Triathlon Gear Guide: What’s Actually Worth Using on Race Day (and in Training)

Getting ready for a triathlon means buying gear—and a lot of it. You’ll swim, bike, and run, sometimes for hours, and each leg of the race needs its own stuff. Some of it makes a difference. Some of it just drains your wallet. This guide aims to cut through the clutter and give solid gear advice (no hype) based on what, in our experience, actually works.

Before You Start Spending Money at the Latest Gear

Before you start spending money on triathlon gear it’s worth bearing in mind that you don’t need the latest, cutting-edge wetsuit or a bike that costs as much as a used car to race well. What you do need is gear that fits, feels good after two hours in the sun, and doesn’t fall apart mid-season. Race-day gear should be so dialed in that you forget you’re even wearing it.

Everyone’s preferences are a little different, and there’s no single “best” setup. What works for a sub-10-hour Ironman finisher might be overkill for your local sprint. So take our recommendations here as a starting point, not gospel.

Swimming

You’ll start wet and possibly cold, so comfort and confidence matter more than squeezing every drop of performance out of your gear.

The Orca Predator wetsuit is a favorite among experienced age-groupers. It moves well with your shoulders, doesn’t bunch up, and helps with buoyancy. One guy I know said it basically saved his swim. If you’re not looking to drop that kind of money, the Zone3 Aspire is a solid alternative—not flashy, but it works.

Goggles are personal. If they leak or fog up, it doesn’t matter how fast you swim. The Aqua Sphere Kayenne gives a wide view and stays clear longer than most. If you want to spend less, try the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0. They’re basic, dependable, and cost less than a lunch out.

Swim caps? Just grab a silicone one that won’t tear after two uses. The TYR cap does fine. Some people double up with a latex cap under the silicone in colder races. Not essential, but it helps.

Cycling

The bike leg is long. Uncomfortable gear becomes a bigger problem every mile.

The Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 is fast, aerodynamic, and comes with a built-in hydration system. However, it’s not cheap, but if you plan to race often, then it’s worth taking a look at. If that’s out of reach for you, then the Giant Trinity Advanced offers similar speed and comfort but without the premium price tag.

As for helmets, my advice would be to go with one that balances airflow and aerodynamics. The Giro Aerohead MIPS is a solid choice and includes some added crash protection. If you’re not chasing seconds and want something cooler and lighter, then the Kask Mojito X will do the trick.

Shoe-wise, the Shimano TR9 is easy to slip on, stiff enough to transfer power well, and dries quickly. A cheaper option like the Fizik Transiro R4 still offers plenty of support for training or racing.

Running

The run is where your body starts complaining. Good shoes won’t make you fast if you haven’t trained, but bad ones will absolutely slow you down.

The Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 is light, bouncy, and popular for a reason. It’s expensive, though, and not everyone loves the feel. If you prefer something more cushioned, the Hoka Clifton 8 is easier on the legs and more forgiving over long distances.

For narrow feet or a snappier feel, try the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 or Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. Both are built for speed but don’t sacrifice comfort entirely.

Nutrition, Hydration, and Recovery

Nutrition and hydration are important. You can’t race on empty. Eat too little, and you bonk. Eat the wrong stuff, and you’re running for a porta-potty.

Maurten Gel 100 is easy on the stomach and skips the fake flavors. It’s pricier than most, but a lot of people swear by it. If you want a cheaper option that’s easy to find, Clif Shot Energy Gels work fine. They’re not fancy, but they keep you moving.

For hydration, Nuun Sport Tablets are convenient, sugar-free, and don’t taste like syrup. If you prefer something with a little more substance, Skratch Labs Hydration Mix has a cleaner ingredient list and a good sodium-to-carb balance.

Recovery drinks help when you’re too tired to eat right after a long session. Tailwind Rebuild mixes easily and doesn’t upset the stomach. If you’re on a budget, SiS REGO Recovery is decent and gets the job done.

Transition Setup

This part of the race gets overlooked, especially by newer athletes—but it can make or break your rhythm. A few smart choices here can save you minutes and keep your head clear.

Start with elastic laces. Sounds minor, but not fiddling with knots when you’re breathing hard is a real gift. A race belt is another one of those tiny upgrades that pays off—you just clip it on and go, no pins or fumbling. To spot your spot fast, use a bright towel or something distinctive like neon tape on the bike rack. That visual cue helps more than you’d think, especially when you’re running in from the water half-dazed and surrounded by a hundred identical setups.

Some triathletes also keep a water bottle at their station, mostly to rinse sand or dirt off their feet before hopping on the bike. If your race has a beach start, this becomes even more useful.

And here’s the part people skip: practice. Set up your own mini-transition zone at home and rehearse. Not once, but a few times—shoes off, helmet on, belt clipped, grab the bike, go. You’ll feel awkward at first, but it smooths out fast. On race day, you’re not thinking, you’re just moving. That’s exactly what you want.

Final Thoughts

Gear doesn’t make you faster. But it can take away friction—the stuff that slows you down, breaks your focus, or pulls you out of the moment. A good pair of shoes won’t fix bad pacing, but they might keep your legs from falling apart halfway through the run. The right wetsuit won’t win the race for you, but it can save energy and give you a smoother start.

More than anything, gear should give you confidence. You want to show up on race day knowing your stuff works, that you’ve practiced with it, and that it won’t be the reason something goes wrong. If you’re still thinking about your shoes or your hydration setup during the race, that’s a problem. Good gear fades into the background.

You don’t need to gear up like a pro from day one. Start with what you need to train consistently and stay comfortable—then see where the gaps are. Maybe you realize your shoes aren’t cutting it after your first 10-miler, or you want a better wetsuit once the water gets colder. That’s when it makes sense to upgrade.

Forget chasing what everyone else is using. Build your setup over time, around what works for you. The gear should fit your body, your goals, and your budget. You’ll learn as you go, and that’s part of the fun.

Train smart, stay patient, and enjoy figuring it all out. Gear helps, but the work you put in is what really carries you across the finish line.