Trail Running Gear: What You Actually Need to Start

When we first got into trail running, we were overwhelmed by the gear lists. Poles, vests, carbon plates, ten different types of socks — do you really need all that just to run in the woods?

Short answer: nope.

This guide is here to help you keep it simple, so you can focus on enjoying the trail, not filling a gear closet.

👟 Shoes Come First

If you only invest in one thing, make it trail shoes. The terrain will demand it — and your ankles, knees, and confidence will thank you.

Unlike road running shoes, trail shoes are built with grip, stability, and protection in mind.

Here’s what to look for:

Lugs on the sole — these are the rubber “teeth” that grip dirt, rocks, and mud. No lugs = no traction.
A secure heel and roomy toe box — your feet will swell a little on the trail.
A shoe that feels comfortable and grounded — don’t overthink the marketing.

❌ Important: Road shoes won’t cut it. You’ll slip, slide, and feel every rock. Always go with trail-specific shoes.

Brands we trust: NNormal, Salomon, Hoka, The North Face
(We’ll post comparisons soon — for now, trust your feet.).)

💧 Don’t Forget Water

Even short trail runs can turn long, fast. Heat, elevation, terrain — they all hit differently.

There are three solid hydration options:

Handheld bottle – Cheap, simple, works great for runs under an hour
Belt – Hands-free, carries 1–2 small bottles
Vest – Best for longer runs or when you need to bring snacks, your phone, or a layer

Most of us started with a handheld. It’s enough — and a great place to begin.

👕 Clothes That Don’t Stick or Chafe

Forget cotton. Look for moisture-wicking, quick-drying gear. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

Start with:

A simple tech tee
Running shorts (bonus points for pockets)
A hat or buff for sun and sweat

Trust us — you’ll thank yourself for choosing comfort over brand names.

🧭 Optional, But Good to Have

Not essential, but worth thinking about:

A headlamp if there’s even a chance you’ll run past sunset
A whistle (built into many vests)
Offline maps like Gaia or AllTrails
Tiny first-aid: a bandage, blister pad, maybe some electrolytes

❌ What You Don’t Need Yet

We’ve all made this mistake — buying too much, too soon. Don’t worry about:

Trekking poles
GPS watches with 100 features you’ll never use
Compression gear or energy gels with sci-fi ingredients

Start light. Run free. Upgrade later, if you need to.

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