Mandatory Kit — The Essentials
Headtorch
Petzl Actik Core
The most-mentioned headtorch brand among Wall runners. The Actik Core is rechargeable (USB) and runs on AAA batteries as backup — 600 lumens with a wide red mode for preserving night vision. Comfortable on the head, doesn't bounce. Charge it at Hexham with your power bank. Multiple Wall finishers specifically recommend Petzl as the right level of torch for the race.
Alpkit Qark (580 Lumens)
Mentioned by multiple Wall community members as the best-value headtorch for the race. 580 lumens, USB rechargeable, and also accepts AAA batteries as backup — exactly the combination recommended. "More than sufficient and great value… no need to spend more," according to community members. Available direct from Alpkit.
Fenix HM65R-T v2
If budget allows, the Fenix HM65R-T v2 gets strong community endorsements — "brilliant" according to multiple Wall runners. A dual-beam headtorch (spot and flood simultaneously) with 1500 lumens max. USB-C rechargeable with impressive battery life. Premium build quality. A torch you'll use for many events beyond The Wall.
Black Diamond Cosmo 350
Recommended by a top Wall community contributor as their personal torch choice. The Cosmo 350 is battery-powered (AAA), waterproof and simple to use — no fiddly recharging, just swap batteries. A dimmer switch for close-range lighting and a bright spot mode for trails. Good value for those who prefer battery reliability to USB charging.
Petzl Nao RL (High-End)
Petzl's premium running headtorch. Reactive lighting automatically adapts beam brightness based on what you're looking at — saves battery and means you never blind yourself. 575 lumens max output. Specifically recommended by experienced Wall runners who want the best night running experience money can buy.
Rear Safety Light
The mandatory kit list requires a rear red light or reflective patch. You'll be running on some public roads in the dark — this is safety-critical. The community uses several approaches.
Ronhill Light Clip Glow Red
The most-mentioned rear safety light in the community — a simple clip-on LED light that attaches to your pack or headtorch strap. Lightweight and easy to forget it's there. Switch it on as darkness falls, leave it blinking throughout the night section. Has hooks to attach to fabric loops. Available from running retailers and Extreme Adventure Races.
Glow Sticks (Simple & Reliable)
A top community contributor uses glow sticks clipped to their pack as a simple alternative. No batteries, no charging, no switching on — just crack and clip. Pack a few spares. "Less batteries to worry about, easy to tuck a spare away." A pack of 10 lasts well beyond a single race night and is very cheap insurance.
Anti-Chafe
Squirrel's Nut Butter Anti-Chafe
The anti-chafe product most often mentioned by Wall runners and ultra runners generally. A natural butter/wax formula that doesn't degrade synthetic fabrics (unlike Vaseline) and lasts for hours. Apply generously between thighs, under arms, toes and anywhere that rubs. Reapply at Hexham. Available in stick, jar and single-serve sachets.
Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm
The other most-mentioned anti-chafe product. Body Glide comes in a deodorant-style stick, making it easy to apply and carry. Used widely in the Wall community. Won't stain kit and works on skin and fabric. Pack one in your vest pocket for reapplication on the go — don't wait until Hexham if you feel a rub developing.
Vaseline / Petroleum Jelly
The classic and cheapest option — still used by many Wall runners who prefer simplicity. Very effective at preventing chafe and blisters. The downside is that it can degrade some synthetic fabrics over time. If you're using it on your feet and toes, use it liberally. A tub of Vaseline in your drop bag is cheap insurance.
Blister Kit
Compeed Blister Plasters (Mixed Pack)
Compeed hydrocolloid plasters are the single most-mentioned blister treatment by Wall runners. They stick well to wet, sweaty skin and cushion hot spots immediately. Carry 3–4 in your vest and a full pack in your Hexham drop bag. Apply as soon as you feel a hot spot — don't wait for a blister to form.
Leukotape P Sports Tape
The ultra runner's favourite strapping tape. Leukotape sticks aggressively even to sweaty skin and doesn't come loose. Used to pre-tape blister-prone areas before the race and to strap hot spots on the go. Many experienced Wall runners pre-tape their toes and heels before race start. A small roll in your vest pocket is essential.
Sterile Lancets (Blister Draining)
A small pack of sterile lancets for draining blisters at Hexham if needed. Experienced ultra runners drain blisters, cover them with Compeed, and continue. Don't leave a blister intact to the point where it becomes a major issue — draining and covering it properly at Hexham buys you the remaining miles to Newcastle.
Power Bank & Charging
Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Bank
A power bank is a Hexham drop bag essential. Used to charge your GPS watch and phone at Hexham while you eat, change and recover. Anker are a trusted brand — the 10000mAh version is a good size (charges a watch 3–4 times) without being too heavy. Pack your watch charging cable alongside it.
Charging Cables (Your Watch + Phone)
Don't forget the cables. Pack your GPS watch charging cable and phone cable in the Hexham drop bag alongside the power bank. Some watch cables are proprietary (Garmin, Polar etc.) — check you have the right one. Tape the cables to the power bank so they don't get separated in the bag.
Post-Finish Gear
Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve
Multiple Wall runners mention a Dryrobe in their finish-line or supporter bags. After 20+ hours of running, your body temperature drops fast the moment you stop moving. A Dryrobe keeps you warm, dry and comfortable while you recover — especially important for Gateshead quayside finishes in the early morning. Have your supporter bring one, or pack it in the bag you collect at the finish.
Theragun Mini (Massage Gun)
Some community members pack a mini massage gun in their Hexham drop bag — used to deal with tight calves and quads at Hexham before the final push to Newcastle. Useful for post-race recovery too. A mini massage gun is small enough to fit in a drop bag and can genuinely help loosen tight muscles mid-race.
The Small Things That Matter
Soft Flasks
If your running vest doesn't include soft flasks, buy a pair. Two 500ml soft flasks is the minimum recommended water capacity for The Wall. Fill up at each pit stop — don't rely on finding water between checkpoints. Many community members carry 1L total hydration capacity minimum.
Buy on Amazon →Gloves
Multiple Wall runners specifically mention dry gloves in their Hexham drop bag. The night section through Northumberland is cold, and wet gloves from earlier in the day are miserable. A lightweight pair of running gloves in your vest and a dry pair in the Hexham bag is sensible kit for a June night in the north.
Buy on Amazon →Headphones
Some runners use earphones for music or podcasts on the long road sections. If you do, make sure to charge them at Hexham. Bone conduction headphones (like Shokz) are popular as they let you hear your surroundings while still getting audio — useful when navigating in the dark.
Buy on Amazon →Buff / Neck Gaiter
A buff is one of the most versatile pieces of kit on an ultra. It can be a headband, neck gaiter, hat or face covering. Lightweight and packs to nothing. Pack a dry buff in your Hexham bag — your original one will be sweaty by the time you reach Hexham and a fresh one around your neck in the cold night air feels excellent.
Buy on Amazon →