Outdoors Gear The Best Trail Running Gear of 2022 By Cory Smith Cory Smith Villanova University Cory Smith is a Santa Barbara-based freelance journalist specializing in running, climbing, outdoor and fitness-related content, and gear reviews. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Published on 10/14/21 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Nothing beats a good run through the woods. The smell of pine trees. Majestic mountain views. Flowing freshwater streams. It’s as much therapy as it is exercise. Whether you run short distances or long, on the West or East Coast, a pleasant day out on the trails starts with the right gear. “The right trail running gear maximizes your confidence, comfort, and enjoyment of the terrain and your surroundings. Dialing in what you wear and bring with you on easy trails and epics empowers you to stay out longer, go faster, or explore more, whatever your goals may be,” says Lisa Jhung, author of "Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.” No matter what your day out on the trails brings, here's the best trail running gear of 2022. The Rundown Best Trail Running Shoes: Salomon Sense Ride 4 at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Trail Running GPS Watch: Garmin Fēnix 6 Multisport GPS Watch at Amazon Jump to Review Best Trail Running Long-Sleeved Shirt: Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Trail Running Wind Shell: Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Trail Running Sunglasses: Julbo Fury Sunglasses at Amazon Jump to Review Best Women’s Running Shorts: Vuori Clementine Short at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Trail Running Hat: BUFF 5 Panel Go Cap at Amazon Jump to Review Best Trail Running Socks: Smartwool Run Zero Cushioned Crew Socks at Smartwool.com Jump to Review Best Training Running Fuel: Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Men’s Running Shorts: Smartwool Merino Sport Lined 5" Short at Smartwool.com Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look for in Trail Running Gear FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Trail Running Shoes Salomon Sense Ride 4 Trail Running Shoes Courtesy of Salomon View On Backcountry.com View On REI View On Salomon.com What We Like All-terrain versatility Excellent value Comfortable What We Don't Like Quicklace garage too low Proper footwear is undoubtedly the most important piece of gear for trail runners. This means matching the type of trail running shoe to the kind of terrain you’re running. Whether you’re taking on rocky, technical trails or smooth, single-track ones, Salomon Sense Ride 4 shoes are among the best performing all-terrain trail shoes you can buy. There’s really no terrain on which these won’t excel. Salomon’s [opti.vibe] midsole foam delivers a comfortably cushioned ride without sacrificing technical performance over rocky and rooted ground—a true jack-of-all-trails shoe. If you’re looking for something with a little more cushioning for those ultra-marathon days on the trails, check out the maximum cushioned Salomon Ultra Glide. These shoes are available in men's and women's sizes. Price at time of publish: $120 Best Trail Running GPS Watch Garmin Fēnix 6 Multisport GPS Watch Courtesy of Garmin View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Garmin.com What We Like Garmin app & ecosystem Long battery life Navigation What We Don't Like Expensive Heavy It’s easy to get lost when trail running. One wrong turn could turn a one-hour run into an all-day outing. The best way to guard against unwanted detours is to have a GPS watch with navigation abilities. Garmin’s Fēnix 6 is the premium outdoor sports watch for any activity in the woods or mountains. It takes every standard GPS watch feature—such as distance tracking, pace, and heart rate—and adds on elevation data, navigation, and the ability to preprogram routes to help you never get lost again. It also offers nearly triple the battery power of most GPS watches, with 36 hours of power in GPS mode and up to 28 days in max battery-saver mode. Just a heads up—the watch face is quite large. If you’re looking for an outdoor watch suited for formal affairs as much as dirty days on the trails, the sleek-looking Suunto 9 Peak might be better for you. Price at time of publish: $600 Tested by TripSavvy The Garmin Fēnix 6 is the do-all GPS watch for all-mountain sports athletes, weekend warriors, and recreationists alike. For runners, it does all the basics—pace, distance, time—but also heart rate, recovery time, daily workout suggestions, and suggested pace. The face is big enough to get quick glances while navigating steep and technical terrain. And it's got gobs of bonus features like navigation, music, live tracking, and incident detection. It might be too heavy and overkill for the casual trail runner. But for those getting out on the trails often or combining other activities like cycling, mountain biking, climbing, surfing, or backcountry skiing, this is the do-everything watch for you. — Nathan Allen, Outdoor Gear Editor Best Trail Running Long-Sleeved Shirt Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover