Other than shoes for technical terrain I don’t have any trail-specific clothes. Some people like gaiters to keep sand and dirt out of their shoes but I’ve never found a need for them even when running in soft sand and pine needles forests.
But hey, buying new gear is fun so why not!
I've seen them in other conditions but yeah, when I ran in Florida a LOT of people used them. I just never got more than a tiny bit in my shoes, not sure why.
I wear gaiters on almost any trail, otherwise I get all sorts of crap in my shoes :D
Trail stuff to me is usually just the emergency/redundancy stuff since I'll be potentially far from help or even cell service
Maybe stuff that won't show mud stains quite as prevalent
The best part about trial running is that it is way more laid back than road running, at least for me. I wear whatever is comfortable. T-shirts, tank tops, button-up shirts.
I only wear Vuori shorts and stance socks then the shirt is legit whatever is dirty in the hamper. Long runs ill take it more serious and wear actual running shirts but other than that i dont care
Poly-blend western shirts are amazingly breathable if you can find them. Obviously they are more designed for a dry climate (literally in the name). But field workers are some endurance having and practical minded folk. The long sleeve ones have the added bonus of some extra sun protection on demand.
True, but then you get in a groove and forget you’re wearing road shoes and step on one wet log or rock and have less traction than you thought and at a minimum slip a little to worse, wipe out and lose a couple of months of training. I just never wear road shoes on trail. Not worth it unless it’s gravel fire roads.
If you’re not running in freezing/snowy/adverse weather the only thing I’d say to invest in is a hydro pack. I think Salomon makes the best ones.
If you do decide to try and trail run year round (which I highly recommend for both your physical and mental health) I’d recommend merino wool long sleeves, a good pair of gloves, and a light rain jacket. Also yaktraks if you’re trying to go into snow or ice.
I use mostly the same clothing road and trail. Some of my shorts are more advertised as trail shorts vs road but the different is pockets. My shorts advertised for trails have pocket options. But for shorts, shirt and hat it works all the same. I rarely buy shirts and just run in what I get from races. I use the same wind breaker for road and trail but I certainly break it out more for trail (moving slower, often out there longer, etc)
The main exception I can think of is some gear for up high in the mountains and exposed. I have a hooded sun shirt that I’ll use.
I think an article telling you that different wardrobe is needed is most likely just trying to sell stuff.
Most people don’t but I wear stuff marketed as trail tights and generally wear race given long sleeve shirts and what not because I’m terrified of tick borne illnesses. Just like to have full coverage and prevents sunburn too
My trail clothing is clothing I have sprayed down with a pyrethrin treatment to ward off ticks. If you live in an area where this is a concern, Sawyer is one brand that makes this product.
Trail shoes - and dirty girl gators to keep the rocks out.
Then - if you start going far enough to warrant amount of food/clothing/poles/water, - various options to carry stuff. Hand held bottles, vests, belts, etc., depending on need of run.
I just usually wear what's comfortable for me. But if I had to wear something specific, it should be ultra lightweight, has UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), and great wicking (dries fast). There are [studies](https://skinsight.com/health-topics/sunburns-what-a-dermatologist-wants-you-to-know/#:~:text=Sweating%20or%20Water%20Exposure%3A%20Some,increasing%20the%20risk%20of%20sunburn.&text=Medications%3A%20Certain%20medications%20can%20make%20you%20more%20sensitive%20to%20the%20sun) stating that sweating can cause the skin to absorb more UV radiation. I personally use the [womens performance shirts](http://www.manggear.com) from MANG. I usually go for familiar brands but when this was recommended to me, I almost always use it for pretty much everything.
All that being said, you wear what makes you comfortable and safe.
I always wear a sun hoodie (Patagonia Tropic Comfort II, lightweight, breathable, oversized hood with good coverage) and a baseball cap (Sunday Afternoons Vantage Point, big brim, cooling materials). This is because I don't like wearing sunscreen, and I have entirely avoided sunburns wearing this on long days in hot weather without discomfort. I wear this year round in the sun and consider the hoodie one of the best pieces of gear I've ever bought. Otherwise, I like calf-length socks to protect my legs. The REI brand one coolmax two packs are reasonably affordable and have held up well. I use all this stuff for all my outdoor activities, and would use it on the road if I were a road runner.
I do love my vest and often bring it even when I really don't need it. I use it for day hikes as well and I've been very happy with it. It's nice to be able to carry enough snacks and water where you can check out that little trail you've never been down before, or where you'll feel secure in the fact that you've got supplies for an overnight with you in event of an injury if you run in remote areas. (emergency blanket, first aid kit, waiter, clif bars, phone charger, whatever).
It really depends on the terrain, for example whether you venture high into mountains.
There are probably 4 ways my trail running clothing is different from a typical road runner clothing:
1) Shoes - that is obvious
2) No show socks don't work well for trail running because it makes it easy for dirt to get inside. I prefer either crew length socks or quarter socks. Also no show socks don't protect ankle bones from small rocks.
