Best Trail Running Gear for Summer

Trail running comes with some unique gear requirements for ideal comfort and safety. From water-repellent socks to comfortable hydration systems, performance sunglasses and more, here's a list of the best trail gear for the summer.

Trail running is a bit different from regular running in terms of the equipment you'll need. The more challenging the path, the more having the right gear can be the difference between an enjoyable experience and a difficult or even potentially dangerous one.

More: 5 Reasons to Try Trail Running

The basics include a hydration belt, fanny pack, GPS or heart-rate watch. Here are some of the best trail-specific buys you'll find for hitting the dirt this summer.

Gear Suunto Ambit

The Suunto Ambit provides everything you need to navigate the trails this summer. A wrist-top device that incorporates a GPS, accelerometer, barometric altimeter, 3D compass and optional heart-rate monitor, it's also water-resistant up to 100 meters.

The Ambit gives you 15 hours of battery life when it's set to find your location every second—you can adjust this setting if desired. The GPS and accelerometer work together to give you faster and more reliable speed and pace updates, while the 3D compass helps keep you oriented on unfamiliar trails.
The unit also incorporates Suunto's training effect and recovery time tools to help you manage your training program.

Be warned: The Ambit is pricey, but if you're looking for the best, you'd be hard pressed to find a GPS system with better features or a more resilient design.

CamelBak Ultra LR Vest

By now, everyone knows the importance of staying well hydrated on the run. The CamelBak Ultra LR Vest holds up to 70 ounces or 2 liters of water or sports drink so you can maintain your fluid intake even during the hottest days of the summer.

More: Best Long Run Hydration Habits 

The stylish blue and white vest weighs just over one pound when empty and comes with a PureFlow tube, making it easy to drink on the run. The reservoir is centered on your lumbar region, minimizing lower back strain. It also includes small cargo pockets for keys, cash or a cell phone and is held secure on your torso with dual Slider Sternum Straps.

The reservoir should be cleaned and dried after each use and is not machine washable.

More: 12 Trail Running Tips for the Summer

Drymax Lite Trail Running Socks As much fun as trail running is, it can be a miserable experience if your shoes and feet get wet. The best way to keep your feet as dry as possible is with a pair of socks that wick moisture while combining comfort and blister protection.

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About the Author

Jacquie Cattanach

Jacquie Cattanach is an avid runner and triathlete whose biggest achievements have been 15 marathons and Ironman Canada. She has learned and experienced a lot of trials and tribulations along the way and she loves to write about them in her blog Online Running Gear Blog, where she also researches, reviews and recommends running products such as the Garmin Forerunner 405 and the P90X Workout Review.
Jacquie Cattanach is an avid runner and triathlete whose biggest achievements have been 15 marathons and Ironman Canada. She has learned and experienced a lot of trials and tribulations along the way and she loves to write about them in her blog Online Running Gear Blog, where she also researches, reviews and recommends running products such as the Garmin Forerunner 405 and the P90X Workout Review.

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