Ultimate Trail Running Gear List
JUMP TO: FOOTWEAR / CLOTHING / PACKS & BELTS / NUTRITION & HYDRATION / TOOLS & ACCESSORIES / ELECTRONICS
Author: Steve Edgerton
Running is a sport that prides itself on its simplicity. “All you need to run is a good pair of shoes,” goes the oft-repeated cliché.
While technically true, there are a few other pieces of gear that we would consider more or less essential to a successful day of running (Shorts? Socks? Yeah, don’t be the character running without those).
This is especially true for trail running, when you will be subject to rapidly changing weather, unpredictable conditions, and will often be off the grid.
Trail running can take you to some beautiful places — but they can also be oftentimes remote, so it’s worth travelling with the right gear.
Our trail running gear list below offers a rundown of the best trail running shoes, plus all the other best pieces of apparel and gear that will keep you safe, comfortable, and quick when out on the trails.
If you want to read about more of the gear we love, then check out some of our favourite trail running gear reviews:
FOOTWEAR
Best Long-Distance Trail Shoe: Hoka Speedgoat 5
Best Road-to-Trail Shoe: Brooks Cascadia 16
Best Trail Race Shoe: Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2
Best Mountain Trail Shoe: La Sportiva Karacal
Best Mud Trail Shoe: Salomon Speedcross 5
Best Crew Socks: Balega Blister Resister Quarter Socks
Best Toe Socks: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Best Ankle Socks: Stance Camo Mesh Tab Socks
Best Compression Socks: CEP Run Compression Tall Socks 4.0
CLOTHING
Men’s
Best Men’s Short Sleeve Shirt: Black Diamond Rhythm Tee
Best Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt: Janji Repeat Merino Tech Long Sleeve
Best Men’s Shorts: Patagonia Strider 5” Inseam
Best Men’s Compression Shorts: CW-X Men's Stabilyx Ventilator Joint Support Compression Shorts
Best Men’s Pants: Patagonia Terrebonne Jogger Pants
Best Men’s Insulated Pants: On Running Tights Long
Best Men’s Waterproof Jacket: Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket
Best Men’s Waterproof Pants: Ultimate Direction Ultra Pants
Best Men’s Underwear: Patagonia Sender
Women’s
Best Women’s Short Sleeve Shirt: Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt
Best Women’s Long Sleeve Shirt: rabbit EZ Tee LS
Best Women’s Shorts: Patagonia Strider Shorts
Best Women’s Compression Shorts: 2XU Mid-Rise Compression Shorts
Best Women’s Tights: rabbit Super Tights
Best Women’s Insulated Pants: Brooks Monumental Thermal Tights
Best Women’s Waterproof Jacket: On Waterproof Anorak
Best Women’s Waterproof Pants: Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants
Best Women’s Underwear: Patagonia Barely Hipster Underwear
Accessories
Best Hat: Arc’teryx Calvus Cap
Best Gloves: Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves
Best Gaiters: Salomon Low Trail Gaiters
Best Sunglasses: Smith Pinpoint Sunglasses
PACKS & BELTS
Best Hydration Vest: Salomon Active Skin 8L
Best Backpack: Black Diamond Distance 15
Best Running Belt: Naked Running Band
Best Handheld Running Bottle: Ultraspire Iso Pocket 3.0
NUTRITION & HYDRATION
Best Energy Gel: Spring Energy Awesome Sauce
Best Energy Bar: XACT ENERGY Bars
Best Energy Chew: Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
Best Hydration Mix: Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix
TOOLS & ACCESSORIES
Best Water Purifier: Salomon XA Filter
Best Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles
Best Head Torch: Black Diamond Sprinter 500
ELECTRONICS
Best Personal Locator Beacon (with two-way messaging): Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator
Best Personal Locator Beacon (without two-way messaging): Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1
Best GPS Watch: Garmin fēnix Pro 6
Best GPS Watch on a Budget: Coros Apex 42mm
MORE INFORMATION
Looking to dive into the details before heading out on the trails? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Trail Running!
Or you may love striding into some of our other trail running, fastpacking, or hiking related content:
Or check out our entire list of Gear Reviews, Knowledge Base Articles, or Destination Guides for more outdoors related content.
