Kilian Jornet, a Spanish athlete renowned for his exceptional endurance, recently completed the “States of Elevation” project: scaling 72 fourteen-thousand-foot peaks in the Mountain West within 31 days. This feat involved 629 miles of running, 2,568 miles of biking, and a staggering 403,691 feet of elevation gain. Jornet’s approach to gear is highly efficient, favoring durable, sustainable equipment over frequent replacements. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials he relied on during this extreme challenge.
Running Shoes: Durability Over Disposable Culture
Jornet co-founded Nnormal, a company that prioritizes longevity in its footwear. The average runner discards shoes after 300–500 miles, but Jornet completed his 31-day project with only two pairs of Nnormal shoes. The Tomir (winter version) and Kjerag models feature Vibram lugs for grip, abrasion-resistant uppers, and customizable lacing. These shoes are designed to last 2–4 years, a conscious effort to reduce waste in an industry built on overconsumption. The company’s focus is on quality over quantity.
The Watch: Reliability Beyond Smartphone Dependence
For navigation and data tracking, Jornet uses the Coros Apex 4 ($429). Unlike fitness trackers that drain quickly when linked to smartphones, the Apex 4 offers over 65 hours of GPS tracking on a single charge. This is critical in remote environments where battery life is paramount. Jornet uses the watch for GPS navigation, data logging, and even monitoring his daily well-being during extreme climbs. He emphasizes that data analysis helps him improve performance and stay safe.
Supplements: Gut Microbiome Optimization
Jornet takes a scientific approach to nutrition, tracking his gut microbiome for over five years in collaboration with universities. His research shows that maintaining a healthy gut flora improves endurance and reduces soreness. He supplements with Lyvecap probiotics (containing lactobacillus) when traveling, though he prefers unpasteurized fermented foods like yogurt or kimchi when available. Jornet even claims to drink unfiltered water in the backcountry, relying on a strong immune system and healthy gut bacteria. This practice is not recommended for the general population.
The Flask: Calorie-Dense Fuel
To meet his daily calorie needs of 9,000, Jornet adds high-fat supplements to his Maurten soft drink flask. Instead of bulky food, he consumes olive oil, butter, or coconut oil to maximize caloric intake on the move. This approach allows him to carry more energy without the weight penalty.
The Notebook: Analog Record Keeping
Finally, Jornet carries a simple paper notebook for mapping routes, sketching landscapes, recording gear notes, and brainstorming future projects. He buys whatever is available at local bookstores, valuing functionality over brand preference. The notebook serves as a low-tech tool for planning and documenting his adventures.
Jornet’s gear philosophy centers on durability, sustainability, and minimal reliance on disposable technology. His approach highlights the importance of efficient tools in extreme environments, where performance and reliability are critical.
