Fall running gear to be thankful for

Best running vest

The crisp temperatures and colourful landscapes make fall the perfect time to get out for some long weekend adventures, but hydration is still important, even in cooler weather. The Salomon Advantage Skin 12 Running Vest is a must for the runner looking for comfortable, hands-free water storage on the go. Made with stretchy, breathable fabrics and a quick-link sternum strap (so you can easily adjust your pack and manage your load), this vest is ultra comfortable and won’t restrict your movement. Not only can you carry up to 2.5 litres of water, the vest contains multiple pockets and stretch compartments to ensure you can carry everything you need with you. With durable and reliable zippers, plus extra features like a safety whistle, this pack is ready to go.

For the runner who just needs a spot to stash their keys

If you don’t need something as heavy-duty as a vest, you still might want an easy way to carry the essentials–phone, keys, credit card, etc. This is where the Nathan Zipster Max Belt comes in. This minimalist belt is made of stretchy, breathable, lightweight mesh for maximum comfort (and no chafing), and offers a storage capacity of up to 1.5 litres and a variety of pocket options to carry everything you need. The pockets are also weather-resistant, so your valuables will stay dry, no matter the conditions.

Best for visibility

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, more and more of us are out running in the dark. Whether you’re fitting your miles in before the sun comes out or after sunset, bright, reflective gear is important for safety. The Nathan Streak Reflective Vest is super lightweight and comfortable, while providing 1,200-foot visibility (366-metre) and 360-degree reflectivity. Not bright enough for you? The vest features attachment points for other LEDs, so drivers and other pedestrians will see you coming.

Best smartwatch

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is an advanced GPS watch designed for runners who aim to achieve peak performance while prioritizing health and wellness. With a state-of-the-art AMOLED touchscreen display and lightweight titanium bezel, this watch offers superior functionality for training, racing and navigation, including full-colour maps and multi-band GPS. Equipped with safety features like incident detection and emergency contact notifications, as well as sleep tracking, recovery monitoring and personalized workout suggestions, the Forerunner 965 is a comprehensive tool for optimizing training and performance. With the ability to switch between sports seamlessly, customize profiles, track running dynamics, and enjoy phone-free music playback, this premium watch ensures an unparalleled running experience. Boasting an impressive battery life of up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, the Forerunner 965 is a reliable companion for even your longest runs.

Most versatile running gear

For those chillier fall days, the Merino Wool Lightweight Buff is just the thing you need to provide a little extra ear and head coverage. Not as thick or heavy as some of the brand’s other options, the lightweight Buff is perfect for fall temperatures, and the soft merino wool fabric is so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Moisture-wicking, odour-resistant and water-repellent, it’s got you covered for all sorts of weather. Like all Buffs, it can be worn in 12 different ways to provide the extra coverage wherever you need it–with one of these, you may not need any other fall headgear.

Best for visibility

See and be seen–that’s the goal of any runner when they’re out in low-light conditions. The Petzl Actik Headlamp provides up to 450 lumens of brightness with five different modes, providing two hours of light even on its highest setting. The centre-mounted pivot allows you to aim the light up or down, and the reflective strips along the headband make you more visible to others. The dual sliding buckle system makes this lamp quick and easy to slide on, and the dark reflector ring helps you find your lamp easily when you’re rummaging around in the dark (especially important for those early risers who are trying not to disturb their housemates). The lockout mode ensures that when you no longer need the lamp, the light won’t accidentally turn on in your bag and run down the battery, and the white storage pouch doubles as a diffusing lantern, so you can always get the right amount of light when you need it.

Best jacket

When the weather takes a turn, you’ll be thankful for this jacket! The Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket will have you prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you, thanks to its DriLayer® Seal fabric 2/5L waterproof construction and taped seams. It has vents that allow for breathability without letting any water in, and the lightweight design makes it easy and comfortable to run in. The jacket is also designed with extra space in the back, so you can wear it over a small backpack if necessary, and the fitted hood keeps rain from running down the back of your neck. The hood also features a supportive visor, which not only keeps the rain out of your eyes, but is the perfect place to put a headlamp if you’re running in low light conditions.

Best water bottle

If a running vest is overkill for your lunchtime jog, but you don’t like wearing running belts, you’re going to be very thankful for this handy accessory. The Nathan Quick Squeeze Lite holds up to 18 ounces (532 ml) of water–just enough for a shorter, mid-week run. The bottle is insulated with a double wall to keep your fluids cool for longer, and the ergonomic shape with the no-slip grip makes it comfortable to carry. Users love the ultralight design, and the push-pull blast cap dispenses the perfect amount of water with every squeeze.

Best recovery tool

If you’ve been training for any fall races, you’re definitely going to be thankful for this foam roller. The TriggerPoint brand is trusted by runners everywhere, with good reason. The Grid Roller is the brand’s original design, featuring a hollow-core centre with multiple foam densities and textures across its surface to mimic a massage therapist’s hands. At only 33 cm long and 14 cm wide, this handy tool can be stashed away when not in use, and the shorter length makes it versatile enough to be used on multiple body parts, including calves, quads, back, lats and just about anywhere else that needs some TLC.

For comfortable phone-carrying

If you’re a minimalist runner who prefers to avoid running belts and fanny packs, but who still wants an easy, comfortable way to carry your phone on runs, the Nathan Super 5K Armband is for you. With a next-to-skin, smooth-fitting feel, this band fits the majority of Androids and iPhones. The neoprene sleeve will keep your phone dry when in wet weather, and the reflective details offer extra safety during low-light conditions.

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