2026 Running Report<\/a> from the Outdoor Industry Association found that trail running was one of the fastest-growing segments\u2014not only in running, but in the entire outdoor industry. It grew 6.6% to 17.2 million participants and is up 57% since 2019.<\/p>\nWhile road and trail running may seem like the same activity, they\u2019re quite different when it comes to equipment. The best trail running gear makes the trails safer and more enjoyable. As a runner who has identified as a road runner most of my life, here\u2019s the gear that made my transition to the trails more enjoyable.<\/p>\n
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1. Trail Running Shoes<\/h2>\n The very first thing you need to invest in is a quality pair of trail running shoes. This isn\u2019t just for comfort, but also for safety. Road running shoes are downright treacherous on most trails because they lack the grip and support to prevent slipping, falling, or rolling an ankle. A good trail shoe will increase your confidence and agility, making trail running much more enjoyable.<\/p>\n
Trail running shoes differ from road running shoes in three main areas: grip\/traction, support, and protection. Road shoes have a smooth outsole designed for pavement. That smooth bottom becomes slippery on loose dirt or mud. Trail running shoes come with lugged soles that bite into soft surfaces and stick to rock. The uppers are usually made of a tighter engineered mesh for durability, with additional support built in to better secure the foot and reduce sliding over the undulating terrain.<\/p>\n\nBest For Smooth Trails: The North Face Altamesa 500 v2 ($170)<\/h3>\nIf you\u2019re coming from roads, it\u2019s best to start off on smooth trails with little or no rocks or roots. The North Face Altamesa 500 v2 is one of the best for this type of terrain. With 36 millimeters of foam under the heel, it provides just the right amount of cushioning without becoming tipsy. Four-millimeter lugs grip loose dirt and gravel without getting too bumpy on roads.<\/p>\n
<\/section>\n\nBest For Rocky Trails: Saucony Peregrine 16 ($150)<\/h3>\n(Photo: Cory Smith)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor those brave enough to tackle rockier, more technical trails, the Saucony Peregrine 16 sits lower to the ground for better control and feel. The outsole uses Vibram rubber, the best in the business. It\u2019s less cushioned than the TNF Altamesa 500 v2, but manages rocks and roots much better, and its light weight lets you dance nimbly over obstacles.<\/p>\n
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2. Hydration Vest or Belt\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n No matter how far you plan to run out in the woods, especially in the mountains, it always ends up taking longer than road running because hills, iffy footing, and obstacles slow you down. Having enough fuel and water to handle the extra time on your feet makes the difficulties a lot more tolerable, and the best way to carry it all is in a hydration vest or belt.<\/p>\n\nSalomon Advanced Skin 8 Vest ($115)<\/h3>\n(Photo: Courtesy of REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor runners just venturing into the trails, investing in a quality vest is a must. There are tons of options out there, but vests made specifically for trail running by trail running companies are typically the best. They fit better, reduce or eliminate bouncing, and lay out pockets and storage intuitively. Salomon\u2019s Advanced Skin vest is one of the gold standards for a hydration vest because it sits close to the body and just works.<\/p>\n
<\/section>\n\nNaked Running Band Belt ($55)<\/h3>\n(Photo: Courtesy of Naked)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf I can carry little enough that I don\u2019t need a vest, I will wear a belt every time. Naked is a relatively new company that makes high-quality, well-fitting running belts and vests. The Naked Running Band holds just over 2 liters of gear and can accommodate up to three 500ml soft flasks. It comes in 12 different waist sizes so you can find the perfect fit.<\/p>\n
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3. Watch with Navigation<\/b><\/h2>\n I promise you one thing: if you start trail running, you will eventually get lost. I\u2019ve never encountered a trail runner who hasn\u2019t. It\u2019s a rite of passage. Often it results in just a short detour or backtrack, but a one-hour trail run can easily turn into a three- or four-hour frantic scramble. This does not have to be your destiny if you\u2019re wearing a GPS watch with maps and navigation. These watches tend to be in the $500 to $1000 range. Note, however, that they also have all the features you use for the roads, so if you\u2019re in need of an upgrade, it\u2019s worth considering purchasing a watch with navigation as your everyday GPS watch. Pretty much all higher-end models come with some sort of navigation, so you should check if you already have it built in.<\/p>\n