Written by Lauren (@lolo.explores)
I am an experienced hiker who transitioned into trail running about 5 years ago to be able to travel lighter, faster and further distances on the trail as compared to hiking. The local run community has opened up my eyes into the world of ultra running and I have been out on the trails with several friends and run groups over the years for their training runs for big races. Last year I finally took the plunge and dipped my toe into the race scene and ran my first set of trail races.
While proper footwear with good grip is probability the most important item for trail running, shoes are often a personal preference for individuals based on your own foot shape. I do have a few favourites that I keep in rotation to help my shoes breath and dry out between runs, but I’ll skip over suggesting my shoes since they might not actually work for you. Here are a few gear pieces that I live by though, that are more universal and common practice with the majority of trail runners I know.
1. Salomon Adv Skin 12L vest
The Salomon
Adv Skin 12L vest is the most popular trail vest for a reason. It’s snug fit keeps it in place without bouncing around on the trail and its capacity and pockets allow you to easily carry all the essentials for a long day on the trail. It has easy access for hydration, with whether you choose to carry only the two soft flask bottles in the front or to store a bladder reservoir in the back (which I use for longer runs). The soft flasks stay in place in the front as the liquid level decrease throughout the day and do not bounce around. Bear spray (if needed where you are) fits perfectly in one of the front soft flask pouches if you swap out th flask, and that is where I carry mine. Alternatively, it can also be stored in the second front pocket beside the flask, I just personally prefer less bulk up front since my female anatomy prevents it from sitting directly on my chest the way it might for others. The easy store pockets allow for quick access to all nutrition while on the go with so many options for where to stash your snacks. The back zippered pouch is large enough to carry bigger items that you might need while out in the mountains (spikes, down jacket, extra layer or rain jacket, filter etc) but can easily be compressed down if taking no extra bulky items. For that reason, I opted for the 12L version of the vest over it’s 5L Adv Skin counterpart since it is more versatile for both my short trail runs and bigger mountain adventures. I have also had no issues with chafing in the five years I have used the vest since the material is soft against my skin. The vest also has easy attachment straps for poles, or the Quiver bag attachment is a great add on for poles which is what I would likely use if I were to carry poles. One suggestion I have is to ensure you purchase the correct size of the vest so that it does fit snug. Try the vest on with the soft flasks filled up so that you have a feel of what it will be like on the go.
2. Goodr Sunglasses
I love my alpine runs so being in the open and having good eye protection is essential. The Goodr OG sunglasses are my go-to. They are so comfortable to wear that I don’t even notice I have them on, and they fit snug on my face without bouncing around while running. They don’t slip down even while sweating, have polarized lenses for maximum protection and to reduce the suns glare and the relatively inexpensive cost has allowed me to buy multiple pairs in various colours.
3. Merino Socks
Happy feet make all the difference on the trail. I will only run in merino socks for multiple reasons. They help prevent blisters (even when socks get wet from puddles or sweat), they dry out quicker on the trail, and they help regulate temperate in both warm and cool conditions. There is no one sock brand I am tied solely to more than the others and have a variety of Icebreaker (run micro and multisport styles) and Smartwool socks. In summer months I opt for an ankle cut sock and in winter often stick to a higher calf length sock to manage more dirt from puddles or wet snow conditions.
4. Katadyn Be free 1L Water Filter
Taking a filter while running allows you to cut down on the amount of water you carry (assuming of course that you have water sources on your trail). I have used a variety of filters over the years, and this is by far the best one I have ever tried. I initially purchased it for backpacking, but it is lightweight and compatible so that it folds up small to store in your run vest. I have never had issues with the filter clogging on the trail and it’s so quick to use. It fills easily with a larger opening, and you can either use it to carry water as you go by drinking from the spout or filter the water into another bottle. It’s fast flow rate allows you to filter a lot of water in a short time. Since I only run with one flask in my vest, I put my electrolytes in it and keep my Be Free bottle for only water. If you would rather not carry the extra flask component though, the same filter system is available in the Hydrapak Ultra Flask which is the same shape as the flasks that fit in my Salomon run vest front pocket.
5. Hillsound Trail Ultra Crampon
In those winter months, getting any kind of elevation training in for me requires snow travel. I got my Hillsound trail ultra crampons eight years ago and they were honestly a game changer in helping me keep my mountain adventures going all year round. Many mountain trails around the Lower Mainland in the winter get heavily trafficked enough that snow is compacted. These spikes help give you the traction needed on packed snow and icy trails, going both up and down and I have never had any slipping issues when using them. They fit snug on your feet and the top strap ensures they won’t ever slip off, as I have seen happen to people with other brands. They are sturdy and durable and I’m honestly a bit shocked I haven’t yet worn them out with how much use I get from them. They are versatile and I am able to switch them between both my hiking boots and trail runners and they come with a carry bag so they can be packed away in your run vest when not needed (without worrying that they will puncture anything in your bag).
