Best trail running gear for spring 2024

Best for all-day comfort

Smartwool’s Run Targeted Cushion Compression Over the Calf Socks offer a uniquely seamless balance of cushion and compression to help your feet carry you through longer-distance runs.

With 20-30 mmHg of graduated compression, durability zones and breathable mesh patterning in the leg of the sock, these run socks are ready to help you go even farther. Their increased coverage also helps you navigate the trails without your legs succumbing to irritation from thorny branches or rough terrain.

Essential for rough terrain

Whether you find yourself running across gravelly, rainy, snowy, thorny or grassy terrain, Salomon’s Trail Gaiters are built to prevent debris from reaching (and potentially injuring) your feet.

Easy to wear over any trail shoe and made with comfortable elasticity, Salomon’s Trail Gators shield your feet without sacrificing performance.

Best evening run accessory

For your evening trail runs, this mega-bright and feature-rich headlamp from Black Diamond lights the way. Updated with an internal rechargeable battery, the Spot 400-R maintains nearly every feature that made the Spot one of the brand’s most successful headlamps. With six modes that include bright white proximity, bright white distance, dimming, strobe, red proximity and red strobe, a high-quality headlamp ensures you can safely enjoy your trail runs, anywhere, anytime.

Best watch for extensive data

For those seeking a GPS watch whose reliability won’t be compromised by remote trails, Garmin’s Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch is the optimal option. Its Power Glass solar charging lens uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life, powering advanced training features, sports apps, health and wellness monitoring sensors, and more.

Tested to US military standards for thermal, shock and water resistance, it’s a model guaranteed to survive even your most daring trail runs.

Best for all-weather conditions

A shell jacket that simultaneously feels incredibly light, yet cuts through wind and rain like a knife, Patagonia’s Houdini Jacket is the perfect companion for braving the trails through summer showers.

Featuring a slim fit with a slight drop tail for better fit during movement and breathable, durable nylon material, the Houdini is our go-to running jacket when the weather takes a turn.

Most comfortable heavy-duty clothing

Salomon’s technical Cross Run Pants deliver a rare combination of moisture management, gender-neutral fit and versatile storage. Featuring a stretchy woven upper and tighter knit on the calves, the Salomon Cross Run Pants ensure the comfort necessary for longer efforts with plenty of stretch for navigating trails in supreme comfort.

Most essential for unstable trails

Black Diamond’s three-section aluminum pole with Z-Pole technology is ideal for those taking on the roads less travelled. It packs small to easily tuck away when not needed, and is easily stored in most running packs.

Best for carrying heavy-duty gear

Salomon’s ultra-stable XT 20 pack offers exceptional carrying capacity and hydration for long treks.

With a new harness pocket, 500ml soft flask included, increased storage, and improved back panel, Salomon’s all-in-one 20-litre bag is built to help you maintain pace and secure your gear on any terrain.

Best sports-style crossover

Made from the same patented technical mesh that Arc’teryx uses in its Konseal harness, this cap breathes well for hot summer runs and dries quickly. Designed in a classic five-panel silhouette, Arc’teryx has produced yet another hat that performs exceptionally well on hard efforts while boasting a subtly stylish design.

Best value GPS watch

For those searching for a simple, cost-effective and dependable GPS watch to accompany them on their trail runs, Garmin’s Forerunner 55 is the perfect option.

With up to 20 hours of battery life in GPS mode (and two weeks of battery life when smartwatch mode), the Forerunner 55 delivers the tracking and fitness data needed to track your trail runs without breaking the bank.

Best for warm-weather runs

Made with exceptional breathability to brave your summer trail runs, Salomon’s Outline T-Shirt features seamless shoulders to minimize chafing during speedier sessions. If your trail runs include a pack, Salomon has also added a more robust polyamide material where the straps lie, to guarantee a light, comfortable fit.

Best for everyday run use

Built for your everyday road runs, trail sessions, track workouts or whatever else you might have on the training schedule, with an essential dose of utility, Patagonia’s Multi Trails Shorts are made from lightweight fabric that breathes, wicks moisture, and moves comfortably.

With ample pockets for light storage, loose fit and quick-drying material, the Multi Trail Shorts are everything you could ask for in an everyday running essential.

Best for carrying lightweight gear

Noticeably lighter and more compact than the aforementioned XT 20 Hiking Bag from Salomon, the Cross 8 Backpack is a more versatile alternative for shorter trail expeditions.

With an impressive 8L of carrying capacity, the Cross 8 is made to feel light and fast without being weighed down, combining stability, intuitive adjustments and lightweight comfort.

Products reviewed in this article: