TRAIL RUNNING HAS an intangible quality that surpasses all other forms of the sport. Sure, there’s the same endorphin rush and the familiar benefit of feeling good about yourself for the rest of the day that you get from road running, but nothing beats being out in nature, taking in the sights while relying on nothing but yourself and what you’ve brought with you – which is more important than you might think.
On a recent journey to Lamington National Park in south-east Queensland, we discovered exactly how important having the right gear is to trail running success. Without it, you can end up in all sorts of strife. Luckily for the Men’s Health team, we’ve already got all we need. And luckily for you, we’re sharing our favourites.
Here, we break down seven trail running essentials we believe every self-respecting trail runner and hiker should have on their feet, on their body or in their trail pack.
What should you take on a trail run?
Salomon Genesis Trail Running Shoes
Salomon Genesis Trail Running ShoesIt may be an obvious choice, but you will need more than a pair of crocs to hit the trail with confidence. Made for the mountains, the Salomon Genesis is tough, agile and as eager to hit the trail as you are. Designed to be durable and precise on the most technical of terrains, the Genesis has a dynamic support chassis to place emphasis where you need it and grippy underfoot lugs to ensure stability. The Genesis can handle anything you throw at it – no trail is too rugged, no climb too steep – and it certainly served us well during our recent run.
SHOP NOW
Veos Trail Running Pack
Veos Trail Running PackFor those longer adventures, you’ll want to be packing supplies – whether it’s water, snacks or a range of other accessories. In these cases, it’s important to have a trail pack that doesn’t hinder your ability to run. Something small and lightweight that is able to hug your body like this Veos trail pack is essential. It features a durable nylon ripstop to protect it from abrasion and ventilated shoulder straps to allow for breathability. It’s also able to hold up to five litres of supplies, and we recommend taking that number at face value because explaining why this metric is measured in litres will bore you to death and waste time you could be spending on the trail.
Salomon Soft Reservoir – 1.5L
Salomon Soft Reservoir – 1.5LLike with any run, you’re going to get thirsty at some point. Luckily, the solution is far easier than lugging around a hefty water bottle. If you have a trail pack like the one above, a soft reservoir like this one from Salomon is suitably compact and can be comfortably clipped inside to provide hydration with ease.
Bondi Sands Sport SPF 50 Wet Skin Sunscreen
Bondi Sands Sport SPF 50 Wet Skin SunscreenIt’s easy to forget with all that dense tree cover and thick foliage that you will still be exposed to the sun for a long time while out on the trail. Protecting your skin, then, should be a high priority. We recommend going for a sunscreen like this one from Bondi Sands. It’s SPF 50 and is formulated to be effective when applied to wet skin, making it ideal for those extra sweaty activities.
SHOP NOW
Kathmandu OT 5 Panel Cap
Kathmandu OT 5 Panel CapIn addition to sunscreen, wearing a hat is another easy way to prevent sunburn during a trail run. The benefits don’t stop there though. Wearing a hat with a brim can also shield your eyes from the sun, which is important when you’re navigating uneven surfaces where rocks and fallen branches can come out of nowhere. Go for a hat that’s breathable and lightweight, so it won’t become damp with sweat or slow you down.
Kathmandu 1-Person First Aid Kit
Kathmandu 1-Person First Aid KitTrail running is plenty of fun, but the reality is, it can also be dangerous. Rugged terrain can carry more than a few surprises, and a lot can go wrong. Add to this the fact that you’ll likely be a long way from help on many of your trail runs, and you’ll see the need for a first aid kit. The best ones will be compact enough to be shoved into your trail pack while containing enough bandages, wound dressings and sterile wipes to treat any injury on the spot.
Kathmandu Seeker T-Shirt
Kathmandu Seeker T-ShirtLast of all, a performance t-shirt is a must. This t-shirt comes from Kathmandu’s new Seeker range, which is designed for those who seek moments in nature above all else. It’s incredibly soft, eminently lightweight and maintains breathability even in the toughest of conditions. Plus, with an Ionic+ Botanical citric acid-based treatment to eliminate odour-causing bacteria, you can finish your run feeling as clean as you started it.
Related:
