You love to run off the beaten track? To jog over hill and dale? Then you need good trail running equipment. We show you what to look for when buying and what you really need for your trail run.
Trail running is really in vogue. And I can understand why. It is simply dreamlike. It is not about being the fastest in best time. It's more about the joy of running and nature.
The more uneven the terrain, the more fun the trail run. However, only if you have a good trail running equipment have. Because otherwise your trail run can quickly backfire.
If you like to be outdoors a lot, you know how quickly the weather can change. Especially on the mountains, storms, rain and thunderstorms can approach very quickly. Within minutes, the temperature drops.
Anyone who has ever been on a trail on the mountain knows this situation for sure. The more important it is to think about what absolutely belongs to the trail running equipment.
To make sure you don't end up soaking wet somewhere in the middle of nowhere next time, we've put together a list of tips for your Trail Running Equipment compiled.
Trail Running Equipment - Your Must Haves
How cold will it be? Is it wet? Is the sun shining? Before you start, take a close look at the weather forecast. This will help you to choose the right clothes. And adapt the running route to the conditions.
If you're doing a short (!) trail run for the first time, you should have at least that:
- Good non-slip shoes
- Sportswear and
- something to drink
This should not be missing in your trail run equipment:
Trail running shoes for women
Probably the most important piece in your Trail Running Equipment are the Running shoes. You should never go running with normal shoes. Their sole is not made for off-road. They offer too little support, you could hurt yourself badly.
Trail running shoes have to withstand a lot. We run with it through sand, meadows, over roots, stones, through mud and over fields and that in any weather.
The lug and nubby profile of trail running shoes ensures that you have grip and do not slip. Many models have a special toe protection. They offer better ground contact and more stability.
Very many trail shoes are equipped with a waterproof membrane.
Because it is very often uphill and downhill, you should choose the shoes one size larger. I usually wear 38, my trail running shoes I bought him size 39.
Of course, you don't have to buy shoes for your very first trail run. For a first try, running shoes suitable for off-road use are sufficient. If the spark of trail running doesn't get to you, you can always use the shoes for hiking.
But when you really get a taste for it, you should invest in good shoes.
Running socks for trail running
With a good Trail Running Equipment may Running socks not missing. They are reinforced in the important places.
Unlike normal socks, running socks, prevent the risk of chafed areas or blisters.
In cool temperatures, you can catch a cold quickly with regular socks. They get wet and do not dry. If your feet rub, every step becomes a torture.
That's why you should invest in one or two pairs of good socks.
If you wish, you can also opt for compression stockings. But this does not have to be mandatory. They exert constant pressure on the calves, which is supposed to shorten recovery times. Whether this is really the case, even professionals disagree. For me, it counts more that they keep my legs warm in cool temperatures. :)
Running backpack for trail running
Running makes you thirsty. So we need a way to easily carry water with us. A backpack with a hydration bladder is best suited for this.
The bubble is in the backpack. You can drink with a straw and don't even have to take off your trail running gear to do it.
Backpacks for trail runners are particularly light and small. The backpack fits snugly on the back and does not constantly dangle up and down while running. Nevertheless, it offers enough space for water, a jacket, a shirt and a few small items.
Many backpacks have a signal whistle already built in. If not - buy one. It can save your life if you are injured!
Trail Running Pants
Short or long? That depends on your running habits. If you run a lot in the woods and undergrowth, I highly recommend long running pants. Otherwise your legs will look pretty worn out afterwards.
If you tend to run in the summer and across fields and meadows, you should include a pair of shorts in your trail running gear.
You don't have to buy special running pants for that. I wear normal running leggings. The important thing is that the pants are breathable. And that you don't grieve too much after them, in case you stumble or they get holes in a fence.
I make sure to wear colorful pants so I can be seen better in the woods. If something should happen to me.
Running shirt and jacket
Always go for the onion look! There are many great sports clothes that are very light. It is then no problem if you take too much with you.
A thin windbreaker should always be in your luggage. You can tie it around your waist if there is not enough space in your backpack. When buying, look for ultralight models that can be stored small.
Shirts and jackets should be anatomically cut. This way they do not restrict your freedom of movement.
Whether long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt, you decide. Just remember that you are much warmer when running than when standing.
I always wear a short-sleeved shirt and have a second one with me as a spare.
Stay away from cotton clothes. Better go for fitness clothing, then you do not sweat so much and if so, then it dries quickly.
Short bra as a basic trail running equipment
Forget your yoga sports bra. When running, you need a bra that supports you very well. This is important for the connective tissue. Otherwise it can overstretch and cause severe pain.
In the long run, you can even get saggy breasts from it.
The sports bra is one of the most important garments for every runner! Because our breasts are made of skin, fat, glands, ligaments and connective tissue. No muscles. This means that you can not train the breasts.
When you run, your breasts move up and down a few centimeters with each step. Even if you have small breasts.
A good sports bra reduces the ups and downs by up to 75%. That is why a well fit running bra Part of any trail running equipment. By the way, you have the most support with a model with a ringer back.
You shouldn't rely on cotton underneath either. There are running briefs that keep you pleasantly dry and do not pinch or pinch.
My recommendation: Sport briefs from Craft. It has no seams and you can buy it in many colors. So the panties do not look as unsexy as most sports briefs :)
Do not forget sunscreen
When running, we quickly forget times on sunscreen. Well no wonder, if you already sweat anyway, you do not want to smear sticky cream. But this is a big mistake. At least if you are in the high mountains on the way. Because then sunscreen should be part of your basic equipment for trail running.
You don't have to have a big bottle with you like you do at the lido. A small one is enough. There are by the way special sunscreen for outdoor sportsmen, which is available in small and handy cans.
You need to apply cream especially to your face and décolleté.
Sunglasses and cap
At least as important as sunscreen are sunglasses and a visored cap. The cap protects you from sunstroke when you run outside the forest on the mountain. And the glasses will help you see better and protect your eyes.
When it comes to eye protection you should grab a pair of sports sunglasses. It closes well on the sides. So your eyes do not dry out when it gets windy. And you are also well protected from mosquitoes. So no matter whether forest or open space: Sunglasses belong to the trail running equipment in any case. Even if they are not so sexy :)
For the shield cap you best decide for a model that can be folded. If you do not need the cap, you can store it in your backpack without taking up much space. The material should be light and breathable.
In winter there are special caps with integrated fleece and ear warmers. If you have long hair, you can make a braid and just let the ponytail hang out of the cap.
If you sweat a lot, you should also get a headband that absorbs the sweat. So it can not run into the eyes.
Other
Pack small first aid kit in your backpack. You never know if you might support or otherwise hurt yourself. Or if you'll meet someone who needs your help.
At least as important is a small iron reserve. Put 1-2 energy bars in your pocket when you leave the house. Better safe than sorry.
If you are venturing into very steep terrain, you should consider buying Trekking poles think about. These are not normal Nordic walking poles, but particularly light poles that you can make quite small.
You like to run at dusk. Do not forget on a headlamp! And if you like to run completely away from civilization, a GPS device can help you in case your cell phone battery runs out.
For those who like to have the cell phone at hand immediately, a Buy running belt. So important things are immediately at hand. So you do not have to take off the backpack extra.
Our conclusion
For a first try you don't need much. But if you have a taste for it, you should buy some quality trail running equipment. At least good shoes and a backpack are mandatory. Then nothing can stop you!
Come on, let's go!
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