Trail Running
Checklist Essential Equipment For Trail Runners
Unlike long-distance running on flat surfaces, trail running is running on a variety of trails, from roads covered with sand, rocks and mud to grass, streams and slopes. To get through some of the tracks, runners even have to squeeze through dense trees or run through caves. So, to help keep you safe on challenging trails, we've compiled a list of five essential trail running accessories below. The type of accessories you need will depend on the difficulty of the run. If you're new to trail running, you should avoid roads with lots of slopes and choose routes of lower difficulty, with grass, sand or small gravel surfaces, such as stages 5-6 on the Palace run the famous MacLehose in Hong Kong (note the distance shouldn't be too long either).
1. Trail running shoes
Shoes are the most important trail running accessory – the shoes you wear must be able to support your entire body weight, so the shoes must be stable, comfortable and have a good grip. The shoe material must be breathable and provide effective protection, and the heel must also have good ankle support to avoid injury and muscle strain on rough runs.
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2. Backpacks
Avoid backpacks that are too large - a backpack that's only about 10 L is comfortable enough for short and medium distance runs. The backpack must have a compartment for a water bag or two 500ml water bottles and a pair of running poles, as well as an adjustable chest strap design. Should choose a backpack that is small enough to avoid skewing or entangled in trees when you run on narrow roads. The backpack also needs to be waterproof and have a ventilated back – if the material is not waterproof, the contents can get wet even in dry weather, as sweat will seep inside.
3. T-shirt, jacket, pants
Choose a trail running shirt that is airy, has bright colors and, preferably, has shoulder pads so that you can wear your water bag without scratching your skin. Also, don't forget to bring a light jacket to keep you warm while you rest and before/after your run.
For trousers or shorts, you can choose a tight or loose design, but keep in mind that the pants must be made of a friction-resistant and breathable material (especially for men), because of the constant rubbing. Long-distance running can cause significant discomfort. You can also choose some pants that have pockets to hold small items like cell phones or snacks so that you don't have to use a waist belt.
4. Headwear Accessories
As for headwear, on hot summer days it's a good idea to wear a half-cap designed for running to ensure maximum ventilation. On cooler days, you can opt for a regular cap. Avoid cotton caps, as they are heavy and not breathable.
5.Trail Socks
You should choose socks of the right length for the running route. Long socks help protect your feet when running through wooded areas or streams.
Some socks come close to your calves and feature muscle-binding to improve circulation to your legs. But whether you choose long socks or short socks, the most important function is still the ability to absorb moisture to keep the soles of the feet dry and prevent blistering.
And don't forget to try on a new accessory before you start running - there's nothing worse than running a long distance and getting an itch from your clothes or shoes!