Trail running is the ultimate form of freedom. Nothing compares to free running in the wilderness, feeling the fresh air filling up your lungs and the all-too-familiar burn in your muscles as you keep moving. Who needs gyms and an elaborate workout routine when you can just run around to your heart’s content and get the same amount of exercise while having a bit of fun along the way? It’s the perfect getaway from your everyday tasks and stressful work schedules.
Naturally, as is the case with any other form of sport or physical activity, you need to be well-prepared with the proper running equipment to get the most out of your experience. After all, trail running is a tad more extreme than regular running so it’s advisable to do your homework before embarking on your trail running journey. You’ve come to the right place though as we’ve done most of the legwork and compiled a list of essential trail running gear you’ll need to look into before starting out.
What Trail Running Apparel Do You Need?
Sure, you can whip out your old tracksuit and call it a day but you’re not trying to have a go at a half-baked attempt at running, are you? It’s probably not the best idea, so you should definitely invest in proper trail running gear apparel.
Shorts and T-Shirt
Your shorts and T-shirt need to be quick-dry and lightweight so they can wick away excess sweat and body odours all while keeping you cool and moist-free. They should be snug and provide postural support but not too tight because they might limit ease of movement. Try out a few pairs to see what models work best for your body morphology before making a purchase.
Waterproof Jacket
More often than not, the weather can get quite unpredictable so it’s better to be safe than sorry. When push comes to shove and you find yourself in the middle of a heavy storm, just put on a waterproof running jacket which will keep you both warm and safe until you make it back home. They’re incredibly breathable and their minimalistic design makes them seem weightless when you put them on.
Running Shoes And Socks
It’s important to show some extra love and care for your feet because, well, they’re literally doing all the work. Wearing appropriate and comfortable footwear with the necessary ankle support is the key to avoiding unnecessary friction and prevents annoying and painful blisters from making an unwanted appearance. Nowadays, high-quality footwear offers extra protection by preventing debris from entering your shoes and causing discomfort.
As for running socks, look for pairs that have extra padding in certain areas to provide extra cushioning and comfort within the shoes themselves. Trust us, your feet will thank you for it. In fact, there are numerous benefits to wearing the proper footwear.
Sunglasses And Hats
In more humid conditions, you’ll have to deal with those pesky sun rays while running and that’s, quite understandably, not the best feeling ever. To avoid squinting at the sun the whole time, buy a pair of sunglasses or at least a sports hat to minimise the sun’s impact on your running abilities. In somewhat colder conditions, hats will offer extra warmth to your head. It’s a win-win situation in our book.
What Running Accessories Do You Need?
Apart from the absolutely crucial items of running gear, there are a few accessories that come in handy in many cases.
Water Bottle
Look, we all know the importance of staying hydrated right? This is especially true when you’re running because you’re sweating constantly so you need all the fluids you can get. For this reason, you should pack a useful water bottle to keep hydration flowing throughout your body.
Sports Watch
If you’re an avid sports enthusiast and want to train like a pro, then your trail running equipment isn’t complete without a GPS sports watch. If you ever get lost, you can easily find your way back using this compact and convenient device. It also monitors other factors, such as the number of miles you’ve covered, your pulse and even your blood pressure and oxygen levels. Get the most out of your GPS watch by running in style.
What Running Safety Tools Do You Need?
When you’re running in remote areas for longer periods of time, it’s nice to have a few safety tools pre-packed in case of emergencies.
Blister Kits
You can be extremely careful with your feet and yet find a few blisters here and there. And they can be quite the nuisance, especially if you’ve still got a few miles to cover before getting home. This is when useful blister kits can help you out and ease the pain. Why experience any sort of discomfort when there’s a way to relieve it?
Whistle
Screaming at the top of your lungs in case of emergencies might not be the best option. Eventually, you’ll wear yourself out. So if you’re in a situation where you need other people’s assistance, just blow your whistle and let others know you’d like a helping hand.
Glowsticks and Headtorch
It’s not always that you get the chance to run during the day because, unfortunately, your busy work schedule prevents it. So, if you ever decide to head out into the night, you’ll need the proper lighting tools to help you find your way. No need to struggle through the dark when you have options readily available to you.
