2023 UltraSignup Staff Gear Favorites

There are hundreds of gear reviews on YouTube, and Instagram, across the running media, and in runner blogs across the web but we know that much of the time the most helpful review is the recommendation of a friend and fellow runner. So we surveyed our team to find out which gear they have most relied on this year to maximize their trail adventures, training, and racing. Read on to hear from four of our team members about their favorite gear in 2023.

Disclaimer: The product links included on this page are affiliate links, meaning UltraSignup.com may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our team in bringing you awesome trail running content and events.

Name: Amberleigh Burns 

Position at UltraSignup 

Customer Success Specialist 

Where Do You Run?

The mountains of Wrightwood, California   

Types of Trails

Steep, rocky single track and roads/walking trails 

Go-to trail shoes in 2023

HOKA Challenger 7 Trail-Running Shoes

Your Three MVP pieces of gear in 2023

1. Trigger point massage ball. Rolling this ball under the arches of your feet will warm and stretch them before you run – it feels great afterwards, too.

2. Injinji toe socks. These socks are amazing – they help prevent blisters and are all-around super comfortable:

3. Yaktrax Run. Don’t let winter slow you down!  Stick to your training plan with these traction tools to keep you moving on the snow and ice.

Name: Michael Proulx 

Position at UltraSignup

VP of Partnerships 

Where Do You Run?

Over 9,000’ in the mountains of Summit County, CO 

Types of Trails

Mostly singletrack. Lots of up & down. 

Go-to trail shoes in 2023

I’m lucky to be able to try so many different models but spent lots of time this summer in Merrell Long Sky 2’s, Nike Zegamas, and Hoka Speedgoats.

Your Three MVP pieces of gear in 2023

1. Rabbit High Country SS shirt. Definitely the most fashionable running shirt I own and you can go straight from a run to a Zoom call without changing!
2. Method Seven – The best lenses I’ve ever run in! Great in all kinds of light and super light weight.  
3. Spry xylitol gum. Really helps to clean the sugary badness out of your mouth on longer runs. And you can dispose of your chewed gum right back into the blister pack that the “chicklet” came out of!

Name: Matt Abbott 

Position at UltraSignup

Head of Data 

Where Do You Run?

Pacific Northwest foothills 

Types of Trails

Wet singletrack 

Go-to trail shoes in 2023

HOKA Speedgoat 5 (x5 – I didn’t even wear any other trail shoes in 2023)  

Your Three MVP pieces of gear in 2023

1. Salomon XA Filter. In the rainy season here in Washington I usually don’t need to worry about packing water if I have a Salomon soft flask with an XA filter cap. Instead, I top off any time I come across a running creek or waterfall. And if I need more, I’ll squeeze the tip to filter the water into a second soft flask, doubling my reserves. I really can’t say more about this—it’s by far the most useful piece of gear I own.

2. Salomon Adv Skin 5 Vest. When I don’t feel like carrying a soft flask in my hands (though I will do that too), I’ll wear Salomon’s Adv Skin 5 vest. It has the perfect amount of space for the vast majority of my long runs. My favorite feature is the wraparound mesh pocket. I shove all kinds of crap back there—phone, gloves, cinnamon buns. I also own an Adv Skin 12, but it tends to be reserved for days where I need to carry more things (like a puffy, crampons, or wind pants).  

3. Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily LS. I don’t always wear shirts while running, but when I do it is inevitably one of these by Patagonia. I find the material comfortable and durable, and even after hundreds of uses the couple that I own still look brand new. They also handle moisture very well and I almost never have issues with chafing.  

Name: Charlie Haney

Position at UltraSignup 

Accountant 

Where Do You Run?

Southeastern US – hot, humid, mild winters 

Types of Trails 

Technical singletrack, ATV trails 

Go-to trail shoes in 2023 

Salomon Ultra Glide 2 

Your Three MVP pieces of gear in 2023

1. Skratch Super High Carb Drink Mix – When I struggle to eat during longer ultra marathons, being able to get my calorie and carbohydrate needs from a drink is critical. Skratch’s high carb is the tastiest high carb drink I’ve tried.

2. UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Light – I recently tried this waist light for the first time during a 100-miler, and I will use this in any nighttime long run going forward. Battery life and brightness were top tier.  

3. Feetures Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Sock – So comfy and durable.

Disclaimer: The product links included on this page are affiliate links, meaning UltraSignup.com may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our team in bringing you awesome trail running content and events.