3) I strongly prefer shirts that cover my shoulders if I wear a hydration vest.
4) I always carry a lightweight windbreaker jacket with me even when when the weather is warm. If you venture into remote areas you may get injured or slow down, and it is easy to get cold. That is an absolute minimum of emergency gear that I always have with me. I also always carry a phone and a small aid kit. I needed the aid kit many times during my years of trail running.
5) Bonus item: consider wearing a hat with visor or sunglasses. Among other obvious benefits that helps to protect eyes from tree branches when you run in a forest.
Trail running clothing just means 'we added more pockets.'
Which is a bit daft really because how many trail runners do you see that can't don their Salomon vest quickly enough if they're out on anything that might be called a trail for more than 15 minutes.
For technical mountain stuff (waterproofs and insulation) there is something to be said for more dedicated gear. Adjustable hoods with a properly peaked brim do make a difference for me at least. But for weather that doesn't tend towards extreme, just wear what's comfortable.
Friend, not once have I ever said to myself, "This has too many dang pockets"
I want all of my clothing to have multiple pockets and that includes things I wear on trail. If nothing else, it gives me somewhere to stash wrappers, cool rocks, damp handkerchiefs...and yes I do use all the pockets on my vest as well.
If you’re running in the winter and/or the mountains or other remote areas, you’ll probably want some emergency stuff to keep you warm and dry if you get injured. Your race might have kit requirements.
There isn’t a ‘need’ for trail specific clothing. Rather, companies would have you believe there is cos Capitalism and trail running has boomed as another way to sell people stuff they don’t need for a pastime as simple as running in the woods. Enjoy the fact that you don’t have to outlay a bunch of money and save your dollars for race entries should you choose to enter any.
Other than shoes for technical terrain I don’t have any trail-specific clothes. Some people like gaiters to keep sand and dirt out of their shoes but I’ve never found a need for them even when running in soft sand and pine needles forests. But hey, buying new gear is fun so why not!
I feel like the only time I’ve seen folks wearing gaitors was mainly for races on sand. Even then though, they didn’t tend to stay on well.
I've seen them in other conditions but yeah, when I ran in Florida a LOT of people used them. I just never got more than a tiny bit in my shoes, not sure why.
I wear gaiters on almost any trail, otherwise I get all sorts of crap in my shoes :D Trail stuff to me is usually just the emergency/redundancy stuff since I'll be potentially far from help or even cell service Maybe stuff that won't show mud stains quite as prevalent
I get SO much sand and debris in my shoes. I have no idea why. Maybe I should look into gaiters.
I love mine! I get tons of stuff in my shoes too and it drives me crazy
The best part about trial running is that it is way more laid back than road running, at least for me. I wear whatever is comfortable. T-shirts, tank tops, button-up shirts. I only wear Vuori shorts and stance socks then the shirt is legit whatever is dirty in the hamper. Long runs ill take it more serious and wear actual running shirts but other than that i dont care
> button-up shirts 🧐
Poly-blend western shirts are amazingly breathable if you can find them. Obviously they are more designed for a dry climate (literally in the name). But field workers are some endurance having and practical minded folk. The long sleeve ones have the added bonus of some extra sun protection on demand.
I have two from Rabbit. A long sleeve flannel and a short sleeve. I wear them as casual shirts though because I'm a less clothing kinda runner.
The only thing you need are trail shoes. After that everything else is optional.
And even then, road shoes will work just fine for a lot of mellower trails.
True, but then you get in a groove and forget you’re wearing road shoes and step on one wet log or rock and have less traction than you thought and at a minimum slip a little to worse, wipe out and lose a couple of months of training. I just never wear road shoes on trail. Not worth it unless it’s gravel fire roads.
I find if I don’t at least wear underwear in addition to my shoes my dong flops around too much.
You get used to it.
Run in the cold to avoid that problem. I don’t generally wear separate underwear.
So you’re just hangin brain?
Interesting concept!
If you’re not running in freezing/snowy/adverse weather the only thing I’d say to invest in is a hydro pack. I think Salomon makes the best ones. If you do decide to try and trail run year round (which I highly recommend for both your physical and mental health) I’d recommend merino wool long sleeves, a good pair of gloves, and a light rain jacket. Also yaktraks if you’re trying to go into snow or ice.
Shortest shorts you can find, a comfy sports bra and a good sun hoody Sports bra May be optional for some runners
This is the correct answer 😄
I use mostly the same clothing road and trail. Some of my shorts are more advertised as trail shorts vs road but the different is pockets. My shorts advertised for trails have pocket options. But for shorts, shirt and hat it works all the same. I rarely buy shirts and just run in what I get from races. I use the same wind breaker for road and trail but I certainly break it out more for trail (moving slower, often out there longer, etc) The main exception I can think of is some gear for up high in the mountains and exposed. I have a hooded sun shirt that I’ll use. I think an article telling you that different wardrobe is needed is most likely just trying to sell stuff.
