Essential Gear for Trail Running: What You Need for Your Next Adventure

If you’ve ever watched an ultralight backpacker breeze past you while you struggle with a heavy pack, you might have wondered if carrying less really does make the hike easier. But is the ultralight approach worth it? Does it come with risks, especially when it comes to comfort and warmth? In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of ultralight backpacking to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next adventure.

What Does ‘Ultralight’ Really Mean?

Before diving in, let’s clarify what ultralight backpacking is. The term “ultralight” is often misused, and you might have heard backpackers claim they’re going ultralight while still lugging around a 65-liter pack packed with extra gear. So, what exactly counts as ultralight?

• Ultralight base weight: 10 lbs
• Lightweight base weight: 17 lbs
• Traditional base weight: 25 lbs

Base weight refers to the weight of your gear, excluding food, water, and fuel. Historically, backpackers used to carry packs weighing between 25 and 30 pounds. Over the years, lighter gear has allowed backpackers to reduce their base weight to 17 pounds or less. The goal for ultralight backpackers is to keep their base weight under 10 pounds, but reaching this target isn’t easy, especially if you’re hiking in less-than-ideal conditions.

Do You Need to Go Extreme?

While aiming for a 10-pound base weight sounds appealing, it’s important to understand that going ultralight requires both experience and the right conditions. If you’re new to backpacking, starting with a lighter setup rather than an extreme ultralight one is a smarter approach. For example, you might upgrade your tent and sleeping bag but still carry extra layers to ensure you’re warm enough. Over time, you can gradually reduce your pack weight as you gain experience.

Benefits of Ultralight Backpacking

Aside from the obvious advantage of a lighter pack, ultralight backpacking offers several other key benefits:

1. Greater Distance and Speed

With a lighter pack, you expend less energy, allowing you to cover more miles each day. This is especially helpful when resupply points are far apart or when you want to carry less food and supplies. The lighter your pack, the faster you can travel, which means you can explore more.

2. Less Strain on Your Body

Carrying less weight reduces the strain on your muscles and joints, especially your back, knees, and feet. A pack that’s too heavy can lead to chronic pain and injury, but keeping your pack light will make hiking more comfortable in the long run.

3. Improved Agility

A lighter pack means you can move more freely and efficiently. You’ll have better balance and agility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrain such as river crossings, steep inclines, or downed trees.

4. Comfortable Footwear

With a lighter pack, you can opt for trail shoes instead of heavy hiking boots. Trail shoes are more comfortable, breathable, and quicker to dry, making them ideal for ultralight backpackers. They also encourage a more natural gait, improving your overall hiking experience.

5. Enhanced Durability of Gear

Many ultralight items, such as packs made from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) or ultralight tents, are actually more durable than their heavier counterparts. These items are designed for strength and reliability while remaining light, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing durability for the sake of weight.

Drawbacks of Ultralight Backpacking

As with anything, ultralight backpacking isn’t without its downsides. Here are the main challenges to consider:

1. High Initial Cost

Ultralight gear can be expensive. For instance, a high-quality down sleeping bag costs between $250 and $400, while an ultralight tent might set you back around $500. Upgrading your gear to meet ultralight standards can easily exceed $1300, which is a significant investment. However, this cost is spread over many trips, and you’ll be saving weight and increasing comfort in the long run.

2. Requires Experience

Ultralight backpacking isn’t for beginners. It takes time to figure out how to choose the right gear that provides enough protection, warmth, and comfort. Experienced hikers often spend seasons refining their setups, learning what works and what doesn’t. If you’re new to backpacking, you might want to start with a lightweight kit and gradually transition to ultralight gear once you’re more familiar with the demands of the trail.

Factors to Consider Before Going Ultralight

Before jumping into ultralight backpacking, take a few key factors into account:

1. Your Current Gear and Budget

Upgrading to ultralight gear is an investment. If you already own lightweight gear, replacing a few pieces (like your tent or pack) might be all you need to achieve a 10-pound base weight. But if you’re still using heavier gear, like a synthetic sleeping bag and a self-inflating pad, getting ultralight gear may require a larger budget and more gradual upgrades.

2. Solo vs. Group Hiking

If you’re hiking with a partner, you can share gear like a tent or stove, which reduces your individual load. Sharing a two-person tent, for example, allows you to halve the weight of your shelter. On solo hikes, however, you may need to focus more on cutting weight from your own kit, which means opting for lighter shelters like trekking-pole tents or tarps.

3. Weather Conditions

Your gear choice should always match the conditions you’ll encounter. If you’re heading out in good weather, ultralight gear may be sufficient. But for colder or wetter conditions, you’ll need to ensure you have enough protection, even if it means carrying a bit more weight. Always check the weather forecast closely before your trip and adapt your gear accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Ultralight backpacking offers a world of benefits, from lighter packs to improved agility, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. If you have the experience and the budget, it can transform your hiking experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient. However, if you’re new to backpacking or plan to hike in harsh conditions, starting with a lighter kit might be more suitable. Regardless of your approach, the key is finding the balance between comfort, safety, and weight reduction to create a pack that fits your needs. Happy hiking!

