6 Need-To-Know Gear Hacks For Beginners To Start Trail Running

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Conquering the trail begins with having the right gear to optimise your comfort, performance and safety – giving you the confidence to take your off-road fitness further. It's amazing what adventure-ready trail running shoes, running clothing and accessories can do for you – and it gets even better when you know how to best use that gear to your maximum advantage.

We've already discussed the best trail running shoes for you in depth. Now we're going to dive into the nitty-gritty details - the seemingly small essentials that can make a big difference to your trail running experience.

From embracing the elements with water-resistant running jackets to fighting off creepy crawlies like ticks and leeches, Sportitude’s trail running gear tips will help you be a natural at running off-road.

1. Wear Trail Running Shorts With Pockets To Feel Like A Pro

More sportswear brands are catching on the need for trail-specific running shorts, running tights and running shirts as interest in trail running climbs. Alongside being made of lightweight yet durable materials, trail running shorts often feature multiple pockets to keep running essentials close and accessible.

Nike is paving the way with their trail-focused collection, featuring top gear like the Nike Dri-Fit Repel Mid-Rise women's trail running shorts and Nike Core Second Sunrise men's trail running shorts that offer mountains of pockets to stash your smartphone, energy gels, keys, cards and other essentials to explore off the beaten path distraction-free.

The Sub4 Trail Run men's running shorts are also equipped with zip pockets to create a safe and secure home for essentials.

These high performance running shorts are built for adventure seekers that need a little extra – extra storage and extra strength, stretch or support.

2. Layer With A Rain Running Jacket To Turn Bad Weather Into Trail Running Bliss

When running on the trail, it’s important not only to dress for the conditions but to prepare for the unexpected. Bringing along a lightweight, element-fighting layer in the form of a running jacket will save you a lot of grief if storm clouds roll in while empowering you to stay running strong.

For women, the Nike Dri-Fit Repel women’s trail running jacket and Ronhill Tech LTW women's running jacket have you covered. Both provide protection from the elements with a water-repellent membrane, hood for extra coverage and moisture management features like vents and sweat-wicking fabric to prevent overheating.

The 2XU Motion Windbreaker men's running jacket and Mizuno Alpha men's running jacket provide a trail-ready solution for men seeking wind and water-resistant protection at a minimal weight, complete with full-zip closure for custom ventilation.

To take your weather protection up a notch, the On Running men's weather jacket and On Running women's weather jacket are your feather-light, ventilated armour that easily pack away into their own pocket when the conditions clear up. This durable, water-repellent running jacket means the weather doesn’t control whether or not you run – you do.

These are adaptable designs – engineered for protection that won’t weigh you down or restrict your movement to ensure a natural-feeling stride and distraction-free run.

Rain Running Jackets For Women

Rain Running Jackets For Men

2XU Motion Windbreaker Mens Running Jacket

$159.99$94.99

3. Protect Your Skin Against Blood-Sucking Hitchhikers

By hitchhikers we're referring to the creepy crawlies that may latch onto your skin and enjoy not only the ride but sucking your blood! Any exposed skin can act a blood buffet for ticks and leeches so do your research to find out whether they are common in your area and take the necessary precautions.

Applying DEET-based tropical strength insect repellent can dissuade these parasites from biting when you enter leech or tick territory. Technically neither is an insect – ticks are arachnids like spiders and scorpions, while leeches are predatorial worms.

Wearing light-coloured clothing can make these blood-sucking parasites more easily detectable when you do a scan of your body. Ask your trail buddy to help with the tick and leech-spotting and do the same for them in return.

Minimising exposed skin by wearing thick, long trail running socks made of tightly woven fabric, long sleeve t-shirts and long pants or running tights may reduce the risk of ticks and leeches being able to take hold (although be aware some leeches can bite through fabric). Trail running socks also have the added benefit of anti-blister protection and shielding your skin against abrasions from sharp sticks, stones and other natural hazards.

4. Top Off Your Trail Running Gear With A Running Cap

With gnarled branches twisting out to snag your hair on densely-packed or overgrown bush trails, running caps are small essentials that makes a big difference to your comfort and performance.

Don’t underestimate what a running cap can do for you, even beyond on-the-go shade and sun protection. As we mentioned previously, limiting exposed skin – and that includes on your head – will reduce risk from little hitchhikers like leeches and ticks.

Sweat-wicking running caps are a must-have during long trail running sessions, keeping flyaway strands under control while catching sweat to ensure it stays off your forehead and out of your eyes.

2XU's best selling running caps have breathable and lightweight designs with a stay-put fit that you can slap on and forget about – keeping your focus on the world beneath your feet.

2XU Running Cap

$29.99$24.99

5. Shield Your Trail Running Shoes With Crep Protect

When you hit the trails, the last thing you want is to worry about getting your trail running shoes dirty. You want to wear that dirt, mud and grime with pride, love every stride and soak in the feel-good vibes of nature without hesitation – and without it soaking into your shoes!

Crep Protect rain and stain protection spray creates a protective barrier on your shoes to repel liquids and dirt to keep your running shoes and trail running shoes looking out-of-the-box fresh for longer. This means you can enjoy the trail and all its challenges, then wipe off the grime with a damp cloth and zero hassles.

CREP Protect - Rain and Stain Protection Spray

$29.99$26.99

6. Hydration Pack Not In Your Budget? Don't Sweat It!

If you're a beginner trail runner, you may not be ready to invest in running hydration pack and depending on the conditions and duration of your trail run, you may not need to. Budget-friendly running drink bottles also offer a practical solution to hydrate on-the-go, especially on your shorter trail runs.

What makes a running or sports water bottle different from your run-of-the-mill plastic bottle? If we put a spotlight on 1000 Mile's range, it's easy to see that these designs are built for an active lifestyle and provide a natural feel in your hand.

The 1000 Mile UP running water bottle trades in the conventional cylindrical bottle shape for an innovative, circular design complete with finger indentations to grip the bottle securely and comfortably as you shift the pace up a gear.

The 1000 Mile UP Ribble II Hydration Belt has a adjustable, strap-on style for bounce-free hydration storage. A large zip pocket with internal organiser provides a safe home for your smart phone or running nutrition like energy gels.

For a budget-conscious hydration pack to kick-start your trail running journey, the 1000 Mile Ultimate Performance Tarn Hydration Pack should be on your radar. A 1.5L bladder complete with soft bite valve is ideal for trail runners seeking to meet their hydration demands without having to slow down to take a sip.

To top it off, these high quality and adventure-ready designs give you the motivation you need to help make one-use plastic bottles history.