Backyard Ultra Kit List
Essential Gear for a Backyard Ultra
Taking on your first backyard ultra is a thrilling, albeit daunting, prospect. If you are new to the format, a backyard ultra requires runners to complete a 4.167 mile (6.7km) loop, known as a "yard", consecutively every hour on the hour. The race only ends when a single runner remains to complete a final solo lap.
Because of this unique structure, your kit requirements are often different from a typical ultramarathon. Instead of obsessing over the weight of your running vest and carrying everything on your back, a backyard ultra revolves around your basecamp. You return to this exact same spot every single hour, meaning you can prioritise comfort, variety and convenience. The secret to a successful backyard ultra lies in how efficiently you set up this camp and manage your time between yards.
Here is a breakdown of the most critical gear you will need to keep you moving hour after hour, followed by a comprehensive Backyard Ultra kit list.
10 Backyard Ultra Essentials
1. Shelter: Tent or Gazebo
Your shelter is your sanctuary between laps. If you have the space and a support crew, a proper gazebo or camping shelter is ideal. This Decathlon Arpenaz Camping Shelter is a good option, it offers plenty of room for your gear and crew, and the detachable sides provide privacy while keeping the great British weather out.
QUECHUA Gazebo/Camping Shelter
QUECHUA Gazebo/Camping Shelter - £199
Budget/Solo Option: If you are running on a budget or doing it solo without a crew, a large tent might be overkill. Many solo runners successfully use a pop-up changing tent like this one on Amazon. It won't give you the luxury of a sprawling living space, but it is incredibly quick to pitch and pack away, giving you a private, dry spot to change.
2. A Comfortable Chair or Camp Bed
When you have 10 to 15 minutes of downtime before the next bell rings, you need to get off your feet. A comfortable camping chair that you can easily sink into (and get out of!) or a lightweight camp bed is absolutely crucial for resting your legs.
Foldable Camping Chair
QUECHUA Foldable Camping Chair - £12.99
3. Lighting/Headtorch
Do not underestimate the dark hours. At a bare minimum, you need a high-quality headtorch with spare batteries for your night yards. However, you also need a separate torch or a broad-beam lantern to light up your basecamp. Fumbling around in the dark for a fresh pair of socks wastes precious resting time.
Nitecore UT27 Head Torch
Nitecore UT27 Head Torch - £59.95
4. Thick Coat, Blanket, or Sleeping Bag
Your core temperature plummets when you stop running, especially during the night. The moment you cross the line and sit down, you need to trap that body heat. Keep a thick winter coat, a warm blanket, or a sleeping bag draped over your chair so you can immediately wrap up while you eat and rest.
3-in-1 Camping Blanket
QUECHUA 3-in-1 camping blanket - £24.99
5. High-Capacity Power Bank
With a race that can stretch for 24, 36, or even 48+ hours, your electronics will die without backup power. A high-capacity power bank is essential to keep your phone, running watch and rechargeable headtorch topped up.
Flextail 10,000mAh Power Bank
6. Massage Gun or Foam Roller
As the hours tick by, your muscles will inevitably tighten up. Having a massage gun or a small foam roller at your camp allows you (or your crew) to quickly work out cramps and flush your legs before you have to head back out to the starting corral.
Massage Gun
7. Nutrition and Real Food
Gut issues are the ultimate race-killer. The beauty of a backyard ultra is that you don’t have to cram all your calories into a tiny running vest. You can be liberal with your nutrition and pack real food along with your sports nutrition (gels and energy bars). Stick to what you have tried and tested in training, but excellent basecamp options include cheese sandwiches, bananas, crisps and salted potatoes. When the cold, dark night sets in, a warm Pot Noodle can be a massive morale and energy booster!
OGT Energy Bars
OGT Variety Pack of 12 - From £14.99
8. Spare Clothing (For All Weathers)
Because your gear stays at basecamp, weight is not an issue. Pack multiple sets of clothing for every conceivable weather scenario: hot weather gear, wet weather waterproofs, and cold weather thermals. Changing into a fresh, dry top halfway through the night can feel like an entirely new lease of life.
9. Headphones
The sheer repetitiveness of running the exact same 4.167 mile loop can seriously mess with your head. Headphones are a godsend for taking your mind off the grind. While music is great, it can get a little boring after 15 hours. A good tip is to download a selection of your favourite podcasts or an audiobook to keep your brain engaged when your body wants to quit.
SHOKZ Openrun Pro 2
10. Recovery Slides/Comfortable Shoes
When you finally call it a day (or night!) and your race is officially over, getting your feet out of sweaty, restrictive trail shoes is pure bliss. A pair of recovery slides or comfortable shoes are an absolute must to have waiting for you at the end. After hours of relentless running, your feet will inevitably be swollen, battered and desperate to breathe. Slipping into something highly cushioned and loose-fitting makes the journey home or the hobble back to the car infinitely more bearable.
Enertor Recovery Slides
Enertor Recovery Sliders - £65
The Complete Backyard Ultra Kit List
Beyond the big-ticket items above, you will need to ensure you have all the necessary supplies to survive the long haul. Here is a comprehensive checklist to help you pack:
- Tent, campervan or camping equipment for your designated space
- Camping table for organising food and gear
- Camping chair
- Running vest or waist belt to carry minor items whilst out on a yard (phone, water, etc)
- Water bottle
- Fully charged mobile phone (ensure you have saved the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director)
- Fully charged power bank
- Waterproof jacket and wet weather trousers
- Towel
- Cold weather gear (beanie hat, buff, gloves, long-sleeve base layers, running tights)
- Hand warmers (reusables or disposable)
- Multiple pairs of spare running shorts and technical tops
- Spare trail running shoes (at least one extra pair)
- Multiple pairs of running socks
- Cap or sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Reusable cup
- Electrolytes or salt tabs
- Caffeine drinks (cold brew coffee, Coke, Red Bull, etc.)
- Nutrition (mix of real food, gels and energy bars)
- Money/bank card
- Small first aid kit (blister plasters, sterile dressing, bandage, KT tape)
- Wet wipes (essential for a quick "camp shower")
- Anti-chafe balm (apply liberally and often!)
- Hand sanitiser
- Bin Bags to help keep you base camp organised
Ready to put your gear to the test? If you’ve got your kit sorted and you're looking for your next big challenge to see how many yards you can conquer, make sure to browse our comprehensive directory of UK backyard ultras to find the perfect event near you. Happy running!
