There are so many different factors and variables to take into consideration when gearing up. The more experience that you build up through trial-and-error, will help you over time to be more in tune with what your specific needs are and what you\u2019ll have to take with you on your run. If you are just getting started, don’t worry, this is the ultimate guide of what to wear and pack for a trail run!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we dig into all the fine details of what to wear on a trail run, let\u2019s first have a look at the Top 5 no-goes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many different factors that come into play when choosing the right clothes for a trail run. With so many different products and gear to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that you don\u2019t need a fancy running outfit to be a good runner. But if you want to ensure that your runs are safe and comfortable there are a few items to consider investing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running gear is usually made from high-tech versions of fabrics such as nylon, wool, and polyester. Running-specific clothes are designed to be lightweight and to move effortlessly with your body. Running technical fabrics are specifically designed to keep you dry and warm (or cool, depending), wick sweat away, and the seams are strategically placed in areas that prevent chafing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Quick Tip Before We Get Into Specifics: <\/strong>When you go on your run, be careful not to overdress<\/strong>. Once you are up and running, your body will quickly warm up. Your extra body heat will make it feel about 15 to 20 degrees warmer than the actual outside temperature. For example, if the temperature is above 55\u00b0F outside, you’ll probably be fine running in a T-shirt and shorts. The exception is if it’s windy or raining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s start with the basic must-haves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Basic Gear For Trail Running<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The key to trail running starts at the bottom- your shoes!<\/strong> Wearing the wrong type of shoe is one of the most common causes of running injuries. You will need a good pair of well-fitted running shoes. For a better experience, you can specifically find running shoes designed for off-road trail running.<\/strong> These are called “Trail Runners”.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s your first time purchasing running shoes, it would be recommended to visit a store with an expert who can evaluate your foot and running style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nope! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve gone trail running many, many times with just my regular running shoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t Did my ankles break? Did I almost die? No… The point is that you can still enjoy trail running with whatever you wear running right now<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Did I wish I had trail runners? Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though it’s possible to go trail running with regular shoes, many times I wish I had the additional support and protection on the bottom of my feet as well as the additional traction. I’ll be clear–these are nice to haves and not mandatory, but they sure make the going less difficult. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing a trail running top it is key to remember that the weather may change while you are out. If you are new to trail running or you don\u2019t want to spend a fortune on specific trail running outfits, then you will be just fine wearing normal running tops. Wear a loose-fitting top, breaths well, and that absorbs sweat quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When going on longer trail runs, layers are important. The weather may turn, and using your clothing to keep you warm or cool comes more in handy than you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this picture, I have my fleece pullover with gloves and a hat over my regular running shirt. If my head got hot I would pocket my hat and if my hands got too warm I’d pocket those as well. This fleece pullover could unzip (or I could take it off and tie it around my waist like it was the 90s or something) and with all those together I could manage my temperature well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your pair of running shorts will need specific features to be suitable to wear while trail running \u2013 these are the key features<\/strong> to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running tights are a great option for cold weather.<\/strong> Compression running tights give extra support and may help to speed up recovery. Picking the right pair of running tights is similar to when you\u2019re choosing the best running shorts and tops for you. Make sure to look at the fabric, fit, and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Socks may seem like a no-biggie to you. But I would highly recommend that you take off your regular everyday socks and buy a pair of socks specifically designed to be worn while hiking or trail running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve found that my regular street socks aren’t padded appropriately and wear thin where I don’t want them to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, try to wear running socks that are technical, sweat-wicking fabric socks <\/strong>that will help keep you comfortable and dry. Look for materials such as nylon, polyester, or wool. The style of the sock is up to you. Many runners choose ankle socks for the summer and higher-rising socks for the winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have hiking socks, these will work great when you’re starting out. