There’s something about trail running that we just can’t get enough of. Sure, you get the same endorphin rush that road running produces, but according to Dr Suzanne Hackenmiller, Chief Medical Advisor at AllTrails, trail running multiplies the usual benefits.
“It’s possible to feel a big crash or even emptiness after that runner’s high. Spending some quiet, contemplative time in nature is an excellent way to ameliorate that crash by taking in the sights, sounds and fragrances of nature,” Dr Hackenmiller says. “There are also numerous studies finding mental health benefits from time in nature as opposed to urban settings, everything from reduction in stress hormones to changes in the brain regions associated with depression.”
Truly, nothing beats being out in nature and taking in the sights while relying on nothing but yourself and what you’ve brought with you – which is more important than you might think.
On a recent journey to Lamington National Park in south-east Queensland, we discovered exactly how important having the right gear is to trail running success. Without it, you can end up in all sorts of strife. Luckily for the Women’s Health team, we’ve already got all we need. And luckily for you, we’re sharing our favourites.
Here, we break down seven trail running essentials we believe every self-respecting trail runner and hiker should have on their feet, on their body or in their trail pack.
The best trail run gear, picked by our editors
Salomon Genesis trail running shoes
It may be an obvious choice, but you will need more than a pair of crocs to hit the trail with confidence. Made for the mountains, the Salomon Genesis is tough, agile and as eager to hit the trail as you are. Designed to be durable and precise on the most technical of terrains, the Genesis has a dynamic support chassis to place emphasis where you need it and grippy underfoot lugs to ensure stability. The Genesis can handle anything you throw at it – no trail is too rugged, no climb too steep – and it certainly served us well during our recent run.
Veos Trail Running Pack
For those longer adventures, you’ll want to be packing supplies – whether it’s water, snacks or a range of other accessories. In these cases, it’s important to have a trail pack that doesn’t hinder your ability to run. Something small and lightweight that is able to hug your body like this Veos trail pack is essential. It features a durable nylon ripstop to protect it from abrasion and ventilated shoulder straps to allow for breathability. It’s also able to hold up to five litres of supplies, and we recommend taking that number at face value because explaining why this metric is measured in litres will bore you to death and waste time you could be spending on the trail.
Salomon Soft Reservoir – 1.5L
Like with any run, you’re going to get thirsty at some point. Luckily, the solution is far easier than lugging around a hefty water bottle. If you have a trail pack like the one above, a soft reservoir like this one from Salomon is suitably compact and can be comfortably clipped inside to provide hydration with ease.
Bondi Sands Sport SPF 50 Wet Skin Sunscreen
It’s easy to forget with all that dense tree cover and thick foliage that you will still be exposed to the sun for a long time while out on the trail. Protecting your skin, then, should be a high priority. We recommend going for a sunscreen like this one from Bondi Sands. It’s SPF 50 and is formulated to be effective when applied to wet skin, making it ideal for those extra sweaty activities.
Kathmandu OT 5 Panel Cap
In addition to sunscreen, wearing a hat is another easy way to prevent sunburn during a trail run. The benefits don’t stop there though. Wearing a hat with a brim can also shield your eyes from the sun, which is important when you’re navigating uneven surfaces where rocks and fallen branches can come out of nowhere. Go for a hat that’s breathable and lightweight, so it won’t become damp with sweat or slow you down.
Kathmandu 1-Person First Aid Kit
Trail running is plenty of fun, but the reality is, it can also be dangerous. Rugged terrain can carry more than a few surprises, and a lot can go wrong. Add to this the fact that you’ll likely be a long way from help on many of your trail runs, and you’ll see the need for a first aid kit. The best ones will be compact enough to be shoved into your trail pack while containing enough bandages, wound dressings and sterile wipes to treat any injury on the spot.
Seeker Quarter Zip Top
Last of all, a performance top is a must. This quarter zip comes from Kathmandu’s new Seeker range, which is designed for those who seek moments in nature above all else. It’s incredibly soft, eminently lightweight and uses UPF 50 fabric to protect you from the sun. Plus, with an Ionic+ Botanical citric acid-based treatment to eliminate odour-causing bacteria, you can finish your run feeling as clean as you started it.
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