With Black Friday fast approaching, us walkers, joggers, and runners are all wondering what to ask Father Christmas for this year! Whether you are treating yourself, dropping hints to loved ones, or buying for an Ultra Challenger in your life, here is a list to guide you through.
One key absence you’ll notice is a reliable pair of trail shoes. Everyone’s feet are incredibly different and respond unexpectedly to the fit and cushioning of a shoe – your dream pair of shoes might give somebody else blisters and sore toenails! Unless specifically directed to a pair, avoid buying people trail shoes if they haven’t tried them on yet. If the Challenger in your life needs a pair of shoes, why not create a personalised voucher promising to take them on a shopping trip instead!
Now onto the list…
1. Moisture-Wicking Clothing
Lightweight, breathable, & moisture-wicking clothing is essential for keeping comfortable outdoors in any season. Whether base layers that fight off the winter chill whilst keeping damp away from your skin, or t-shirts for sweaty summer runs, these items will always have a place in any Ultra Challenger’s wardrobe. Check in the fabric details when looking for clothes online to double check if they are moisture-wicking.
2. An AllTrails Annual Membership (or other platform!)
Training for an Ultra Challenge can stretch long before event day. Spice up your regular routes with AllTrails, a tried and tested app to discover treks and trail runs in your local area or beyond. Strava, Runna, Coopah, and a host of other online platforms supporting training and community also offer annual subscriptions!
3. Small Thermos Flasks
It is not always ideal to carry round a heavy and sizeable thermos flask, but many 350-500ml options are available nowadays to carry that perfect cup of tea, portion of soup, or post-hike hot chocolate with you. Even for runners that like to go lightweight, keeping a small thermos in the car for after your long run is a great way to warm up quickly again.
4. A Good Pair of Socks
In terms of importance out on the trails, socks are arguably second only to shoes. Some brands are suitable for both walkers and runners – for example, Darn Tough and Smartwool® both feature separate running and hiking items. For runners specifically, check out Balega or even Injinji® for toe separated socks!
5. Trainer Armour (Toe and Heel Protection!)
Many hikers and runners are familiar with the disappointing feeling when your toe wears through the upper mesh of your trainers, or your heel wears down the fabric on the back of the shoe. ‘Trainer Armour’ helps you deal with this and get more out of your shoes! Check out their products here.
6. A Small Microfibre Towel
Sweaty hands, drying kit off, dealing with unexpected rain, even making the most of an impromptu shower! A microfibre towel can be packed down easily but remains very useful! Pop it in your backpack and stay prepared for anything.
7. Curated Trail Snacks Box
There is no better feeling than coming back from your longest session of the week and tucking into a delicious snack. Why not create a box of snacks ranging from flapjacks to electrolyte tablets which the Challenger in your life can tuck into after a long day out.
8. Outdoors Books
Even for those that do not classify themselves as bookworms, there are a host of interesting reads to discover incredible stories from the world of trail running and hiking. Lots of book shops will have Sports, Outdoors, or Travel sections where you can explore the options. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:
- Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell Running and Obsession – Richard Askwith: find it here on Waterstones.
- A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson: find it here on Amazon.
- Trails and Tribulations: The Running Adventures of Susie Chan – Susie Chan: find it here on Amazon.
- Journeys To Impossible Places – Simon Reeve: find it here on Bookshop.org UK.
- Epic Hikes of Europe – Lonely Planet: find it here on Amazon.
9. Waterproof Headwear
A common misconception is that caps and wide-brim hats are to shield from the sun – they are fantastic in the rain and wind! Check out Decathlon for a range of options or VÅGA Europe for top end caps.
10. Customised Race Entry
For a personalised touch, you could create your own voucher promising one race entry the recipient can redeem. Write the value of the voucher on the back and decorate as you like! This is a firm personal favourite, as it allows the recipient to pick their top race.