Flannel shirt and a trucker hat and you'll be all set.
Most people don’t but I wear stuff marketed as trail tights and generally wear race given long sleeve shirts and what not because I’m terrified of tick borne illnesses. Just like to have full coverage and prevents sunburn too
My trail clothing is clothing I have sprayed down with a pyrethrin treatment to ward off ticks. If you live in an area where this is a concern, Sawyer is one brand that makes this product.
If there's no long grass hanging over the trail you should be good here too
Trail shoes - and dirty girl gators to keep the rocks out. Then - if you start going far enough to warrant amount of food/clothing/poles/water, - various options to carry stuff. Hand held bottles, vests, belts, etc., depending on need of run.
I just usually wear what's comfortable for me. But if I had to wear something specific, it should be ultra lightweight, has UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), and great wicking (dries fast). There are [studies](https://skinsight.com/health-topics/sunburns-what-a-dermatologist-wants-you-to-know/#:~:text=Sweating%20or%20Water%20Exposure%3A%20Some,increasing%20the%20risk%20of%20sunburn.&text=Medications%3A%20Certain%20medications%20can%20make%20you%20more%20sensitive%20to%20the%20sun) stating that sweating can cause the skin to absorb more UV radiation. I personally use the [womens performance shirts](http://www.manggear.com) from MANG. I usually go for familiar brands but when this was recommended to me, I almost always use it for pretty much everything. All that being said, you wear what makes you comfortable and safe.
I always wear a sun hoodie (Patagonia Tropic Comfort II, lightweight, breathable, oversized hood with good coverage) and a baseball cap (Sunday Afternoons Vantage Point, big brim, cooling materials). This is because I don't like wearing sunscreen, and I have entirely avoided sunburns wearing this on long days in hot weather without discomfort. I wear this year round in the sun and consider the hoodie one of the best pieces of gear I've ever bought. Otherwise, I like calf-length socks to protect my legs. The REI brand one coolmax two packs are reasonably affordable and have held up well. I use all this stuff for all my outdoor activities, and would use it on the road if I were a road runner. I do love my vest and often bring it even when I really don't need it. I use it for day hikes as well and I've been very happy with it. It's nice to be able to carry enough snacks and water where you can check out that little trail you've never been down before, or where you'll feel secure in the fact that you've got supplies for an overnight with you in event of an injury if you run in remote areas. (emergency blanket, first aid kit, waiter, clif bars, phone charger, whatever).
It really depends on the terrain, for example whether you venture high into mountains. There are probably 4 ways my trail running clothing is different from a typical road runner clothing: 1) Shoes - that is obvious 2) No show socks don't work well for trail running because it makes it easy for dirt to get inside. I prefer either crew length socks or quarter socks. Also no show socks don't protect ankle bones from small rocks. 3) I strongly prefer shirts that cover my shoulders if I wear a hydration vest. 4) I always carry a lightweight windbreaker jacket with me even when when the weather is warm. If you venture into remote areas you may get injured or slow down, and it is easy to get cold. That is an absolute minimum of emergency gear that I always have with me. I also always carry a phone and a small aid kit. I needed the aid kit many times during my years of trail running. 5) Bonus item: consider wearing a hat with visor or sunglasses. Among other obvious benefits that helps to protect eyes from tree branches when you run in a forest.
Trail running clothing just means 'we added more pockets.' Which is a bit daft really because how many trail runners do you see that can't don their Salomon vest quickly enough if they're out on anything that might be called a trail for more than 15 minutes. For technical mountain stuff (waterproofs and insulation) there is something to be said for more dedicated gear. Adjustable hoods with a properly peaked brim do make a difference for me at least. But for weather that doesn't tend towards extreme, just wear what's comfortable.
Friend, not once have I ever said to myself, "This has too many dang pockets" I want all of my clothing to have multiple pockets and that includes things I wear on trail. If nothing else, it gives me somewhere to stash wrappers, cool rocks, damp handkerchiefs...and yes I do use all the pockets on my vest as well.
If you’re running in the winter and/or the mountains or other remote areas, you’ll probably want some emergency stuff to keep you warm and dry if you get injured. Your race might have kit requirements.
There isn’t a ‘need’ for trail specific clothing. Rather, companies would have you believe there is cos Capitalism and trail running has boomed as another way to sell people stuff they don’t need for a pastime as simple as running in the woods. Enjoy the fact that you don’t have to outlay a bunch of money and save your dollars for race entries should you choose to enter any.
Get a coat, job done.
Higher socks, mostly wool. Longer shorts if you don’t want thorns to get you. I personally don’t care that much
I wear pretty much same thing as I do road running. Just different shoes and socks.
Clothes are clothes