When it comes to gear, the trail running community has extensive lists of essentials…and an even bigger list of wants. While trail running may be a simple sport that largely only requires a pair of shoes to go for runs (ideally trail running-specific shoes), most trail runners use a wide variety of items to train, race, and hone their prowess in the sport. Gear assists trail runners in their safety, in staying injury free, improving performance and most of all, increases their enjoyment of the sport. Additionally, some races – due to safety and health concerns – require that participants carry certain types of gear while they race such as a GPS tracker, emergency blanket, jackets with sealed seams, and more.
While common types of gear including shoes, hydration vests, GPS watches and sport-specific shorts and shirts are heavily researched by runners, or analyzed by popular gear junkies on social media, there are still several types of gear that are largely underappreciated. Listed below are my top five most neglected pieces of running gear that will improve the overall trail running experience. Enjoy!
Anti-chaffing creams like Squirrel’s Nut Butter are a good addition to a trail runner’s tool kit.
Anti-chafing Creams
Trail running is a sweaty sport. In any season, winter included, it’s difficult to layer properly or find sweat-wicking materials that keep runners dry and reduce friction on the skin (read our article How to Layer for Cold Weather Trail Runs here. Most runners experience chafing as a result of excess friction and moisture. Even runners who wear clothing with the highest rated sweat-wicking properties and breathability may experience chafing between their legs, armpits, or other chafing-prone areas of their bodies. Chafing is especially troublesome in humid, hot climates, but can affect runners in all areas of the country.
Runners should regularly apply chafing creams, or even consider carrying a small tub of cream with them on runs. For runners in humid areas, such as the southern United States, cream may have to be applied before every single run. Dry, cool climates have less need but it’s always better to apply cream than not to keep the body properly lubricated and reduce chances of friction and excess moisture. Knowing one’s personal sweat rate can also be useful to determine how often to apply chafing cream (read our article about sweat rate tests from The Trail Team here).
When it comes to chafing creams, personal favorites include Squirrels Nut Butter and Chamois Butt’r. The former is born out of the trail running community and is widely regarded as the most effective in the field (legends such as Courtney Dauwalter endorse this product). The latter has roots in the cycling community (another sport that deals with extreme chafing and the added difficulty of saddle soreness). In addition to these higher end products, runners should consider using easy-to-find or cheaper products when in a pinch such as petroleum-based jellies, coconut oil or aloe vera gels.
Water filters
Most runners have spent time researching their preferred types of water bottles and hydration reservoirs to bring with them on runs. But what many runners don’t realize is the benefit of bringing water filters in addition to these water-carrying devices. With filters, runners can carry less weight in water (often be close to three or four pounds on long runs), relying on water they find during their runs in nature. Filters can be particularly useful on longer runs in the mountains where water needs and potential to find natural sources of water are higher.
Water filters such as those made by LifeStraw and Salomon can filter dangerous particles out of streams and lake waters, allowing runners to stay hydrated without having to worry about their health or water weight in their packs. Consider purchasing both bottles with built-in filters, as well as filters themselves that can be attached to bottles of different sizes (or used directly in water similar to straws).
Sweatbands
These eye-catching and underappreciated pieces of apparel are not only for basketball and tennis stars of the 1980s, but modern trail runners too. While retro style apparel is often thought of for fashion alone, sweatbands are quite functional for sweat-wicking. Sweat bands on the forehead will keep sweat out of the eyes, allowing runners better visibility when running. Wrist sweat bands can also be used to clean the face, as well as keeping hands dry to be able to carry items during runs and open bottles and nutrition products from their packaging on-the-go more easily. Sweatbands are much more than a fashion statement.
Schuyler Hall on the trails sporting a sweatband.
While there is not a trail running specific sweatband, the classic sweatband makers such as Nike, Adidas, PUMA, and Under Armour still produce some of the best on the market. When purchasing sweat bands, consider the materials used to make them. Sweat bands should be stretchy enough to form to your head or wrists (without restricting blood flow or causing uncomfortable pressure on the forehead), while also absorbing sweat and not feeling too damp. Most popular sweatbands are made from a blend of cotton and spandex.
Oh, and if you’re going for the retro style, make sure you wear bright neon colors!
Shades
While most trail runners recognize the importance of eye protection during runs, many do not fully understand how to choose the best shades and glasses for their needs. Particularly in high altitude or sunny locations, runners should be especially concerned with wearing some form of eye protection on every single outdoor run.
Sporting shades on race day.
Firstly, runners should purchase category three or higher lenses for maximum protection from the sun. These lenses will block significantly more light, reducing the risk of permanent eye damage or need for eye surgery. Runners should also consider the shape of the glasses, choosing wrap around styles that will block sunlight from a variety of angles. Lastly, choose lenses that will retain their fit on the go and have been designed with breathability in mind to reduce the chances of sweat or condensation accumulating on the lenses.
Some of my personal favorite shades for trail running include those made by Ombraz and Nike (read our article on Ombraz shades and their trail running-specific shade models here).
ATRA gear wrangler Sarah Barber sporting her Knockaround sunglasses on the trail.
Waistbelts
Running packs and vests may be the most popular option for carrying trail running gear and nutrition during runs, but waistbelts can actually be more functional and easier to use in most circumstances. Firstly, belts situate weight directly on the hips, increasing running economy and resulting in a more natural feel. This is especially enjoyable for runners who prefer to run free or don’t enjoy carrying anything with them during runs. For shorter runs especially (less than one hour), the need for a large vest or pack is excessive and waistbelts are the smarter option.
While waistbelts typically have smaller carrying capacity than running vests and packs, they often hold more than most think. When designed properly, waistbelts have pockets to securely store items such as phones, keys and nutrition products such as energy bars and gels. Most also include attachments for small handheld water bottles. Overall, waistbelts are known to allow for easy access to stored items (a common flaw of many vests and packs).
Karl Meltzer on the trails.
When choosing a waistbelt, I would firstly recommend ultrarunning legend Karl Meltzer’s signature waistpack from Ultraspire. The five-time Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run champion, former Appalachian Trail record holder and winningest 100-mile racer of all-time, has been a large proponent of waistbelts for years and his signature waistpack is engineered from his extensive experience in the sport. I’d also suggest SPi, a lightweight, easy-to-use, snug-fitting belt that has been used by champions including Olympian Alexi Pappas (read our story on Pappas here).
Check out ATRA gear reviews here for some early holiday shopping ideas.
