October/November 2024

Review: Pacing & Crewing Gear

Donald Buraglio
Oct 2024

When it comes to pacing and crewing a runner during an ultramarathon, the hours are long and the elements can be extreme. It’s important to know which pieces of gear will be needed when getting your runner through the nighttime miles or crewing at a remote aid station. We’ve put together a list of essential pieces of gear that will help anyone with the demanding job of getting their runner to the finish line while taking care of themselves in the process (and maybe having a little fun along the way).

UltrAspire Zygos 5.0 vest ($185)

If your pacing duties cover long miles or if you are running through the night, you need a pack that rides comfortably and provides a lot of convenient storage capacity. UltrAspire's Zygos vest has proved dependable for our own 100-mile efforts as well as when pulling all-night pacing duty. The wrap-around fit provides a comfortable ride and the Zygos retains an impressively lightweight feel (13 oz) for its 14-liter capacity. Updates to the 5.0 version include straps made of translucent, but incredibly durable, UltrAcool Light Mesh, and harness pockets that provide eight separate options for small-to-medium-size items. One thing we appreciate about the Zygos is that it has a number of pockets that can accommodate a larger cell phone, which seems sadly lacking on many other models. MaxO2 Form bungee-style straps on the sternum allow full lung expansion when moving at pace, but stay secure and cinch the load against the body with a single pull. The primary rear compartment is reinforced at stress points with XT ripstop fabric, with a removable insulated sleeve for the 2L fluid reservoir.

To offer a range of fits, the Zygos 5.0 comes in three sizes.

Naked Running Band ($55)

If you prefer minimal coverage on your next pacing gig, the Naked Running Band offers a simpler way to carry the essentials while staying hands-free without the hassle of a vest. At just 2.3 oz, the Band is made from Naked Exopower mesh, a breathable fabric that, when sized correctly, won’t bounce when loaded with soft flasks and gels. The belt is also wide enough to carry smartphones and headlamps, which we found worked well at Western States this year. Pacers often need to carry items for their runner or help them open gel packets when their fingers no longer work during the night miles, and the Naked Running Band is a compact option for those who don’t require much, whether it’s a shorter stint or they’re quickly moving through aid stations with their runner. Make sure to check your size properly (see directions at
nakedsportsinnovations.com) before ordering.

Boco Elite Hat 360 Degree Reflective Tech ($34.99)

At some point in a long pacing gig, the sun fades and night running is unavoidable. As a pacer, you’ve got to stay visible and help guide your runner through the dark miles. Boco’s Elite Hat with 360 Degree Reflective Tech keeps visibility at the top while running on the trail or in more urban areas. This lightweight running hat includes a reflective material that bounces light away and offers maximum visibility. Made with laser cut side and rear panels for breathability, this fabric is soft, pliable and fits comfortably with an adjustable Velcro closure in the back. A soft polyester sweatband and front panel on the interior of the hat wicks away sweat and moisture around the head for added comfort.

Black Diamond Distance 1500 headlamp ($200)

The number one priority for pacers is to keep their ultrarunner safe, and a primary means of doing this is having a trusty light source that can help illuminate the trail for smooth footing. Have a headlamp, have a waist lamp and have a backup—there’s no such thing as overkill when it comes to illumination in the dark hours. Black Diamond’s Distance 1500 headlamp is designed for overnight efforts and moving smoothly on technical terrain, combining impressive brightness and ease of use—which is important when you and your runner are both sleep deprived. It has a bulkier profile than many headlamps, but rides securely with a comfort cradle band, and the strap has integrated cushioning to avoid skin irritation. The lamp has three brightness settings, with the brightest constant level of 800 lumens. PowerTap technology on the side of the casing boosts the intensity to 1500 lumens for 10 seconds with a simple tap, which is ideal for traversing particularly sketchy ground. Light quality is outstanding, thanks to constant output programming that creates a smooth, uniform field of vision without creating shadows or artifacts. The medium setting burns at 300 lumens for 6 hours, which isn’t enough to get through a full night, but the Distance 1500 has an interchangeable battery system that attaches via a magnet and clip system that is easy to use.

Injinji’s Courtney Crew Socks ($19)

Because we’re fans of having fun while pacing and crewing, we couldn’t resist adding a bit of color to our pacing kit. The new Courtney Crew is a tie-dye crew with the classic toesock design, a midweight weave and padded cushioning. The two colorways include Hardrock (purple/blue/green) and Moab (red/yellow/blue/purple), inspired by her wins at both races. The intention behind toesock design is to keep toes from rubbing together, thereby reducing the potential for hotspots and blisters to occur during long races. These Injinji socks also include Coolmax EcoMade fibers and are designed to fit securely, high above the ankle. If anything, these tie-dye socks will keep your runner entertained and hopefully not hallucinating while watching the bright colors bounce off the trail.