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ankle socks work great for me most of the time, although if you’re running in gravel it’s possible for some to lodge into your sock and make you have to stop to fish them out. ugh… that’s the worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re going to be running on trails with a lot of stones, sticks, and debris, then you may prefer socks that are water-resistant<\/strong> and have a bit of padding to help reduce chafing and blisters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The level of support and tightness of a running bra varies from woman to woman. Many women prefer to have more support than not to prevent chafing. When you’re trail running you are going up and down sometimes steep slopes and so your torso may be at all sorts of angles, so it’s good to factor all of that in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A waterproof jacket is essential for excessive cold or windy weather. Even if you aren’t in the rain, it can make a huge difference in how your run goes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do not own one yet, here are a few tips when purchasing one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for deceiving labels such as \u201cwater-resistant\u201d or \u201cweather-proof\u201d.<\/strong> Water-resistant jackets are only able to handle small amounts of light rain, but when exposed to heavy rain it will soak right through, leaving you drenched in rain! Make sure that the label on the jacket says \u201cwaterproof\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy one that is fully waterproof,<\/strong> form-fitting, lightweight, and has a level of breathability.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, if you can find one that has vents so you can let air in and sweat escape, that’s the best of all worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this picture, I’m wearing the fleece pullover that I took on almost all my cold runs, but over the top, I have my Columbia Watertight II rain jacket (got it off of Amazon years ago. They still sell it here<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though it wasn’t raining, the rain jacket kept out the cold air. It has vents as well to let in the air where you need it so you don’t sweat excessively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are getting serious about trail running and want to run in cold or windy weather, a good waterproof jacket is a must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cotton is so controversial when it comes to outdoors wear–and I generally have an unpopular opinion on it. I talk more about Cotton and whether it’s so bad for cold weather in my post here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key takeaway is that no matter what fabric of your base layer or shirt, it won’t matter if you don’t have a waterproof jacket or other protective layers (like a fleece). If you get wet in cold 30-degree weather in a polypropylene shirt and you don’t have a rain jacket, you’re going to feel cold no matter what the fabric is. Worry more about layering correctly rather than if you have the best fabric for your shirt.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All that said, I’ve run in cotton shirts many times (with proper layering), with no negative effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If it is extremely hot outside, avoiding the sun during the hottest time of the day would work better than any apparel. If you have enough guts to face the sun head-on, focus on protection and ventilation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Protect yourself from the energy-sapping and unruly sun by slapping on some sunscreen, wearing a hat or visor, and putting on a pair of sunglasses.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As weird as it may sound, the goal in hot weather is not to stay dry. You\u2019ll be sweating buckets full without any effort. Instead, the goal would be to wear a loose-fitting clothing piece made of a material that doesn\u2019t chafe easily and will easily soak up sweat<\/strong>; allowing the heat and sweat to be transferred away from your skin into the air allowing you to feel a lot cooler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wearing long-sleeved clothing will protect you from the unforgiving UV rays of the sun. A thin, loose, and breathable top is highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"trail-winding-through-woods\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nice-trail-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Not to Wear for a Trail Run<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to Wear for a Trail Run<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trail Running Shoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How are Trail Running Shoes Different from Ordinary Running Shoes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do You Need Trail Runners To Go Trail Running?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"my-foot-in-new-balance-running-shoe-with-hiking-sock\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/RunningShoes-On-The-Trail-edited.jpg\")
<\/picture>Trail Running Shirt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"me-with-wireless-headphones-beanie-fleece-pullover-and-gloves\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/trailrunning-riverbed-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>Trail Running Shorts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Running Tights or Leggings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trail Running Socks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sports bras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Waterproof Jacket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"me-wearing-beanie-fleece-pullover-and-waterproof-jacket-with-snow-trail-backdrop\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/WaterproofJacket-trail-running-snow-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>4 Bonus Features to Keep an Eye Out for in Running Clothes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Excellent Trail Running Fabric Types:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is Cotton Out?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Wear in Hot Summers?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/icy-trail-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FrMIwmUbszP4%2F0.jpg\")