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Kit & Gear

What I wore for the Montane Spine Race by Dougie Zinis

The Montane Spine Race is a multi-day challenge held every January in the harshest of winter conditions and widely regarded as one of the toughest ultra-distance events on the planet. Following the entire length of the 268-mile Pennine Way, competitors run continuously from South to North, starting at Edale in Derbyshire and finishing at Kirk Yetholm at Northumberland, with the total ascent exceeding that of Mount Everest. The current race record holder is ultra-runner Jasmin Paris, who recorded an incredible time of 83 hours, 12 minutes and 23 seconds in 2019.

Route highlights include a number of famous UK landmarks; Stoodley Pike, Malham Cove, Pen-Y-Ghent, Tan Hill, High Force, Cauldron Snout, High Cup Nick, Cross Fell, Hadrian’s Wall and The Cheviot. With impressive limestone cliffs, challenging climbs and a wealth of varied rural landscapes, the Spine Race provides a real test of grit and endurance for even the most experienced of athletes.

We spoke to our SportsShoes x Montane athlete Dougie Zinis, who recently finished in joint 3rd place at this year's event, to find out why he loves the race so much and what kit he recommends for tackling the extreme weather and terrain.

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Pictured: Dougie competing in the Spine Race 2023. Photo credit: Matt Kay

The thing I love most about the Montane Spine Race is the variation in landscape and terrain. Running at a decent pace on day one in the Peak District and then the next in the Yorkshire Dales. From the low river running after Middleton to the constant winds and climb of Cross Fell. Before you know it you're lost in the bogs or fighting sleeping demons on Hadrian’s wall, maybe even having déjà vu in Kielder forest or battling extreme fatigue on the Cheviots. Each and every part presents its own unique challenges, distinctive terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. This year started with a winter storm, followed by -15 and constant cold temperatures with 4 foot of snow on the tops. 

To keep going in these conditions I needed to wear the very best kit. Here are my top recommendations;

1. MONTANE SPINE JACKET

I needed a lightweight jacket for extreme winter conditions and there is nothing better than the Montane Spine jacket, designed specifically for this race. For me, it ticks all the boxes; the ultimate in lightweight and breathable waterproof protection for ultra runners, it uses GORE-TEX Active shell to provide reliable weather protection and weighs just 245g, with large side pockets for storage and taped seams to comfortably pass any race kit check.

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Pictured: Dougie wearing the Montane Spine Jacket

This year, on day one of the Spine Race when the winter weather was at its worst, this jacket kept me dry underneath and when the wind blew I adjusted the hood to protect my face. No snow or rain penetrated this colossus of a jacket throughout the race. And at 245g I barely noticed it I was wearing it.

SHOP ALL MONTANE SPINE JACKETS HERE

2. MONTANE FIREBALL JACKET

On the Monday night, the temperature dropped so much from Middleton Checkpoint that I changed my layers. I had a base layer with me, but broke out my Fireball Jacket as a midlayer underneath my Spine jacket. And what a piece of kit this is. Super-lightweight at 375g and super-warm with CLO VIVO EXTREME ECO insulation. 

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Pictured: Montane Fireball Jacket

Apart from never being cold once, the other thing I love about tis jacket is how comfortable it is to wear - in fact at times I forgot I had it on. It seemed to add no extra bulk under my outer layer and never restricted my movement. The hood was super warm too so I could use a layering system with my hoods too e.g. if it was really cold then I'd use 2 hoods.

SHOP ALL MONTANE FIREBALL JACKETS HERE

3. MONTANE ANTI-FREEZE MITTS

I normally use a 2 glove system, one base glove with fingers and a waterproof overmitt. With the extreme cold I decided to try the Anti-Freeze mitts out. All I can say is WOW! I had sweaty hands on the top of Cross Fell in -10 conditions - that's all you need to know.

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Pictured: Montane Anti-Freeze Mitts

SHOP MONTANE ANTI-FREEZE MITTS HERE

4. MONTANE GECKO 20L RACE PACK

I love the idea of a race pack which can fit absolutely everything you need inside. This pack does exactly that and has space left over. It's easy to operate when it cold, even when you've have had 2 hours sleep in 3 days and can barely remember your own name.

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Pictured: Dougie (R) wearing the Montane Gecko 20L race pack during the Spine Race

There are plenty of pockets and pouches to store food and kit and it's superlight at 335g. At the end of the race I had the least amount of chaffing than ever before, mainly because of how comfortable this pack sits on your shoulders and back.

SHOP ALL MONTANE GECKO RACE PACKS HERE

SHOP ALL MONTANE PRODUCTS HERE

5. SCARPA SPIN INFINITY

For ultra-distance with multiple terrain and extreme weather conditions your feet are key to success. If you don't look after them it's game over. So, I decided that I would wear SCARPA Spin infinity. With their cushioning and Vibram grip, these are super-comfortable and super-strong shoes which kept my feet in great condition throughout the Spine Race.

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Pictured: Scarpa Spin Infinity

SHOP ALL SCARPA SPIN INFINITY TRAIL SHOES HERE

You can follow Dougie and all of his ultra-distance running adventures here

 

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.

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