Courtesy of Patagonia View On Backcountry.com View On Patagonia.com What We Like Wind protection Soft sleeves Packs down small What We Don't Like No pockets No other long-sleeved shirt offers better weather protection than the Patagonia Airshed Pullover. This part long-sleeved shirt, part quarter-zip jacket features an ultra-lightweight stretchy nylon material through the body that gives you the added protection of moderate wind and water resistance. It’s loaded with features to help with temperature regulation, such as a fitted hoodie for those chilly runs. If you start feeling hot, dumping the extra heat is easy. The double-sided quarter zip allows for easy large-scale venting. The sleeves are made with a soft double-knit Capilene Cool from the elbows down, making it easy to roll up when you’re running a little warm. Price at time of publish: $139 Tested by TripSavvy The Airshed Pro has rapidly become one of the go-to items in my trail running quiver. Early mornings have gotten chilly here in Southern California, and I've loved putting this layer over a merino wool tee to start my runs. Oftentimes, that's the correct combo to get me through a 10-miler on the local single-track. But if things do heat up, I've found it easy and comfy to roll up the sleeves or stash it in the hood pocket and carry it the rest of the run. Bonus: So far it's done a good job at masking stink. I haven't found anything I don't like about this pullover. If you do, email me. — Nathan Allen, Outdoor Gear Editor The 8 Best Men’s Water Shoes for Hiking Best Trail Running Wind Shell Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell Courtesy of Black Diamond View On Backcountry.com View On Blackdiamondequipment.com View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Lightweight Excellent wind protection Packs down incredibly small What We Don't Like See-through If you’re going to spend any time running in the mountains or variable climates, an emergency wind shell is a must. You’ll need one that’s easily packable and light with good wind protection. Black Diamond’s Distance Wind Shell checks all those boxes and then some. As the lightest (3.5 ounces) wind shell on the market, this 100 percent nylon ripstop, DWR-treated jacket packs down small enough to fit in your shorts pocket. However, it’s not the most water-resistant. So if you’re looking for something to ward off rain more than wind and you can spare a little more space, check out the Patagonia Houdini. Price at time of publish: $140 Best Trail Running Sunglasses Julbo Fury Sunglasses Courtesy of REI View On Amazon View On REI What We Like Full sun coverage Lightweight Doesn't fog up What We Don't Like Lenses scratch easily Oversized sunglasses may look a little ridiculous to some, but they serve a purpose. Unlike square flat-shaped sunglasses, large wrap-around style sunglasses give you a wider, unobstructed field of vision and full sun coverage, even peripherally. These trail running and cycling hybrid sunglasses come in 10 styles with multiple lenses, including photochromic REACTIV lenses that automatically get lighter or darker to match changing light conditions. Tiny spaces between the lens and frame allow for full ventilation so you won’t have to deal with fogged-up lenses. If the big, bold look isn’t your cup of tea, Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized sunnies are a great alternative. Price at time of publish: $220 for Black Frame Reactiv 0-3 Clear/Smoke Lens Best Women’s Running Shorts Vuori Clementine Short Courtesy of Vuori View On Nordstrom View On REI View On Vuoriclothing.com What We Like Unrestrictive Comfortable waistband What We Don't Like Only one pocket These are Jhung’s favorite shorts and she loves that “they’re cut to provide a full range of motion. They allow totally unencumbered mobility that I appreciate when I’m running a steep climb. Plus, the liner and flat, stretchy waistband are both so comfortable that I kind of forget I’m wearing these shorts until someone compliments me on them because they have great styling that crosses into casualwear. I love that I can also wear them to the gym or to the beach.” The only downside is they only have one pocket. If you’re interested in shorts with more pockets, check out the Patagonia Strider Pro Running Shorts or Black Diamond Sprint Shorts. Price at time of publish: $58 Best Trail Running Hat BUFF 5 Panel Go Cap Courtesy of BUFF View On Amazon View On Buffusa.com What We Like Breathable Soft visor Packs easily What We Don't Like Short visor Hats help protect your head from the sun and can shield your face when running in the rain or snow. Given that your head expels heat like the rest of your body, you’ll want a hat made out of a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. BUFF's 5 Panel Go Cap offers UPF 50 sun protection and is made with polyester and a small amount of elastane for added stretch. The soft brim visor is comfortable against your forehead and allows for easy compression stowing in your vest if needed. If you’re looking for a hard-brimmed hat, TrailHeads makes a great running hat. Price at time of publish: $15 Best for the Food