Our team is just back from racing the 110km Spring Trail Series by UltraX , and it delivered in every sense.
Podium finishes for the women (1st and 2nd), a top 10 for the men… and, just as importantly, a reflection of what we already know works when it comes to ultramarathon kit.
Carry a pack with the right capacity, a good fit, and one that’s lightweight. Our team races with the Stolt Athlete Ultralight Backpack.
What makes a good ultramarathon backpack?
Before getting into what to pack, it’s worth asking: What actually makes a good ultramarathon backpack?
From years of racing across road and trail, the answer is surprisingly simple:
- Capacity – enough to carry mandatory kit without overpacking
- Weight – light enough to forget about over long distances
- Stability – no bounce, even when fully loaded and needs to work with different loads
- Accessibility – nutrition and hydration exactly where you need them
- Versatility – preferably adaptable to different races and conditions
This is exactly the problem we designed the Stolt Athlete Ultralight Backpack to solve. It moves easily from road running to long ultra races.
What to pack for an ultramarathon?
Most races will provide a mandatory kit list.
For the Spring Trail Series by UltraX , the mandatory kit included:
- Suitable running shoes
- Suitable running socks
- Running pack
- Hydration system with minimum 1 litre capacity
- Minimum 800 kcal food reserve
- Waterproof jacket with taped seams
- Buff, scarf or similar to cover nose and mouth
- Head torch
- Spare batteries for head torch
- Whistle
- Watch (GPS advised but not mandatory)
- Fully charged smartphone
- GPX route file downloaded to your phone
- Personal basic first aid kit (cleansing wipes, antiseptic cream or spray, plasters)
- Survival blanket or bag
- Any personal medication required
Shoes and socks on your feet. Everything else carried.
How to pack your ultramarathon backpack?
With the Athlete Ultralight, the 12L capacity gives you enough space to carry everything comfortably:
Front pockets
Soft flasks (2 × 500ml, included) and quick-access nutrition
Main compartment
Waterproofs, spare layers and mandatory kit
Secure pockets
Phone, head torch and valuables
Once packed, the compression straps tighten everything down so the pack moves with you, not against you.
A pack that performs across distances
Across the 110km course, the Athlete Ultralight delivered exactly what it’s designed for:
- 12L capacity to carry full mandatory kit with ease
- Lightweight (420g) so nothing holds you back
- Adjustable fit to suit different body types and preferences
- Optional waist strap — use it or tuck it away
- Water-repellent fabric to keep kit protected in changing conditions
“Arguably the coolest kit on the course” — as someone put it at the finish line.
Check out the Stolt Athlete Ultralight Backpack. Every order comes with two soft flasks.
