13 Pieces of Trail Running Equipment You Need for Your Next Hike
Running is a sport brimming with variety, diversity, and personal challenges. But whether you’re hiking through the mountains or running in the city, it’s still important to make sure you have the right equipment for your trail running adventure. Here are some of the best gear options you need to get before heading out on your next trail run.
1. Water / Energy Drinks
Stay hydrated. It’s no joke: when you’re running, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Water is one of the best options to stay hydrated while running. But if you need a little boost to get you through a long trail, there are a lot of energy drinks available in the market. Some of them are Muscle Milk, Gatorade, and Powerade. With two bottles, you can alternate between taking sips of water and energy drinks during your run. Dehydration is the most common cause of cramping for athletes, and it’s also the easiest to avoid. Get in a routine of drinking eight 8oz glasses of water a day so you won’t forget your daily dose while on the run.
2. Food
A good meal makes you feel alive. Trail Runner’s Ready-to-Eat (RTR) food solves most problems, providing consumers with a variety of dishes that offer high-quality ingredients at a low cost. Running for more than an hour in the scorching heat will only drain you of all energy, and you’ll be unable to complete your run if you don’t replenish lost calories. Food with electrolytes, like a trail mix made primarily of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, will keep you going on a trail run — due to its ingredient’s natural sugar and salt content. Some are BPA-free and phthalate-free for your convenience. Portable and lightweight, the bag enables you to store it in your backpack or pocket while you’re running.
3. Headlamps
Wear a headlamp. It’s an essential piece of equipment for any runner. More importantly, it’s a lifesaver. This small device makes it easy to run in the dark and still see where you’re going — no more stumbling over roots and rocks. Headlamps come in styles of varying brightness, so there’s one for every type of runner, from trail runners to those who just want to jog around the block at night. Whether you’re running on a familiar trail or down a new path, your visibility to other runners and motorists is at risk without one. You don’t have to worry about battery issues since a headlamp can last up to 50 hours without recharging or changing batteries.
4. Safety Blankets
A safety blanket can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded on a trail or in the wild — it could keep you warm, help you signal for help, or even act as a shelter. A safety blanket can do all of the above. It can also come in handy during times of hardship, such as an unexpected rainstorm, a violent storm, and snow emergencies. A thick blanket will keep you warm and cozy regardless of your location: whether you’re at home, on a camping trip, or jet-setting to a tropical destination — it’s very easy to pack and brings a hint of comfort wherever you go.
5. Phone with GPS Service
A mobile phone GPS is useful for a variety of reasons — whether you’re running for exercise or racing at a professional level, it’s a helpful tool that lets you get the most out of your workout. Navigation and safety are essential tools that ensure you can complete your run without incident. Staying on course, executing race-day strategy, keeping up with elite runners, post-race analysis — they’re all practical reasons for a runner to use Phone GPS.
6. Windproof Jacket
Trail runners need a lightweight jacket for training and racing in severe weather. Popular trail runner features include a two-layer Gore Windstopper Softshell protects from the harshest elements while letting you stay warm and dry. A WaterTight zipper also protects against rain, while reflective elements increase visibility when running on packed trails and roads. Multiple pockets keep your phone, wallet, keys, and snacks dry and close at hand.
7. Proper Footwear
When it comes to trail running, you need proper footwear. The right pair of shoes can make the difference between a great run and a painful one. Top brands build trail running shoes with more durable materials and support, so they last longer. You should never go on a long trail run without proper ankle support and breathable fabric. Proper footwear is an absolute necessity for every sport — especially trail running.
8. Fitness Tracker
The fitness tracker is perfect for mountain-goers and is the latest in GPS-supported, trackable heart-rate monitoring technology. A lightweight, comfortable wrist device can log your distance traveled, calories burned, speed, and altitude changes. Gone are the days of having to lug around a bulky GPS tracker. With smaller and more lightweight watches that strap to your wrist, you don’t have to worry about carrying anything or damaging your phone while you’re in motion. With heart rate training, you can get the most out of every workout. Set goals and compete.
9. Running Socks
Good trail running sock will do three things that you’ll appreciate. First, companies make it with compression material to reduce soreness after impact, reducing your risk of injury. Second, the mesh material will help your feet breathe on hot days, making your runs more comfortable. Lastly, manufacturers make them with a seamless toe design into this sock to prevent blisters and reduce friction against your skin for a more comfortable run.
10. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have for trail runners, sports athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. The main cause of skin cancer is UV rays from the sun, which reach their peak strength between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when you’re outside. You should wear sunscreen to protect against sunburn as UV burns are the first step in building up skin cancer. Premature aging is also due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. Because sunscreen molecules are relatively large and don’t cover skin quickly enough, it’s best to apply them at least 20 minutes before going outside — so start early and don’t forget to apply even on cloudy days. When shopping for sunscreen, check the active ingredients: look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide products. Broad-spectrum means it protects you against UVA and UVB rays.
11. Whistle
When you’re trail running, it’s essential to carry a whistle. It helps you alert others when you are in distress. Anyone can hear an emergency whistle at long distances, and it can help you scare off wild animals. A whistle also assists in helping you gain the attention of other trail runners so that you can gain their assistance in case of an emergency.
12. Bear Spray
If you’re trail running in bear territory, we highly recommend keeping your distance and carrying bear spray. If you experience an attack or are in immediate danger, bear spray can keep the bear away and give you the time to get away. Make sure to practice using your bear spray — know how to load it, when to use it, and how to make a clean escape after you’ve sprayed it.
13. Firestarter
A fire starter is a must-have for your bug-out bag or emergency preparedness kit. It could keep you warm and help you cook food. In a disaster scenario, you can use a fire to purify water. Fire is also a natural repellent against wild animals that may attack. It’s equally important to have a fire starter so you can start your fire and keep it lit in wet conditions. In the outdoors, warmth keeps you alive, so keep your fire going strong.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that no two runners are alike. Getting the right gear for your needs is essential. While some may be happy with running shoes and a pair of shorts, others may need over $1,000 worth of equipment to get going. Either way, starting out slow and gathering information is key before making any big investments to ensure you get all the gear you need — without spending more than you should. Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoyed our list of must-have equipment for trail running.