Obsessed Best Trail Running Socks Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Pattern Crew Socks Courtesy of Smartwool View On Smartwool.com What We Like Supurb moisture wicking Grips well inside shoe Attractive styles What We Don't Like Poor durability Wool is one of the best performance fabrics. It wicks sweat away from your skin better than any other fabric, and your feet are by far the most important place to guard against excess moisture so blisters don’t form. Smartwool Run Zero cushioned socks feature targeted ventilation zones in higher heat areas for the best moisture control while smoothed-out toe seams prevent hot spots. The only downside to wool socks is their durability compared to synthetic fabric, such as polyester. Most are willing to sacrifice durability for performance, but if wool just doesn’t sit well with you, we suggest the Swiftwick Pursuit Four. Price at time of publish: $21 Tested by TripSavvy Ever since I put these socks on, I've had trouble taking them off. They're comfy. They dry quickly. And with 47 percent merino wool construction, they are good for multiple days between washes. On a recent trip to Mammoth Lakes, I wore these backpacking, hiking, and trail running for multiple days in a row. In total, I covered more than three dozen miles in them before swapping for another sock. And the only reason I did was to make sure I tested a different pair. — Nathan Allen, Outdoor Gear Editor Best Training Running Fuel Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel Drink Mix Courtesy of REI View On Amazon View On REI What We Like Not overly sweet Stomach-friendly Dissolves easily What We Don't Like N/A “It is important to fuel during trail runs (particularly those over 90 minutes) in order to sustain your energy levels and keep you light on your feet," says Maggie Guterl, professional runner and Tailwind's athletes and events manager. "Tailwind’s all-in-one fuel, such as Tailwind Endurance Fuel, provides everything you need in one simple solution so you can focus on your training, not your nutrition." Offered in four decaffeinated and three caffeinated flavors, one scoop of Endurance Fuel powder mixed with water gives you 100 calories and 25 grams of simple and complete carbohydrates with electrolytes. Bonus: It’s vegan and gluten-free. If you’re particularly picky about flavor, check out the unflavored Naked for a mild taste that is not sweet. For post-run recovery and refueling, check out their Recovery Mix. Price at time of publish: $29 Tested by TripSavvy One of my biggest problems with running and cycling is fueling. Or lack thereof. The reason? Gut bombs. (I also like the occasional suffer-fest.) But one bonk too many made me reconsider my fueling. Enter Tailwind. I've been using Tailwind's Endurance Fuel for almost five years now. And while other companies and brands keep innovating new fuels, I keep coming back to Tailwind's Naked flavor. I've used it for multiple marathons and dozens of long runs and have yet to experience the dreaded gut bomb. — Nathan Allen, Outdoor Gear Editor Best Men’s Running Shorts Smartwool Merino Sport Lined 5" Short Courtesy of Smartwool View On Smartwool.com What We Like Supportive liner Odor-resistant What We Don't Like Shell is heavy Pricey The most important part of any running shorts is the liner. If you’ve ever experienced chafing, you know this all too well. Moisture control is the best way to combat chafing. No other running shorts have a liner better suited to ward off chafing than the Smartwool Merino Sport Lined shorts. The lightweight merino blend liner offers exceptional temperature control and moisture management without feeling scratchy. The shell is made with a soft, stretch-woven DWR-coated recycled fabric. The only downside is the lack of storage with one side drop-in pocket and a rear zip not large enough for a phone. If you’re wanting more pockets, the Patagonia Strider Pro and the Black Diamond Sprint shorts are two of the best. Tested by TripSavvy These shorts check a lot of boxes for me. They're super lightweight (to the point you forget they're on). They wick moisture like the Mojave Desert. And they've got enough pockets for me. As with other merino wool products, the shorts mask the stink well, allowing for multiple runs in between washes. I do take umbrage with one aspect of these shorts. And it is a big one for me. The 5-inch inseam is too much for me. I prefer shorter and a leg split (can't shake my former cross country and track days). These shorts have become more of a loungewear or yardwork pair of shorts. If you're like me and prefer a shorter pair of shorts with the leg split, check out the Saucony Outpace Split Short. They've got a 2.5-inch inseam, a leg split, and a zippered back pocket. — Nathan Allen, Outdoor Gear Editor Best Trail Running Waist Belt Salomon Sensibelt Courtesy of Salomon View On Amazon View On Salomon.com What We Like Stays put Large storage pocket Velcro strap enclosure What We Don't Like No key loop For shorter runs, hydration belts can be a less restrictive alternative to a full vest. The Salomon Sensibelt is one of the best we’ve tested. Its elastic waist