You’ll be able to carry enough water for the run while also having room to store your house key, some cash, and an energy bar or gel.įor longer runs, consider a larger waistpack, a running hydration vest or a running hydration pack.

If you’re going for a shorter run, you’ll likely be fine with a handheld water bottle or a small waistpack. Your water-carrying options include hydration packs, hydration vests, handheld water bottles or waistpacks with water bottles. Water is a must for all but the shortest runs. With that said, there are several gear considerations that can make your run more enjoyable and comfortable, especially as you begin taking on higher mileage and more challenging terrain. Going for a quick, short trail run can be as simple as pulling on shorts and a T-shirt, lacing up a pair of running shoes and heading out the door. The beauty of trail running is that you don’t need a bunch of gear to do it. To shop, see REI’s selection of trail-running shoes for men or women. For more information, see our article Trail Running Shoes: How to Choose. You can also choose from stripped-down minimalist shoes that give you an enhanced feel for the trail and your own biomechanics or maximalist shoes that have lots of cushioning to reduce impact on joints and fatigue on high-mile days.īoth traditional, minimalist and maximalist styles are designed to offer better traction than road-running shoes. Within the trail-running category, you’ll find a range of shoes that are suited for everything from easy, groomed trails up to highly technical, variable terrain. For a good analogy, think of the difference between tires on a mountain bike and a road bike. How are trail-running shoes different? Trail-running shoes are generally beefier than road-running shoes and emphasize traction, foot protection and stability. If your first trail run will be on a mellow gravel road you can get by with your road-running shoes but as soon as you encounter roots, rocks and slippery mud you’ll realize the importance of having trail-running shoes. Shoes are the main gear consideration for trail runners.

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