Why True Running Gear is Critical on the Trails
To train hard and smart, your running gear needs to stand up to the challenges you throw at it and not hold you back in pursuit of your goals. In particular, what you wear, how you protect yourself from the elements and how to carry water efficiently are essential. Here are 3 tips for choosing the right running gear for trails.
TIP 1: YOUR APPAREL NEEDS TO BE FIT AND FUNCTIONAL
When it comes to trail running, it helps to make sure your body has the full range of motion and freedom to move naturally as you run up, down, over and around trail obstacles, whether that’s downed trees, technical rocky sections or negotiating narrow singletrack.
It’s also important to make sure that your running clothes are made from technical, soft, breathable and quick-drying materials that will help keep you stay comfortable and cool for every mile of your long runs. Flat seams that don’t chafe, and some degree of stretch in the fabric will also help you focus more on your footfall and less on your gear as you run.
TIP 2: PACK LIGHT, STAY WARM IN EXPOSED TERRAIN
It's a great idea to always carry a running jacket in your hydration pack even in summer. When you’re running up on exposed mountain trails, or in shaded forest trails, it can get quickly get cool even on an apparently warm summer’s day - especially if you’re nearing the end of a long run and getting tired. For these runs, it pays to make sure your jacket is as lightweight and minimal as possible, while still offering protection from the elements. Also, and frequently overlooked, it should not make swooshing noises as you run!
TIP 3: HYDRATION CAN BE BOTH ESSENTIAL AND EFFORTLESS
Even on colder days, the ability to effortlessly carry water and essentials, such as a phone and a running jacket, is important. Whether you’re running 5 or 50 km, a running hydration pack is the most comfortable and efficient way to carry all the gear, water and sports nutrition you need with you.
Nathan hydration packs are perfect for stashing your running essentials during trail runs and are designed to be adjustable to fit without moving as you run.
With built in water reservoirs, you can carry all the water you need in this hydration pack, with plenty of space for your gear in the front pockets. You can customize what you carry and where. Many runners find a pack useful for carrying their phone, snacks, car keys, a jacket, sunscreen, and a headlamp.
If you’re doing shorter runs on less technical trails, another hydration option is a handheld water bottle such as the QuickSqueeze Insulated Bottle. This gives you quick and easy access to your water, and the insulation keeps it cooler for longer.