From pensive loops at your local park to awestruck miles above treeline, spending time running on a trail is good for the soul. Whether you’re a road runner looking to expand your horizons, a hiker itching to speed things up or simply new to running in general, we offer a warning: Once you start trail running, you may never want to stop.
Some standard running gear (like what you’ll find in our Essential Running Gear Checklist) can help you get started trail running, especially on light, manicured and easily accessible trails—like in city parks or on rail-trails that run alongside bike paths. However, when it comes to rugged or technical terrain, long trail runs (anything lasting more than an hour) or backcountry trail runs, certain trail-specific options will go a long way toward smoothing your path.
Trail-Running Essentials
For quick recommendations, click below, or keep scrolling for more information.
- Trail-running shoes
- Hydration vest
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Jacket
- Communication device
- Fuel
- First-aid supplies
- Emergency shelter
- Headlamp
Other trail-running gear (apparel, watches and more)
Editor's note: We updated this article on July 30, 2029, to include category shopping links for each running essential.
1. Trail-running shoes
If you’re just dipping a toe into trail running by heading out on groomed trails, a pair of road-running shoes should suffice. Once you’re ready to take the plunge into more rugged terrain, however, using trail-specific running shoes becomes key. The biggest difference between trail- and road-running shoes is the outsole, which provides extra grip and protection on loose and technical surfaces. As with any pair of running shoes, the most important thing is to find a shoe that feels good for your feet, so head to your local REI to get your feet measured and test out a few pairs. To learn more about picking the perfect trail-running shoes, read How to Choose Trail-Running Shoes.
Shop expert-recommended trail-running shoes: Best Trail-Running Shoes: Tested
2. Hydration vest
While handheld water bottles and waistbelts are great options for carrying a bit of extra water and a gel or two, a hydration vest and its larger carrying capacity is a must-have for trail runners who may need to have essentials along, like emergency supplies, extra food and additional layers. The best hydration vest will be comfortably snug to minimize irritating bounciness and have easy-to-reach pockets to keep your most-used items close. There are plenty of features and styles to choose from, so your best bet is to read How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest before heading to an REI store to try them yourself.
Shop expert-recommended running hydration vests: Best Running Hydration Vests: Tested
3. Sunglasses
Even on cloudy days, a pair of sunglasses on your trail runs is a must. Beyond shading your eyes from sun and glare, sunglasses provide protection from windblown debris, dust and even rain. Finding a good fit is nonnegotiable, and you’d also do well to look for features like antifog coatings to keep your vision clear and polarization to cut down on glare. Read How to Choose Sunglasses for more advice.
4. Hat
It may sound incredible, but hats are second only to shoes on many runners’ lists of essential trail-running gear. Like sunglasses, they keep glare, rain and sweat out of your eyes, and they also help to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Running hats should be lightweight, breathable, wicking and quick-drying. And a good fit is essential, so look for adjustability features.
5. Jacket
When trail running in cool weather or light rain, a running jacket can make the difference between a great run and a slog. Depending on the weather, you might prefer your jacket to be thin, breathable and packable for easy stowage, or to have some extra insulation for particularly cold days. Wind resistance and a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to keep you cozy and dry are must-haves for any running jacket. Avoid completely waterproof jackets for all but the most intense conditions—these fabrics trap sweat, potentially leaving you just as soggy inside the jacket as out. Read How to Choose Rainwear for more tips.
Shop more running jackets: When the weather turns warmer and you just need a thin layer to shed wind and light rain, the Houdini Jacket from Patagonia is a great option. Weighing in at less than 3.5 ounces and packing into its own pocket for easy stowage, the Houdini is the definition of everything you need and nothing you don’t. Buy women’s and men’s.
6. Communication device
When your trail running takes you away from civilization, carrying a means of communication is more than just a good idea—it’s an essential. Many popular trail-running areas have reliable cell coverage, making your phone a good option, but for those adventures that take you deep into the backcountry, a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon is a better and more dependable choice. To learn about the differences between the two, and which might be best for your needs, read How to Choose Between a PLB and a Satellite Messenger.
7. Fuel
Keeping your energy up during a run is always a good idea but when you’re out for an hour-plus adventure on trails, it becomes essential. There are a lot of snack choices out there—from running-specific gels and gummies to meal bars and bags of potato chips—and even more information on how best to balance your carb, protein and fat intake. As usual, the best way to find what works best for you and your body is to test a variety of options during your runs. Read our articles on Runners’ Nutrition Basics and What to Eat to Fuel Your (Long) Run to learn more.
8. First-aid supplies
On runs that take you away from civilization, carrying a first-aid kit—as well as knowledge about using it—will enable you to treat minor issues so they don’t become major. Your kit’s size and contents depend on variables like the climate and terrain, how long you plan to be out, and any specific medical needs you may have. For a comprehensive list of first-aid supplies, read our First-Aid Kit Checklist, and to learn more read How to Choose First-Aid Kits.
9. Emergency shelter
Unlike traditional shelters like a tent or bivy, emergency shelters take up minimal space and weigh next to nothing—but their value far exceeds their footprint in your vest. Even the best laid trail-running plans can’t accommodate every eventuality, and if you’re forced to spend an unforeseen night outside, you’ll be glad you carried an emergency shelter. Options range from simple heat-reflective blankets to waterproof bivies that can fit a sleeping bag.
10. Headlamp
Even if your runs are scheduled during daylight hours, carrying a headlamp is always a good idea when you leave paved paths. What separates a decent running headlamp from a great one are brightness, usability and fit. It’s essential to find a model that doesn’t bounce on your forehead as you move—nothing is more annoying than a jostling headlamp. Learn more with our How to Choose Headlamps guide.
Other trail-running gear
There's always more running kit to be had. Check out our gear guides for REI Co-op staff-selected and Member-tested recommendations for running gear.
- More running apparel, like shirts and bottoms: Essential Running Gear Checklist | Cold-Weather Running Gear | Warm-Weather Trail-Running Gear
- Sports bras: Best Running Sports Bras
- Running watches: Best Running GPS Watches
- Gaiters: Best Gaiters
Our Process
To compile this list of running essentials, the author interviewed runners, including REI Co-op Members, consulted REI Expert Advice articles and drew on his own experience as a dedicated road and trail runner. Product recommendations are based on reviews from REI customers and represent some of the latest and most popular running gear offered by REI Co-op.