belt with Velcro enclosure is comfortable and stable against your waist. It carries up to 20 ounces of fluid with a small pocket that is still large enough for your phone and some fuel. Price at time of publish: $77 Best Trail Running Winter Running Jacket Arc'teryx Trino SL Hoodie Courtesy of Arc'teryx View On Arcteryx.com View On REI What We Like Warm Breathability Good weather protection What We Don't Like Expensive Finding a protective running jacket that breathes well can be a serious challenge. Fully waterproof hardshell jackets are great for downpours but lack adequate breathability for those who run hot. The solution: the Arc’teryx Trino SL Hoody. This stretchy softshell jacket is made with GORE-TEX INFINIUM, offering the perfect blend of foul-weather protection and air-permeable fabric. Its strongest protection is against cold, high wind, and modest rain and snow days. As with all Arc’teryx pieces, the fit is tailored and unrestrictive. The four-way stretch-woven textile is incredibly lightweight and comfortable. Like most Arc’teryx jackets, it carries a hefty price tag, but for everything short of heavy downpours it’s the only winter jacket you’ll need—and want—to wear. Price at time of publish: $219 The 12 Best Men’s Hiking Boots, Tested by Outdoor Experts Best Men’s and Women’s Trail Running Shirt The North Face Wander Short-Sleeve Courtesy of The North Face View On Backcountry.com View On The North Face View On Zappos What We Like Comfortable Soft material Wicks sweat away from skin What We Don't Like Retains odor Offered in both men’s and women’s styles, The North Face Wander shirt is a soft, stretchy, and lightweight technical T-shirt. It features North Face FlashDry technology for excellent moisture management with UPF 50 sun protection for the solid colors and UPF 15 for heathered colors. A lot of polyester or nylon tech tees can feel scratchy against the skin—not the Wander. The polyester and elastane jersey knit fabric feels soft and silky. As a 140-pound, slim 5-foot, 8-inch athletically built man, the men’s small fit me perfectly. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, the REI Co-op Active Pursuits is a great alternative. Price at time of publish: $45 Tested by TripSavvy The softness of this shirt alone is worth the buy. The FlashDry is interesting. On a particularly warm day, I splotched water in multiple places on the shirt before heading out for a 10-miler. Instead of disappearing like other tech-tees, the splotches spread out before eventually disappearing. Other than that, the shirt does a good job of wicking sweat and keeping you dry. — Nathan Allen, Outdoor Gear Editor Best Trail Running Hydration Vest Ultimate Direction Race Vest 5.0 Courtesy of REI View On Backcountry.com View On REI What We Like Versatility of pockets Adjustable fit Lightweight What We Don't Like Sternum straps are difficult to adjust on fly This lightweight, breathable hydration vest is just what’s needed for storing all the gear required for those longer outings. The main body is made with durable mono mesh with fleece-lined seams to prevent chafing, and it works exceptionally well, even on the hottest of days. The vest comes with a surprising number of storage options for a five-liter vest. Two zippered pockets are ideal for high-value items, while a large stretch side drop-in pocket is a perfect place for the largest of phones. Two sternum soft flasks hold 500 milliliters each, with an option for a two-liter reservoir (sold separately) in the back that can also be used to store extra layers. The soft flasks sit high enough to drink from without removing them from the pockets—a huge convenience, in my book. With a quick tug on two elastic cords, the fit is fully adjustable with Ultimate Direction's Comfort Cinch technology around the midsection and two chest straps. Price at time of publish: $125 Best Recovery Tool Theragun Elite Massage Gun 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Bergdorfgoodman.com What We Like Powerful Five attachment Multi-grip handle What We Don't Like Expensive Let’s face it—getting down on the ground to foam roll may seem like a small task, but when your muscles are stiff and achy, it’s the last thing you want to do. Skip the dirty ground foam rolling and massage your muscles with ease with the TheraGun Elite percussion massage gun. Ease muscle knots and sore spots by delivering a powerful deep muscle massage. The triangular hand makes reaching those hard-to-get regions easier. Choose from five speeds to personalize the massage intensity. Sure, you can find cheaper massage guns—however, they won’t have the power or massage head amplitude to reach those deep muscles. Buy the best; you won’t regret it. If you want the ultimate recovery package, check out the Roll Recovery R4 body roller and R3 foot roller for a complete head-to-toe recovery kit. Price at time of publish: $400 Final Verdict Part of the appeal of trail running is it’s always changing. No two trails are exactly the same. Some trails are technical and rocky, some smooth and curvy. Some are over high alpine passes while others wind through the humid lowlands of the