Skis:

Cross-country skis are lighter and narrower than skis used in Alpine skiing and ski jumping. They also have a pronounced arch at the center of the ski, under the foot. Classical skis are longer, have a higher tip and are more flexible than freestyle skis. Freestyle skis also are more rigid because competitors use their full body weight to push off the sides of their skis — freestyle skis therefore must withstand more pressure than classical skis.

Bindings:

Cross-country bindings attach the boot to the ski only at the toe — unlike Alpine bindings, which attach the boot at the toe and heel. Cross-country bindings connect only at the toe to allow the heel to flex up and down.

Boots:

Cross-country boots are similar to running shoes. They are lighter and more flexible than the boots from other skiing disciplines, although freestyle boots are more rigid than classical boots and have more ankle support.

Poles:

Two poles of equal length must be used in competition with one pole held in each hand. They generally are made of metal tubing, have a hand grip at the top and a round plastic disk on the bottom. Classical poles typically extend to the skier’s armpits, while freestyle poles are longer and stiffer, extending to the skier’s chin or mouth.

Cross-country skiers use two ski poles while racing. Athletes use the poles to dig into the snow by utilizing their upper body strength, especially on flat sections of the course and on challenging uphill climbs. Poles must be equal in length. The maximum pole length cannot exceed the skier's height, nor measure below the hips when the tip of the pole is placed on the ski in front of the binding. In classical technique competitions, the maximum pole length must not exceed 83% of the competitor’s body height.

Ski wax helps provide control, increase speed and protect equipment. Wax choices can depend on weather conditions like temperature and type of snow. 

Glide wax: It's used to decrease the friction between the skis and the snow. It is applied to the entire ski in freestyle races, but only to the front and rear tips of the skis in classical races.

Kick wax: Also known as grip wax, it increases the friction between the skis and snow in order to improve traction. It is applied to the middle part of the skis for classical races.

In freestyle races, only glide wax is used, because skiers use the edge of the skis to grip the snow. For classical races, however, both waxes are needed.

Olympic cross-country skiers wear racing suits that tend to fit tightly to be aerodynamic and breathable to optimize performance. Athletes typically wear thermal base layers under racing suits in colder temperatures.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) does not require the use of helmets, though they are permitted.

It's important for cross-country skiers to use the proper equipment during competition to not only abide by the rules governing the sport but also to ensure top performance. This means that skis and poles must have the correct dimensions and design. Boots and bindings must provide the proper support and flexibility necessary for racing. Wax also is an essential piece of the equipment puzzle, and its proper usage potentially can impact performance and results.

Ski regulations:

• Minimum length of skis must be the height of the skier minus 100 mm
• Both skis must be constructed in the same way and must be the same length
• Skis must weigh at least 750g per pair (without bindings)
• The entire width of the running surface can be smooth or slightly grooved length wise. The running groove level must be constant in the entire length and width.
• Ski edges cannot face up and out to make the running surface narrower than the top surface

Pole regulations:

• Poles must be equal in length
• The maximum pole length cannot exceed the skier's height, nor measure below the hips when the tip of the pole is placed on the ski in front of the binding
• In classical technique competitions, the maximum pole length must not exceed 83% of the competitor’s body height