From a collapsible nutrition flask to a GPS smartwatch, these tried-and-true products will make your next trail run a breeze.
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| | | | | | | All the Gear I Used to Run a Trail Race, Including $375 Shoes | Let me start by stating the obvious: No one needs a pair of $375 trail running shoes. One of my favorite aspects of running and trail running—compared to other outdoor activities—is the relatively low cost of entry. You don't need a $150 lift ticket to ride the lifts. There's no $1,500 road bike necessary. Or a $300 tent. For $100 or so, you can own a pair of shoes and shorts and be on your way.
So when I had the opportunity to test the Speedland SL:PDX trail running shoes, I admittedly didn't want to like them. But after about 60 miles, including a trail race in the Santa Monica Mountains, I'm digging these futuristic kicks.
The shoes employ all sorts of newfangled tech to give them an innovative look and feel (and high price tag). Michelin—yes, the tire company with the marshmallow man mascot—made the outsoles, which have cuttable 3-millimeter lugs. A removable carbon plate and midsole amps the customization and responsiveness of the shoes. Dyneema is used for the upper material and stitching of the shoe. And it's all pulled together by a Boa fit system instead of traditional laces.
The result is a speedy, form-fitted shoe that both looks and feels a bit otherworldly. Here are some of the other items I used at the trail race.
- Saucony's Outpace 2.5 Split Shorts: These shorts are lightweight, wick sweat, and have a handy zippered back pocket. I prefer the shortest version of the shorts, but they also come in a 5-inch style. Women's also available.
- Tracksmith Twilight Tee: Like the Outpace shorts, this polyester-elastane blended shirt has everything I love in a running shirt. It's incredibly lightweight, wicks moisture, and dries quickly. It's rapidly become one of my favorite go-to shirts. Tracksmith also has a women's version.
- Garmin Forerunner 55: One of the newest entrants into Garmin's running-focused Forerunner line is the 55. This watch is more basic than others in the line, but it's the ideal racing watch for me. It's small, more lightweight than other Forerunners, and tracks the essentials.
- Swiftwick Pursuit Zero Socks: Swiftwick's Merino wool socks are some of the most comfortable available. These medium cushion and compression socks also feature a seamless toe box, with reinforcements at the heels and toes for boosted durability.
- Headsweats Race Hat: If made wrong, a running hat can be incredibly annoying. The Headsweats Race Hat wicks sweat and shields my eyes from both the sun and rain while being barely noticeable.
- HydraPak SoftFlask 250: This minimalist collapsible nutrition flask is just right for most distances. At 250 milliliters, it's not annoying to carry but holds enough liquid to get you between aid stations.
- Tailwind Endurance Fuel Matcha: Tailwind is about the only fuel I can take while running that won't give me a major stomach bomb. They recently introduced a Matcha flavor to their line and I'm digging it. Tailwinds' Endurance Fuel has a good mix of electrolytes and carbs but also has a lot of sugar. If Matcha isn't your jam, pick from seven other flavors.
Check out some of the roundups below to see what our writers and testers have loved for their own trail runs and other outdoor pursuits.
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