Gift ideas for ultrarunners and ultramarathoners 2023
Gift ideas for trail, ultrarunners and ultramarathoners 2023
We've got a lot of great ultrarunning gift ideas, completely updated for 2023. As super experienced ultra runners we know a thing or two about good gifts. If you’ve got some additional ideas or would like a personalized recommendation, leave a comment!
Ultrarunning Europe
Ultrarunning Europe is a comprehensive guidebook that brings together the most incredible long-distance and extreme trails across the European continent. Crafted with passion, this guidebook is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to explore Europe's majestic landscapes on foot. Whether your friend or loved one is a seasoned ultrarunner or a beginner seeking new adventures, Ultrarunning Europe has something for every endurance enthusiast.
Available to buy and ship from Amazon worldwide:
Patagonia R1 Fleece Hoodie
This hoodie is great to wear by itself for any cold weather run. When it is below freezing, this is my go to shirt for a long run. However, my main use for this hoodie is as my emergency layer in case something happens while out on a run and I can’t keep moving fast enough to keep warm. That’s a real concern since when ultrarunning and trail running you don’t have on enough clothes to stay warm if you stop moving. I have one of these stuffed into my dry sack at all times so I can pull it on in case I need it.
Foxelli Headlamp
I always carry two lights on any solo ultrarun since you never know what can happen. Trails can get very dark, especially in a forest, so a good light is essential. My main problem with headlamps though is that I misplace or give them away, so you can never have too many. While there are many rechargeable headlamps on the market, I recommend the old fashioned kind that takes batteries since I can carry an extra set of batteries with me. It’s an awful feeling to remember the headlamp but then realize the charge is out. Buy 1 of these headlamps, maybe even 2, to keep your ultrarunner in the light.
Grayl Water Filter
I’ve tried other filters from the Lifestraw to the MSR Mini hand pump and this Grayl filter beats them hands down. While I almost always carry my Lifestraw, it is super impractical to use and it is also like sucking water through a cocktail stirrer, only worse. The Grayl filter also filters out viruses and some chemical impurities in addition to the larger particulates such as Giardia parasites. Every time I’ve used it people are like WOW. It is fast, easy to use and is the size of a standard water bottle. There is no reason to risk getting infected if you’ve got this with you along for a run.
Paracord Bracelets
Paracord is commonly recommended as an item to have in a survival situation. In the most simple case it could be used to create a tent with your emergency blanket or maybe even repair a strap on your back pack. There are probably 100 other uses, even using it to rappel in a pinch, that you might have a need for one day when an unexpected situation arises on the trail. Ensure your ultrarunner is always prepared with this item on their wrist or stored in their pack. I also have my paracord stored right along with my duct tape.
Backup GPS
My main GPS device is my iPhone with the Gaia GPS app. However, if your favorite ultrarunner is out on the trails alone, it is best to have a backup. I have two suggestions:
Garmin Fenix6 Watch
A friend of mine introduced me to go with the Fenix6 watch. At the time I didn’t know they had finally incorporated a map that is detailed enough to navigate by. In addition, through the use of an app you can download onto the phone, Note2Watch, you can upload your emergency numbers and hotel information to your phone for quick access if needed.
Backup Cell Phone (Unlocked)
Just the other morning my wife’s iPhone 7 wouldn’t start. After several hard resets it got stuck in a loop of continually rebooting itself. We took it into the store and they said it most likely had a logic board error and would need to be sent in for repairs. I was immediately freaked out since when I’m traveling my entire life is on my phone, including my maps for how to get out of wherever I’m at. As such, I have an unlocked phone that I can buy a SIM card for anywhere in the world and also keep updated with my downloaded maps to Gaia GPS and Google Maps.
Running Gaiters
There are a lot of choices for these on the market, but I’ve found the REI gaiters to stay on the best. I don’t wear them on every run, but when I know there will be lots of loose rocks or dirt then I pull them on. It’s another item easily misplaced or that gets worn out, so every ultrarunner would appreciate these as a gift.
SUGOi Cold Weather Gloves
My hands get super cold easily, so a good pair of gloves is an absolute essential for a winter run. In my first post about Top 10 Ultrarunner Gift Ideas I listed a pair of mid-weight mountain bike gloves. I love those things for almost all seasons unless its below freezing. In case of below freezing temps, I go for this pair of gloves that are both wind and waterproof. I like to pick biking gloves since you know for sure they’ll be windproof as that is the only way to stay warm on a bike by blocking out the wind completely.
Pedicure Gift Card
I’d never had a pedicure until a few years back, and consider it one of my bigger mistakes in life. Before any ultramarathon I treat myself to a pedicure for two reasons:
It just feels good. You get a mini-massage, some hot compresses and your callouses get shaved down (sounds gross but feels nice)
It gets my toenails ready to be abused. I’m pretty fortunate to only have lost a few toenails, but also credit that to keeping my nails extra-short.
Check your local Google or Yelp directly to find something good and close bye. Even the most hardened ultramarathon runner will find this to be a great gift, and you can never have enough.
GaiaGPS App
Never let them be lost while out on an ultrarunning adventure, get them an annual subscription to the best app I’ve found for following a trail, or to find ways out of a dicey situation, GaiaGPS. I never leave for an ultrarunning adventure without first downloading the topographic, satellite, and hiking trail maps for where I’ll be.
