Trail Running Essentials for the Extra Mile

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One of the beauties of trail running is its simplicity. You don’t need much to get started. However, as you add the miles and the time on trail, gear needs arise. The right outfitting makes all the difference in sustaining your interest, pushing you into new terrain, or going out of your comfort zone and into a larger event or race.

The upgrades begin with your shoes, then extend upward to accessories and apparel designed to boost your body’s comfort and performance, the more you get hooked on endurance running. The good news is that top brands are consistently improving their most popular models, and REI has all your needs covered. Here are our picks for the top running items to inspire your next season on the trail.

Salomon Speedcross 6

The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a trail runner’s shoe. It’s designed for precision, shedding mud, and lasting as long as you do. The Speedcross 6 has a bombproof upper built with a ripstop fabric and anti-debris mesh. The EnergyCell+ midsole is best for runners who want a combination of support and ground feel, and the Mud ContaGRIP outsole with 5-millimeter lugs provides plenty of grip. To learn more about this shoe and why it’s made it into our Best Trail Running Shoes guide, check out our in-depth Salomon Speedcross 6 review.

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Altra Olympus 7

Whether you’re a trail runner or racing ultramarathons, the Altra Olympus 7 is a great choice — even wiser if you want a wide toebox and zero-drop shoe to promote a natural foot-strike. This is a trail-specialist, not a hybrid shoe. To that end, the hook-and-loop tabs allow you to easily attach gaiters. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides traction in dry and wet conditions alike.

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Garmin Forerunner 970

Ultras don’t happen without training, and the Garmin Forerunner 970 can help you get race-ready. In addition to tracking your runs, this lightweight, comfortable GPS watch can monitor heart rate, sleep quality, recovery, training loads, and more. Accurate GPS and offline maps aid training and race-day navigation. And the battery life measures like an ultrarunner: in days, not miles. To learn more about this watch, check out our full Garmin Forerunner 970 review.

REI Co-op Swiftland 3-Inch Mid-Rise Running Shorts – Women’s

Go minimalist with the women’s REI Co-op Swiftland 3-Inch Mid-Rise Running Shorts. As an ultra-lightweight layer, they’re ideal for training and race day alike. The wide waistband gives you four pockets, including one zip pocket in the back large enough for a small phone. With a flattering cut and 3-inch inseam, the shorts are available in XS to 3X to cover different body types and fit preferences.

REI Co-op Swiftland 7-Inch Running Shorts – Men’s

The men’s REI Co-op Swiftland 7-Inch Running Shorts are a dependable choice for runners who value simplicity and function over a quantity of perhaps unnecessary features. The outer lightweight, quick-drying fabric goes over a built-in, boxer-brief liner. Four pockets include one that zips and another with a key loop for your car key, which also fits a credit card and an energy gel. While doable, these aren’t the best shorts for carrying a phone.

REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest

The REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest packs value because, unlike similar products, it includes the 1.5-liter hydration reservoir. The breathable mesh is comfortable and reduces the chances of chafing, and the design and front straps keep the vest from bouncing around. There’s plenty of storage with five exterior pockets and cord loops for trekking poles.

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[Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by REI. Thank you to REI for its sponsorship of iRunFar, which helps to make iRunFar happen and free for all to enjoy. Learn more about our sponsored articles.]

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