Everything you want to crew confidently—from base camp to the backcountry.
Crewing an ultramarathon is a component problem-solving, half emotional assist, and quite a lot of ready round in unpredictable circumstances. While your major job is to maintain your runner fed, fueled, and transferring, having the appropriate gear could make the expertise smoother for each of you.
Yes, you might present up with simply water, diet, and good vibes. But in case your runner is tackling a 100-miler or a multi-loop suffer-fest by way of wild terrain, being well-equipped can imply the distinction between chaos and calm.
After crewing my husband, John, by way of three 100-mile races—most just lately the Hellbender 100 this spring—plus numerous different extremely distances, I’ve discovered this: crewing is lots like working an experiment. You put together for each variable, then adapt when issues change.
Start With the Rules and Conditions
Before you even pull out your gear bins, take a look at the race regs, profile, and forecast.
Some races have a advisable record, and others have necessary gear. Be certain your runner has all of the necessary gear and backups!
Are you crewing within the mountains or the desert? Will temps swing from 80°F through the day to freezing at night time? Are you mountaineering into distant support stations or staying put at a central crew spot?
Gear wants range considerably primarily based on terrain, elevation, climate, and the accessibility of the course.
In scorching races, you’ll want cooling instruments like ice bandanas, solar sleeves, and electrolyte-heavy gas. In chilly races, you’ll need layers, insulated bottles, and backup hand heaters. And for mountainous ultras, at all times prep for 4 seasons in someday.
Depending on whether or not I’m flying or driving to the race, I pack every little thing in duffels or clear bins to maintain gear organized and straightforward to entry. Driving is good—I can deliver every little thing I would want (and sure, typically even the kitchen sink). But once I’m flying, I’ve to pare issues down to the necessities and pack extra strategically. Be certain to plan forward when you’re packing!
Base Camp Setup
You’ll be exterior for hours—typically 12, 24, even 36+. A cushty setup makes an enormous distinction in how practical and centered you keep.
Bring a light-weight, packable camp chair for ready and restoration zones. I like to throw in a collapsible stool for foot care and shoe adjustments. My favourite chair is the Helinox Chair One (re) and Speed Stool. Both are tremendous mild and straightforward to arrange at support stations. 
The Helinox Chair One (re) is certainly on the pricier facet, however I feel it’s well worth the funding in the event you’re spending lengthy days crewing ultras. I’ve tried cheaper options, and greater than as soon as they’ve damaged throughout setup or ended up with bent poles that by no means fairly work the identical once more.
The Helinox Chair One (re) is sturdy, light-weight, packs down small, and units up shortly—making it straightforward to deliver alongside to support stations, even those you may have to hike into.
Like most of this gear, it has versatility past race day. The Helinox chair and stool works simply as effectively for tenting journeys, campfire hangs, weekend sports activities sidelines, or anyplace I want to deliver a chair. The measurement, sturdiness, and ease of use make it a long-term piece of substances I maintain reaching for, race season or not.
A heat blanket and a floor mat go a good distance in creating a comfy, practical area, particularly at in a single day support stations. I like utilizing Rumpl journey blankets—they’ve snaps that flip them right into a cape, which is ideal for retaining the crew heat whereas ready or wrapping round a runner who wants to recharge.
The Overland Mat helps maintain your space clear and dry, irrespective of the climate. It additionally acts as a visible anchor in your runner—one thing acquainted and straightforward to spot in a busy support station.
For scorching races, I like to deliver a bigger cooler paired with a backpack cooler, if potential. The large cooler stays at basecamp or drive-up support stations and holds ice, drinks, and meals. For hike-in areas, the REI Trail Split Pack Cooler is good—it retains meals and drinks chilly whereas providing ample cupboard space for additional gear, corresponding to layers, headlamps, or first support provides.
For distant or hike-in stations the place I’m not carrying chilly gadgets, I’ll change to a light-weight backpack, like one from Gossamer Gear. 
Gossamer Gear packs are my favourite packs for crewing as a result of they’re light-weight, comfy, and constructed with sensible simplicity in thoughts. They are designed to be used for fastpacking, however I discovered they crossover completely for crewing.
The giant exterior mesh pockets, accessible bottle sleeves, and a roomy major compartment make it straightforward to seize what I want quick at support stations. The minimalist design can be sturdy and straightforward to repack on the fly.
Even throughout lengthy hike-ins or all-day crewing efforts, the pack stays comfy thanks to its breathable again panel and large, padded shoulder straps. It’s the form of minimalist setup that by no means will get in the way in which, but at all times manages to match precisely what I want—nothing extra, nothing much less.
Lighting & Power
Races don’t cease when the solar goes down, and neither do you.
Pack a strong rechargeable headlamp, plus backups and spare batteries. I just like the BioLite 800 Pro and Dash 450—each embrace a rear blinking mild, which is commonly required for highway sections throughout in a single day segments.
But when it comes to uncooked visibility, nothing beats the Ultraspire Lumen 850 Duo Waist Light. It frees up your runner’s head and pays large dividends for his or her psychological state—not squinting by way of the night time makes an enormous distinction.
