Here’s our ever-evolving list of best gifts for trail runners. Keep checking back as we regularly update this page.
Jump to a category
- Trail Running Accessories
- GPS Running Watches
- Running Poles
- Headlamps for Running
- Sunglasses
- Trail Running Shoes
- Trail Running Clothing, Caps and Socks
- Hydration Packs / Race Vests
- Recovery Tools
- Running Nutrition
- Strength Equipment
- Photography + Video
- Books
- Active Lifestyle Gear
Trail Running Accessories
These are our favorite and recommended trail running accessories which would make a great gift for the trail runner(s) in your life.
Jaybird VISTA True Wireless Headphones
If your gift recipient likes to listen to music while running, hiking, or working out, the Jaybird VISTA true wireless headphones are the only way to go if no cables are important. They have an extended battery life of 32 hours, are IPX7 waterproof, sweat-proof, crush-proof, and the lightest, most comfortable true wireless headphones we have ever tested. They’re so good in fact, that they won our Editor’s Choice award, and currently sit at the top of our best wireless headphones for running, and ultrarunning buyer’s guide.
COUPON – GET 11% Off Jaybird VISTA (or any other single Jaybird product) using our links and exclusive coupon code: TrailandKale11 – That’s the BIGGEST Jaybird Sport discount currently available on the Internet.
Pair it with the Mighty Vibe Music Player
If they don’t like taking their phone with them on runs then the Mighty Vibe music player is a very small and lightweight way to take music from Spotify or Amazon Music for a run or workout without needing a phone.
 Jaybirdsport.com | $159.99 | See Deal |
 Amazon.com | $179.99 3 new from $179.99 | See Deal |
RELATED REVIEWS:Jaybird VISTA Review: Editor’s Choice Award Winner / Mighty Vibe Music Player Review
Rokform Crystal Case – Phone Protector
We are absolutely loving the Rokform Crystal Case, and I think you will too. First off, if you’re an active person, you probably already know it’s important to have a protective case on your phone. I for one am always on the move and pulling out my phone to take pictures or make/receive calls, it only takes one accidental drop and you’ve got a hefty expense for repair or replacement on your hands.
While this case is super protective, it also has a very slim and lightweight design, which means it fits easily into most pockets. If you like to run then you’ll want a slim case so it fits in most pockets and won’t weigh you down. In addition to effortlessly slipping into and out of your pocket, the Crystal Case will grip any magnetic surface!
Use our exclusive ROKFORM coupon code ‘TRAILANDKALE25’ for 25% off your entire order!
Rokform.com Trail & Kale Trucker Hat
Trucker hats are all the rage on the trails nowadays which is why we have 2 designs available at our online store. Our Classic Trucker is available in 4 colour combinations but if you’re after a more stealthy trucker hat then check out our Stealth Edition Trucker.
We designed our subtle yet distinctive “Stealth Edition” Trucker hat for those who like to fly a bit more under the radar. You can buy it in any colour, as long as it’s black (and very stealthy). It features the Trail & Kale Mountain logo embroidered in a grey/silver colour on the front. Trucker hats are great for keeping rain, sun and sweat out of your eyes and face and also look damn cool. If you’re after a more technical running hat, see our technical running cap gear guide.
All products in our Online Store ship worldwide!
FULL REVIEW: Trail & Kale Classic Trail Running Trucker Hat Review
GPS Running Watches
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro GPS Running Watch
The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro series of GPS watches are our top choice for trail running and hiking with, hence it sitting at the top of our Best GPS Watches for Trail Running Buyer’s Guide. Some features that set the Fenix 6 Pro apart from the competition are:
- Navigation – I love being able to quickly create a course on Garmin Connect, based on heat maps of where other Garmin users love to run the most. I can then transfer that route to my Fenix GPS watch and follow the route with a detailed navigation screen whilst I run. The key difference here is that the navigation screen is so detailed (with proper maps) that it’s nearly impossible to get lost because you can even see the trails/routes you shouldn’t take, rather than just the route your following. I use this feature ALL the time to find and run new trails.
