Zion Ultra is a very challenging trail running event in the southwestern United States. The track passes through the red rock plateaus, canyon landforms and desert hills in and around Zion National Park in Utah. Whether you sign up for 50K, 100K, or longer distances, every footprint will be engraved in the gravel under the scorching sun.
And completing it is not only a physical victory, but also the crystallization of the wisdom of equipment strategy and nature. In this race, "traveling light" is not a choice, but a way of survival.

Zion Ultra typical environment analysis: the three major natural challenges you will face
The track style of Zion Ultra is a head-on collision between the natural wilderness and the runner's will. This is not a "scenic run", but an extreme test of terrain, climate, and supply in three dimensions.
●Scorching heat: prolonged exposure to the highland sun
Environmental characteristics
◎Zion Ultra is held in southwestern Utah, which belongs to the highland desert. In spring (the event is usually held in March or April), although it is cool in the morning and evening, the temperature rises rapidly during the day, and the average temperature can reach 25-30°C.
◎Most of the tracks are exposed on the highland hills, with more than 80% of the unshaded area, lack of natural shade, and strong direct sunlight.
◎Dry climate means that sweating is not obvious but water loss is extremely fast. Many runners are actually dehydrated when they feel that they "don't sweat much".
Impact on runners
◎The core body temperature rises, which accelerates fatigue, affects judgment, and even causes heat stroke.
◎Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are the main causes of cramps, stomach discomfort, and confusion.
◎UV radiation is strong, skin sunburn and chapped lips are frequent, and long-term exposure can cause heat stroke.
Coping strategies
◎Choose a lightweight backpack that is breathable, fits well, and is not stuffy to reduce heat accumulation.
◎ For clothing selection, quick-drying, light-colored, long-sleeved sun-protective clothing is preferred, and a hat/BUFF protection should be used when necessary.
◎ Drink at least 500 ml of water every hour, and take electrolyte tablets/salt pills to avoid "dry drinking".
◎ Apply sunscreen every 2 hours, and carry skin protection products such as lip balm and vaseline.

● Gravel and bare rock: running is not just "stepping on the ground"
Environmental characteristics
◎ The Zion Ultra track passes through plateau hills, canyon areas, dry riverbeds and gravel slopes, and multiple terrains are mixed to form a "crushed sand + pumice + bare rock" road surface.
◎ Many stages are alternating between soft sand, pumice rocks or exposed rock layers, with dramatic changes in foot feel, and high requirements for grip and balance.
◎ Gravel sliding and slope intersections are common in rock sections, which is a huge challenge for the stability of the knees and ankle joints.
Impact on runners
◎ Running on sand requires more thigh strength, and the energy loss of each "slip" step is much higher than on hard ground.
◎ Technical descents are prone to unstable footsteps, slips, and sprains. Once fatigue control is reduced, the risk of injury increases.
◎ Running on uneven surfaces for a long time can easily cause plantar fasciitis, knee strain and other injuries.
Coping strategies
◎ Use a lightweight but stable backpack (such as Haimont) to avoid center of gravity shift affecting your pace.
◎ Shoes should be selected to take into account gravel protection, grip and ankle support. Mid-tube trail shoes or ankle protection equipment are recommended.
◎ Add sand and rock slope simulation training to your training to adapt to the cadence and force distribution in advance.
Slow down the pace in technical sections and prioritize safety and foot precision.
●Sparse supplies: Material management is a strategic battle
Environmental characteristics
◎Although the organizers of Zion Ultra have set up supply stations, due to the complex terrain, the distance between supply points in some stages is more than 10 kilometers.
◎The distance on the map seems not far, but the average speed drops significantly due to ups and downs and technical sections.
◎High temperature intensifies water and energy consumption, and traditional carrying methods are difficult to support the needs of each stage.
Impact on runners
◎Insufficient carrying → Frequent symptoms such as dehydration, hypoglycemia, and cramps.
◎Carrying too much → Slow movement, accelerated fatigue, affecting the overall rhythm.
◎Temporary search for equipment or water bottles → disrupting the pace, affecting the rhythm and even getting injured.
Coping strategies
◎It is extremely important to use a lightweight backpack with reasonable capacity and quick access design:
○For example, the Haimont 5L model is suitable for 50K, with soft water bottles + energy gels in the front pocket;
○Haimont 8L model is suitable for 100K, and the rear compartment can hold additional soft flasks, windbreakers and first aid kits.
◎ Plan the frequency of water replenishment and eating between supply points in advance, and develop an intake rhythm (such as a pack of energy gel every 40 minutes).
◎ During training, you should simulate full-load running to test your body's tolerance limit and intake method.

