Over the previous few weeks, I’ve obtained a number of requests from common readers of AJW’s Taproom for me to jot down an article concerning the gear and tools that I plan to make use of for the Cocodona 250 Mile subsequent week right here in Arizona. As this will likely be my first foray into multi-day working, it has been an fascinating train in planning to determine what gear and tools will likely be most helpful in my try to run from Deep Canyon Ranch to Flagstaff. So, right here goes!
Footwear: Hoka Tecton X 3, Nike Zegama 2, and Brooks Glycerin Max
I’ve been working and racing within the Hoka Tecton X 3 for the reason that summer time of 2024, together with a profitable return to 100-mile races on the Javelina 100 Mile again in October, and have actually loved them. I’ve two pairs able to go, and if all the pieces proceeds as deliberate, they would be the solely two pairs I put on for your complete race. That mentioned, if issues go improper, I’ve two properly cushioned, non-plated sneakers to fall again on — the Nike Zegama 2 and the Brooks Glycerin Max.
The creator’s shoe choice for the Cocodona 250 Mile (l-to-r): Brooks Glycerin Max, Nike Zegama 2, and Hoka Tecton X 3. All photographs courtesy of Andy Jones-Wilkins.
Socks: Drymax Scorching Climate Working 1/4 Crew Socks
I’ve been a loyal Drymax socks wearer since I used to be first launched to them in 2009. For Cocodona, I’ll have six pairs of those socks to get me by the race.
Shorts: Patagonia Males’s Strider Professional Working Quick – 5 Inch
Shorts with ample pockets have all the time been essential to me and for my part the Patagonia Strider Professional shorts are the perfect at school for pocketed shorts. Light-weight, fast drying, and comfy, the Strider Professionals are constantly my favourite shorts.
Pants: Patagonia Males’s Strider Professional Pants
With a forecast for cold temperatures, I’ll carry my tried-and-true Patagonia Strider Professional Pants alongside for the colder sections. These pants characteristic snap-up legs that go all the best way to the knees and permit for simple on/simple off transitions.
Shirts: Patagonia Males’s Capilene Cool Every day Shirt and Patagonia Males’s Lengthy-Sleeved Capilene Cool Path Shirt
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Every day Shirt and Patagonia Lengthy-Sleeved Capilene Cool Path Shirt are wonderful, inexpensive, and easy. I’ve obtained one among every prepared for my journey.
Light-weight Jacket: Patagonia Males’s Airshed Professional Working Windbreaker
Ever since Patagonia launched their first Airshed pullover about 10 years in the past, I’ve been an enormous fan. It packs down tremendous small, has a pleasant becoming hood, and may be very easy on the pores and skin. The proper windbreaker!
The creator within the Patagonia Airshed Professional Working Windbreaker, which he’ll use for the Cocodona 250 Mile.
Insulated Chilly Climate Jacket: Patagonia Males’s Nano-Air Ultralight Hoody
Primarily based on the present climate forecast, it seems like this may very well be one of many colder Cocodona’s on file. I’m taking no probabilities and plan to pack my Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Hoody after I depart Crown King help station and will carry it with me for the rest of the race.
Gloves: Black Diamond Hybrid Mild Gloves and Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves
Given the aforementioned climate forecast I’m coming ready with a light-weight glove, the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner gloves, and a heavier pair, the Black Diamond Hybrid Mild Gloves.
Heat Hat: Patagonia R1 Every day Beanie
My go-to beanie for the previous 15 years has been the Patagonia R1 Every day Beanie. I’ve no motive to make use of something totally different this time round.
Brimmed Hat: Boco Elite Hat
For a lot of the race I’ll possible put on my Runner’s Den branded Boco Elite Hat, which I simply love.
Solar Hat: Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey Hat
For Day 1, which is probably going probably the most solar uncovered, the Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey Hat gives wonderful cowl whereas maintaining me cool.
Ice Bandana: Do-it-yourself Outdated Faculty Bandana
Years in the past, my spouse, Shelly, made me a yellow ice bandana and it’s been with me ever since. Not gonna’ change now!
Pack: Salomon ADV Pores and skin 12L Pack
The Salomon ADV Pores and skin 12L Pack has sufficient area for all of the necessary gear, nice water capability in each its 2-liter bladder and its 4 delicate flasks, and suits comfortably on my again even when totally loaded.
Poles: Leki Ultratrail FX.One Superlight
Leki poles have been my go-to ever since I began utilizing poles about 10 years in the past. I even have a pair backups in case they break.
Watch: Coros Tempo 3
Since we’re all required to have the course loaded onto a GPS enabled gadget, I’ve determined to make use of my telephone for that objective and can go minimalist with my watch. The Coros Tempo 3 is light-weight, correct, and has wonderful battery life. Good for Cocodona!
Lighting: Nitecore UT27 Headlamp and Ultraspire Lumen 400z 3.0 Waist Mild
I’ve determined to go together with the Nitecore UT27 as a result of it’s gentle and vivid, and it additionally has a heat gentle setting which I actually like. I then determined to go together with the much less vivid Lumen 400z from Ultraspire for my waist gentle, as I favor a not-so-bright possibility round my waist.
Charging: Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3 Extremely-Slim USB-C Energy Financial institution
Lastly, for on-the-go charging the NB 10000 from Nitecore works nice in all situations.
There you go! Want me luck and I’ll report again after the race.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Oak Creek Brewing Firm in Sedona, Arizona. Sedona’s oldest brewery, Oak Creek’s flagship beer is Oak Creek Pale Ale, an excellent American Pale Ale that’s wealthy, balanced, and crisp. Brewed within the basic custom of nice American Pale Ales, Oak Creek is an instantaneous basic!
Name for Feedback
- Are you working the Cocodona 250 Mile? In that case, what are your most essential package objects?
- Or, what different multi-day occasion have you ever prepped for? Share a few of your individual private gear favorites.
- And, let’s want AJW the perfect of luck on his foray into 250-mile racing!