- Pulse OX Sensor – For altitude acclimation or sleep monitoring, a Pulse Ox2 sensor uses light beams at your wrist to gauge how well your body is absorbing oxygen. Super useful when running at altitude or when used as an extra indicator for current fitness levels. ALL Fenix 6 Pro GPS watches now include this as standard, awesome!
- Battery Life – Although all the Fenix 6 Pro watches have more than enough battery life for most people, the Fenix 6X Pro (the larger of the 3 Fenix 6 Pro watches) has the most impressive with up to 60 hours in normal GPS mode and 120 hours in max battery GPS mode which logs GPS location less frequently.
- HR Monitor – The on-wrist heart rate monitor is accurate and more comfortable than a chest strap. This even works underwater, so you can track your heart rate while swimming, now that’s impressive.
- Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Actionable Features – For accurate altitude/elevation tracking and weather tracking. When following a programmed course, you can set a real-time ‘ghost’ competitor which shows a marker on the watch to motivate you to keep up with it, this can even be your fastest time running that route, very cool. When navigating a course you can also see the route profile with elevation gained and elevation remaining. I love this for being able to quickly visualize how much climbing I have left to crank out.
Those great features are just some of the reasons why I rate the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro to be the best GPS watch for trail running. While it is costly it is truly an excellent GPS running watch (for a less-expensive alternative, check out the Coros Watch described below).
TIP: If your gift receipient has small wrists or prefers to run minimally with a smaller watch and less weight on their wrist then the Fenix 6S Pro is a better choice. If on the other hand, you want a slightly larger watch face for a medium-sized wrist then go for the Fenix 6 Pro, and if you want the extended battery life then look at the Fenix 6X Pro.
Garmin.com COROS APEX Premium GPS Multisport Watch
Coros is a lesser-known brand that is making serious waves in the trail running and Ultrarunning scene with the Coros Apex GPS Watch in particular [FULL REVIEW HERE]. The list of Coros pro athletes is impressive to say the least, including runners such as: Dom Grossman, Sally McRae, Timothy Olson, Cody Reed, Hayden Hawks, Camille Herron, Tim Tollefson, Adam Campbell, Paula Findlay, Magda Boulet, Jordi Gamito and Hillary Allen.
| Weight: 50.8g/55.3g | Full GPS: 25/35hours | Price: $300/$350 |
The APEX is the only Coros watch to offer two different watch sizes, 42mm and 46mm. This is great news for those who want plenty of features but don’t want to wear a bulky watch due to small wrists.
The APEX tracks course, speed, time, pace – all the usuals, as well as elevation gain / loss, weather (via the built-in barometer) cadence, calories and heart rate. From this data the watch also calculates estimated fitness levels including VO2Max and lactate threshold, and the efficiency of your aerobic and anaerobic training activity.
| Watch Size: 42mm/46mm | Waterproof: 100m |
In UltraMax mode, the battery will last up to 100 hours using GPS. While using normal mode will yield up to 35 hours. This is easily enough for most ultramarathons.
Having an extremely competitive price-point, the choice of two lightweight watch sizes, a very impressive battery life, on-wrist HR, and many other features made the Coros APEX one of our top picks for trail and ultrarunning.
SUGGESTED READING:
- Coros Apex Review: The Ultimate GPS Watch For Trail Runners?
- Coros GPS Watches Compared: Which one should you buy?
Best Prices for the COROS APEX (Updated Daily)
| Amazon.com | See Deal |
Trail Running Poles
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Running Poles
If you or someone you know is about to run a mountain marathon then you need to seriously consider getting some lightweight trail running poles to take with you.
The poles we love are Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles – Being built with Carbon, they are very lightweight and they are also designed to fold up nice and small, important if you need to place them back in your race vest while not in use. I won’t bother listing any other poles in this gift list as these come out top every time.
RELATED: 5 Best Trail Running Poles in 2020 (So Far): For Ultrarunning & Hiking too!
If you need a little advice on using poles while trail running, including advantages and disadvantages, have a read of this informative article: Trail Running With Poles: Benefits, Disadvantages And Advice.
