When you are going to do the line for a 100 miles race, what you wear is important. A lot of. You will face everything, from sun to rain, warm afternoons to freezing from before the daily hours. Sanding, blisters, overheating and cold sweat? All potential dangers. The right clothing cannot prevent every rough patch, but it can make your race a lot manageable.
After manning my husband, John, via several 100-miles-included the Hellbender 100 of this year, I see first-handed what works, which fails and what is stubbornly packaged because it just feels good.
This is what we have learned and what you could consider wearing (and packing) for your 100-Mile trip.
Do not skip the rules or weather forecast
Read the racing manual before packing a single item. Every 100-miler has its own rules and the required equipment list-especially for mountain races or events with long external sections.
Required items can contain things such as waterproof jackets with stuck seams, red lights behind, emergency blankets – or even bivy bags for emergency situations (yes, not just the blankets).
John has had races where volunteers physically inspected the vest of each runner before the race even started. Make sure you have everything you need; Otherwise you run the risk of being disqualified.
And while you are busy, check it repeatedly. The circumstances can shift dramatically – especially in the mountains – so make sure that your equipment can handle heat, cold, wind and rain.
Start with a solid base layer
The first layer that you put on sets the tone for the rest of the day and night. You want something breathable, moisture weeks and comfortable with a wide range of temperatures.
Merinowol is our go-to. It is soft, does not retain odors and controls the body temperature remarkably well.
John wears Smartwool Or Lebent basic layers, depending on the weather.
For his most recent 100 he ran through the night in the Lebent Nuyarn Ultralight HoodieWho kept him warm in the cold hours and bad sweat when things warmed up in the morning. This kind of premium wool is perfection for runners because it took sweat to keep you warm at night or to keep it cool during the day.
Shorts (and the pocket factor)
Comfort is the key, but that also applies to the function – especially when it comes to storage. John wears Short’s promise Because of their generous pocket layout.
On races where you want to keep the equipment in the neighborhood (fuel, gloves, headlight batteries, waste), make bags a huge difference. He also has an old pair Belaf Shorts That actually falls apart, but he keeps wearing them because they are just so comfortable.
No judgment here – if it works, it works.
Socks and shoes: don’t cut corners
Socks and shoes can make or break your race. Blisters and foot pain are responsible for a large number of DNFs.
John Rent Inside Alcohol toe socksAnd we always pack at least three or four pairs. At that time, friction between toes reduces, which helps with blister prevention, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
If we know that the racing conditions will be mainly muddy or wet, John Eekhoorn’s nut butter applies to his toes before he turns on his socks to prevent blisters. We have seen other runners as far as the individual tapping of each toe; For each their own!
For shoes, he is currently preferable to the Hoka Tekton x 3– A responsive, muted trail shoe with sufficient grip for robust terrain. Are Merrell Nova 4 And Hoka Speedgoat serve as back -ups in case of failure or major changes in trail conditions. Never underestimate the mental boost of a new pair of shoes at Mijl 60.
Hats: sun, sweat and warmth
A good hat It may seem like a small detail, but in the course of 100 miles it can make a big difference. Before the day a lightweight, breathable running cap helps to protect your face from the sun and the sweat remains out of your eyes.
Mission Makes both current hats and bucket hats that help you keep cool!
During hot races, John makes it a point to dive into his hat, buff and into every water source that he can – whether it is an auxiliary post or a creek crossing. He starts this cooling strategy to keep his core temperature low before the heat really peaks. It may not always feel at ease at the moment, but it pays later when the temperatures start to climb.
As the temperatures fall, especially during sections over the night-seal, he exchanges for heat in a lightweight beanie or fleece-surrounded hat. Having both options at hand (and in drop bags or with crew) ensures that it is always ready to regulate the body temperature. We also hold a reserve hat stored in its vest or drop bag because few things feel just as good as a dry after hours of walking in rain or sweat.
Layers for all conditions
You will probably be confronted with a temperature of 30 to 40 degrees in the course of a 100-miler, so they are planning to dress and stash extras in drops or with the crew.
