When it comes to choosing gear, I ascribe to the philosophy of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, “Purchase less stuff, own a few things that are very high quality that last a long time, and that are multifunctional.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love gear. But most of all, I love quality gear that allows me to travel light and do as much as I can with as little as possible.
Since I’m often asked for recommendations on gear, I’ve compiled a list of my top gear choices for mountain running and fastpacking. I’ve tested much of this gear over the past three summers across the Alps, Rockies, and Himalayas. So here we go.
Jackets
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Lite Jacket
I’ve been using the precursor to this jacket—the Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket—for three years and fell in love with it from the beginning. Simply the lightest and easiest-to-stow jacket I’ve ever owned, while providing an amazing amount of warmth and wind protection for its weight. I use it for all occasions—from winter runs to summer mountaineering to air-conditioned movie theaters, to name just a few. (Buy on Amazon)
Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket
Great rain jacket for weathering a storm. I always tuck this into my pack during long mountain runs at elevation and am always glad I did if I get caught in a storm. (View on Patagonia website)
Pants
Patagonia Alpine Houdini Pants
Appropriately named because when you don’t need them they disappear from site. Super lightweight, these pants pack down nicely but provide wind resistance and warmth, plus a bit of water resistance, when needed. A mainstay in my running pack on long mountain runs. (View on Patagonia website)
Patagonia Torrentshell Pants
Essential rain gear when it’s raining cats and dogs. I don’t always carry these with me in my running pack unless I know I’ll need extra protection from a cold, hard rain. But when I do need that protection, these pants keep me warm and dry. (View on Patagonia website)
Running Shorts and Tights
Compressport Trail Running Shorts
Great by themselves or underneath pants or loose shorts. (Buy on Amazon)
CEP Men’s Dynamic+ 3/4 Run Tights
Great for long days (and nights) in the mountains with multiple weather changes. Fast drying, plus thigh compression. Material covers the knee for protection and warmth when needed without being too hot when it’s warm. (Buy on Amazon)
Shoes and Socks
New Balance Minimus Trail Shoes
Zero drop and available in extra wide, meeting my main criteria for running shoes. I’ve worn these shoes on ultra-runs around Mont Blanc and peak scrambles in the Rockies, in addition to my everyday runs. The best minimalist trail shoe out there, if you ask me. (Buy men’s on Amazon | Buy women’s on Amazon)
Injinji Toe Socks
Allow natural toe splay and prevent blisters. Need I say more? These socks are super comfortable and come in a variety of weights, lengths, and materials—including wool. (Buy on Amazon)
Gloves, Hats, Neck Warmers
Salomon Active Glove
Nice lightweight glove for summer running in the mountains. (Buy on Amazon)
Salomon Thermo Glove
Great for cold weather running or cross country skiing. (Buy on Amazon)
Salomon Momentum Beanie
I view beanies like socks; it’s always nice to have an extra, dry one around. If you’ve worn one during an ascent while working up a sweat, it’s nice to swap it out for a dry one on the descent. Many companies make good, basic beanies and hats, including Salomon. (Buy on Amazon)
Salomon Momentum Neck Warmer
Neck warmers are easy to carry and become essential when the temperature plummets. Any decent neck warmer will do, but I always trust Salomon’s quality. (Buy on Amazon)
Packs and Dry Bags
Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0
Great 12-liter running pack with sufficient storage options for extreme mountain adventures. Read my full review for more details on this great pack. (Buy on Amazon)
Outdoor Research Dry Ditty Sacks
To keep your dry things dry inside your non-water-proof pack, these dry bags are indispensable. Great for traveling, too, when you need to organize items inside your suitcase. (Buy on Amazon)
Trekking Poles and Ice Axe
Black Diamond Carbon Distance Z-Poles
Lightweight trekking poles for mountain running on steep terrain. Not your ordinary trekking poles. These poles break down into three segments, making them easy to stow and carry. The only drawback is that they aren’t adjustable like heavier trekking poles; you need to choose your size when buying. But I’ve never missed not being able to adjust them and appreciate their extremely low weight when running with them or stowing them on my pack. (Buy on Amazon)
Camp USA Corsa Ice Axe
Billed as the “world’s lightest ice axe,” that claim is easy to believe when you pick up this thing. Light enough to carry on my running pack without even realizing it’s there. To be clear, if you’re doing heavy duty glacier travel or ice climbing, you will need a more traditional ice axe. But I’ve found this ideal for crossing snowfields, glissading down slopes, and self-arresting when needed. A nice bit of equipment for those mountain runs/climbs that take you off the trails and over the snow. Perfect for ski mountaineering, as well. (Buy on Amazon)
Disclosure statement: The products tested for these reviews were purchased independently. The author does not receive any incentive from the companies to use their products.
