Editor's Picks: Mountain Running Gear Guide

We meander through old growth, gaining vert slowly at first, then with haste. The forest is still dozing, but humidity never sleeps, quickly soaking our faces and forcing a trailside pause to de-layer. Wordlessly, we begin again and settle into a slow jog, four small beams of light moving through the night.

The loam smells of anticipation.

I’ve trained myself to know the signs: the trees going thinner and more spindly, the increasingly rocky trail, the moment that dawn and elevation intersect, always hand-in-hand, to usher in the light of day. The air turns from thick to fresh, and the first views of the alpine appear. I paint a line on the natural tapestry: across the talus and under the cliff band to the toe of the snow, zig-zagging between crevasses before rising on a white finger to an almost imperceptible notch, then pausing to linger. Once there, we’ll gaze upon the next mountainscape and be artists all over again.

Mountain Running: A Definition

Mountain running can at times be a misnomer. “Mountain” is a broad term that can take a lot of forms, from gentle Colorado Fourteeners, dreamy French-Alp singletrack, and sub-alpine hills in the Southeast to the world’s highest, most remote peaks. And as I’ve learned from my ultra running friends, “running” is also a broad term, referring at once to sprinting, jogging, shuffling, speed walking, slow walking, glissading, boot skiing, scrambling, and—at times—even crawling. However you slice it, I’d say that if you’re moving quickly in beautiful terrain, you’re doing something right.

As a runner and a climber, I’ve become most at home in the high country of Washington’s northern Cascades. Trails are sparse, so most travel is cross-country. In this terrain, I can use all the tools in my tool box, piecing together routes that include everything from running to climbing and glacier travel. Over the years, I’ve carefully dialed in my kit, paring it down to essentials and dropping ounces in the process. And here it is: my personal gear recommendations for mountain running in glaciated terrain. Depending on your route, you might be able to lighten your load by leaving some gear behind.

Jenny’s Mountain Running Gear Picks

1. Shoes: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II

Call me traditional, but the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II has become my shoe of choice for mountain running, thanks to its incredible traction and beefed-up design. With moderate cushioning, it’s comfortable for miles of easy trail while still being stiff and responsive enough for talus, snow, and boulder hopping. The sole provides great traction on rock (I’ve climbed up to 5.6 in the Ultra Raptor), and the wide toe box allows ample room for my feet to swell throughout an 18-hour day. The shoe also accommodates the Petzl Leopard crampon (below) quite nicely, although it will eventually form holes in the mesh upper where the crampon strap sits tight. If I’m traveling in snow, I also like to pair my shoe with waterproof socks from Rocky Brand (these go a long way to keep trench foot at bay). The Ultra Raptor works well for me (and many friends), but other trail running shoes that are popular among the mountain crowd include the La Sportiva Bushido or Cyklon, The North Face’s Flight Guard, and the Salomon Sense Ride. 

2. Pack: Black Diamond Distance 15

Ah, the Black Diamond Distance 15: the mountain running vest/pack to rule them all! This pack feels like Hermione’s bag in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—from the outside, it might look similar to a running vest, but the laundry list of what fits inside is impressive (including everything on this list). The front pockets hold my sunscreen, sunglasses, phone, and day’s supply of Sour Patch Kids (what more could you need?). But perhaps my favorite component is the hidden trekking pole compartments, which allow me to both load and unload poles without taking the pack off. Black Diamond now makes the pack in three sizes for both men and women, and the sternum adjustment helps to dial in fit. In terms of high-capacity running packs, it’s also worth checking out Ultimate Direction’s 17-liter Adventure Vest, the Patagonia Slope Runner Exploration Pack 18L, and the new 22-liter Black Diamond Distance.

3. Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

At just 9.8 ounces for the pair (120cm) and 16 inches long when collapsed, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z are one of the most minimalist trekking poles on the market. I find them super easy to deploy and collapse, and they're reasonably durable despite their carbon build (one exception: I sat on my pole once while approaching a climb in Patagonia and snapped it in half). I really like poles for stability on snow and to preserve my legs both on the uphill and downhill, but some runners prefer to go without or bring just one to keep a hand free for eating and navigation. Leki and Dynafit also make great, lightweight trail running poles that collapse down into small packages. 