"Lightweight equipment" has become the survival rule of Zion Ultra
The reason why Zion Ultra has extremely high requirements for "lightweight equipment" is not a popular trend, but a deep response to the real environment. Faced with the scorching plateau, gravel and pumice and vast stages, every gram of weight and every supply operation directly affects the results of the race and even safety risks.
"Lightweight" does not mean "streamlined", but a philosophy of efficient, safe and intelligent load. The following four points reveal the survival logic of lightweight equipment in Zion Ultra.
Environmental adaptability: reducing heat load in hot, dry and exposed conditions
Zion Ultra track environment characteristics
○Strong ultraviolet rays, high surface temperature, and thermal radiation 2 to 3 times higher than that of urban marathons;
○ Unshielded terrain exposes backpacks and clothes directly to the scorching sun;
○ Plateau climate makes every step accompanied by strong evaporation and energy consumption.
The value of lightweight equipment
○The lighter the weight, the less extra heat energy is generated by body metabolism;
○Haimont lightweight trail backpack adopts highly breathable mesh material and structural hollow design, which prevents sweating in the carrying part and reduces heat accumulation;
○High carrying fit reduces "shaking friction" and is not easy to cause rashes or abrasions - this is especially important in high temperatures.
Lightweight equipment = lower core body temperature = delay physical collapse time
Energy efficiency: every extra gram of carrying means an extra energy expenditure
"Energy budget" in trail running
○Zion Ultra is a long-term, complex terrain, and obvious temperature difference event;
○Muscles will consume extra oxygen and glucose under load. Every additional 500g of load will increase energy consumption by more than 5% during the uphill stage;
○In sandy and rocky land, "floating footsteps" will significantly amplify fatigue due to weight.
Actual performance of lightweight backpacks
○The Haimont 8L lightweight trail running backpack weighs only about 183g;
○With the soft water bottle, electrolyte pack, and compact energy gel carrying design, it achieves "weight but no burden";
Conclusion: Lightweight = less energy waste = higher finishing efficiency
Operation efficiency: fast, smooth, and accurate access to supplies is the key to finishing
Zion Ultra supply difficulties
○The distance between supply points is long, and some sections are as high as 12km+, with no water source or retreat point in the middle;
○Runners need to complete operations such as replenishing water, replenishing energy, applying sunscreen, and replenishing electrolytes while moving;
○The zipper of traditional backpacks is difficult to pull and the opening is slow. Once the replenishment rhythm is messed up, it may cause hypoglycemia or dehydration.
Design advantages of lightweight backpacks
○Haimont backpacks have a multi-front pocket structure: double soft water bottle compartments + energy gel bag + small zipper bag;
○One-handed access design, you can also drink water and eat while running;
○Quick extraction design avoids frequent stops and ensures the rhythm of the game.
Lightweight equipment is not only light, but also fast - rhythm is the metronome for finishing the race.

Body protection: stable carrying, reducing injuries and risks
Potential injuries on the Zion track
○ The terrain is changeable and the slope is complex. Runners need to adjust their stride and center of gravity at all times;
○ If the backpack shakes, it will change the inertial trajectory of the body, increasing the risk of sprains and ankle sprains;
○ Problems such as shoulder strap compression and waist friction will cause serious skin damage during long-term competitions.

Professional performance of Haimont lightweight trail running backpack
In the 2024 Zion Ultra, many runners tested the Haimont lightweight trail running backpack (5L/8L model), which performed well under the multiple tests of gravel and high temperature:
Core advantages:

Feedback from runners: No obvious indentations or abrasions in races over 12 hours. I could barely feel the vest pack while climbing over sand dunes, rocky slopes, and bare rocks. But whenever I needed to eat energy gels or apply sunscreen, it was always in the most convenient place.

Pre-race | During | Post-race full process suggestions
Pre-race stage: The outcome is clear before you step on the track
 Physical and technical training
●Enter the systematic training cycle at least 12 weeks in advance, combining the following elements:
○Long Slow Distance (LSD): gradually simulate the length of the track, it is recommended to start from 30km and gradually increase;
○Simulated climbing: Zion Ultra has many sand dunes + rock slopes, it is recommended to conduct 1-2 training sessions per week with a total climb of more than 600m;
○Heat adaptation training: conduct long-distance exposure running in the afternoon 3 weeks before the race to adapt the body to high temperature conditions;
○Technical terrain training: train cadence control and core stability in sand, gravel, and riverbeds.
Equipment pre-selection and trial
●All equipment should be tested in training, and new equipment should not be used.
●Recommended configuration (taking Haimont equipment as an example):
○Haimont lightweight trail backpack (5L for 50K, 8L for 100K);
○Quick-drying long-sleeved sun-protective clothing, trail hat, sun-protection BUFF;
○Sand-proof trail shoes or ankle socks;
○Essential small items: salt pills, sunscreen, vaseline, energy gel, soft flasks, first aid patch.
Supply plan formulation
○Refer to your usual intake and formulate a strategy of consuming 300-400 kcal per hour;
○Arrange the frequency of electrolyte tablet intake (such as one tablet every 30-45 minutes);
○Understand the configuration of each supply station before the game and formulate a self-supply carrying plan.
Psychological and tactical preparation
○Clear rhythm strategy and reasonably formulate a finishing time goal (don’t blindly "PB");
○Simulate psychological reactions under fatigue and train "crash management";
○Preset emergency contact information with teammates/companions to ensure safety mechanism.