Biolite Charge 20 PD ($40)

Sometime during the night, your runner may hit empty—perhaps not in their legs, but in the gadgets they’re using. Having a portable charging device can make you a hero of the night, able to recharge a phone, watch, lamp or headphones without needing to slow down excessively. The Biolite Charge 20 PD weighs less than 6 oz and is thinner than a deck of cards, making it easy to stash in a remote pocket and when it’s needed, the 6,000 mAh battery can quickly top off your devices through either a USB-A or USB-C port. The Charge 20 PD can itself be charged in 2 hours, and works in temperature ranges of -4 to 104 degrees. If you happen to be using a Biolite headlamp, the Charge 20 can top off the battery while you or your runner are still wearing it on your head. This device also has trail-ready construction, with a textured scratch-resistant case for easy grip, which also provides drop protection if it accidentally falls out of your bag.

NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair ($180)

The Moonlite Elite Reclining chair from NEMO is the perfect example of good things coming in small packages. And small is ideal when hauling in gear during a crewing gig. Weighing in at just over 1.1 lbs, this lightweight chair does not sacrifice on comfort, and has an impressive weight capacity of 250 lbs. The belay-style cords recline an impressive amount, allowing for a custom configuration based on your intended use (or mood). Set up is simple with skeletonized forged aluminum hubs and easy pole attachment points. The chair packs down into a small case that makes storage easy and snug in a pack.

Victory Sportsdesign Kodiak Bag ($180)

Every crew needs a good crew bag. Luckily, Victory Sportsdesign has customized their bags with runners needs in mind. The Kodiak can be hauled into an aid station as a duffel or backpack and has a waterproof exterior. The interior zips open to detachable dividers for those who prefer to organize their nutrition from first aid supplies. There are four storage pockets that can be labeled, along with three outer zip pockets. We love Victory Sportdesign bags for their durability and interior organization—there is an efficiency factor when crewing a runner, and the Kodiak keeps us streamlined when we’re at an aid station in the middle of nowhere. It allows crews to provide a one-stop-shop for their runner who may need everything or nothing at any point during a race. The bag has a 55L capacity and is sized 20" x 14" x 10" with a Durahex Outer Nylon shell and a PU coating.

rnnr Bucket Hat ($40)

Crewing a race can be a lot of “hurry up and wait,” which means minimizing your sun exposure is key. Bucket hats are all the rage for runners these days, but we’re a fan of rnnr’s Bucket Hat for crewing because of the solid brim around the hat which offers UPF 40+ protection and eliminates the floppy look. This maximizes coverage over the face and neck throughout the day while waiting for your runner to appear. The side panels are an open-weave mesh which allows the rest of your head to breathe and reduces sweat and moisture under the lid. The upper is a fast-drying, light weight SPDwick performance
fabric. The Bucket Hat comes in a standard or large size, with an adjustable bungee cord for a snug fit.

TANRI Spray Sunscreen ($19.99) & Active Wipes ($7.99)

This “by runners for runners” sun protection is just what a crew needs to keep themselves
and their runners protected during a long day in the sun. We prefer the speed and ease of the sunblock spray which uses the traditional sunblock formula in a quick and easy application. TANRI is a UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. It’s free of paraben, PABA, mineral oils, silicone, dyes, oxybenzone and octinoxate and more. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free and dermatologist tested. When applied, it feels lightweight and smooth—not greasy and heavy like other commercial brands. TANRI sunblock spray comes in a 6 oz bottle and is also reef safe.

When the sun goes down, keep your runner feeling fresh through the night with TANRI’s active wipes are a perfect product for crews when their runner appears to be in need of a literal wipe down. Unscented and infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, the wipes come in packs of 25 and are easy to remove from the package when you’re in a rush. We loved the instant refresh that came with wiping off the grime after a long day on the trails, and because TANRI's wipes are alcohol-free, our skin didn't dry up after use.While these aren’t flushable wipes, they are made from plant-based fibers.

Goodr Glam G Sunglasses ($35)

A bit of flare for the crew can keep the chill vibe while also providing some style when waiting for runners during a race. The Glam G by Goodr is a cat-eye style frame with an oversized lens that creates a fun, throwback look. Our favorite colorway—the Rainbow Runway Ready with a clear frame and rainbow-reflective lenses with pink accents—kept our days bright (but not too bright) and the vibes high while crewing. Thoughtful details made these lightweight frames feel versatile enough for crewing or use in training: padding at the bridge of the nose and temples kept them from bouncing, and more flexibility at the temple translated to a more comfortable fit on longer runs. The lenses are all polarized, which offers crew members the UV400 protection needed when out in the sun while playing the waiting game. Other colorways include Flamingo Couture (dark pink/blue), It’s Noir, Darling (black/gold) and The Catwalk’s Meow (tortoise shell).

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