On-trail objectives offer a wide variety of style, speed, terrain, season, and duration. You can thru-hike a single route for months. There are fast and light runs that make you feel like you’re flying, and slower, longer runs that require more gear and cover huge swaths of terrain. Winter hikes. Summer alpine traverses. Gear for daily movement. The list goes on. With each type of objective, you can choose the type of gear that best suits your style of movement, your goals, and the type of terrain you are moving through. A running vest-informed daypack and trail running shoes with extra sticky rubber may be the right choice for a technical, scrambly ridge traverse, while a short day hike may call for more cushioned shoes and a lightweight waist pack.

The best trail running and hiking gear protects you from the elements, doesn’t add unnecessary weight, and offers breathability and optimized temperature regulation so you can stay comfortable in a variety of conditions while putting in strong efforts. That requires trail running apparel and hiking gear that’s made of the most technical fabrics out there — like durable GORE-TEX PRO ePE and breathable Fortious Air 20 — with innovative construction that maximizes product benefits while reducing worn weight.

Whether you’re layering up in cold-weather tights and technical fleece for a winter hike through the snow or opting for lightweight gear that gives you that ‘wind at your back’ feeling on your next mountain run, choosing the right trail running gear and hiking accessories is key.

What essentials does every trail objective require?

Every hiker or trail runner should be equipped with comfortable, technical clothing that protects them from the conditions, whether it’s snow, wind, rain, or sun. That could mean wearing UPF clothing that helps protect from UV rays, a waterproof, windproof jacket for changing alpine conditions, or loose-fitting shorts and tops that offer breathability during high-output objectives. Synthetic fabrics offer more technical benefits, like water-resistance and lightness. Well-fitting trail shoes with grippy, lugged outsoles and a pack to carry emergency essentials (even on a short outing) like water, a layer, food, and a phone are essential for the trail.

Why do trail runners wear vests?

Trail packs and running vests that fit close to the body, offer easy-to-access storage, and are more streamlined than backpacks make running on the trail (where you are often self-supported) with all the essentials you need more efficient. With the vest-style fit, these packs reduce the wobbling, bobbling, chafing, uneven weight distribution, and discomfort that sometimes accompany backpack or waist pack-style carry options for runners. Plus, it’s a major upgrade to be able to access your water, nutrition, and phone without stopping or taking your pack off.