Best Price for Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Running Poles (tracked daily)
| Amazon.com | $101.57 11 new from $110.40 1 used from $101.57 | See Deal |
 Backcountry.com | $169.95 | See Deal |
 Rei.com | $169.95 | See Deal |
 Blackdiamondequipment.com | $169.95 | See Deal |
Headlamps for Running
BioLite Headlamp 330 – [EDITOR’S CHOICE]
The BioLite Headlamp 330 has a really slim fit construction with 9mm front profile and is hyper-lightweight at 2.43 oz., providing a bounce-free fit and experience while running or hiking. This is the most comfortable headlamp I have ever used.
The Headlamp 330 really is excellent value for money with a 4-hour battery life on the highest setting which uses two beams, wide and focused, firing out 330 lumens of light.
The BioLite Headlamp 330 has multiple light modes too including dimmable spot, flood, spot+flood, red night vision, and strobe. Because each beam can be dimmed, you can actually run the headlamp for much longer than 4 hours but not at its brightest level. It also uses a rechargeable battery that can be charged via micro USB for convenience.
Learn more at bioliteenergy.com
Find the best price for the BioLite Headlamp 330 Headlamp
| Rei.com | $41.89 | See Deal |
| Amazon.com | $47.96 1 new from $47.96 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $47.96 | See Deal |
 Bioliteenergy.com | $59.95 out of stock | See Deal |
FULL REVIEW: Biolite HeadLamp 330 Review: The Best Value Headlamp
FEATURED IN: 5 Best Headlamps for Trail Running & Ultrarunning
Sunglasses for Running
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses have made it to the top of our best running sunglasses list for good reason.
These multi-sport sunglasses offer a standard-size frame with enhanced lens coverage which increases your peripheral view while trail running, hiking, or cycling. The Flak 2.0 XL uses Oakley’s high definition optics and the overall design has been tuned to be extremely lightweight. Also, the lenses are replaceable which is nice to know just in case you do accidentally damage them.
Weight: 28g (1oz) / Polarized lenses available?: YES / Replaceable lenses: YES
| Amazon.com | $176.00 1 new from $176.00 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $176.00 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $176.00 | See Deal |
 Oakley.com | $176.00 | See Deal |
Trail Running Shoes (Best All-rounders)
Nike Pegasus Trail 2
The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 is versatile enough for everyday training with top durability and responsiveness to runners, trail athletes and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. This is the ultimate trail running shoes for those who like to run both road and trail. It has the same Nike React foam as in the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail which provides cushioned responsiveness for a smooth transition, and the extended midsole and outer design gives your feet stability as you take on challenging terrain.
There’s also a pull tab to the rear which helps you pull the shoes on and off, and the rubber outsoles feature a shockwave pattern for a fast, bike tire–inspired look, with nubs that give you traction and a smooth ride between trails and the road
The engineered mesh throughout the uppers is durable and has been designed to increase airflow and drainability so dad’s feet can stay cool and dry on the trails. I love the way the new sock-like heel support and gaiter combo keep grit out of your shoes and repel water with the DWR water repellent coating that’s used.
KEY STATS: Weight: 11.75oz / Drop: 10mm / Support: Neutral
FULL REVIEW: Coming soon!
Find the Best Price for Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Running Shoes (Tracked Daily)
Nike.com ON Cloudventure Peak – (2ND EDITION)
The On Cloudventure Peak is a trail running shoe, designed for moving fast in the Mountains whether you’re racing or just love running up hills. The Cloudventure Peak is also our favorite On trail running shoe. On has added some significant new design features to their 2nd Generation Cloudventure Peak! The new Missiongrip outsole has been improved in terms of ‘trail-feel’, cushioning, grip and durability, all the while maintaining the same lightweight of 260g. The breathable ripstop upper mesh is still there, albeit redesigned but still weighing next to nothing.
On-running.com FULL REVIEW: On Cloudventure Peak Review (2nd Edition)
Interested in learning more about the ON Running brand? We have the largest collection of in-depth and professional On running shoe reviews on the web.
SUGGESTED READING: Best Trail Running Shoes: The ultimate Buyer’s Guide – (regularly updated!)
Trail Running Clothing
On Waterproof Anorak
The On Waterproof Anorak has many practical features that will keep bad weather out while still allowing for airflow and breathability. The hidden vents on the front and rear will help increase airflow through the jacket while still making sure the rain stays out.