Recommended layers:
- Lightweight rain bowl (such as the Gorewear is together with Jas or Patagonia Houdini))
- Swollen running jacket and thermal basic layers for sections about the night or cold races
- Gloves (including waterproof gloves) and hand warmers
- Cooling accessories such as buffs, sleeves and IJsbandanas for hot races
- Some races even require rain building! Read the rules again!
Cardigans, packages and storage
What you wear depends on the distance of the course, the weather and the aid post. John rotates between Salomon, Dynafit and UltraSpire cardigans and waist packages, depending on what the race requires.
We have previously made a break of the Best current hydration testThat absolutely will change based on how much you have to wear and what fits you best.
John also likes to change equipment at nightfall, So we usually give him his largest running vest, Salomon Adv Skin 12On an important auxiliary post for the dark. In this way he can eat extra food, warm layers, lights and what else he needs if auxiliary stations carry further apart and the temperatures start to fall.
When things warm up, or if he doesn’t have too long between auxiliary stations, he prefers to keep the vests off his back and carries his UltraSpire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist pack.
The fit and organization of your vest are just as important as its size – make sure it has been tested and feels comfortable when it is fully loaded. The last thing you want on the racing day is a poorly fitting cardigan; Chafing can be painful and, more than 100 miles, is perhaps the thing you get out of the race.
Poland trekking (optional but useful)
If your racing steep climbs, long descents or mountain site includes, trekking sticks can be a game changer. John used Leki Ultra Trail Piles with glove style mounts for comfort, grip and reduced hand fatigue during the long term. They are lightweight, easy to implement and built for endurance.
He wears two sets of gloves for his posts with the standard mounting tires and another pair that are full-length gloves to keep his fingers warm during cold pieces or overnight sections.
If he does not actively use them, he sets up the posts in a Dynacit or Salomon -Arrow Cocker attached to his vest. Both vibrations ensure fast, Bouncepre-free storage and easy access when terrain is shifting. We also pack a back -up set of camp posts – because the only time you don’t take any extras, usually the time is to understand something or something happens.
Hydration system: flasks versus blowing
This person comes down to preference. John prefers soft flasks because they are easy to fill, sip and control and monitor. But hydration sheets can still be useful – especially for long pieces without help or in warm weather.
We use hydraflask -soft flasks with speedfill caps, which open instead of turning -saving time and hassle during fast fillings.
Whatever system you choose, make sure it is tested during training and is easily accessible during the movement.
Sunglasses and eye protection
Protect your eyes Sun, fabric and wind is more than comfort-it is on long-term focus. John wears adidas dunamis pro sunglasses that do not bounce, fog or press uncomfortably in his face (even with headphones).
We pack a spare pan in case one is lost or left.
We have seen many racers wear clear glasses if they do not need sunglasses. It is another way to protect your eyes against dust, wind and general fatigue.
Lighting for night sections
If your race goes into the night – and most 100’s do you – you need quality relief.
John wears the Biolite 800 Pro headlight (with a red light behind for road sections) and also uses the UltraSpire Lumen 850 Duo waist light For extra visibility and reduced eye tax.
We always have spare headlights, batteries and chargers (and cords!) In his vest or drop bags, and make up for the lighting switch to prevent them from clambering.
When it comes to headlights, you must test them in advance in racing -like conditions. Some hats work better with certain headlight styles, and a long edge can sometimes block part of the bar. These are the types of details that you want to sort out well before racing day or night.
Last thoughts: get ready, go out
What you wear for a 100 miles race should feel like a second nature testing, trusted and proven trail. It’s not about having the flashest equipment; It’s about having the right gear You. John’s system works because it is refined about countless miles, with muddy climbs, freezings and a few unforgettable “never” acceleration errors.
The biggest collection meal? Test everything for the race. And we mean everything– From socks and packaging to lights and layers.
Whether you are the one who is racet or from the aid post, success comes down to the preparation. Pack smartly. Plan ahead. And when in doubt? Bring the extra socks. Always.
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