StopStu’s Selections Of Great Trail Running Gear:
Trail Running in the backcountry is a fantastic way to see more and in less time. And the higher quality and more reliable your gear, you’ll be able to enjoy your trail run adventures more rather than constant concern for your gear “holding up”.
Below is my General List for most Trail Runs exceeding 10miles or more. Feel free to use this list as a guide, but soon you’ll find yourself making changes to meet your own needs. My list varies pending on distances, climate variety, terrain expectations, and whether I’m running a loop or running point-to-point.
Trail Running Hydration Packs
Here’s a list of some of my favorite Hydration packs of the numerous ones tried and tested. And if you’re looking for replacement water bladders, I’m a big fan of Osprey’s HYDRAULICS® LT RESERVOIR that come in either a 1.5L, 2.5L, or 3L sizes. I especially like the way the hose can be disconnected (Quick Connect) directly from the bladder, or halfway up the hose, which is convenient for accessibility and cleaning.
KEY FEATURES I LOOK FOR:
- Quality of materials and construction
- Comfort and Fit
- Accessibility and Features
- Weight and size
MARMOT Kompressor Speed 5L Hydration Vest
My most favorite Trail Running Hydration Pack. But Marmot does not make them anymore. If you find one, keep it! Mine has gotten so much use, there are holes in it, and it still hasn’t failed me. Even the zippers still work great. My favorite feature is the rear-pocket design–can access without removing the pack.
SPECS:
- Weight: 260g
- Volume: 5L
- Fabric: 100% Nylon ripstop
PROS: lightweight, easy-access pockets, can hold a 2.5L bladder, rugged design
CONS: no longer available, not good if you need to carry more than water, snacks, first-aid
BLACK DIAMOND Distance 15 Hydration Pack
My Second most favorite Trail Running Hydration Pack. Except for the straps, I found this pack to be tear resistant when moving through thick brush. Handles great in rain, but I wrap it in a trash bag for heavy rains. Great for Alpine runs over 20miles when you need to pack different clothes, extra snacks, and extra gear. Great for Ultralight backpacking, too!
SPECS:
- Weight: 394g
- Volume: 15L
- Fabric: 100% Nylon ripstop
PROS: lightweight for its size, very roomy and versatile, very water resistant, secure and comfortable fit.
CONS: out-of-stock
OSPREY Hydration 10L Vest
I like this pack. It’s different with the loops intended for adjusting the chest straps-they also work great for quick access to small items like sunglasses, and they do give the chest straps a nice confident snug fit without the concern of being two loose. It’s a good snug fit, for hard fast running, even when carrying extra weight.
SPECS:
- Weight: 256g
- Volume: 14L
- Fabric: Synthetic Fiber
PROS: lightweight, very roomy, durable material, wears like clothing.
CONS: the extra loops in the front intended for chest strap adjustments feel unnecessary.
SOLOMON Kickass 7L Vest
This pack will likely replace my Kompressor pack. It’s lighter and has more volume. The front pockets are bigger than I’m used to but I find that it balances out with larger water bladders in the back (up to 2.5L). I’m discovering I like having more weight on the front of the pack as it helps with balance and stability on treacherous terrain.
SPECS:
- Weight: 210g
- Volume: 8L
- Fabric: Synthetic Fiber
PROS: very lightweight, roomy, very water resistant, wears like clothing, extra material on sides makes me feel warmer.
CONS: Front chest strap works, but if the pack is heavy, they are not as not as sturdy as buckles.
Trail Running Shoes
Good trail shoes that can survive the abuses of varied terrain without falling apart can make all the difference between a good adventure and a bad one.
KEY FEATURES I LOOK FOR:
- Quality of materials and construction
- Comfort and Fit
- Accessibility and Features
- Weight and size
- Tread Quality
ALTRA Timp 3
These are my goto shoes. I’ve worn Altra Timps for the past 5 years now and mostly because I’m a huge fan of zero drop midsoles.. I am impressed with how grippy the outsole, cushy the midsole is, and yet, still lightweight.
