If you’re heading out on the trails, especially here in the Illawarra and along the South Coast, mandatory gear isn’t just for race day. It’s part of running smart.

Our terrain is rugged, remote in parts and constantly changing. Add in heat, weather shifts and yes… snakes, and carrying the basics becomes non-negotiable. Even on a casual run, we always recommend having a mobile phone, hydration, a snake bandage and a space blanket. If something goes wrong, those small items can make a big difference, especially if you’re out there solo.

When it comes to events, the gear list steps up. Races like Ultra Trail Australia require a full mandatory kit, and for good reason. If you’re injured or conditions change, you may be waiting for assistance. That gear is there to keep you safe, warm and moving until help arrives.

The official UTA mandatory gear list is one of the best starting points for understanding what you need and why. You can view the full list here.

We’ve built this collection around those exact requirements so you can find everything in one place, without overthinking it.

As a dedicated trail and ultra running specialty store, this is what we do. We’re not generalists. We’re out on these trails, testing gear in real conditions across Wollongong, the Illawarra escarpment, the South Coast and beyond. It means the products you see here aren’t just ticking a box, they’ve been chosen because they actually work when it matters.

We’re also proud to be an official gear check store for UTMB races across Australia and New Zealand. That means you can bring your full kit into store and we’ll check it off properly, issue your gear check certificate and make sure you’re race ready before you even get to the start line.

Based just down the road from Wollongong, we work closely with runners across the Illawarra and South Coast every day. Trail, ultra, first timers, seasoned milers… we’ve seen it all. So if you’re unsure about what you need, how to carry it or what actually works out there, we’re here to help.

Run for adventure, but run prepared.