southeast. The longer and deeper you go into the woods or mountains, the more important it becomes to have the right trail running gear for each environment and situation. For short jaunts through the woods, a pair of shoes, moisture-wicking clothes, and a hydration belt will suffice. However, as your outings get longer or the weather becomes more complicated, so will your gear needs. This means a hydration vest, extra layers, and plenty of fuel. At the end of the day, as Jhung sums up so perfectly: “the right trail running gear maximizes your confidence, comfort, and enjoyment.” So an investment in the right gear is an investment in your enjoyment. What to Look for in Trail Running Gear Materials For trail running, you'll want a balance of moisture-wicking base layers and water-resistant or waterproof outers. For warmer months and climates, look for synthetic blends with polyester and elastane. During cooler months, we strongly recommend merino wool blends. Those materials will wick away moisture quickly, be it perspiration from your body or moisture from the sky. Weather-resistance and breathability Striking the balance between weather-resistance and breathability is tough. Look for waterproof and breathability ratings. Ideally, you'll find products that offer these two elements in equal parts (a waterproof rating of 20,000 millimeters and breathability rating of 20,000 millimeters, for example). If you live in a wet climate, definitely look for terms like "GORE-TEX" and "DWR" (Durable Water Repellant) when making purchases for jackets or other outer layers. Weight Most trail running events are longer events compared to road running. So most trail runners spend more time training and on trails. Weight savings can be an important piece to assembling your trail running kit. We strongly recommend looking for items that don't weigh much and are packable. UPF Protection We've said it before, but we'll say it again: Trail runners generally spend a lot of time outside. Not only are trail running races and events longer than most road running events, but running faster is tougher on trails than on roads (more on that below). So when purchasing your trail running gear, consider products that have UPF protection (like The North Face Wander shirt above). Frequently Asked Questions What gear do I need for trail running? While all of the gear above will certainly help make your trail running a more enjoyable experience, the most crucial piece of trail running-specific gear you'll need is a pair of trail running shoes (more on that below). Two of the most important data points to consider when deciding on trail running gear are the amount of time you'll spend trail running and where you'll be doing the majority of it. Most trail running events are longer than road races, so consider gear for storage (like pocket-boasting shorts, jackets, and vests). Also, consider that most trail running happens in mountains or more remote areas where you have to be a bit more self-sufficient. That's why carrying hydration, fuel, and lightweight layers is crucial. What's the big deal with trail running? Trail running provides a sense of adventure. A chance to leave everything behind and escape out in the woods or mountains for a while. Every turn brings something new and exciting to experience—a jaw-dropping vista, a crystal clear lake, or mountain flowers in full bloom. It’s exercise, but distracting exercise. Instead of focusing on how uncomfortable or out of breath you may feel, you’re focusing on things like your footing, the next turn, or inspiring views. How is trail running different from road running? The main difference lies in the terrain you run on. With road running, the surface is relatively even and smooth. Trail running involves an undulating surface scattered with hazards to trip over, like rocks and roots. Trail running also tends to involve more hills than road running. Can I use my road shoes on trails? You can, but it’s not ideal. Trail running shoes are equipped with lugs on the bottom for better grip on dirt, loose rock, and mud. Some will also have a rock plate embedded in the sole to protect your feet from jagged rocks. These features make running off-road safer and more enjoyable. Why is trail running harder than road running? Road running is a unilateral activity, meaning you move in one direction—forward. In trail running, the path is always changing (up, down, left, right) with obstacles to dodge. This requires not only forward but side-to-side movement and sometimes jumping, ultimately requiring more energy to cover the same distance on the road. Why Trust TripSavvy Cory Smith is a freelance journalist specializing in running, climbing, and fitness-related content and gear review. He’s been an elite-level runner for over 25 years and a full-time running coach since 2014. Smith and Nathan Allen logged hundreds of miles testing products on trails, mainly in California, to pick the best trail running gear items. Here Is the Best Cold Weather Running Gear, Tested by Our Experts Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 15 below. Continue to 9 of 15 below. Continue to 13 of 15 below.