What to Wear for Tough Mudder
So you've signed up to the Tough Mudder Challenge. Good luck! We've put together this guide of what to wear for Tough Mudder or similar sporting events. Our overriding guidance is to train in what you will wear on the day, and choose what you will be happiest with.
Shoes
Starting at your toes, shoes are perhaps the most important part of your outfit — and the part that provokes the most discussion. The first thought is that Tough Mudder will ruin your shoes so wear something old, but equally many would argue it's possible to clean shoes and that the last thing you want to do is skimp on footwear for the big event. Look for a decent pair of trail running shoes; trainers or the likes are no good as you will slip everywhere, whereas a pair of trail shoes will afford you some grip in the mud and won't clog up. That said, ensure they are laced up tight — double or even triple knot them as the mud will do all it can to take your shoes from you!
Socks
You're going to want socks to protect your feet from blisters, but within minutes of starting they will become wet so it's best to look for short, quick-drying athletic socks.
Bottoms
For the bottom half of your body our advice is to just go for a simple pair of lightweight shorts. As you're going to be wet and muddy, lightweight shorts will dry quickly and won't drag you down. Full length jogging bottoms will just soak up the mud and water and weigh you down.
Tops
A form-fitting baselayer is best. Don't try to run it shirtless — that could get painful if you take any of the electrified obstacles. A simple base layer will be fast drying, help wick sweat from your body and, unlike a T-shirt, won't weigh you down when wet.
Other things you may want to wear
Those are the essentials, but depending on the weather you may want to consider some other items too.
Leggings — We are generally against wearing too much as anything extra could become wet and heavy, but if you are running at a particularly cold time of year you may want a set of skin-tight quick-drying leggings for warmth and comfort.
Compression Sleeves — If you'll be running up and down mountains you may find compression sleeves help your blood circulation and can give you better performance, or at least save your calves!
A Hat — There's no hard and fast rule around hats. If you've trained in one and you're comfortable with it then wear it; if not then don't, and be prepared to lose it with all the crawling and scrambling!
A Camelbak — This comes down to training. If you've trained with a Camelbak and will be comfortable with it then bring it; equally if you can't run several miles without hydration you may want to consider one, as most Tough Mudder events have drink stations but you don't know how long you'll be running in between.
Gloves — Another personal choice. Some would say don't wear gloves as they'll only get wet, but on some obstacles you'll be scrambling around so gloves will help protect your hands.
What else do you need?
A Drybag — Take a drybag to keep a change of clothes in. You don't know where you'll be able to leave your stuff so keep it protected from the elements. At the end of your Tough Mudder you can throw all your wet and muddy gear in so it doesn't mess up the car!
A change of clothes and shoes — It sounds obvious but the first thing you'll want to do after the event is change your clothes, particularly your shoes.
Money — There'll be stalls to buy food and drinks after the event, or commemorative Tough Mudder gear!