Essential Gear for Trail Running

Heading out for a trail run? It's not only great for your body, but can boost your mental health, too. But gearing up for the trail is a little different than prepping for the road. Headlamps, buffs, and space blankets are just a few of the extra’s runners need to plan for the unexpected in the great outdoors. And don't forget bug spray in addition to your usual sunscreen and lube. From shoes and clothing to hydration and more, here's the gear you need before you grab your trail map and get out there.

Support Every Step

If you invest in one item for the trail, make it a good pair of trail running shoes. They'll provide more traction, protection, and support on uneven terrain than road running shoes. Choose a waterproof pair featuring GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, like Arc'teryx® Norvan LD GTX® or Salomon® Sense Ride GTX Invisible Fit, both available in men's and women's sizing. The Invisible Fit technology bonds a waterproof, breathable membrane directly to the shoes' uppers (instead of an extra sewn-in layer), making them indistinguishable from regular kicks. Your feet will stay dry through puddles in your path and even a surprise rainstorm.

If you're heading out in snow and ice, pop a traction device onto the bottom of your trainers for extra security. Yaktrax RUN features steel spikes and coils that will make you feel like you're running on dry ground.

Pamper Your Toes

A good pair of socks can make the difference between a great run and miserable one. Avoid sweaty, blistered feet by getting a technical running sock that wicks moisture, provides cushion, and compression in the right places. Instead of no-show socks, consider ankle or crew length to keep dirt and debris out, and protect against insects, burs, and branches.

You can't go wrong with merino wool wrapped around your toes. The natural moisture-wicking fiber will keep your feet warm and dry on cold days, and cold and dry on hot days. The Feetures Elite Merino+ Light Cushion Crew socks blend wool and bamboo fibers with nylon and spandex for soft, stretchy, targeted compression that will keep your feet insulated and dry on wet or cool weather runs.

For hotter days, check out Smartwool's PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Mini socks, which have mesh vents and minimal cushioning for warm-weather outings. The women's specific fit has a narrower profile and heel than the men's version.

Layer Your Legs

Layer your lower half in comfortable, wicking shorts or tights as the weather dictates.

New Balance Impact Shorts have a wide comfortable waistband, three pockets including a zip, built-in briefs, and a flattering, relaxed cut in 3- and 4-inch inseams. The men's New Balance Printed Impact Shorts feature a 5-inch inseam and contrast reflective details.

Nike Power Speed 7/8 Tights have compression fit, Dri-FIT technology, large pockets for your phone or other bulky items, flatlock seams to reduce chafing, and an ultra comfortable fit. The men's Nike Power Running Tight also feature a waterproof zip pocket, mesh panels, and zipped hems for easy dressing.

On cold, blustery days, the New Balance NB Heat Tights for women and Brooks Spartan Pants for men will help keep you warm.

Cover Your Core

Seamless, moisture-wicking layers are the way to dress your top half on the trail. You'll want to layer up or down as conditions change. Opt for a tank, tee, or long-sleeve as your base layer, depending on the weather. Rip out tags and choose seamless or flat seamed shirts to minimize chafing.

The New Balance NB ICE 2.0 Singlet for men and Tank Top for women has mesh panels in its cooling fabric, with two-way circulation, for trail runs on the hottest days.

Wool makes an excellent first layer, too. The Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Pattern Short Sleeve spins wool with nylon for stretch and softness, in women's and men's cuts.

The seamless and tagless Zensah Seamless Long Sleeve Shirt also has mesh vents, thumbholes to keep sleeves in place, and silky soft fabric.

For winter days, Under Armour ColdGear® circulates your body heat to keep you warm. Try the ColdGear Fitted L/S Mock for women or UA Coldgear Reactor Fitted Long Sleeve for men as your next-to-skin layer.

Keep Elements Out

You'll want a windbreaker or water-resistant outer layer if the weather turns south. A light and packable jacket is ideal. The Arc'teryx Trino Jacket with GORE Windstopper fabric is windproof, water resistant, and breathable. The Arc'Teryx Beta SL Jacket was designed as a packable, lightweight layer for the worst weather conditions. It's GORE-TEX fabric is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and compressible.

Also waterproof and windproof, the Arc'teryx Norvan SL Hoody is made from GORE-TEX ShakeDry, which does away with three-layer waterproofing construction for a super lightweight double-layer. The result? A streamlined jacket weighing about 4 ounces—roughly equal to a roll of pennies.

Stash Your Stuff

Where will you stash all your gear? A running vest will carry your water, food, phone, packable jacket, and any other essentials in a form-fitting pack. The Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta has all the pockets and features you need, including a women's-specific design. For the men's cut, check out the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest.

Save cargo space by filling your water bottles with Tailwind Nutrition, an all-in-one fuel, electrolyte, and hydration powder that mixes with water. You can leave gels, bars, and chews behind for a great-tasting, easy-on-your-gut energy.

Protect Your Extremities

In the sun and in the rain, you'll need a hat with a brim. In any weather, a good cap will also keep sweat out of your eyes. Outdoor Research's Sun Runner Cap does it all: resists water, wicks sweat, dries quickly, protects against UV rays, and features a removable cape to protect your neck and ears.

A buff or bandana can also double as a neck gaiter, dust shield, sweat band, and more. The Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube is a beanie, balaclava, and scarf rolled into one moisture-wicking piece.

In winter, don't forget a beanie. The Nike Run Thermal Hat and Gloves Set protects against cold and wind, while the Nike Run Dry Hat and Gloves Set defends against wind and rain. In the worst weather, pop one of these beanies under a brimmed hat for the most insulation.

For your fingers, the Seirus GORE-TEX Xtreme Glove will get you through the most inclement weather with a wind and waterproof liner, soft fleece inner, and four-way stretch soft-shell outer.

While the Outdoor Research Surge Sensor running gloves have silicone grips and touchscreen panels on the index finger and thumb.

Shade Your Eyes

Glasses do double duty on the trail, protecting your eyes from the sun's glare and errant branches, dust, and debris.

The Oakley Flight Jacket's Prizm Trail lenses highlight reds and browns to help you navigate rocks, roots, and other obstacles afoot through shade and bright light.

For darker conditions, cloudy, or rainy days when you still want eye protection, try Oakley's Prizm Low Light lens with 75 percent light transmission for increased visibility.

Be Prepared

If you'll be out after dusk or anywhere close to it, bring a running-friendly headlamp.

The Black Diamond Spot has a low-profile design and touch-sensitive housing for easy light adjustments.

Also known as a space blanket, a Mylar heat sheet is also essential if you get lost, injured, or stuck on the trail. It'll add just a few ounces to your pack, but could save you in an emergency.

Gear up and go

With the right gear, running trails through the great outdoors can be enjoyable in every type of weather. Choose shoes made for rugged terrain, layers for ever-changing conditions and accessories to shield you from the elements. You'll be ready to answer adventure's call.