Trail Running Gear 2019 – What to Wear Running Trails – Runner’s World

By The Runner’s World Editors

May 10, 2019

Trail running can feel like the ultimate freedom. When you’re really in the zone—floating through the forest and bounding over obstacles like a sweaty, Strava-synced deer—your mind and body join forces in that easy flow state where everything feels natural and right. Of course, it doesn’t take much to knock you out of that runner’s high and bring you back to reality—a too-tight shoe or scratchy sock is usually enough to do it. You certainly don’t need a lot of gear to have a stellar trail run, but if you’re going to be out there pounding the dirt long, the gear you do bring along matters.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the stuff that’s so good—so comfortable and worry-free that it lets us focus on the scenery, the terrain, the race competition, or even just nothing—to share with you here. Read on for our favorite pieces of go-to gear for adventures of all sizes.

What Type of Gear to Bring

More than in any other type of running, it pays to be prepared when you’re headed out on a trail. When you’re alone in the wilderness, facing an unpredictable forecast, or even just tackling terrain that keeps you on your feet longer than your usual city loop, you’ll be glad you’ve got a weatherproof jacket and headlamp tucked into your pack. Depending on distance, carrying your own water and fuel will be more important than on the road, too, as your chances of encountering a mystical vending machine in the heart of the forest are pretty slim. (Although weirder things have happened.)

We’ve tried to limit our list to the basics—shoes that provide the best mix of performance, comfort, and lugged traction; hydration packs so bounce-proof you forget you’re wearing them; and hats and jackets to protect you from the elements. Of course, we’ve left off a lot of safety gear from this list you might choose to carry, including a first aid kit, phone, GPS watch, and more. Runners accustomed to staying on the pavement should expect their paces to slow down once they veer onto winding and technical trails; be prepared for this to alter your layering and hydration strategy, depending on the distance of your run. If you’re just trying trail running for the first time, here are some more tips for beginners.

How We Picked These Products

Every piece of gear on this list has been evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and designers, and use our own experience racing at distances (up to 100 miles—yes, some of us are insane) in these shoes, packs, and hats to determine the best gear for trail running. Our team of experienced testers spent a potentially excessive number of hours and miles exploring local trails in this stuff. We evaluated this gear on performance, price, comfort, technical features, and style to come up with this list of the best gear for your next trail run.

Saucony Peregrine ISO, $120

Known for its deep lugs and stellar traction, the Peregrine has long been a favorite among our test team. Mud, snow, ice, and slippery rocks are no match for the shoe’s burly outsole. This iteration of the shoe adds Saucony’s ISOFit upper, which straps down tight to the foot via wings connected to the laces. The midsole strikes a nice balance between soft cushion and connection to the trail.

Brooks Caldera 3

The lightweight, almost-zero-drop Brooks Caldera is ideal for runs that take you from pavement to trail and back again. With a softly cushioned midsole, grippy traction without the aggressive lugs, and a partially water-repellent upper, the shoe is a well-rounded hybrid that feels smooth and comfortable on all surfaces.

Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra, $180

This is the shoe we bust out when we’re going for a trail PR. The S/Lab Sense Ultra is a bit more expensive than other trail shoes, but it’s likely worth the splurge for ultrarunners running high mileage on gnarly terrain. This latest version has a stickier outsole and a high-rebound midsole with great energy return—plus a polyurethane foam insert in the forefoot for bonus cushion. Narrow-footed runners have especially appreciated the snug fit.

Hoka One One Speedgoat 3

Bombing down rugged trails is more freeing than terrifying in these mega-grippy, ultra-comfortable shoes. Hoka’s trademark thick pillow of cushion doesn’t weigh you down, slow you down, or distract your feet from their dirty work with too much padding. They’re ideal for when you want a lot of protection from rocks and roots without any sluggishness.

Salomon Adv Skin 8 Set Hydration Pack

This women’s pack is a godsend for smaller runners—finally, a hydration pack that hugs a narrow torso with zero bouncing and zero digging in at the chest. With pockets galore for all your essentials, an internal bladder sleeve, and two included soft flasks, up front, the pack manages to unite function, form, and comfort in one well-designed package.

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 4.0, $130

The Ultra Vest 4.0 is packed with features that make it a hit for long distances. The stretchy, 10-liter vest comes with two collapsible soft flask bottles, as well as easy-to-access compartments and pockets for an additional bladder, fuel essentials, extra layers, and even trekking poles. It’s lightweight and cinches down snugly so it won’t shift or bounce while you’re bounding down the side of a mountain.

Black Diamond Icon Headlamp

For early-morning runs or long races that keep you on the trail all night, this 500-lumen, waterproof headlamp gives you the option of lighting up the entire forest. Multiple modes (including red, green, and blue night-vision mode) and a distance of up to 100 meters—plus a long battery life of up to 175 hours when used on low (up to 70 on high)—give you the versatility and wattage for adventures of all sizes.

Black Diamond Spot 325

When you don’t necessarily need the size and settings of the Icon, the Spot 325-lumen light can power you through dawn patrol runs at a more budget-friendly price. Compact and waterproof, the light has a distance of up to 80 meters and can last from four hours on high to up to 200 hours on low. Now it has a peripheral lighting mode for close-up activities like organizing your gear or reading in your tent.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket, $99

So compact that it disappears into its own stuff sack, the Houdini jacket is a magic trick of weather-resistant clothing design. Bust it out when the rain and wind set in, or stuff it into your vest or shorts pocket when the sun breaks out—there’s no downside to having a protective layer this packable and lightweight with you at all times.

Gore Wear R7 Shakedry Jacket, $300

Completely waterproof and windproof, this ultralightweight jacket will keep you dry and warm in an all-day downpour—and then pack away easily into your vest when the forecast begins to look up. It has a close-fitting hood that stays up without turning into a wind sail, and it’s surprisingly breathable for a layer this weatherproof.

Balega Blister Resist Socks, $15

Made of soft mohair and moisture-wicking fibers, these cozy socks protect your feet from dampness, cold, and blisters or rubbing. They’ve got just enough elastic grip to stay put without digging in.

Drymax Trail ¼ Crew Socks, $14

Made of dense, thick yarns, these trail socks will keep your feet warmer and dryer for longer. They’ve got a seamless toe that won’t rub in your shoe, and a tight-knit construction that keeps debris out. They’re tough and durable, yet soft against your foot.

Mammut MTR 71 Shorts

The MTR 71 offers just the right mix of length and protection with a cool, airy fit. A comfortable, extra-wide waistband keeps the shorts in place, while the spandex-polyester fabric vents heat and wick sweat. They’re perfect for summer runs or just chilling out on rest days.

Move Free Summit Cap

You’ll see this hat a lot on trail runners, with good reason—it’s light and packable, sweat-wicking, and offers a ton of protection from the sun (UPF 50+). An adjustable drawcord at the back of the elastic sweatband cinches the hat down so it fits most heads perfectly.

Ciele Caps

These colorful, reflective caps are lightweight and fast-drying, with UPF +40 sun protection on the packable brim and front panel. They’ve got a classic, unmistakable style that looks great on—and adjusts to fit—nearly all heads.