A long-sleeved jacket could be the most expensive and under-utilised piece of kit in your running wardrobe. If it's fully waterproof, it doesn't breathe. If it really breathes, it isn't waterproof. Even if it does a good job of both, it's too warm

Air Equalon+ 2 (stability) £90 PumaComplete Eutopia (cushioned) £80 Tenos V (stability) £70 ReebokPremier Ultra KFS V (cushioned) £80 Road Plus KFS V (stability) £65 SauconyGrid Shadow 11 (cushioned) £70 ProGrid Triumph 5 (cushioned) £85 EDITOR

for adventure racers and ultra-runners.It's weatherproof because… a Gore-Tex XCR stretch "bootie" provides a snug, waterproof fit – even heavy rain and reasonably deep puddles can't penetrate. If you run through a deep stream, though, you'll have to take

than an ultra-light weight racer. It's a surprisingly plush shoe with a soft ride and good levels of stability due to a broad base of support – especially in the forefoot – and a stiff plastic midfoot shank. As it's built on a wide last, the upper

' motion control shoe, with a full polyurethane midsole. It was super-supportive, ultra-durable and mega-heavy. The latest Calibrate has dispensed with the PU, apart from a slim plug in the heel, and that makes it a different, but still excellent, shoe

. (Men's + Women's) Contact www.newline.dk; 01732 846 616Patagonia Ultra – £35Super-baggy, light, unlined trail shorts with loads of storage space. Two big pockets at the front are complemented by even bigger rear pockets and a smaller one on the side

Running on a British winter’s day can be a temperature-regulation lottery. If you look out of the window before a run and notice frost glistening on the lawn, it’s tempting to pull on several layers of your warmest kit. Be blinded by bright sunshine

, but it has more cushioning than most in this category.Swap and Save If you usually race in Reebok Premier Ultra swap to the Premier Lite and your marathon time could drop by up to 1 minute.Saucony Grid Swerve – £70Weight 290g With a big medial post and broad

is the insole for you - exceptional cushioning.Contact www.sofsole.com Sole Custom Footbeds Ultra-Cushioning - £35As with the Montrail insoles, the Sole footbeds can be heated for an improved fit. Unlike the Montrails there isn’t a plastic insert under the heel

Himalayan ultra-marathon megamix, is one of life's irritations. Neither should happen if you run with a fully charged MobiBlu B153. The manufacturer proudly claims it will play for 153 hours. If you're planning to visit somewhere without electricity, then it