Over the past few weeks, I have received several requests from regular readers of AJW’s Taproom for me to write an article about the gear and equipment that I plan to use for the Cocodona 250 Mile next week here in Arizona. As this will be my first foray into multi-day running, it has been an interesting exercise in planning to figure out what gear and equipment will be most useful in my attempt to run from Deep Canyon Ranch to Flagstaff. So, here goes!
Shoes: Hoka Tecton X 3, Nike Zegama 2, and Brooks Glycerin Max
I have been running and racing in the Hoka Tecton X 3 since the summer of 2024, including a successful return to 100-mile races at the Javelina 100 Mile back in October, and have really enjoyed them. I have two pairs ready to go, and if everything proceeds as planned, they will be the only two pairs I wear for the entire race. That said, if things go wrong, I have two nicely cushioned, non-plated shoes to fall back on — the Nike Zegama 2 and the Brooks Glycerin Max.
The author’s shoe selection for the Cocodona 250 Mile (l-to-r): Brooks Glycerin Max, Nike Zegama 2, and Hoka Tecton X 3. All photos courtesy of Andy Jones-Wilkins.
Socks: Drymax Hot Weather Running 1/4 Crew Socks
I have been a loyal Drymax socks wearer since I was first introduced to them in 2009. For Cocodona, I will have six pairs of these socks to get me through the race.
Shorts: Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Running Short – 5 Inch
Shorts with ample pockets have always been important to me and in my opinion the Patagonia Strider Pro shorts are the best in class for pocketed shorts. Lightweight, quick drying, and comfortable, the Strider Pros are consistently my favorite shorts.
Pants: Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Pants
With a forecast for chilly temperatures, I will bring my tried-and-true Patagonia Strider Pro Pants along for the colder sections. These pants feature snap-up legs that go all the way to the knees and allow for easy on/easy off transitions.
Shirts: Patagonia Men’s Capilene Cool Daily Shirt and Patagonia Men’s Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt and Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Trail Shirt are excellent, affordable, and simple. I’ve got one of each ready for my journey.
Lightweight Jacket: Patagonia Men’s Airshed Pro Running Windbreaker
Ever since Patagonia released their first Airshed pullover about 10 years ago, I have been a huge fan. It packs down super small, has a nice fitting hood, and is very smooth on the skin. The perfect windbreaker!
The author in the Patagonia Airshed Pro Running Windbreaker, which he will use for the Cocodona 250 Mile.
Insulated Cold Weather Jacket: Patagonia Men’s Nano-Air Ultralight Hoody
Based on the current weather forecast, it looks like this could be one of the colder Cocodona’s on record. I am taking no chances and plan to pack my Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Hoody when I leave Crown King aid station and may carry it with me for the remainder of the race.
Gloves: Black Diamond Hybrid Light Gloves and Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves
Given the aforementioned weather forecast I am coming prepared with a lightweight glove, the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner gloves, and a heavier pair, the Black Diamond Hybrid Light Gloves.
Warm Hat: Patagonia R1 Daily Beanie
My go-to beanie for the past 15 years has been the Patagonia R1 Daily Beanie. I have no reason to use anything different this time around.
Brimmed Hat: Boco Elite Hat
For most of the race I will likely wear my Runner’s Den branded Boco Elite Hat, which I just love.
Sun Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
For Day 1, which is likely the most sun exposed, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat provides excellent cover while keeping me cool.
Ice Bandana: Homemade Old School Bandana
Years ago, my wife, Shelly, made me a yellow ice bandana and it’s been with me ever since. Not gonna’ change now!
Pack: Salomon ADV Skin 12L Pack
The Salomon ADV Skin 12L Pack has enough space for all the mandatory gear, great water capacity in both its 2-liter bladder and its four soft flasks, and fits comfortably on my back even when fully loaded.
Poles: Leki Ultratrail FX.One Superlight
Leki poles have been my go-to ever since I started using poles about 10 years ago. I also have a couple backups in case they break.
Watch: Coros Pace 3
Since we are all required to have the course loaded onto a GPS enabled device, I have decided to use my phone for that purpose and will go minimalist with my watch. The Coros Pace 3 is lightweight, accurate, and has excellent battery life. Perfect for Cocodona!
The Coros Pace 3, AJW’s watch of choice for the Cocodona 250 Mile.
Lighting: Nitecore UT27 Headlamp and Ultraspire Lumen 400z 3.0 Waist Light
I have decided to go with the Nitecore UT27 because it is light and bright, and it also has a warm light setting which I really like. I then decided to go with the less bright Lumen 400z from Ultraspire for my waist light, as I prefer a not-so-bright option around my waist.
Charging: Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank
Finally, for on-the-go charging the NB 10000 from Nitecore works great in all conditions.
There you go! Wish me luck and I’ll report back after the race.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Oak Creek Brewing Company in Sedona, Arizona. Sedona’s oldest brewery, Oak Creek’s flagship beer is Oak Creek Pale Ale, an outstanding American Pale Ale that is rich, balanced, and crisp. Brewed in the classic tradition of great American Pale Ales, Oak Creek is an instant classic!
Call for Comments
- Are you running the Cocodona 250 Mile? If so, what are your most important kit items?
- Or, what other multi-day event have you prepped for? Share some of your own personal gear favorites.
- And, let’s wish AJW the best of luck on his foray into 250-mile racing!