SPECS:
- Weight: 311g
- Cushion: high
- Traction: aggressive
- Midsole Drop: 0mm
PROS: 0 drop. lightweight, good cush, good grip especially in the toe box. Reinforced sidewalls last MUCH longer than previous versions.
CONS: tears and rips apart easier than the majority of shoes in its class.
BROOKS Cascadia 16
It doesn’t fit my foot as well as the Altras, but if it did, these would probably be my goto shoe. There’s a reason they are on their 16th version. I would argue that THIS shoe started the modern trail running shoe revolution. Remember when trail shoes used to be heavy and clunky? Not any more. “Thank you Brooks!”
SPECS:
- Weight: 297.7g
- Cushion: high
- Traction: aggressive
- Midsole Drop: 8mm
PROS: lightweight for its size, very roomy and versatile, very water resistant, secure and comfortable fit.
CONS: High midsole drop.
LA SPORTIVA Bushido II
The Bushido II is more like a classic trail running shoe that almost makes for a better hiking shoe than trail running. But for rugid train that could easily tear-up rubber soles, the Bushido is has a longer lasting sole that could survive a great number of adventures.
SPECS:
- Weight: 298g
- Cushion: moderate
- Traction: aggressive
- Midsole Drop: 6mm
PROS: sturdy exterior and does rip/tear easily.
CONS: stiffer than most other shoes in its class
HOKA ONE Challenger ATR 6
A hearty shoe from Hoka One with less cushion than traditional Hoka shoes. The outer material is of wood quality and construction and does not easily tear and rip. Surprisingly, they are stiff shoes, even after more than 200 miles of usage.
SPECS:
- Weight: 278g
- Cushion: moderate
- Traction: moderate
- Midsole Drop: 5mm
PROS: good quality lightweight shoe that doesn’t rip/tear easily.
CONS: stiff ride.
Water Purifiers for Trail Running
I drink A LOT of water while trail running because a lot of fluids greatly increases the longevity of the muscles. More water means less knots and less cramping. Initially, I’ve chosen lightweight filters such as the MSR Trail shot and the squeeze bag filters, but most lightweight filters I’ve tried eventually wear out. Though heavier, I’ve become a huge fan of the GRAYL.
KEY FEATURES I LOOK FOR:
- Quality of materials and construction
- Comfort and Fit
- Accessibility and Features
- Weight and size
SAWYER Micro Squeeze Water Filtration System
I’ve used this filter on more trips than any other filter. One bag survived a lot of use over 18months before the bag ruptured and became useless. It’s lightweight, compact, and relatively quick to use.
SPECS:
- Weight: 70g
- Output: 1.7 liter per min.
- Type: squeeze bag
- Removes: Protozoa and Bacteria
PROS: lightweight, compact, longevity
CONS: lasted a full year after regular use. Bag eventually sprung a leak.
MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter
This was a great filter for a while. But then it became more resistant to use until the time it took to pump one liter was no longer worth the effort to use. The hand squeeze method is tiresome to use.
SPECS:
- Weight: 147g
- Output: 1 liter per min.
- Type: squeeze
- Removes: Protozoa and Bacteria
PROS: very lightweight and compact.
CONS: clogs easily, filter rate slows to 10x longer than the specs describe.
KATADYN BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle
This and the Sawyer work the same way. The Katadyn is also lightweight, but in time the bag will also begin to leak.
SPECS:
- Weight: 65g
- Output: 2 liters per min.
- Type: squeeze bag
- Removes: Protozoa and Bacteria
PROS: lightweight, sturdy bag, compactable
CONS: bags develop leaks after heavy usage and become useless.
GRAYL 16oz Ultralight Compact Purifier
Ideally, I prefer to save weight when trail running and backpacking, but this pump is so efficient, quick-to-use, and reliable. I’ve found this to be my new favorite filter when venturing into the unknown because I want a filter I can depend on and is quick-to-use.
SPECS:
- Weight: 309g
- Output: 2 liters per min.
- Type: press bottle
- Removes: Protozoa, Bacteria and Viruses
PROS: very fast and reliable pump, good quality, durable, and did I mention, fast?
