Limited time only! We are offering Free 2-Day Shipping on orders over $50 shipped within the contiguous United States….that’s the lower 48 to you and me. It will take two business days from the date of shipment for your qualifying order to reach you. The items that don’t qualify for Free 2-Day Shipping are kayaks, boats, paddle boards, rocket boxes & and car racks—anything that has to ship via freight methods. If you add a non-qualifying item to an order, your order will not qualify for Free 2-Day Shipping. If you are shipping to a PO Box, your order does not qualify for Free 2-Day Shipping. If you order a rack it will still qualify for Free Standard Shipping if the pre-tax value of the order is over $50. If your order is received before 5 PM Eastern Standard Time, we will make every effort to get it out the same day. Make sure to take Free 2-Day shipping into account when comparing prices. 2-Day Shipping must be selected inside the shopping cart.
Want to check out trail running but don’t know what you need to get started? Are you an experienced trail runner looking to lengthen your stride with more long-distance challenges or want to update your kit? Well, whether you just learned that cotton shirts aren't your best friend or just want a change of scenery for your next run, this guide will help you find what gear works best in what conditions. Not matching your gear with where you run is like wearing a tux to a swim meet—you may look good, but trying to compete in a bow tie and cummerbund just leaves you all wet.
Shoes
Tops
Bottoms
The Lowdown:
There are different hazards to your feet when it comes to trail running, and wearing the same shoes you use on a treadmill or pavement won’t cut it (and vice versa). While road shoes focus on motion control and cushioning, trail running shoes provide stability for your ankle when running on uneven terrain. Trail running shoes are heavier and more durable, and they have stiffer midsoles to survive anything from rocks and mud to exposed tree roots.
The Lowdown:
You may revel in the nostalgia of wearing your favorite, ratty, cotton T-shirt from college when you run, but if your body had a say in the matter, it would douse that sad shirt in kerosene and put it out of its misery—Viking style. Fabrics that transport moisture and dry quickly are where it’s at. The two main camps of such fabrics are synthetics and natural fabrics like merino wool. So say goodbye to cotton and hello to the 21st century—we’ve been waiting for you.
The Lowdown:
Trail running shorts tend to be longer in length compared to regular running shorts in order to protect your gams from grabby branches, underbrush, and wolverines (just seeing if you're paying attention). And just like your performance top, you’re going to want a pair that wicks away moisture and dries fast.
Features:
Look for shoes with Gore-Tex XCR or eVent membrane for wet-weather running.
These membranes let out water vapor without letting in more moisture.
Such membranes can roast your feet if worn in hot, dry climates.
Features:
Performance shirts not only come in both synthetic and merino wool versions but also different weights for different seasons.
Unlike cotton, performance shirts wick away moisture and dry quickly.
Many shirts come with UPF-treated fabric and reflective details.
Flatlock seams and raglan sleeves prevent chafing, especially if you wear a hydration pack.
Features:
Trail running shorts are made more durable than regular running shorts to withstand snags, rips, and tears.
Most have both an elastic waist and drawcord for added fit and comfort.
Trail running shorts tend to be longer for extra abrasion protection.
Extra pockets keep your keys and energy gel close at hand.
Many trail running shorts have an antimicrobial treatment to minimize stink.
Cold Weather:
Gore-Tex XCR and eVent membranes help in the snow and cold.
Adding gaiters keeps snow from creeping into the tops of your shoes.
YakTrax provide more traction if you encounter ice on the trail.
Cold Weather:
Long-sleeve performance shirts wick away moisture to keep out chills—in cold weather those chills can turn into hypothermia.
Add an extra fleece mid layer on especially cold days.
Grab a lightweight windjacket if the weather looks sketchy.
Cold Weather:
Tights keep you from freezing your nooks and crannies off.
Tight length varies: they can go to the ankle for winter or just to the knee for in-between seasons.
The correct fit is essential—loose tights won’t wick away moisture properly and a crotch that rides too low can chafe your thighs and hinder your stride.
Long-Distance Runs:
Planning to run an ultramarathon or do a long-distance run? Fine-tune your shoes to tackle the task at hand.
Don’t skimp on comfort features in favor of lighter shoes.
Look for a durable toe box, tough outsole, and stiff midsole.
Insoles boost balance and add support for your run.
Long-Distance Runs:
Be ready for quick weather changes that could leave you unprotected far from home.
Plan on layering if your run is more than one hour long.
A reliable windjacket should be in your kit if you do long trail runs often.
Windjackets sport a lightweight design without sacrificing crucial features.
Long-Distance Runs:
Loose-fitting shorts cut down on chafe.
More pockets mean more room to stash items when far away from civilization.
Look for UPF fabric to protect your skin from UV rays.
Stick with shorts that wick moisture and dry fast.
Add to Del.icio.us