4. Hydration Bladder: Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5L

Some runners love to carry a couple of soft flasks in the chest compartments of their vest, but for long missions—especially in the high country where flowing water might be sparse—I prefer to have at least 2 liters of carrying capacity. Osprey’s Hydraulics LT has been one of my go-to hydration reservoirs, with an easy-to-clean interior, quick-disconnect at the top, and on/off bite valve. Regardless of what model you decide on, look for these features: You’ll want a lightweight design (some bladders can be overbuilt), a quick disconnect (so you don’t have to reroute the tubing each time you fill up), and a valve that you can shut off—there’s nothing worse than accidentally losing your water supply because of an ill-placed valve.

5. Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree

Perhaps no water filter is more used in the trail running world than the Katadyn BeFree. At just 2.3 ounces for the filter and 1-liter soft flask, it’s a really lightweight system and super easy to use. You can pull the BeFree out at water sources to fill your bladder or go light and run with it as a nice handheld. While the Katadyn seems to be the unanimous choice for most runners, I’ve also had a lot of success with the Platypus QuickDraw, although it’s a bit heavier. Salomon also makes a water filter that you can insert into their soft flasks, which is a cool solution, but you’ll have to make sure it fits your bottles’ threads.
 

6. Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core

There are a lot of headlamps that can get the job done for runners, but my personal favorite has become the Petzl Actik Core. I like the Actik for its combination of low weight, long life, USB-rechargeable battery (it can also run on three AAAs), and bright 600-lumen light. More streamlined designs are certainly available, but I’ve found that they’re a bit more compromised: the BioLite 425’s battery life was so short I had to use my phone’s flashlight at the end of the day, and the Petzl Iko Core was fairly uncomfortable (albeit streamlined and bright). Finally, Petzl’s Nao RL might be the holy grail of running headlamps, but it’s pricey at $170. This is one category where one model doesn’t particularly stand out, but whatever you choose, make sure it’s reasonably light, sits securely and comfortably on your head, and has a long-lasting battery.

7. Windbreaker: Patagonia Houdini Air

Every runner needs wind protection, and my favorite for mountain running is the Patagonia Houdini Air. It’s lightweight at just 3.6 ounces for the women’s version, stuffs down incredibly small (into its own pocket if you need, although I only use that feature when I want to hang it from my harness), and is more breathable than most 100-percent- nylon wind shirts (the added dose of double-weave polyester helps). In the majority of summer conditions, I find that a windbreaker jacket provides ample isolation from the elements—especially when I’m continuously moving—and is a much lighter and more streamlined solution than a baselayer or fleece. It can also be a good idea to bring along a pair of wind pants, which can provide game-changing protection on windy ridge lines or if the day doesn’t quite go according to plan.

8. Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL

Most of the time, I never wear a down jacket during a mountain run. But at just 6.2 ounces, it’s always worth bringing the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL along, whether as an emergency layer or if I anticipate particularly cold summit temperatures. This jacket is incredibly warm for its weight and packs down very small, making it a better option than a softshell or fleece midlayer. The downside is the lack of durability (the 5D fabric almost shudders in the mere presence of rock), but in my opinion, holes add character and memories (plus, they can be easily fixed). If I anticipate wet weather, I’ll leave the down at home and bring along the synthetic Patagonia MicroPuff (8 oz.) instead.

9. Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Mini 2

When traveling in remote mountain terrain, it’s become fairly common practice for at least one member of a party to carry a satellite messenger. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the standard choice for most: It’s small and lightweight, pairs with a smartphone for easy messaging (or functions as a standalone device), and offers a speedy connection with the Iridium network. I’ve also tested the Somewear Global Hotspot, which is slightly heavier but also reliable, super easy to use, and offers more affordable subscription plans.

10. Watch: COROS Apex 2

There are a lot of great running watches, but my favorite model to date is the Coros Apex 2, which I'd confidently recommend as the best value for mountain runners. For only $400, you get a barometric altimeter and compass, which give you top-notch accuracy, in addition to easy-to-use navigation, offline music, and a really, really impressive battery life. As a female, I also love that the 43-millimeter Apex doesn’t take up too much real estate on my arm. If you don’t use your watch for navigation (phone apps like Gaia and CalTopo work well, too), the Garmin Forerunner 255 is another thoughtful mid-range option that will save you $50.