Making the transition from road running to trail running is an exciting journey, though not without its challenges. The terrain can be technical, the trails are often remote, and the outdoor culture may feel foreign. However, with these 16 practical tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the trail and improve your experience.

Focus on the Trail

While the natural surroundings may be breathtaking, it’s important to keep your eyes on the trail ahead. Avoid looking down at your feet, and instead, scan four to five feet in front of you. This helps you anticipate obstacles such as rocks, roots, and dips in the trail, allowing you to adjust your stride accordingly and maintain your momentum.

Take Short, Quick Strides

Shortening your stride is key when navigating uneven terrain. It helps you stay balanced, makes it easier to clear obstacles, and reduces the risk of injury. Quick, short steps also ensure that you don’t waste energy on a heavy heel strike, making each stride more efficient. This technique promotes forward motion while conserving your energy.

Use Your Arms for Balance

Much like balancing on a beam or slackline, your arms play an essential role in maintaining stability on technical sections of the trail. Keeping your elbows out or your hands extended can improve control as you move through challenging terrain. Practicing this technique on rocky or uneven trails will help you stay steady. Incorporating balance exercises into your routine can also be beneficial.

Monitor Your Pace

Getting to know your average pace on different types of terrain is valuable. It helps you gauge how long it will take to complete new runs and plan accordingly, especially when running in the late afternoon. If you don’t want to invest in an expensive sports watch, using a fitness app like Strava can track your times at a fraction of the cost.

Hike Steep Hills

When faced with a steep, technical hill, consider walking or “power hiking.” On longer runs, especially during races, hiking uphill conserves energy for when you need it most. Most ultra-runners hike up the inclines and run the flatter sections, so don’t feel pressured to keep running if it’s not the most efficient choice.

Switch to a Midfoot Strike

While heel striking isn’t inherently bad, switching to a midfoot strike can improve your control and stability on trails. This strike pattern helps you make better contact with the ground, which can enhance your grip and ability to handle uneven surfaces. If you decide to make the switch, it may take some time to adjust, especially if you’re changing to zero-drop shoes.

Work on Balance and Strength

Trail running requires agility for jumping, sidestepping obstacles, and balancing on narrow paths. Strengthening your core and working on your balance will help you navigate these challenges more effectively. Incorporate exercises like lunges, planks, and squats into your routine to build the strength you need for these movements.

Prioritize Rest and Nutrition

Rest and proper nutrition are vital for effective recovery. Without adequate sleep, rest days, and a balanced diet, your body won’t recover properly, which can lead to fatigue and injury. Ensure you’re eating enough calories to fuel your runs and allowing your body the time it needs to rest.

Hydrate Properly

Dehydration is a common cause of poor performance in trail runners. Aim to drink about a liter of water per hour, though this can vary depending on the temperature and level of exertion. Don’t forget to replenish electrolytes as well. Carry rehydration salts if you aren’t using a sports drink, and if you plan to refill at natural water sources, always have extra salt tablets on hand.

Try Running with Poles

Trekking poles can be a great addition to your trail running gear. They not only help with balance but can also reduce the strain on your knees and hips, especially on inclines. Poles can provide an extra “pair of legs” during your run. Just be sure to select the right poles – those that are too heavy or the wrong length could cause more trouble than they’re worth.

Carry a Blister Kit

Blisters can sideline a trail runner, but a well-packed blister kit can help you address hot spots before they turn into bigger problems. Having anti-chafe cream or blister patches on hand can prevent irritation, and if a blister forms, having the necessary tools to drain and dress it can keep you going.

Stay Motivated by Exploring New Trails

Running the same trails can become monotonous, so it’s helpful to change things up. Explore new trails, join different groups, or even try night running or fastpacking to add excitement to your runs. You’ll find that variety keeps you engaged and motivated to continue training.

Know Trail Etiquette

Different trails may have different rules, but generally speaking, horse riders have the right of way, followed by pedestrians and cyclists. When approaching other runners, downhill runners should yield to those running uphill, as it’s harder to start climbing after stopping. Be polite and always follow these informal agreements for the benefit of everyone on the trail.

Prioritize Safety

Whenever possible, run with a friend and carry a cell phone or satellite messenger, especially if you’re running in remote areas. Let someone know your route and expected return time for added safety. Be prepared for encounters with wildlife, such as bears or cougars, by knowing how to react if necessary.

Leave Your Stress Behind

Trail running offers a great opportunity to disconnect and let go of life’s pressures. It’s easy to become mentally cluttered, but focusing on the present moment and the act of running can help clear your mind. Embrace mindfulness and enjoy the freedom of a run without distractions.

Leave No Trace

Respect the environment by sticking to marked trails and avoiding unnecessary impact. Don’t step around puddles or obstacles, as this can widen trails and lead to erosion. Always clean up after yourself, including items like orange peels, small wrappers, or toilet paper. If you’re using trekking poles, ensure that their use doesn’t damage the trail further.

By following these tips, you’ll become more confident and capable as you explore the trails. With practice, you’ll develop the skills needed to take on any challenge the trail throws your way. Happy running!