Salted Brownie is my favorite
- Waffer Cookies
First Aid
What first aid items to include in your kit will be heavily affected by your experience. However, I’ve found keeping general items in your kit can be helpful for those “just in case” situations.
- Alcohol Wipes
- Alka Seltzer – personal item for me for if I get a migraine during my run
- Band-Aids
- Biofreeze spray or roll on
- BlisterShield
- Body Wipes/Baby Wipes
- Bug Spray
- Butterfly Closure Stripes
- Chapstick
- Emergency Blanket
- KT Tape
- Leko Tape – I pre-tape any hot spots I have on my feet
- O’Keefe’s Working Hands
- Medical Grade Liquid Skin
- Moleskin
- Nail Clippers/File
- Safety Pin – recommended by a friend for blisters
- Salt Tablets
- Squirrel Nut Butter
- Sunscreen
- Tums
Apparel
Beyond the clothes I wear during a race, I always carry a few additional essentials in my running kit for unexpected situations or a mid-run adjustment.
- Ball Cap or Beanie Hat
- Buff
- Compression Sleeves
- Hair Ties
- Gloves (depending on the season – gloves can wet from sweating in the winter, having a fresh pair can make a difference)
- Long Pants (like these BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pants)
- Shirt (long sleeve, short sleeve, or tank depending on the season)
- Shoes
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Rain Jacket
Electronics
Entertaining? Yes. Necessary? Maybe. Here are some of my favorite tech gadgets to have along for the run – or at least have the option to carry with me if I need them.
- AAA Batteries
- Charger
- Headlamp
- Gymboss
- Shockz Headphones
- Waist Light
- Watch
Items I’m Considering
- Bare Performance Nutrition Go Gels
- Collapsable Cup
- Extra soft flask tops
- Gaiters
- Gushers
- Poles
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