Make a donation on their behalf!
Make a donation on their behalf at Free to Run. Free to Run works to support women and girls in areas of conflict through adventure sports to build physical, emotional, and social well being. They provide women and girls with the tools to become leaders who exercise self determination, challenge negative norms, and boldly reclaim public spaces. Free to Run members are community leaders, advocates, and role models in their societies, bringing people together across cultural, ethnic, and religious lines. They change views about the roles that women can, and should, play in society.
The book Critical Hours : Search and Rescue in the White Mountains
Not only is this book super interesting to read, but it helped me formulate my own views on risk taking and the responsibility we take when venturing out alone on an ultrarun. I picked this book up while preparing for the Presidential Traverse of the White Mountains and didn’t expect it to have such a profound impact on my own thinking. The book itself is hard to put down given the suspense from each story. The authors provide a lot of detail for why many of these tragedies occurred as well as the impact on the rescuers. I learned a lot from it and think it should be required reading for any ultrarunner, especially those who head into the mountains, no matter where in the world they are running.
Trail Running Art
Trail runners have a real appreciation for the art of nature. A great way to bring more nature into their life is with some trail running art from Katie Jeanne Reim.
Goodr Sunglasses
These sunglasses are so good I’ve got multiple pairs. They are light weight, don’t bounce at all on my nose, and the price is so good, $25 and less, don’t just buy one pair!
Books and Blog from Brendan Leonard
Trail runners get into the dirt and accept any weather condition to go running on their favorite trail. Unfortunately, dirt, humidity, and rain can all lead to chaffing. A great way to combat that is with the original anti chafe and anti blister balm, Body Glide.
The book Not Without Peril
The White Mountains of New Hampshire have some of the most beautiful, but also treacherous, trails in the United States. The experiences of others are important to learn from when managing your own risks, especially for trail runners who frequently go out by themselves. Not Without Peril: 150 Years Of Misadventure On The Presidential Range Of New Hampshire is a great read for any adventure enthusiast or trail runner.
Runner Box Subscription
The folks over at Runner Box have a subscription plan for around $25 a month that will send a variety of goodies to your favorite trail runner. Let their inspiration be your inspiration and surprise your trail runner with new goodies every month.
Sea to Summit eVAC Dry Sack
I’ve got two of these dry sacks and they are critical for any ultrarunner who wants to either keep their spare clothes dry, or keep their clean clothes from getting wet when they change out of their sweaty clothes after a run. Why I really like and recommend these:
Completely water tight. When I travel with one bag I have no worries that my change of clothes will stay dry no matter what the conditions are.
Save storage space. The sacks compress down so you can fit more in your pack.
Durable. I’ve had the same 2 for over a year and they work as well now as the day I got them.
Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits
For anyone into endurance activities such as ultrarunning the book Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits is a great resource on the science of endurance. Not only does the book delve into the physiological aspects but also the mental components of endurance that are so critical for an ultrarunner to master. I developed new ways of thinking from this book and also got a better understanding of what I can endure.
Camel Back M.U.L.E Backpack
I’ve loved this pack so much I’m on my 3rd one. The only reason it’s needed to be replaced is since I load it with a 10 pound weight for all my training runs and that would wear out any pack. This pack is super comfortable and with the side straps and pockets it can hold much more than it seems at first glance. For a self supported run I generally fit two of the eVAC Dry Sacks in here (#1 Item) containing my clothes and extra layers, 2.5 to 3 Liters of water, and nutrition plus safety gear. I use it on every training run as well since training with a pack is an integral part of the solo runs I do. While back packs and hydration packs are a personal preference, I cannot recommend this one enough for your favorite ultrarunner to try out.
Wright Socks Anti Blister Two Layer Socks
My sister and law lent me a pair of these socks 18 years ago for my first half marathon. They are the only socks I’ve worn since, and never had a blister. Enough said. An ultrarunner can never have too many pairs of socks.
Combat Wipes Active
When you run on the trails a lot, sometimes you realize you haven’t planned for everything. Wipes and some folded up paper towels are essentials I keep in my pack on every run (along with several ziplock bags). These are biodegradable, but your ultrarunner probably packs everything out, so a box of quart sized ziplock bags makes a nice pairing gift with these.
RediTape Flat Pack Duct Tape
Who doesn’t need duct tape? What the ultrarunner needs though is duct tape packaged in a small size so they can carry it on every run. Midway through a run my inner soles delaminated and my foot was sliding all around. Thankfully I had the duct tape to fix the situation. Other things that can derail a run is blowing out the side of a shoe, a hydration pack breaks, or a blister. Blister you ask? Many ultrarunners swear by duct tape as a quick fix for a nasty blister. It’s good to have it in case you need it.
Anker Power Core 10000
This is probably one of the most important things in my pack. Did you know that if your phone powers off because it gets to cold the only way to bring it back online quickly is to plug it into a charger? That reason is enough to carry this battery pack, but on an 8 hour run, even with airplane mode on, I generally need to charge my phone at least once. This charger is good for 3-5 charges and it’s small size means there is never an excuse to leave it behind. If I’m going to be in an extra remote area I carry 2!
