The sun is shining and it’s time to hit the trails.
If a trail run seems like a daunting task, we’re here to help you navigate your way to a new fulfilling hobby or sharpen your existing knowledge.
Let’s consider what you’ll need to take on the trails on Sunday or participate in the race you’ve always been dreaming of.
Trail Running Essentials
- Outer shell Jacket
- Thermal Baselayer (Tops & Bottoms)
- Safety Blanket
- Whistle & First Aid Kit
- Extra Food
- Cellphone
- Hat
- Hydration Backpack
- Trail Running Shoes
- Additional Trail Running Apparel
Outer Shell Jacket - You’re going to need the right layers for the conditions you’ll be running in. An outer shell jacket protects you against the elements and keeps your thermal baselayers and clothing dry. Our X-trail Jacket protects you against not only the wind but also moderate rain. Don’t let foul weather keep you off the trails. Tackle your next rainy mountain run with confidence.
Thermal Baselayers - The base layer acts as a layer against the skin that traps the body heat. Our baselayer tops have Quic-wic mid-weight Bamboo fabric that wicks away sweat to prevent your muscles from getting cold. It also has UV protection and anti-bacterial properties for those long days on the trail.
Ladies Polypropylene Baselayer Long Sleeve Yop
Space Blanket - Trail runs are not for the faint of heart and often take place in remote areas. Whether participating in the Dryland Traverse or running the Otter trail - you’ll need the essentials to keep you safe in case something goes wrong. One of these essentials would be a space blanket to trap body heat.
Whistle - A whistle acts as a way to alert authorities or rescue personnel when the day takes an unexpected turn.
Extra food - This is up to your preference, but it is advised to carry foods that are light and provide electrolytes to fuel you in the race/run e.g. energy gels. It should also preferably be easy to consume while on the go and fit into your hydration pack or belt.
Cellphone - You might not have signal everywhere (depending on the location of the run), but it is always a good idea to have a way to contact emergency personnel when needed, for you or a fellow trail runner. If you can, consider taking a small power bank with you to charge your phone if needed.
Hat - The sun can be extreme in the South African summer. Make sure to always look at the weather forecast before heading out and to cover up and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Dehydration and sunstroke can lead to dangerous situations. Explore our range of running hats and arm protectors.
Headlamp - No need to stumble in the dark. If your race takes longer than expected, you’ll be ready to light the way.
Hydration Pack & First Aid Kit - The hydration pack or soft flasks/bottles are some of the most important pieces of equipment for trail running. The hydration pack straps onto your back and contains a hydration bladder. The bladder can be refilled at different checkpoints of the run or race (depending on the race aid stations and distance). The hydration pack also carries other essentials like first aid kits and in-race nutrition.
Trail Running Shoes - Hoka South Africa makes some of the world’s best trail running shoes that ensure you perform at your best, whilst being comfortable enough to keep going when the going gets tough. Cutting-edge technology and extreme personalisation make it easy to get the right shoe that fits your foot like a glove and gives you stability on some of the toughest terrains. Make sure you get the right shoe for what you want to achieve.
- Hoka shoes are not only highly cushioned but also lightweight and breathable with inner heel supports and Meta-Rocker technology
- Features premium lightweight and breathable GORE-TEX that keeps your feet dry in a variety of weather
- Water-resistant mesh uppers that offer wearability in a variety of conditions
- 3D printed overlays provide additional midfoot support and lockdown for a more secure feel
- Gusseted tongues feature hydrophobic properties and cutouts for breathability
- The midsoles also feature new lightweight foam for a more responsive ride
Trail Running Apparel - You need trail running apparel that helps you perform at your best.
X-Trail Running T-shirts - The X-Trail running tee is the ideal lightweight tee for conquering your next trail run. Made with Polygiene® permanent odour fabric technology, this tee will keep you fresher for longer on the trails. The design and construction allow for optimal freedom of movement, making it the ideal running tee for your next mountain run.
X-Trail AR-X 6” Running Shorts - Our most technical pair of running shorts, made from durable, 100% Nylon Enduro fabric with a DWR finish to ensure your shorts dry quickly while maintaining their lightweight properties, no matter the conditions. Additional storage pockets around the waist ensure that you are prepared for any challenge ahead. The ideal pair of trail shorts to tackle your next mountain run.
X-Trail Running Tights (Long & Short) - Designed with Tevole Elastane-based moisture management fabric, which ensures you stay comfortable no matter the distance. Additional stash pockets offer storage space for energy gels and other essentials, while flat-locked seams provide a chafe-free fit for your best trail run yet.
Men's X-Trail Short Running Tights
X-Trail Grid ¼ Zip Fleece Tops - This top is a trail race-approved fleece made from lightweight Therma-Pro fabric. It offers you all of the warmth without the bulk of traditional fleece and is packable into its chest pocket, making it the perfect lightweight fleece to keep in your hydration pack during any race. The shaped collar offers additional sun protection so you can focus on tackling those trails with confidence. Reflective trims for increased visibility and ThermoPro< technology.
Men's X-Trail Grid 1/4 Zip Fleece Running Top
X-Trail Running Jackets - Don't let foul weather keep you off the trails. Run cool, dry and protected in light rain conditions with the X-Trail lightweight jacket. Sporting underarm ventilation to maximize your breathability when your body temperature starts to rise. Effortlessly fits into a hydration pack when folded, leaving you with no excuses or distractions on your next mountain run. Reflective trims will see to it that you remain visible during low light conditions, while the volume control hood provides a full range of movement while keeping you dry. Tackle your next rainy mountain run with confidence in this trail essential.
Additional Considerations
Trail running is very different to running on smooth roads. You need to pace and condition yourself to get used to the variety of new terrains that you will be running on. Finding your rhythm is also a lot harder because you’re constantly changing your running style to adapt to the environment around you. It’s technical and can potentially be dangerous. However, experiencing everything the outdoors can offer, whilst putting energy into something healthy can truly satisfy the soul.
Most trails have sufficient directions, but it is advisable to have some form of navigation with you when you venture into the unknown. Make sure your gear is prepared correctly from the start for you to be able to focus on the task at hand and minimize adjusting gear while on the move. If you are going to be running on very tough terrain, it might not be a bad idea to invest in a pair of Ibex II trekking poles to give you stability when climbing those long ascents whilst staying fast and light on your feet.
Although it may sound like a tough undertaking, don’t overthink it. Take the first step to venture into the unknown, you just might enjoy it.
Click here to read more about the benefits of trail running.
View the whole X-Trail running apparel range here.
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