So the gift giving season is almost upon us, so I need advise on the most wanted items or most needed items for a trail runner, besides shoes.
My wife and friends are avid long distance trail runners but I have no clue as what their needs are. I just need a water bottle holder and an ipod shuffle and I’m done but I don’t run more than 10k at a time.
Any ideas would be welcomed. Thanks,
Ben
Good headlamp
Patagonia strider pro shorts or any shorts w/ lots of pockets
Hydration vest (I hate them so I use ^shorts and handheld bottles)
Collapsible trekking poles (not sure where you live/run)
Lightweight packable shell, patagonia houdini or similar
Vacation to somewhere with good trials
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My favorite trail running equipment are my Salomon S-Lab 12 Hydration pack. It is big enough to hold arm sleeves, gloves, hat, head lamp, and a light jacket. Plenty of room for nutrition even though the pockets are a little bit tough to open while running, but not impossible. My other piece of gear is my Black Diamond - Sprinter Headlamp. It is really bright, light and has built in red lights in back. For people to see you from behind. Both I use constantly.
Good ideas, thanks. We’re in Southern California so it doesn’t get that cold and the trails are not super technical. Challenges here are lack of water (places where to rehydrate) and dry hot weather.
I personally hate those camel back type hydation systems, but then again, they are making them them less dorky looking.
One of the best accessories I ever bough was a Rapha Pro team lightweight wind vest which I wear practically every time I ride, so I assume a running wind vest would be good but nobody seems to carry any, all the ones I see are those puffy ones you wear when you go to starbucks.
My favorite trail running equipment are my Salomon S-Lab 12 Hydration pack. It is big enough to hold arm sleeves, gloves, hat, head lamp, and a light jacket. Plenty of room for nutrition even though the pockets are a little bit tough to open while running, but not impossible. My other piece of gear is my Black Diamond - Sprinter Headlamp. It is really bright, light and has built in red lights in back. For people to see you from behind. Both I use constantly.
In regards to the Hydration pack. how easy or how hard is to clean the bottle/bladder? I’m really good at cleaning my water bottles, which I hand wash after every use with soap and a brush. My wife “rinses” her bottles then sets them upside down on the counter to dry and then I can see the blue or orange drops of gatorade on the counter, so they aren’t really clean at all. I’m afraid what kind of germs will develop in a bladder that might be more difficult to wash than a bottle. Is there a good way to ensure it stays clean? how often do you replace the bladder/bottle?
Here is a patagonia wind vest, there are a lot of discount codes for RW so you should be able to get 10-15% off.
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/Patagonia_Mens_Wind_Shield_Vest/descpage-PMWSVT1.html
For hot weather, an ice bandana is great, you could make one (not even sure if you can buy them)
https://itsallaboutthevertical.wordpress.com/2016/06/12/how-to-make-an-ice-bandana/
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I like the Salomon bladder a lot better than my Camelback bladders for cleaning because the top of the Salomon has a kind of sliding system where the top folds over then you clip it. Since the entire top opens up it makes it really easy to clean and to refill. Though it is a bit tough getting the straw fed into the pack after taking it out. though I don’t do this often since the straw does unclip from the bladder. The thing I do like about the camel back bladders a bit more is that you can buy these hanging kits that keep the bladders completely open so they always dry out completely. Also the straw position on my Salomon I wish was just a hair better. These days I tuck it under the front clip. Otherwise on really long runs sometimes it will brush up against my neck and gets a tiny bit irritating. Love the pockets on the front. I keep my phone in one and a small baggy for trash in the other.
In regards to the Hydration pack. how easy or how hard is to clean the bottle/bladder? I’m really good at cleaning my water bottles, which I hand wash after every use with soap and a brush. My wife “rinses” her bottles then sets them upside down on the counter to dry and then I can see the blue or orange drops of gatorade on the counter, so they aren’t really clean at all. I’m afraid what kind of germs will develop in a bladder that might be more difficult to wash than a bottle. Is there a good way to ensure it stays clean? how often do you replace the bladder/bottle?
