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Kit for first ultra

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rwelpton Feb 2020 10:23am, 1 Feb 2020 First-time poster!!	Quote Pin rwelpton Hi all I’m runnning my first ultra at the end of March, it’s a flat 50k. I’ve done a few marathons and this is going to be a little further. Should I get any kit e.g. rucksack or drinks vest? What should I put in it? There will be stations every 10k but I might need to take some drink with me, possibly something to eat. I don’t want to go an get a load of stuff unnecessarily but also conscious I ought to be training with stuff now if I do need anything. Also don’t want to be ‘all the gear, no idea’ guy! Any advice much appreciated. Thanks!
HappyG(rrr) Feb 2020 10:52am, 1 Feb 2020 34,052 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) Hi there, you'll get loads of good advice rwelpton (and welcome to Fetch of course). I'd say less is more, but then I'm a skin flint! I got by with very basic stuff when I started. First off 50km is only just an ultra. I'm not trying to undervalue in anyway. A marathon is a big deal. So is a 50km. So is a half marathon etc. But in terms of what you need for a flat 50km (31 miles) versus marathon (26 miles) is... not much different! Firstly check do the 50km organisers mandate any kit? Ultras are sometimes less well catered for than a city road marathon for instance. So carrying water and juice which in a city marathon you'd get from drink stations. However in USofA for instance their ultras have BRILLIANT aid stations with food and drink galore. What will weather conditions be, and how remote (even if flat) will the event be? If you will be more than a few miles from help and safety then I'd say you need to carry your phone, warm layers (either a bivvy bag or minimum a foil blanket) and enough stuff to stay warm for an hour or two. But otherwise, just a tiny bum bag or vest bag with enough space for small amount of liquid, snacks and a minimum of safety kit and bits of clothing. Very best of luck and enjoy your ultra foray! G
HappyG(rrr) Feb 2020 10:53am, 1 Feb 2020 34,053 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) Oh and specific brands - why pay 120 quid for the Ultimate Direction vest bag that I have, when you can get something simpler from Decathlon for 20 quid?! G
HappyG(rrr) Feb 2020 10:54am, 1 Feb 2020 34,054 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) And regarding comfort - make sure whatever you get, you try for at least a couple hours solid running before you use it in race. I actually like bum bags (a pack on the waist/hips is more comfortable than across my shoulders / back) but they don't suit everyone. G
Derby.Tup Feb 2020 11:02am, 1 Feb 2020 37,772 posts	Quote Pin Derby.Tup ^ good advice
Badger Feb 2020 11:09am, 1 Feb 2020 11,903 posts	Quote Pin Badger ^seconded. I used this decathlon.co.uk for a 30 mile race and possibly for a 50k as well. I bought something a bit bigger and less sweaty for races needing more compulsory kit, but I still use the decathlon one regularly for commuting. That with a couple of half litre soft flasks should do you nicely for long training runs as well; it’s nice and snug and doesn’t bounce, though as I say it gets a bit soggy from sweat. So long as it’s big enough for the full kit list. I was watching footage of one of the Asian UTMB licensed races and saw somebody using the same pack.
K5 Gus Feb 2020 11:11am, 1 Feb 2020 3,314 posts	Quote Pin K5 Gus If you decide to go for a vest, and don't want to pay premium for a big brand, then another cheap ( but decent reviews ) brand is Aonijie, they have basically copied the Salomon race vest. Not seen them in any running shops, but you get them on Amazon, eBay, etc - obviously not being able to try it on is a bit of a risk though.
Steve A Feb 2020 11:22am, 1 Feb 2020 12 posts	Quote Pin Steve A @Badger - I used the exact one from deccathon for the 50 mile Dusk til Dawn ultra last year and it was great. Very comfortable and held all kit. Suprising how much you can get in although I used 2 500ml soft flasks rather than the bladder to make more space.
Badger Feb 2020 11:37am, 1 Feb 2020 11,905 posts	Quote Pin Badger That sounds like fun! Yes, if a litre between stations is enough soft flasks are ideal, and it’s a lot easier to keep track of how much you’re drinking and how low you’re running(I know you know this - this is for the OP!) The Salomon pack I bought is only 2 litres bigger, and doesn’t have as many different pockets at the front so you do end up taking it off to get things out of the main pack more often. Just noticed it was rwelpton’s first post, so welcome to Fetch!
FenlandRunner Feb 2020 11:42am, 1 Feb 2020 3,029 posts	Quote Pin FenlandRunner Spending more money might mean better quality BUT it doesn't mean that the product is right for you. So the low risk in financial terms is to go cheap, test, and if it doesn't suit you, you haven't spend a fortune. Like trainers, nobody can tell you what will work for you, test, test, test.