Wander list
The best gear for those with feet itching to roam off the beaten path
Shoes are undoubtedly the most important item of specialist kit you’ll need if you’re planning to take your running off-road. But the more you dip into trail adventures, the more you’ll benefit from gear designed to take you safely through long hours and changing conditions. Here’s our pick of trail-specific kit.
01 Oakley Encoder
£210, oakley.com
Quite an investment, but you’re rewarded with an excellent fit and next-level optical performance from the Prizm Trail Torch Lenses, which help you spot sand, rocks, roots and other subtle transitions in ground conditions.
02 Compressport Trail Postural Tank Top
£90, compressport.com
With a tight, chafe-free fit, this tank offers a little extra postural support for those long days on tough terrain. There’s also an integrated storage belt, plus great thermoregulation from the microfibre fabric.
03 Nike Dri-Fit Flex Stride Trail Shorts
£44.95, nike.com
Made using recycled plastic bottles, these shorts are light, breathable and tough, with five pockets, plus waistband loops, delivering the extra storage options you need out on the trails.
04
Montane Trail Armguards
£25, montane.com
With flatlocked seams for chafe-free comfort and silicone grips to hold them in place, these armguards provide protection from the cold – or the sun – when you need it and pack into a pocket when you don’t.
05
Attain TrailWay Cap
£25, attainruncap.co.uk
It’s lightweight, breathable and offers sweat-wicking protection, too. And it’s the only not-for-profit running cap on the planet, with Attain donating 100% of its proceeds to suicideprevention causes.
06
The North Face Race Day Vest
£135, thenorthface.co.uk
Designed with input from The North Face’s pro trailrunning athletes, the fit is secure while the fabric is breathable and quick to dry. The 8L storage capacity takes your fuel and extra kit with minimal weight, and the two soft flasks (included) sit accessibly on the front straps to keep you hydrated.
07 Adidas Terrex Trail Running Shorts
£45, adidas.co.uk
These eco-friendly shorts are made with a blend of renewable and recycled materials – an ideal choice if you’re looking to minimise the footprint left on those beautiful places you’re running in.
08
Gore Wear GoreTex Infinium Stretch Gloves
£44.99, gorewear.com
At a mere 40g, these neon gloves are windproof and water-resistant and have touchscreen conductivity. They’re also thin enough to avoid time-consuming fumbling or having to constantly take them off.
09
Rab Phantom Pull-On Jacket
£155, rab.equipment
You never know when the elements might turn on you, so having a fully waterproof shell, which packs so small and light into your pocket that you’ll forget it’s there until the heavens open, is a very smart move.
10 The North Face Dipsea Gaiter 2.0
£22, thenorthface.co.uk
Whether you need to protect your neck or head from the sun or the cold, this will help you deal with whatever the weather throws at you – and you can wrap it unobtrusively round your wrist when not required.
11
Soar Running Trail Top
£130, soarrunning.com
A premium price gets you premium performance, with multi-fabric construction designed to work perfectly under a trail pack, built-in sun protection, superb breathability, chafedefying minimal seams and taped hems. The full-length zip also offers great ventilation when the mercury climbs.
12
Smartwool Athlete Edition Print Crew Socks
£24.99, smartwool.co.uk
Designed in partnership with Canadian trail and ultrarunning legend Rob Krar, these deliver supreme comfort, breathability and durability when logging big miles on rugged terrain.