Want to Get Into Trail Running? Our Favorite Gear Will Get You Ready to Go Off Road.

Men's Health

Brett Williams, NASM, Ryan Brower

Thu, October 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM UTC

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Thu, October 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM UTC

Running gear including a hydration pack, headlamp, smartwatch, water bottle, and running shoes on a blurred background. — The Best Gear for Your Trail Running Adventures Courtesy brands - Getty Images

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Quick Overview

Nathan Sports QuickStart 3.0 3 Liter Hydration Pack

$60 at nathansports.com

The North Face Altamesa 500 V2

$170 at thenorthface.com

Welcome to the Wild World of Trail Running ! We're diving deep on the races, training tips, and gear you need to know to get outside off paved roads to run a whole new way. Click here for more stories about the trail explosion.

WHEN PEOPLE TALKabout getting into running, there's a sentiment thrown around to the point of cliché: All you need is a pair of shoes.

Sure, that's technically right. But if all you have is a pair of shoes when you venture onto the trail scene, you're not just setting yourself up for a bad time—you might be putting yourself in danger. Due to the demands of the elements, longer distances, and more remote locations, you need a whole lot more than just footwear for long haul trail running. And even if you're just heading to your local park for some off-road miles, there are still things you might need, like a good running vests, headwear, and (of course) fuel.

Thankfully, we have you covered. MH editors hit the trails (including the UTMB and Leadville 100 races in 2026) and put gear to the test. These picks stood out, helping us along as we traversed all those miles. You can use them for your own adventures, too.