A camp lantern can be key for making your support station seen and lowering fumbling at nighttime. BioLite’s Luci Charge 360 is a superb choice: solar-rechargeable, shiny sufficient to work by, and delicate sufficient not to blind neighboring crews. Plus, it’s good to have the choice of each photo voltaic and USB charging.
Don’t overlook to pack energy banks in your cellphone, GPS units, and backup lights. If you’re tenting in a single day at a base station, a small photo voltaic charger or moveable battery station is usually a lifesaver. And, after all, deliver all the appropriate charging cables.
Pro tip: At night time, have your runner or pacer name out your identify (or your runner’s identify) as they strategy. When all you possibly can see is a sea of headlamps, it helps lower down on confusion and quickens the inevitable recreation of Marco Polo.
Food & Fuel for Everyone
Your runner will depend on support stations, however your meals setup is your secret weapon.
Water is life—and there’s nothing worse than when the water heading in the right direction tastes horrible. Unfortunately, it occurs extra typically than you’d assume. Once throughout an early-season 50K, each support station had awful-tasting water. I assumed it was simply me, however after the race, all my pals stated the identical factor.
Since then, I’ve made it a rule to at all times deliver my very own water when crewing. It’s simply not well worth the threat for lengthy distances.
Whenever potential, we haul alongside a 5-gallon water container so we all know precisely what our runner is getting.
A conveyable range (like a Jetboil) allows you to make scorching broth, soup, espresso, or prompt potatoes—consolation meals that may revive a fading runner.
Pack their most popular gas: Tailwind, gels, waffles, sweet, no matter works for them. But additionally deliver backups. Tastes change quick in ultras, particularly after mile 50 and typically mile 10. Grocery shops are not often handy, so that you’ll want to pack all of it.
Add little comforts like toothbrushes, wipes, towels, and gum—tiny morale boosts that may clean up a tricky second. Plus, mints and gum can reset the style buds and be a pleasant change from the sweetness of gels.
Pro Tip: It’s straightforward to overlook to deal with your self within the hurry-up-and-wait recreation of crewing. Make certain to embrace snacks and hydration for your self and your pacers.
Health & Recovery Tools
Your job isn’t simply to cheer—it’s to assist your runner reset their physique at every cease.
Bring anti-chafing balm (Squirrel’s Nut Butter), plus sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and bug spray.
Add in cooling sprays or restoration balms to soothe scorching or aching muscular tissues. We found a brand new sports activities spray throughout John’s final 100-mile race referred to as Play On Pain Relief Spray, which labored like a allure on his crampy calves.
A therapeutic massage machine, such because the Theragun Mini or Hypervolt Go, or foam rollers/sticks can work wonders on stiff quads or locked-up calves.
Most importantly, carry an entire first support package. Include blister kits, moleskin, tape, security pins, salt tablets, most popular ache reduction meds, Tums, ginger tabs, activated charcoal, and another particular meds your runner would possibly want. For menstruating runners, make sure to deliver additional female merchandise as effectively!
Clothing & Weather Gear
Ultras typically contain excessive temperature swings, particularly in alpine or high-desert terrain.
Pack cooling equipment for the warmth (ice bandanas, sleeves, breathable hats) and light-weight, moisture-wicking shirts or solar hoodies. Mission presents a wide range of cooling choices that have been instrumental in serving to John end a 50k within the desert with a warmth advisory.
He was significantly grateful for the cooling energy of the armbands, bandana, and brimmed hat. You simply dunk them in water, and so they keep cool for hours. We ended up packing them with ice for additional cooling energy.
Bring a number of pairs of socks, gloves, buffs, and dry sneakers—moist gear is among the quickest methods to invite blisters and chafing. If you haven’t already tried Injinji toe socks, undoubtedly test them out. They’ve helped us stop numerous blisters throughout each scorching race days and muddy, moist circumstances.
For chilly climate, pack a puffy jacket, beanie, rain gear, and thermal layers. Don’t overlook hand heaters and a pair of waterproof gloves—they’re small however make a huge impact when the temperature drops. I at all times deliver our Gorewear Concurve GTX jacket. It’s our go-to shell for moist climate: breathable sufficient to run in however robust sufficient to block wind and rain.
Layers are useful when the climate is inclement.
John prefers working in wool, which can sound counterintuitive, however Merino wool is extremely efficient at regulating temperature. For this 12 months’s Hellbender 100, he wore the LeBent Nuyan Ultralight Hoodie from nightfall to daybreak. He crossed the end line round 7 a.m., and the hoodie saved him heat sufficient in a single day whereas wicking away sweat. It was the proper layer for variable mountain temps.
Sunglasses are one other underrated important. Whether it’s solar glare or chilly wind, eye safety issues. I at all times pack a backup pair in case one will get left at an support station. At Hellbender, John switched to the Adidas Dunamis Pro Sunglasses—he wore them for hours along with his open-ear headphones and by no means as soon as complained about discomfort.
