Gear of the Year - My Ramble on the Best Trail Running, Thru Hiking, and Backpacking items of 2024

The 2024 Gear Game Changers

1. Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Trail

Trail running and hiking require shoes that can handle technical terrain, and the Adidas Agravic Trail Shoe exceeded expectations. With exceptional grip, comfort, and durability, this shoe became my go-to for demanding trails. Whether it was long races or quick outings, these shoes delivered every step of the way.

2. Nitecore NU25 Headlamp

If you’ve ever been caught in the dark without a reliable light, you know how important a good headlamp is. The Nitecore NU25 offers lightweight design, powerful brightness, and long battery life—everything you need for night runs, early morning starts, or multi-day hikes.

3. Naked Belt

Bouncing gear during a run or hike? No thanks. The Naked Belt solves that problem with its snug, lightweight design that holds essentials like nutrition, a phone, and hydration flasks securely. It’s become an essential for my FKTs and ultrarunning adventures.

4. Precision Gels (90-Carb Size)

When it comes to endurance nutrition, simplicity is key. These high-carb gels pack a powerful punch, delivering sustained energy without the need for constant fueling. They’ve been a game-changer for reducing bonking and simplifying my race-day nutrition strategy.

5. Ultraspire Packs

Long-distance adventures demand a pack that’s lightweight, ergonomic, and easy to access. Ultraspire nailed it with their design. From hydration to snacks and extra layers, these packs strike the perfect balance of capacity and comfort.

6. Alpha Direct Fleece

Layering is critical in the outdoors, and microgrid fleece has quickly become my favorite versatile piece. Lightweight yet warm, it’s ideal for early mornings, cold-weather adventures, or as an emergency layer when temperatures drop.

7. Sodium Bicarbonate

This year, I experimented with sodium bicarbonate, a secret weapon for combating muscle fatigue. By buffering lactic acid during high-intensity efforts, it has improved endurance and recovery in some of my toughest races.

8. Aero 28 Pack

For those minimalist adventures where every ounce counts, the Aero 28 Pack delivers. It’s perfect for unsupported FKTs or fastpacking trips, providing just enough space for essentials without slowing you down.

9. Visors

Simple yet effective, visors deserve a spot on this list. They provide sun protection, keep sweat out of your eyes, and allow for better airflow compared to traditional hats. Plus, they’ve become a stylish staple in the outdoor community this year.

What’s Next?

Trying Out the Iced Cap

One piece of gear I’m especially excited to try is the iced cap. Designed for hot-weather races, this innovative cap provides active cooling during intense efforts. With temperatures rising in many races, I can’t wait to see how it performs. Stay tuned for an update after my next hot-weather event!

In this episode, Jeff Garmire reflects on a challenging year filled with various outdoor adventures and gear testing. He shares his favorite gear that has significantly impacted his trail running experience, including shoes, headlamps, hydration packs, and nutrition strategies. Jeff emphasizes the importance of reliable gear and effective fueling methods for long-distance running and discusses upcoming innovations he is excited to try. The episode concludes with a teaser for the upcoming 'Month of Jeff' series, featuring interviews with various athletes named Jeff.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Year in Review

03:09 Gear Game Changers of the Year

08:48 Essential Gear for Trail Running

14:47 Nutrition and Fueling Strategies

21:00 Upcoming Innovations and Closing Thoughts

gear, trail running, nutrition, FKTs, outdoor gear, running shoes, headlamps, hydration packs, fueling strategies, outdoor adventures