What basic kit do I need for trail running? Clothing, footwear, backpack, hydration, poles, food, lighting, safety...here we’ll talk about all the essentials.
According to the statistics, not having the right gear, being in poor physical condition and lacking experience in the mountains are the main causes of accidents in trail races.
We are not only referring to performance gear, that which allows us to be faster or more efficient. Safety is also very important. You will always need to carry warm clothes, water, and some food (and this forces us to carry some kind of backpack, as we will see) in case of emergencies.
Remember that, especially for those who are coming from a road running background or other urban or asphalt-based athletic disciplines, running in the mountains has an important part of physical fitness, but that it also has a part of knowledge of the outdoors and the risk factors associated with this type of activity.
Getting started in trail or ultra running through organized races is an excellent idea, as you will be able to take advantage of the race infrastructure, in addition to being accompanied by the rest of the participants. This is much safer when getting started then going on long, technical trail runs in the mountains on your own. Be sure to build up some experience through organized events.
The choice is more complex than it seems. The type you need will depend on the terrain and distance. Don’t take this lightly, as your safety is at stake.
When talking about different types of running shoes for mountain running, we mainly refer to safety. In fact, it is the first, basic element to consider in any kind of decision, including the equipment you should choose and carry.
With their slight variations, we can divide trail shoes into 4 main groups, from short to long distance:
And here comes the golden rule: THIS LIST ONLY WORKS IN ONE DIRECTION .
That is to say: you can run a marathon, a cross, or a half marathon with ultra-distance shoes, but not the other way around.
Why? In this article, How to Choose the Right Trail Running Shoes for You you can read an in-depth explanation on soles, types of runners, weight, types of races, cushioning, last, fitness...
It can be, but only partly.
All running clothing has to allow freedom of movement and comfort, but due to the harsh nature of mountains environments it has to provide protection against:
For more details on winter and summer clothing and protection, compression garments and general tips and tricks, read our articles on What to Wear for Trail Running and Mountain Races, and How to Choose Compression Clothing for Outdoor Competition
and, of course, let’s not forget the essential complements: hats, gloves, etc.
Always remember, that it is the mountain environment and conditions that dictate what you should wear on your trail running adventures.
If you begin by choosing a minimalist backpack without thinking about what needs to go inside (a common mistake), you run the risk of having to leave essential items behind, putting your safety at jeopardy, all for the sake of saving a few grams.
Not all mountain running backpacks have the traditional design. The most commonly used packs for trail running are like the one in the photo above, which is a mix between a vest and backpack to provide a wrap around fit.
Our article on, How to Choose your Backpack for Mountain Activities, compares the different types of backpacks, vest-packs and hipbelts; the pros and cons, functions and which is best for your needs.
All this and much more can be expected in a trail running race. In such conditions, proper hydration becomes of vital importance.
There are many varieties of hydration systems: flexible reservoirs, soft or rigid bottles integrated in the pack, straps, vests, hipbelts, hand harnesses, water purifying bottles, cups... and each has its use.
Poles can sometimes get in the way and at times are unnecessary when running. However, in mountain environments, sooner or later they will play an important role on difficult sections, such as complex ascents and descents, where you are unable to run.
This article on, How to Choose Your Trekking, Mountain and Trail Running Poles, explains the different types and gives advice on how to choose the most suitable for trail running.
This article on What to Eat During Intense Mountain Activity, talks about the different types of energy bars and gels and when to use them.
A thermal blanket protects you both from the heat and cold, while a mobile phone is essential for communication, in case of an emergency.
Emergency Survival Blanket
If you are running alone, since you will not always have coverage, you may want to think about using a satellite tracking device.
This type of whistle is only loud enough for close proximity. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to be heard at a distance (in the fog, for example), we recommend a larger, traditional whistle, (these weigh under 10 grams) but not with the pea system as the whistle is usually attached to the shoulder strap and the noise of the pea constantly bouncing inside the whistle is irritating on long runs.
Most Recent Articles
Leave a comment
Be the first to comment on this article.