You can buy a cleaning kit for the bladders, comes with brushes and cleaning tablets (https://www.rei.com/product/811816/camelbak-antidote-cleaning-kit). Also, storing it in the freezer will prevent any bacteria/mild growth.
One last thing. I never use anything but water in my bladders because of the germ issue. Nutrition for me is only solids and gels except on the bike. I think bladders are the worst for caloric fluids.
I have often thought that one of those water purifying straws would be nice for when I run out of water on the trail. If you live in a really sunny area, a light-weight cap with removable neck shade is good. Outdoor Research makes a popular one. Something you frequently see trail runners carry is a bandana. They dip them in creeks or fill them with ice at aid stations and tie them around their necks. They serve as a bandage in the event of a fall. They have quite a few uses, so a few of those in bright colors could be good stocking stuffers.
OK, fine. These are all things that I have asked my husband to get me. Maybe he will read this.
My favorite items to have with me for running distance and/or trails:
Buff/bandana…the buff has good versatility.
Patagonia houdini jacket - this thing rules. packs down so small it fits in a pocket, great piece
Good socks - i like smartwool above the ankle cut, but good socks are a huge deal
ultimate direction handheld bottle - mine has become one of my best friends
There are lots of options depending on your price point. At the bottom end are socks, hand held bottle, a first aid kit, or her favorite nutrition. If she doesn’t like handhelds, she might like a hydration belt. If she is running longer distances or in more remote locations, a nice pack. At the top end would be a running watch that can come with all different levels of tracking an information. Great running clothes are also greatly appreciated as trail runners can be a little tough on their gear.
Running vest is not a thing like it was for cyclist… the core actually will warm up when you run, so it traps moisture which is not good.
Maybe an entry to trail fest? 3 days, 3 races. Looks amazing.
I like the Salomon bladder a lot better than my Camelback bladders for cleaning because the top of the Salomon has a kind of sliding system where the top folds over then you clip it. Since the entire top opens up it makes it really easy to clean and to refill. Though it is a bit tough getting the straw fed into the pack after taking it out. though I don’t do this often since the straw does unclip from the bladder. The thing I do like about the camel back bladders a bit more is that you can buy these hanging kits that keep the bladders completely open so they always dry out completely. Also the straw position on my Salomon I wish was just a hair better. These days I tuck it under the front clip. Otherwise on really long runs sometimes it will brush up against my neck and gets a tiny bit irritating. Love the pockets on the front. I keep my phone in one and a small baggy for trash in the other.
which one is more comfortable? my wife has a “boney” back, meaning her spine is a lot more visible than most people, so she needs something that is on the softer side, no hard plastic.
You can buy a cleaning kit for the bladders, comes with brushes and cleaning tablets (https://www.rei.com/...ntidote-cleaning-kit). Also, storing it in the freezer will prevent any bacteria/mild growth.
that looks like a good idea to get if I buy the camel back-type system, thanks
Maybe an entry to trail fest? 3 days, 3 races. Looks amazing.
That does look amazing! And it’s not a bad price, thanks for the info
Good headlamp / patagonia houdini / Vacation to somewhere with good trials
I checked the Patagonia houdini and it looks good, I need to find a vendor near by to check it out in person.
One last thing. I never use anything but water in my bladders because of the germ issue. Nutrition for me is only solids and gels except on the bike. I think bladders are the worst for caloric fluids.
Never thought of that. She does carry gatorade or zipvit mix with her ALL the time.
Really I haven’t had much of an issue with either of them both are really soft. No hard bits, but The Solomon is my go to bag because it doesn’t bounce around at all on hard runs and never shifts when scrambling it fits really tightly against the body. The CamelBaks that I have have a little bit more storage in them and aren’t a close to as form fitting. I still have done a 50mi run with which is pretty much an older CamelBak lux. I did get some chaffing but wasn’t horrible. So they are a bit more of a day bag. The other pack that does look interesting to me is the UD packs, but I don’t have any experience with them.