He takes weeks to decide whether to purchase anything from a t-shirt to a tent, so he makes for a scrupulous Gear Editor. Her bucket list is long and her weekends are full. In her spare time she uses her food science degree running The Hikers Nutritionist. Keen to get into trail running? Not sure what you need other than a trail and some shoes? That being said, some gear is important, and the further you go, the more gear you might need.
Changes in weather, possible emergencies and the sheer remoteness of some trails make some gear pretty damn important. The distances run at UTA are also pretty standard racing distances, so the mandatory gear will be similar across other events. Shorter trail runs up to 11km require much less gear than a marathon or ultramarathon distance. Check out the new range of Scarpa trail shoes that just touched down in Australia.
Invest in a pair of good quality socks โ socks are one of the most important pieces of trail running gear. A pair of lightweight trail shorts or leggings depending on preference. Pretty simple, but something light and designed for physical activity is perfect for trail running.
A lightweight running cap can help cut out the sun and keep you feeling comfortable. Not only do they cut out glare and bright midday sun on exposed trails, but they help improve the definition of the trail in varied light.
I started trail running with no portable water source, and the decision to buy a hydration vest was a game changer. Nutrition is up to you and lollies are a big yes! Under the arms and between the legs can be pain points depending on your body, clothing and conditions. Again, this is optional, but a sports watch like a Garmin or Coros will help you track your run, fitness and depending on the model, even provide a GPS map interface should you get lost! Ideally made of merino wool, a blend of merino or polypropylene.