In-race stage: the art of strategy execution and timely response
●Pace strategy
○Restrain in the first section, be stable in the middle section, and accelerate cautiously in the latter section;
○The rhythm needs to be reduced in technical sections (rocks, steep slopes), and safety is the first priority;
○It is recommended to walk fast instead of running uphill to save leg strength and cardiopulmonary energy.
●Heat control and hydration
○Take a sip of water every 15-20 minutes, and ensure that 500-750ml of water is consumed per hour;
○Increase the frequency of electrolyte intake in high-temperature sections to prevent heat stroke and cramps;
○Use headscarves, water splashing, ice cubes, etc. to actively cool down (if conditions permit);
○Pay attention to changes in urine volume and color to avoid hidden dehydration.
 ●Energy management
○Take a pack of energy gel or nutrition bar every 40-50 minutes;
○It is recommended to classify and store equipment for quick access during running (Haimont backpack front pocket is ideal);
○If you have an uncomfortable appetite, you can try mild supplies such as cola, warm soup, and salty biscuits to adjust your state.
●Equipment operation efficiency
○It is particularly important to use a backpack with a "quick access structure" to reduce the stay time;
○ It is recommended to place energy gels, salt pills, sunscreen and other supplies in the front chest pocket or side pocket before the race, which can be taken with one hand;
○ Pay attention to the skin wear parts (underarms, shoulder straps), and use Vaseline to lubricate if abnormalities are found.
● Mental state adjustment
○ Use the "paragraph method" to break down the track (for example: every 10K or one supply station completed is a victory);
○ Interact and encourage other runners to divert attention and avoid falling into "alone combat";
○ Stay flexible and be problem-oriented when encountering problems, and do not fall into self-blame.
Post-race stage: recovery is the beginning of the next run
● Immediate physical recovery
○ After the race, replenish carbohydrates + protein (such as recovery drinks + bananas + bread) within 30 minutes;
○ Change wet clothes in time, avoid cold, and soak your legs in cold water appropriately;
○ If cramps, pain, stomach discomfort, etc. occur, deal with them immediately, and do not force yourself.
●Equipment sorting and reflection
○ Clean the backpack and hydration equipment, check for sand, wear, loose accessories and other problems;
○ Record which equipment is most practical and which is redundant, and summarize the experience for the next race;
○ "Clean" the equipment and body: lightweight equipment supports your completion this time, and it is worth taking good care of.
●Progressive recovery training
○Rest at least 3-5 days after the race before starting low-intensity recovery runs;
○According to personal recovery status, gradually resume long-distance training after 1-2 weeks;
○During this period, you can do more cross-training (such as swimming, cycling, hiking) to promote full-body recovery;
○Pay attention to sleep, nutrition and psychological recovery to avoid anxiety during the "empty period".

Feedback from high-intensity finishers: rhythm control + load balance = super high efficiency
Will Donatuti, 30 years old, Zion Ultra 50K finish time 8 hours and 07 minutes
"This is my first time to challenge a 50-kilometer trail race in my life. At first, I was very anxious about how to choose a backpack. I was afraid that if I brought too little, it would not be enough, and if I brought too much, it would be too heavy to run. Later, a friend recommended the Haimont 8L pro lightweight backpack, which really exceeded my expectations! The back is breathable, suitable for the hot and dry environment of Zion. The capacity is just enough to hold my preset 6-hour supply, and I can also hang trekking poles. It fits very closely on my back, unlike the backpacks I used for mountaineering before. I was most afraid of heat during the whole process. The back of the Haimont vest pack is very breathable, and I didn’t feel wet and sticky on my back even in the middle of the run. It’s very important."

Zion Ultra gives trail runners a wilderness test, not just a simple run. How to complete this journey in the heat, gravel, altitude and loneliness, in addition to physical fitness and willpower, more importantly, is whether you bring the right equipment and use the right strategy. In this dual contest between environment and will, Haimont lightweight trail running backpack will be the rhythm engine that keeps you moving forward steadily.