SUMMER MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUNNING GEAR GUIDE
Hi! I'm Viktoria. I live and work in the mountains of Banff National Park! I began trail running as a way to experience my favourite longer backpacking trips in one day! You won't find me on strava, but you will find me running slow and loving every minute of it.
REI BRA TOP
I just started running in this style of top and LOVE it!
4.5" REI RUNNING SHORTS
I think these are the perfect length of short for trail running, mostly because I can get a decent tan when wearing them! I like that this pair of REI Active Pursuits has some cute little vents on the side too!
REI UPF 50+ SHIRT
If there is one item you purchase for the summer running season, I definitely recommend it being a UPF shirt! The fabric of this particular one by REI is a super soft stretch knit that breathes well, wicks away moisture and dries quickly to withstand multiple days on the trail. This shirt has an antimicrobial treatment that inhibits growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric.
GARMIN VENU GPS WATCH
I spent a lot of time researching which watch I needed for the activities I do, and I opted to go with the Venu, Garmin's mid range GPS watch. It has everything I need (altimeter, music, custom activities and heart rate monitor), and didn't break the bank (completely). The battery lasts for full day runs!
NORVAN RUNNING PACK
I've had this pack for 4 seasons and have yet to feel compelled to buy a newer one. I've done 50km+ long runs with this pack, it's super comfy and it fits everything I need! The newest release of this pack does come in a pretty awesome colour, check it out!
SUNGOD ULTRAS PHOTOCHROMIC SUNGLASSES
The 8KO® Iris HV Blue lenses on these running sunnies adjust to fast changing light conditions, making them perfect for running in the shade of the forest and the bright light of the alpine! Sungod is awesome because you can fully customize your frames, lenses and details!
KATADYN BE FREE 1L COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLE/FILTER
Ultralight and fast water filtration that works for me. BeFree™ 0.1 micron microfilter removes harmful bacteria, cysts and silt for over 1,000L. I like how fast it filters water and how simple it is to flush clean. I keep this bottle inside my pack.
TRUE LIME CRYSTALIZED CITrUS PACKS
I use these to make electrolyte drinks in my 150ml small bottle.
HYDRAPAK 150ML SMALL SOFT BOTTLE
Great little bottle for electrolytes, gels or just water.
UltraFlask™ Speed 500ml SOFT BOTTLE WITH STRAW
I put one of these with the straw in the front pocket of my vest. All I have to do it just tilt my head down for a drink!
LA SPORTIVA BUSHIDO2 TRAIL RUNNER
I used to run in the the now discontinued Arc'teryx Norvan LD2 and SL2. It's been a bit of a journey to find a shoe that performs as well as these did and fits my narrow feet. The Bushido2 by La Sportiva slays.
STANCE INFIKNIT SOCKS
I like to run in thin socks. I haven't had much luck with merino blends which is why I prefer synthetic socks from the Inifiknit collection by Stance. I wear their tab, quarter and crew styles, with my favourite being the tab.
EDDIE BAUER SUPER 7 WIND JACKET
A lightweight breathable hooded wind jacket doesn't need any fancy features to do its job which is why I chose the Eddie Bauer Super7 at $165CAD over the comparable Arc'teryx version coming in at $220CAD.
ARC'TERYX CERIUM LIGHTWEIGHT DOWN HOODY
This jacket by Arc'teryx weighs only 200 grams and packs down into a small package without compromising on warmth (850 fill), making it perfect for rest breaks and chilly summit lunches!
CIELE ALZ MESH CAP
Ciele makes great hats. This one has breathable mesh, protects me from the sun and traps sweat. Easy to wash and dries fast!
EDDIE BAUER FULL LENGTH RUNNING TIGHTS
I usually wear shorts for long summer trail runs, because should the weather change, I'm usually carrying my lightweight down and rain jacket. If I'm doing a shorter run on a colder day that involves a summit, I usually wear tights. I love full length tights without pockets and reinforced ankles, and these Guide Trex Tights by Eddie Bauer slay.
SUNGOD SIERRAS POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
I've been told that I look mean when I'm wearing my running specific sunglasses, so sometime I wear the polarized Sierra's sunglasses by Sungod because they have more a lifestyle look but still stay on my face when running.
BLACK DIAMOND LIGHTWEIGHT Z POLES
I don't compete and I don't race against myself. If I did, I'd use carbon poles. Sometimes my runs do involve more technical terrain and for those I will bring poles.
EDDIE BAUER INSULATED LIGHTWEIGHT MITTENS
I start a lot of my longer distance runs early in the morning, and find that I can usually wear shorts and a long sleeve UPF shirt so long as I have mittens on. I love having these in my pack to use with my extra layers in case of a sudden weather change or emergency.
EDDIE BAUER SUPER 7'S LIGHTWEIGHT RAIN JACKET
I don't usually head out on a run when significant rain is in the forecast, but given the nature of mountain running and the fact that forecasted weather can change on a dime (thunderstorms especially) I always carry this breathable 6oz rain jacket by Eddie Bauer.
NATURAL DEODORANT
I could write an entire post about my research on natural deodorants, but I'll save you the read. Element Botanicals is a British Columbia based skincare company and in my opinion they make the most effective natural deodorant for sport. I have been wearing the Flora scent for so many years! PS: I don't carry deodorant with me on runs!
GARMIN INREACH MINI
If you're on a budget when it comes to building out your running kit, I recommend that you skip spending money on expensive outerwear and invest in one of Garmin's InReach products, this piece of technology could be what saves a life.
PROTEIN BARS
I like these ones, because they are a blend of milk, soy and whey proteins. They are pretty soft, taste good and remind me of nougat. Each 78 gram bar has 290 cals, 24 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbs, (7 grams of fibre) and 8 grams of fat
REUSABLE SNACK POUCH
I don't care about the weight of the pouch that holds all my tasty snacks and fuel for my runs. If you're concerned about weight, use a plastic shopping bag.
MISC ITEMS:
Suncreen Chapstick and Stick from Salt + Stone
Bear spray
Headlamp with spare batteries
Fully stocked first aid kit with lots of bandaid brand blister bandages
A pair of spare contacts, ibuprofen, benadryl, tensor, tick key
Spare pair of socks
Airpods
DOGGY ITEMS
FLOWFOLD 6 FOOT DOG LEASH
If you are running in an area where the rules state that your dog is to be on leash, keep your dog on leash. If your dog is better off leash, make the time to train it to be just as good on leash as off. I trained Metsä to run beside or behind me on wide trails, and bhind me on the single track. It didn't take long on the single track for her to figure out how far back to be in order to not get caught up on the leash.
DOGGY PAW BALM
This stick balm helps to keep dog's paws from getting dry and cracked. The Neem oil is deeply conditioning and also a natural pesticide against bugs.
1-2 DOGGY BOOTIES
I pack these for my dog in case of emergency, which is why I only bring 1-2 of them.
HERE ARE SOME (NOT ALL) OF THE ITEMS I USE FOR MOUNTAIN RUNNING
This list is not sponsored, the items are simply what I am currently using for trail running.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT GEAR?
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