Ultrarunner Vivian Camille learned the hard way how important the right running gear can be. Before her first off-road race, she bought a small, portable water bottle at the starting line, thinking it would be enough to keep her hydrated between aid stations. “We were in the Texas desert—I was running so fast, they hadn’t set up one of the stations yet,” Camille, now a running coach, tells SELF. “I got burned pretty good because I didn’t have enough gear.”
Like many trail beginners, he quickly discovered that running off-road requires planning ahead. “You’re going to be in more remote places, so you have to rely on yourself a lot more,” he says. Weather conditions can also change quickly when moving through mountains or a desert. Plus, you’ll likely be out on the trails for a while, as you often have to navigate difficult terrain. “I also think the ethos of being a road racer is to do big, big things. And to back it up, you just need more equipment,” champion runner and coach Megan Roche, MD, PhDhe says to HIMSELF.
To find the best running gear, we asked top coaches for their recommendations and tested several pieces ourselves. Applying these smart options will help you tackle even the smartest, most technical single-track like a pro.
Our top picks
- Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Tecton X 3
- Best Hydration Pack: Salomon Adv Skin 5
- Best GPS Watch: Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar Edition
- Best Trail Jacket: Janji Zephyrunner Wind Shell
- Best runner up: Norrona Alpha90 Zip Up Jacket
- Best Projector: BioLite HeadLamp 750
- Best accessory: Buff Reflective Multifunctional collar
- Best Hat: Ciele TRKCap Trail – Mountain Cut – Mynyd
- Best Running Belt: Naked Running Band
- Best Socks: Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Socks
- The best shorts: Patagonia Strider Pro
What to look for when buying trail running gear
Painful blisters, unexpected storms, or sweat-soaked gear can all derail your run. “If athletes are spending a lot of time in different types of terrain and weather conditions, how comfortable they are makes a really, really big difference,” says Dr. Roche. Here are some other tips to keep in mind as you shop.
Make sure your stuff can withstand the elements and obstacles you might encounter on the trail — especially when it comes to your shoes. Branches may stick out and tear the top. sharp rocks can dig into soles. “Really look at what these shoes are made of,” ultrarunning coach Amie Dworecki he says to HIMSELF. Instead of a soft mesh upper, go for something made with a sturdier fabric like ripstop that won’t tear easily. A rock plate and stiff toe guards can also help protect the shoe (and your feet).
Certain fabrics can keep you safer – and much more comfortable – outdoors. As with street running, it’s best to avoid cotton, which absorbs water. Instead, look for clothing made from sweat-wicking polyester and merino wool, which can keep you warm in cold climates (even if you get wet). “A lot of gear has woven nylon because it can be a very strong fabric,” adds Dworecki. Along the same lines, some runners prefer shoes made with waterproof Gore-Tex for snow conditions, although it can make your kicks feel heavier.
When you’re heading somewhere remote, you’ll need to have more with you to stay safe. For example, you’ll want some kind of light, such as a flashlight or headlamp, if there’s a chance you’ll be out after dark. “An emergency whistle can also be good,” says Dworecki. it adds almost no weight, but can help alert anyone nearby if you need help. (Many hydration vests come with one.) An ultra-lightweight, especially for the trail first aid kit it is also smart to bring along.
Shop the best running gear
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ultramarathoner, investing in good running gear can greatly enhance your running. Here are our top picks, with input from coaches who have run in all kinds of terrain and conditions.
Best running shoes: Hoka Tecton X 3
Advantages
- Parallel carbon plates feel bouncy, but firm
- Integrated ankle gaiter keeps rocks and dirt out
- Attractive grip
Disadvantages
- Not as soft as other Hoka shoes
A Hoka shoe engineer shocked the trail world earlier this year when he won the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race wearing a custom version of the brand’s Tecton shoes. “A lot of athletes use these to go faster on the trails,” says Dr. Roche. In addition to two parallel carbon plates that provide a firm, yet stable ride (even when stepping on rocks), one of the best features of this trail running shoe is the integrated ankle gaiter, “which helps keep out rocks, sand and data to get into the athletes’ feet,” says Dr. Roche.
When our tester wore them in the mountains, she loved the way the firm sole handled everything from loose dirt to wet rocks with ease. And while these aren’t packed with as much foam as Hoka is known for, they kept her feet snug and comfortable as the mileage dropped into the double digits.
Best Hydration Pack: Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set Hydration Vest
Advantages
- Designed to fit the female body
- 12 pockets
- It doesn’t bounce
Disadvantages
- Some reviewers report that the material around the neck can wear out
A hydration pack can make or break your trail. If it doesn’t have enough storage or the app is awkward, your day can quickly go downhill (and not in a good way). Of the many packages that Dr. Roche, she likes Salomon’s Adv Skin 5 best. Designed with smaller frames in mind, the triangular water bottles sit below your chest (rather than uncomfortably above) with straws for easy access to drinking. And as compact as it is, this pack has 12 pockets to store all your water, fuel, extra layers and anything else you’ll need on the road.
