Mandatory Rut Equipment

At the Rut, we strive to challenge our runners to redefine their own limits. Our courses are a testament to this core value. While we desire to get you out of your comfort zone, safety is always our priority.

One step in this process is having the essential gear that will improve your capacity to maintain safety in the event of extreme weather or other significant events during your Rut race. With this in mind, we now have compiled a mandatory & recommended equipment list for our events.

Running in the mountains is inherently risky behavior. We pride ourselves on a robust emergency rescue team and medical staff, yet runners must also play an active role in their own safety and that of others.

Below you will see the list of required gear that you must bring with you to check-in on race weekend.  Once we see that you have the required gear, you will be given a stamp on your bib to reflect that you have gone through the gear check. You cannot run in your race if you do not have the required gear. Please be prepared with the required items when checking in.  The mandatory list includes only the bare essentials and we ask that you partner with us in creating a culture of safety and self-sufficiency at the Rut!

Mandatory Equipment for The Rut Mountain Runs 28K & 50K:

28K:

• Space blanket – The last line of defense should weather move in unexpectedly while exposed and on the alpine ridge or summit of Lone Peak. Also can be helpful if you come across someone in need of help and more protection.  (Space Blanket Example) 
• Hooded waterproof and breathable jacket. Must be waterproof and not just water resistant (Examples: The North Face Futurelight: (Men’s | Women’s) or Alta Vista Men’s  | Women’s). Essential in protecting you from the elements.  The jacket must be waterproof and not just water resistant. For example, the Patagonia Houdini will not work.
• 16oz water carrying capacity –  The Rut is hard and dehydration happens quickly at altitude when it’s windy, hot, and you are exposed to the sun.  16oz is the bare minimum you should need to get from aid station to aid station. Does not need to be full at all times.

50K:

• Space blanket – The last line of defense should weather move in unexpectedly while exposed and on the alpine ridge or summit of Lone Peak. Also can be helpful if you come across someone in need of help and more protection. (Space Blanket Example) 
• Hooded waterproof and breathable jacket. Must be waterproof and not just water resistant (Examples: The North Face Futurelight: (Men’s | Women’s) or  Alta Vista (Men’s | Women’s) Essential in protecting you from the elements.  The jacket must be waterproof and not just water resistant. For example, the Patagonia Houdini will not work.
• 32oz water carrying capacity –  The Rut is hard and dehydration happens quickly at altitude when it’s windy, hot, and you are exposed to the sun.  32oz is the bare minimum you should need to get from aid station to aid station. Does not need to be full at all times.
• Headlamp –  The Rut 50K begins before sunrise. All participants must have a headlamp.

VK Inclement weather kit:  (New in 2025)

In 2024 we had snow, wind, and below freezing temps at the summit of Lone Peak. After a lot of work and consideration, we were able to keep the original course to the summit. However, our safety team noticed that although hypothermia was a real risk, many runners neglected to bring the appropriate layers should they be forced to stop on the course due to injury or other circumstances out of their control. We lucked out that there were no significant injuries or issues with the tram downloads which would have forced folks to stay on the summit even longer in the freezing weather.  With this lesson in mind, we will have an inclement weather kit for the VK moving forward. This means if the weather is cold or wet on race day, VK runners will be required to carry a waterproof and breathable rain jacket and space blanket.  

VK Inclement weather kit:

• Space blanket – The last line of defense should weather move in unexpectedly while exposed and on the alpine ridge or summit of Lone Peak. Also can be helpful if you come across someone in need of help and more protection. (Space Blanket Example) 
• Hooded waterproof and breathable jacket. Must be waterproof and not just water resistant (Examples: The North Face Futurelight: (Men’s | Women’s) or  Alta Vista (Men’s | Women’s) Essential in protecting you from the elements.  The jacket must be waterproof and not just water resistant. For example, the Patagonia Houdini will not work.

Additional Recommended Equipment for Rut races:

• Whistle – a great tool to bring attention to yourself in an emergency
• Food reserves – Runners should always have at least 300 kcal more food than they plan to need. This will save you from an unexpected bonk or give you the fuel you need to reach the next aid station if it is taking more time than expected.
• Technical long sleeve for additional warmth – Additional layer of protection when the temps are low of precip is in the forecast.
• Warm hat or neck gaiter – More warmth and protection to allow you to maintain the capacity to stay warm.
• Light gloves – If your hands become too cold for use then you drink and eat less. Gloves will keep your hands functioning when you need this or during the scrambling sections of the course.
• Rain pants –  Staying dry is staying warm.
• Poles – Trekking poles can be helpful for steep climbs and we recommend them for people who feel comfortable using them in this terrain.
• Sunscreen for hot and exposed weather – At 11,166 ft of elevation the sun is strong and sunscreen can be your first line of defense.
• Phone with ski patrol number uploaded  – There is cell service on the majority of all the Rut courses. Therefore a phone can be a powerful tool in the event of a real emergency.  The ski patrol number will be on all race bibs as well as the Rut app.
• Reusable cup – The Rut is a cupless event.  Therefore, you will need your own container to receive food and liquid.
• Bear Spray – The Rut courses are in Bear Country.  Both black bears and grizzly bears call this area home. While most encounters with wildlife on our course are benign, there is always a chance of surprising a bear on the course. Bear Spray is a great tool to deter a bear from an attack.