Kilian Jornet's Essential Gear for Conquering Mountain Peaks

In the realm of trail running and mountain climbing, Kilian Jornet stands as an exceptional figure, surpassing even other elite athletes in the field. This autumn, the renowned skyrunner from Spain successfully completed a remarkable endeavor—climbing all the 14,000-foot peaks in the western U.S. under his own power. This ambitious feat saw him summiting 72 peaks, traversing 629 miles by foot, and covering an additional 2,568 miles by cycling, with a staggering total elevation gain of 403,691 feet, all accomplished in just 31 days. For Jornet, it seemed almost effortless.

After returning to Norway from his punishing expedition, States of Elevation, Jornet shared insights at home with his spouse, a world champion skyrunner herself, and their three children. Forsberg, as part of the team at Nnormal—a gear company co-founded by Jornet—emphasizes sustainable design and testing in both Norway and Mallorca.

"I prefer a minimalist mindset, but humans aren't naturally equipped for extreme conditions," said Jornet during a Zoom call. "Without adequate attire, one would quickly perish or suffer from injuries; running without shoes would leave feet severely battered."

Footwear Choice

At the core of his gear selection are shoes by Nnormal, designed with sustainability in mind. "Though it's quite costly, our focus is on avoiding constant replacements," Jornet explained. Their strategy involves crafting highly resilient running shoes that need replacing every 2-4 years. Throughout his States of Elevation journey, Jornet alternated between just two pairs of Nnormal shoes, a decision that underscores their durability given that average runners dispose of theirs after 300-500 miles.

The Tomir model, bolstered for wet and winter conditions, features rugged yet lightweight Vibram lugs, a durable outsole, abrasion-resistant uppers, and adaptable lacing to relieve foot pressure. Additionally, Jornet's pack always includes these shoes wherever he ventures.

The Timepiece

Jornet employs a Coros Apex 4 watch, ideal for mountainous adventures. Unlike many devices that sync with phones, Jornet's preference suits extensive outings where phone batteries quickly die. This timepiece supports his needs from communication to GPS navigation and capturing daily experiences, boasting approximately 65 hours of GPS-enabled use and specialized climbing features to assist on steep terrains.

Nutritional Supplements

Jornet's nutritional regimen includes Lyvecap's probiotic supplements, essential for ultra-distance athletes who frequent isolated locales. His routine involves studying his gut health data, measuring changes in his microbiome at altitude. "It's fascinating to observe microbiota fluctuations," Jornet chuckled, referencing times he carried stool sample bags throughout his epic adventure.

Where access permits, Jornet fortifies his diet with natural lactobacillus from fermented foods like yogurt for enhanced stamina and reduced muscle pain. When traveling, he supplements with Lyvecap probiotics instead. His robust immune system, bolstered by healthy gut flora, has kept him in top form.

Hydration and Caloric Intake

During his expedition, Jornet needed around 9,000 calories daily. Converting this into portable sustenance posed a challenge, as hauling that much solid food was impractical. His solution was an energy-dense liquid mix in a Maurten Drinkflask, enriching it with fats like olive oil, to efficiently meet caloric demands.

Keeping a Journal

Jornet habitually carries a notebook for documenting experiences, without a specific brand preference. Whether it's jotting down notes on equipment functionality, sketching landscape maps, or reflecting on memorable interactions, journaling forms an integral part of his traveling routine and brainstorming for potential future pursuits.