Trail Running Survival Gear

Ultra and trial runners are going further into the backcountry all the time on their quests to fulfill their aspirations of the ultimate adventure run. The problem is, are we properly prepared for situations and unforeseen circumstances that may arise and leave us stranded out in the backcountry? Our good friend, Dean Hoffman, has put together a great list of life saving items we should be carrying with us in our running packs. (Below the video is a list of the items with affiliate links.)

Notes from Dean: This would be in addition to your regular gear for whatever activity you are doing. I would recommend a dedicated bag for these items that you can just grab and take with you depending on what you are doing. I’m attaching examples for each item and why I think its important.

At least one headlamp. If possible, a headlamp and a keychain light are suggested. Two light sources are better than one and the keychain is so small that there’s no real reason not to carry it. As far as the headlamp any will do really…

Space blanket, tarp, or shelter. Should be pretty self explanatory, but if you’re stuck out in the elements this is an easy, albeit not comfortable shelter. Also, the silver is reflective and will help folks find you if needed.

Fire starting kit 2 ignition sources and tinder. A small lighter and waterproof matches or fire striker, two because you never know, your lighter might get wet or damaged or your matches might break or your hands might be too cold to hold matches. Tinder to make the initial fire starting easier. I suggest making some Vaseline soaked cotton balls, when you want to start a fire you pull them apart so they’re kind of stringy and gooey and scrape your sparks onto them, they light easy and burn for a while. (fire kit fits nicely in an Altoids tin.)

A couple small survival signaling items like a whistle and mirror:

We like the Spot (shown below) but here’s a quick write up from REI about how to choose the right personal beacon for yourself: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/personal-locator-beacons.html

Whether you have a simple Lifestraw filter or something like the MSR Trailshot shown below, a water filter is a must have on longer trail runs.

Knife ideally with a fixed blade. Regarding this one specifically, its handle is fatter and easier to hold on to if your hands are cold, wet, weak (say you have to use your non dominant hand) a grippier wider handle is easier to manage. You can use this to split or break down kindling for a fire and it is more robust than a Swiss Army knife if you need to pry or use it for things other than just cutting.

Phone charger, Really, you both should have your phones on and with you. If you do end up in trouble though you might burn through your batteries really quick. I suggest a small GoalZero charger. Also important to have the correct charging cable to go with it!

And possibly the most important: your Itinerary with where you are parked, where you are going and your estimated return time. If you are going out by yourself or with someone else, let two people know what your plan is. One person might forget or feel like they are overstepping if you are overdue and haven’t called, but by spreading the load there’s a better chance that someone will sound the alarm if needed. I didn’t include first aid gear because that is a whole other can of worms…. But, what I would consider big life saving items would be a tourniquet (if you took the time to learn how to use that specific one) and perhaps some QwickClot or Combat Gauze (but again have to learn how to use it appropriately). Otherwise bandaids, asprin, etc. are nice to have but not what I consider essential.

Be safe and have fun out there!