11. Crampons: Petzl Leopard FL

Strapping an aluminum crampon on a pair of running shoes is never a recipe for total success, but the Petzl Leopard FL is the best solution I’ve found. This crampon is ridiculously light at 13.5 ounces, packs up small, and has numerous, tool-free adjustment points to fit almost any running shoe. We recommend getting a good fit while you’re still at home (do this with your shoe on and the sole flat), and you might want to cut the cords short too, as they’re designed to be long enough to fit over a bulky mountaineering boot or ski boot. Finally, if you’re headed out on a long mission (such as the North Cascades High Route), it’s a good idea to throw an extra CORD-TEC Dyneema cord in your repair kit.

12. Ice Axe: CAMP Corsa Race

One of the highlights of going to the mountains is encountering the unknown, and—in the case of steep snow—it’s nice to have the tools to handle whatever you might encounter. Along with crampons, an ice axe can turn perilous climbs or traverses into casual travel. Designed for skimo racers, CAMP's Corsa Race is the lightest ice axe on the market, with weight-saving features like machine cutouts in the shaft and a 50-centimeter length. If you anticipate particularly hard snow or even ice, it might be a good idea to opt for the Corsa Nanotech instead, which swaps in steel tip and spike.

13. Helmet: Petzl Sirocco

I know it’s not really a runner thing to do, but if you’re traveling through zones with rockfall hazards or using sharp tools (crampons and an ice axe) to cross snow, it’s a good idea to wear a climbing helmet. Like the Leopard crampons and BeFree filter above, the Petzl Sirocco is a no-brainer choice for most ultralight enthusiasts. No other helmet comes close to matching the low weight of the Sirocco, and it also features a more streamlined size than most—I can usually find room for it at the top of my Black Diamond Distance pack. In addition to its minimalist specs, the Sirocco is also an incredibly durable helmet, built almost exclusively with EPP foam (which doesn't shatter under impact unlike some other varieties).

14. Harness: Blue Ice Choucas Light

If the high route includes glacier travel, rappels, or technical rock climbing, I’ll bring along the Blue Ice Choucas Light harness. At just 3.1 ounces for the size medium, this is the lightest harness on my radar, which is exactly what most “runners” need. It does have a few limitations: the “Light” version only has one small gear loop (the standard Choucas has more racking options but tacks on about 2 oz.), and the lack of leg loop adjustment means you might need to size up (I had to go with a men’s medium to accommodate my meaty runner’s thighs). But nothing beats the packability of this thing—it scrunches up the size of a Clif Bar and slides into a corner of my pack.

15. Rope: Petzl Rad Line 30m

If I’m bringing a harness, chances are I’m bringing a rope as well. For short rappels or glacier travel, the 30-meter Petzl Rad Line is an incredibly lightweight option at just 1 pound 7.2 ounces. If the route involves a long rappel typically requiring a 60-meter rope, both my partner and I will bring 30-meter Rad Lines—this is a great way to split up weight rather than trying to stuff a 60-meter rope in someone’s running vest. Keep in mind that the Rad Line is not a dynamic or single rope, meaning it’s absolutely not built for lead climbing.

Other Essentials

In addition to the gear above, there are a few other essentials I like to bring along. Put together, these lists comprise my entire kit—no more and, most of the time, no less. I’ve found that my 15-liter Black Diamond Distance pack provides a great way for me to keep my load light: if I can fit all of my gear inside, I know it won’t weigh me down too much throughout the day. 

• Baseball hat
• Sunglasses
• Tailwind Nutrition drink mix
• Assorted snacks, bars, and chews
• Nuun Sport Hydration Tablets
• Ibuprofen
• Small roll of climbing tape (in case of injury)
• Sum Bum Face Stick
• Chapstick
• Smartphone with Gaia maps installed
• Lightweight locking carabiners, belay device, and cord
   

Jenny is a senior editor at Switchback Travel, managing our climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing, and women's outerwear sections. She began exploring the mountains of Washington and Southwest B.C. at a young age with her mom, dad, and sister, including family outings up Mt. Baker, Prusik Peak, and along the Ptarmigan Traverse (which, as an 11-year-old, she called "The Death Hike"). Nowadays, she's a sucker for anything light-and-fast, namely because she despises heavy packs and prefers to travel more quickly than the average mosquito.