Weather can—and can—change quick. Pack such as you’ll get sunburned and snowed on in the identical day as a result of it might occur!
Gear for Pacers
Don’t overlook: Pacers are masking difficult terrain, too, typically at night time and for a lot of miles.
Bring spare headlamps, batteries, socks, gloves, and backup diet only for them. If they’re ready between pacing segments, give them a spot to relaxation, refuel, and alter gear.
A well-cared-for pacer is an asset. A freezing, underfed one goes to decelerate your runner.
Bonus Gear That’s Surprisingly Useful
Some issues aren’t must-haves, however these further gadgets can turn out to be useful!
- Pop-up cover or tent – Instant shelter from solar or storms
- String lights– Easy to spot your camp at night time
- Sleeping bag or pad – For actual relaxation at lengthy support stations
- Hanging shoe organizer – Mount it to your cover for quick entry to gear
- Sharpie + duct tape – Label every little thing, restore something
- Ziploc baggage – Great for pre-packed diet or storing moist gear
- Bluetooth Speaker – Who doesn’t love an impromptu dance social gathering?! Just be aware if you’re away from the help station and in a tenting space.
- Books, video games, and one thing to move the time – You’ll possible have time between support stations so deliver one thing enjoyable for you to do!
Final Thoughts
Crewing is tough work—however extremely rewarding. The gear you pack helps create a relaxed, practical, dependable setting in your runner when every little thing else might really feel unsure.
The higher ready you’re, the extra adaptable you’ll be when plans inevitably change. Gear doesn’t assure a clean day, nevertheless it offers you the instruments to deal with regardless of the course throws your manner—whether or not that’s hail at mile 60 or a meltdown at dawn.
So pack with intention and put together for something since you by no means know what race day might deliver!
What to learn subsequent? What to put on for a 100 mile race >>>>
BONUS THOUGHTS
Talk to Your Runner
Well earlier than race day, have an trustworthy dialog together with your runner about how they need to be crewed. Every runner is completely different and realizing their preferences forward of time will save stress later.
Ask these key questions:
- What form of assist would you like at support stations?
- Fast and environment friendly? Calm and quiet? Do you need me to discuss or simply hand issues over?
- How ought to I encourage you when issues get onerous?
- Tough love, encouragement, silence? What not to say in the event you’re struggling?
- What ought to I look ahead to?
- Missed energy? Signs of overheating or ache? Do you need reminders to eat, drink, or change gear?
- What’s in your drop baggage—and what’s not?
- Be clear on the place backup gear lives and what to do if plans go sideways.
Pro tip: Jot down their solutions right into a easy crew cheat sheet. Just a few notes now can save a meltdown at mile 75.
Know the Course Type
One of the primary issues to think about is the format of the race:
- Looped Course: Your runner returns to the identical support station a number of instances. You’ll usually arrange in a single spot, settle in, and wait. Comfort and a well-organized basecamp are key.
- Point-to-Point / Out-and-Back Course: You’ll want to drive (and typically hike) to attain completely different support stations all through the course. This provides complexity to timing, navigation, and equipment group.
How the course is structured will form nearly every little thing about your crewing technique, so at all times begin there.
Smart Planning
Start with the race guidelines (that is value repeating!!) Seriously—learn them. Know the place you’re allowed to crew, any time restrictions, and the parking conditions at every support station. I typically print the principles and maps and carry them with me. It’s not value risking a disqualification over an trustworthy mistake, like crewing in an off-limits space.
Next cease: Ultrapacer.com. This free software is a lifesaver. Plug in your race and an estimated end time, and it calculates your runner’s projected arrival at every support station, factoring in elevation and terrain. It’s not good (no software is), nevertheless it offers you a strong timeline to plan meals, naps, and logistics.
Pro tip: Share the Ultrapacer plan together with your total crew. When everybody’s on the identical web page, you keep away from chaos. If potential, assign somebody to deal with race updates for household and pals. Communication may be onerous within the second, and offloading that job frees you up to focus in your runner.
The Mental Side of Crewing
Crewing an extremely is greater than logistics—it’s emotional work. You’ll get drained, chilly, and perhaps go 40 hours with out altering your garments. Stay regular and keep in mind your function:
- It’s not about you. You’re the assist system. Be versatile, calm, and inspiring.
- Stay grounded. Runners might cry, puke, or say they’re quitting. You don’t want to repair it—simply be current.
- Be the voice of purpose. Remind them they skilled for this. A easy “You’re OK. You are wanting sturdy” can work wonders.
- Don’t take it personally. Tired runners can snap. It’s not about you.
- Take care of your self. Eat, hydrate, relaxation in the event you can. A transparent-headed crew is an efficient crew.
In the End…
Crewing is emotional, chaotic, and deeply rewarding. You’ll make soup within the rain, cry with strangers, witness grit such as you’ve by no means seen, and play a vital function in serving to somebody end one of many hardest challenges of their life.
So pack sensible. Stay versatile. Be prepared for every little thing. And have FUN!