The ultra gear revolution: the WISE coding system
In the world of ultra-distance running, choosing the right gear is often a source of doubt. Faced with an abundance of marketing names, how can you be sure to choose the exact piece that will meet the demands of your adventure?
At WISE, we think about gear differently. A piece of clothing or a bag is not just a simple trail accessory: it's a tool designed to accomplish a specific mission. That's why we've completely rethought how we design and advise on our products, creating a unique, logical, and revolutionary coding system.
The goal? To offer you absolute clarity and surgical precision in defining the best solution for your own adventure.
Defining your adventure: the 3 ultra practices
Before even talking about a product, we need to talk about the project. Our universe of solutions has been structured to meet the demands of the 3 main practices of ultra-distance:
- Line to Line: from the starting line to the finish line. The classic trail race format with a bib, where the priority is to have optimized equipment for the ultimate race experience.
- Hut to Hut: traveling from hut to hut or hotel to hotel. A "Run + Sleep" format that requires the lightest bag on the market for running, while carrying only the bare essentials.
- Bivy to Bivy: self-sufficient adventure. A "Run + Eat + Sleep Out" format. This involves running with a tent and essential bivouac gear, stored in a real trail bag designed for running.
Around these practices revolves a galaxy of indispensable solutions and "Kits": Packing Kit, Security Kit, Racing Kit, Power Kit, Catering Kit, Vanity Kit, and Sleeping Kit. At the center of this ecosystem is the Outfit, your gear.
Solutions Designed for You
In each "galaxy" (like the Outfit), we have structured our range into very clear sub-solutions. Take the example of bottoms , which come in leggings, pants, shorts, or tights.
This is where our engineering approach truly makes sense. We believe that all our products must answer 3 precise functional questions. These are the questions every runner should ask themselves when choosing their equipment.
The WISE Codification: 3 Dimensions, 3 Numbers
For each solution, our system offers 3 dimensions (X, Y, Z). For each of these dimensions, we have established a scale of responses numbered from 0 to 5. The sum of these responses is then encoded directly into the product name.
Let's take a concrete example with one of our ultra bottoms.
To find your ideal tool, simply answer these three questions to find your best ultra bottoms:
What volume of carrying capacity do I need at the waist? (Ranging from 0 for no carrying capacity to 5 for a large-capacity integrated belt).
What type of integrated underwear (tight) do I prefer? (From 0 for a model without underwear to 5 for long tights).
What length of flounce do I want? (From 0 for no flounce to 5 for maximum length).
If you're looking for shorts with maximum carrying capacity (5), mid-length tights (3), and a short flounce (2), the product that exactly matches your needs is the SHORT 532. If you're looking for minimalist shorts, you'll opt for the SHORT 011.
Stop choosing at random
With this coding, there's no room for compromise or uncertainty. Each number tells the story of the tool you're going to wear. This system gives you back the power: the power to understand exactly what you're buying, and why you're wearing it.
We are convinced that this technical approach will provide the clarity and precision needed to meet the uncompromising demands of every ultra-runner.
Ready to find your tools?
Discover our new approach and find the equipment designed for your adventure on WISE Ultra Running.