CONS: heavy and bulky
Snacks & Supplements:
After trial and error from testing multiple snacks and supplements, I’ve settled on a handful of favorites. These supplements are just that, supplements. For long adventures, I’d never rely on any of these solely without at least some sort of real food in between. Bust for supplements that help you push your limits, these favorites work great!
Keep in mind that everyone is different and that these are supplements that work best for me. I suggest a systematic approach of trial and error to anyone wishing to find the best supplements that work for them. And be smart about it. Test this stuff during small adventures, first; the kind where you won’t be dependent on them if they don’t work right.
KEY FEATURES I LOOK FOR:
- Quickness of the effects.
- Duration of the effects.
- Post-effects symptoms.
- Amount of usage before requiring real food.
- Weight and size
CLIF Bloks
These have always impressed me. I prefer the ones with a little caffeine to give me a jolt of energy when I’m feeling tired. They are easy to store, quick to digest, yummy, and the full package keeps me going for up to 2hrs of consistent activity.
SPECS:
- Weight: 60g
- Calories: 100
- Caffeine: yes
- Type: chewable gummies
PROS: Has almost immediate effects. Great pick-me-up!
CONS: Usage varies with the individual, but I can’t eat more than 3-4 of these without some real food in between.
CLIF Energy bars
More filling, more substantial, lightweight, delicious and keeps the stomach from feeling that horrible empty feeling after relying on supplements for an extended period of time.
SPECS:
- Weight: 68g
- Calories: 20-50
- Caffeine: no
- Type: granola bar
PROS: Better and more substantial than most other quick supplemental “foods.”
CONS: none that I’ve encountered.
TAILWIND Endurance Fuel
I’m still impressed with how much Tailwind completely changes my attitude after slamming 16 ounces of this stuff, particularly when I’ve already moved a lot of miles and still have a lot of miles to go. But like the Clif Bloks, I do need some real food in between doses of this stuff.
SPECS:
- Weight: 27g per scoop
- Calories: 100 per scoop
- Caffeine: no
- Type: drink powder
PROS: tastes refershings, and works great.
CONS: Don’t put this stuff in your regular water bladder or it will junk that bladder faster.
SALTSTICK Electrolyte Caps
Before fluid supplements and supplement snacks, there were salt tablets. Electrolytes in the simplest forms. They are easy to carry and work efficiently when in powder form to replace the key important minerals lost from lots of seating, sodium, potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D.
SPECS:
- Weight: 1g per capsule
- Calories: 100 per scoop
- Caffeine: no
- Type: capsules
PROS: lightweight, simple, works great.
CONS: none that I’ve encountered
Trail Running Essentials:
For the long-distance adventures where you sometimes find yourself off-the-grid, the following gear can be very handy and helpful in making your adventure more fun, and more safe.
KEY FEATURES I LOOK FOR:
- Quality of materials and construction
- Comfort and Fit
- Accessibility and Features
- Weight and size
ALTRA Trail Gaiters
These Altra’s and the Dirty Girl’s are nearly identical except the Altras have the extra velcro (underneath and on top) on top to fit into the Velcro clip in the back of Altra shoes.
SPECS:
- Weight: 37g
- Material: breathable and abrasion resistant
- Type: light protection
PROS: lightweight, stretchy, effective protection
CONS: Shoes have to be removed to take them on and off (But they are so lightweight, you’d never need to remove them.).
SALOMON Trail Gaiters High
When I know an adventure is going to be more technical and include some off-trail running, these gaiters are fantastic. I especially like the ankle pads for extra protection with rocks, which happens more often than one might expect. I keep these ones handy if an ADventure is expected to have more hiking, scrambling, climbing involved.
SPECS:
- Weight: 138g
- Material: breathable and abrasion resistant
- Type: heavy protection
PROS: Excellent ankle protection from rocks. Can be added/removed without taking shoes off. Even feels like it adds stability to any shoe.
CONS: heavier and a little bulkier.
DIRTY GIRL Gaiters
I’ve had a pair of these for five years now (Navy Camouflage) and worn them on countless runsand likely more than 1000 miles of running use and abuse. I got my first tiny hole in one of them when it snagged on a blackberry bush and the tear has not increased. They are made to last.
