How to Select Trail Running Equipment

Shorter trail running trips can often be done with a minimal amount of equipment, but if you plan on taking the sport seriously then you're going to start thinking about stocking up. Water bladders, backpacks, first aid kits and even food provisions are all important pieces of equipment for trail running. Which types you select will depend on how far you plan on going, as well as how you are going to take your interest in the sport. Follow these steps to figure out the kind of running equipment you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Out door catalog
• Trail running equipment websites

Select Trail Running Equipment

1. Select less expensive equipment when you are new to the sport. This limits your financial investment should you decide to stop trail running. La Sportiva has a large selection of affordable equipment options, as do CamelBak and New Balance.
2. Buy an altimeter when you're going to be trail running up steeper inclines or mountains. Altimeters can be helpful in determining what pace to take when you get to higher elevations. (Higher altitude means thinner air and an increased heart rate). Highgear and Suunto both offer affordable altimeters.
3. Splurge on a hydration system, preferably a water bladder. Water bladders are easier to carry. Usually, they come in backpack form, with a tube or straw that you can easily manipulate without having to take the backpack off. "North Face" or "CamelBak" are the best choices for novices or experts.
4. Invest in good socks as part of your equipment package. Socks will help pull moisture from your feet as well as keep them cool and cut down on the problem of swelling over long distances. Socks can be surprisingly expensive ($33 for "X-Socks Trekking Socks"); but the investment will mean more comfort and better endurance.
5. Round out your equipment with sunblock, a hat of some kind, and sunglasses. Some of the longer trails and trips will end up exposing you to an awful lot of sunlight, so protecting your eyes and skin is important. Wear sunglasses that enclose your eyes, like Oakley's or other sports sunglasses.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy items in bulk whenever you can, or purchase package deals to help defray some of the cost of the equipment. Many places will offer deals whenever you buy an equipment bundle for trail running, so watch for sales.
• Never go trail running without at least bringing ample water for the journey. Dehydration is your single biggest concern while you are trail running, especially on trails less trafficked by others.

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