Essential Trail Running Equipment Recommended by Authentic Runners

Ready, Set, Trail: An Unbiased Guide to Trail Running Gear Essentials

Essential Trail Running Equipment Recommended by Authentic Runners

Looking to shake up your routine and hit the trails? Embrace the great outdoors with our selection of must-have gear for trail running enthusiasts. No road in sight!

Trail Running Shoes:

1. Nike Pegasus Trail 5
2. Alternative Picks:
3. Salomon Sense Ride 5: Adept at balancing comfort with performance, try this gem if you're seeking overall trail running excellence.
4. Brooks Catamount 4: Go fast and light with this shoe, offering a moderate cushion and rock plate protection.
5. Hoka Speedgoat 6: Strap on maximum cushioning for those long, grueling trail adventures!
6. Salomon Speedcross 6: Tackle the muddiest conditions with this shoe's aggressive tread and comfortable fit.
7. Asics Fujilite 5: Slip into a sleek, lightweight, low-profile shoe that provides versatile trail performance.

Trail Running Watch:

1. Garmin Forerunner 265S

Trail Running Headphones:

1. Shokz OpenRun Pro

Trail Running Hydration Solution:

1. Nathan Sports Trail Mix 12-Liter Hydration Vest

Heading out on a long run or into the backcountry? Kit yourself up with essential gear to make your trail run even more enjoyable. Venture off the beaten path with confidence!

We spoke to expert trail runners and put countless pieces of gear to the test to compile this expertly curated list.

Trail Running Shoes:

Popular trail runners shared their go-to shoes with us. Let's start with some favorite models:

1. Altra Women's Lone Peak 9 and Men's Lone Peak 9
2. Norda Women's 001 Trail-Running Shoes and Men's 001 Trail Running Shoes
3. Saucony Women's Peregrine 15 and Men's Peregrine 15
4. Nike Women's Pegasus Trail 5 and Men's Pegasus Trail 5
5. La Sportiva Women's Prodigio Pro and Men's Prodigio Pro
6. Hoka Women's Challenger 7 and Men's Challenger 7

Trail Running Socks:

Step up your performance game with a snug pair of trail-ready socks. Our resident experts recommended these as top picks:

1. Darn Tough Women's Stride Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks and Men's Stride Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks

Trail Running Sunglasses:

Get prepared for unpredictable conditions with a good pair of sunnies that'll keep your vision clear. Here are some favorite brands:

1. Glade Ramble Sunglasses and Blenders Exposé Sunglasses
2. Oakley Sutro Lite Rectangular Sunglasses
3. Tifosi Optics Salto Sunglasses

Other Sun Protection:

Protect your skin from harmful rays with these handy essentials:

1. Buff 5-Panel Go Cap
2. Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 With Vitamin C
3. Vertra Invisible Face Stick SPF 45

Trail Running Watches:

Stay on track and monitor your fitness progress with these watches:

1. Suunto Vertical Adventure Watch
2. Garmin Fenix 8 Smartwatch
3. Garmin Forerunner 265S Smartwatch

Trail Running Headphones:

Pump up your playlist for a motivating run with these open-ear headphones:

1. Shokz OpenRun Pro Over-Ear Headphones
2. Suunto Wing Open-Ear Headphones

Trail Running Hydration Vests and Belts:

Stay hydrated on the go with these long-running essentials:

1. Salomon ADV Skin 5 Hydration Vest
2. Nathan Sports Trail Mix 2.0 12-Liter Hydration Pack
3. Nathan Sports Pinnacle Pro 12-Liter Hydration Race Vest
4. Norrøna Senja Econyl70 7-Liter Hydration Pack

Trail Running Dog Gear:

Enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend by your side. These picks are perfect for those looking for dog gear:

1. Ruffwear Quencher Packable Dog Bowl
2. Nite Ize RadDog Retractable Pocket Leash
3. Nite Ize RadDog All-in-One Collar and Leash
4. Ruffwear Trail Runner Belt and matching dog leash

Safety and Hydration:

For added peace of mind, these items will help ensure your safety and keep you hydrated for the long haul:

1. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
2. LifeStraw Peak Series 1-Liter Collapsible Squeeze Bottle With Filter
3. Skratch Hydration Sport Drink Mix

Women's Trail Running Apparel:

Boost your performance and fashion game with these stylish options:

1. Lululemon Sculpt Cropped Tank Top Cinch
2. Hoka Airolite Run Long-Sleeve Shirt
3. Fjällräven Abisko Short Tights
4. Patagonia Women's Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt
5. Patagonia Maipo Shorts
6. REI Co-op Swiftland 3-Inch Running Shorts

Men's Trail Running Apparel:

Step up your wardrobe game for ultimate performance:

1. Smartwool Men's Active Mesh Hoodie
2. Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short 5-Inch
3. Patagonia Ridge Flow Shirt
4. Patagonia Trailfarer Running Shorts
5. The North Face Men's Lightstride Shorts

Trail Running Jackets:

Keep the chill at bay with these functional apparel picks:

1. Kari Traa Vilde Running Jacket
2. Ciele W VNTJacket
3. Ciele Athletics M VNTJacket
4. Outdoor Vitals Women's Ventus Active Hoodie
5. Outdoor Vitals Men's Ventus Active Hoodie
6. Outdoor Vitals Nebo Windbreaker

Guides for Your Successful Trail Journey:

Trail running is an exciting and fulfilling adventure. Prepare for your next trial run with these informative articles:

• 5 Tips for Navigating and Staying Safe on Backcountry Trails
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Trail Running Shoes
• Trail Running 101: Tips for Trail Runners of All Levels

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What should I wear while trail running?

Wear athletic clothes, including trail running shoes (better suited for varied terrain than regular running shoes), lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes, a hat, and sunglasses for protection.

2. What essentials should I bring when trail running?

At a minimum, pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. If going farther or in more remote locations, consider bringing a way to track your location (smartwatch or map), an emergency satellite communicator, and a headlamp.

Meet Our Experts:

For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their knowledge and insight:

• Molly Avrin: avid trail runner, founder, and head dog trainer at Pete’s Adventure Pack
• Bailey Kowalczyk: professional trail runner, coach, and online running coach
• Krissy Moehl: professional runner, coach, and ultramarathoner
• Randi Powell: ultrarunner, chef de cuisine of Ristorante del Lago
• Andy Wacker: professional trail runner, athlete for Salomon, and Darn Tough ambassador
• Mirna Valerio: trail runner, ultramarathoner, author, and AbsolutelyNoFilterWanderlust enthusiast.

Why Trust Us:

The team at CNN Underscored is comprised of skilled writers and editors with numerous years of experience testing, researching, and recommending products. We conducted thorough research, consulting expert opinions, and testing products to ensure the accuracy of our recommendations. Our goal is to bring you trustworthy advice and information so that you can make informed buying decisions with confidence. Enjoy your trail-running journeys!

The ultrarunner recommended the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 for its versatile performance on trails, making it a strong choice for those seeking trail running excellence. To further customize their trail running gear, they suggested the Salomon Sense Ride 5 for a balanced comfort and performance experience. For those seeking maximum antioxidant protection, the expert recommended applying Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 With Vitamin C before heading out on a long run or into the backcountry. The trail running enthusiast also suggested carrying the LifeStraw Peak Series 1-Liter Collapsible Squeeze Bottle With Filter for added hydration assurance during long trail adventures.

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