SPECS:
- Weight: 34g
- Material: breathable and abrasion resistant
- Type: light
PROS: lightweight, stretchy, effective protection
CONS: Shoes have to be removed to take them on and off (But they are so lightweight, you’d never need to remove them.).
REI CO-OP On The Trail Sun Sleeves
These are excellent for a little extra protection against the elements if you don’t want to wear a full long-sleeve top. These are great protection against random bitter wind chills, intense sunlight, thick foliage, and very comfortable.
SPECS:
- Material: 92% polyester/8% spandex
- UV-Protective Fabric: Yes with UPF Rating of 5
PROS: lightweight, stretchy, effective protection
CONS: none
GARMIN Forerunner 945
I have used Garmin products most of my life and if there is one word I could use to describe them, it’s Dependable. And when you’re off someplace far from civilization and without cell reception, being Dependable is the most important feature of any product you use.
The 945 has a remarkable battery life that has proven itself in GPS mode for up to 4 full 12-hr days. And with music playing, up to 15-hrs of life with 20% remaining! I love all the new functionality Garmin offers in allowing a user to customize everything from display settings, feature settings, to workouts…you can truly make this watch work for your style of Adventuring and use!
SPECS:
- Music: Stores up to 1000 songs.
- Very Customizable
- Tracks EVERYTHING!
- Battery Life: Anywhere from 12hrs to 2 weeks.
- Water Resistant
PROS: Music, Bluetooth, Customizations, Tracking, and Garmin Connect
CONS: battery will die eventually–already looking the solar cell versions such as the Fenix 7X
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Headphones
Bose, Beats, Apple, Jabra, Philips, JBL all make great headphones, but NONE of them make great workout headphones. Take my word for it: THE BEST workout headphones on the market are the OpenRun Pro by ShoKz (Formally, Aeropex by Aftershokz).
My gear takes a lot of abuse, and these SHOKZ headphones have survived extreme cold and extreme heat, rain, snow, and above all else, the test of time and abuse. They are a very reliable and smart design that keeps your ears open so you can still hear while using them. And they come with a 2-year warranty unlike many of the alternatives out there.
SPECS:
- Weight: 379g
- Battery Life: 10-hr
- 8th gen Bone Conduction tech
- Water Resistant
- Lightweight & comfortable
- VERY compatible Bluetooth tech
PROS: Design, Quality, Durability, doesn’t clog ears, GREAT sound, GREAT for phone calls, dependable, and the warranty.
CONS: expensive
GARMIN InReach Mini 2
I have used Garmin products most of my life and if there is one word I could use to describe them, it’s Dependable. And when you’re off someplace far from civilization and without cell reception, being Dependable is the most important feature of any product you use.
I’m so impressed with how well this little device connects and transmits two-way texting. I’ve been in some very narrow gorges/canyons 2000ft below rims and it still picks up a connection to transmit and receive.
Thank you Garmin for helping me stay connected with my crews for all the times when the unexpected happens and then inevitable delays follow.
SPECS:
- Weight: 99 grams
- Two-Way Messaging
- Waterproof
- Battery Life: up to 14 days
- Smartphone Integration
PROS: Battery life, two-way messaging, size and weight, Dependability
CONS: Requires cell phone integration for easier use with messaging. Small screen and functionality
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .3 Medical Kit
Excellent ultra-light and water-tight med kit for the occasional injuries that can happen while out on the trails.
Stop blisters before they start with moleskin, a reliable dressing that reduces friction; kit includes 14 die-cut pieces, shaped to fit common problem areas. Includes specially designed forceps to remove ticks or splinters. After Bite® wipes with diphenhydramine help treat minor allergic reactions to bites and stop itching. Manage pain and illnesses with medications for inflammation, pain and common allergies.
SPECS:
- Weight: 66 grams
- Ultra-light
- Waterproof
PROS: light-weight, includes: tick removal forceps, anti-inflamatories, foot care.
CONS: Very basic bare essentials for emergencies.