The On Waterproof Anorak is a great mixed-weather running jacket too because it packs down into its own inner pocket ready to be stashed into your hydration pack at a moments notice, with ease. We like that the materials have been responsibly chosen. The advanced waterproof membrane is not only breathable, stretchable and durable, but it’s also entirely PTFE-free.
The fit is a bit looser than the slim fit styles, which is good if you prefer a looser fit, or if ‘slim-fit’ apparel doesn’t suit your body shape.
AS FEATURED IN: 5 Best Waterproof Running Jackets for Trail Running & Ultrarunning
Janji Running Clothing
Janji manages to maintain reasonable prices while delivering very high-quality threadwork in their apparel. I love that Janji running and active lifestyle clothing makes you stand out from the crowd just by virtue of fun and unusual design work. I’m usually wearing at least one item from Janji, whether it’s a running cap or hoodie.
It’s nice knowing that you’ll also be buying from a boutique brand that donates a portion of their sales towards funding clean water projects in countries around the World.
See the collections at runjanji.com
JANJI CLOTHING REVIEWS: Janji Bolivia Men’s Apparel Review / Janji Women’s Apparel Review / Janji Uganda Men’s Apparel Review
BUFF Pack Run Cap
The BUFF Pack Run Cap is a really innovative and versatile trail running hat. BUFF is already famous for their multifunctional headwear and headbands but it won’t be long before these hats are seen all over the trails.
One of the clever features is that you can flip the bill up when running/hiking uphill allowing you to see further towards the horizon at the top of your climb, you can then flip it back down when running on the flat or downhill. It’s definitely a stylish hat with that much-loved European flair! I wore my UTMB special edition BUFF Pack Run Cap for my OCC race this year and it performed excellently for the entire 10.5 hours of mountain running!
This hat is highly compressible too, which means it can be stashed in even the smallest of your hydration pack pockets, and then when you’re ready to wear it again the crushable polyurethane brim snaps back to shape. See video above for a scrunch test.
| Backcountry.com | $29.95 | See Deal |
| Amazon.com | See Deal |
AS FEATURED IN: Best Running Hats: Top 5 Technical Caps for Trail & Ultrarunners
Running Socks – Feetures Elite ‘Light Cushion No Show Tab’
The Elite Light Cushion No Show socks from Feetures are my current favorite running socks, and deservedly win our Editor’s Choice Award for Best No Show Running Socks. These no show socks have been designed with an anatomical fit and targeted compression, which provides a fit that almost custom, and a reduced risk of blisters because of it.
I particularly like that Feetures’ light cushioning doesn’t take up any unnecessary room inside your running shoes, which can sometimes lead to shoes feeling too tight. There’s just enough cushioning under the heel, forefoot and toe regions with more around the Achilles heel area. In the remaining areas is structured, directional compression which supports regions like the arches and the top of your feet. There are also no seams around the toes which makes them very comfortable as your toes splay and flex while running.
The socks are made with 95% Nylon and 5% Spandex which is able to wick moisture away from your feet and toes to keep them cool, dry, and hopefully blister-free.
Also available at the below stores:
| Rei.com | $10.73 | See Deal |
| Amazon.com | $15.99 1 new from $15.99 | See Deal |
READ MORE: Best No-Show Running Socks
Hydration Packs / Race Vests for Trail and Ultrarunning
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 4.0
For Women: Helen loves running in her Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 4 and for good reason, this race vest packs in so much!
There are many storage compartments located in easy to grab areas, it fits the female form very well, is lightweight and looks great, too.
Best Price for Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 4.0
| Amazon.com | $133.99 2 new from $133.99 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $134.95 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $89.98 out of stock | See Deal |
FULL REVIEW: Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 4.0 Review
RELATED:
Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set Pack
For men: We highly rate the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set Pack – I choose to wear this pack for racing with! The fit and function is absolutely brilliant!
Best Price for Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set Pack (tracked daily)
| Backcountry.com | $116.21 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $155.00 out of stock | See Deal |
| Amazon.com | See Deal |
Running and Workout Recovery Tools
Compex Fixx 1.0 Massager & Mini Wireless
Our two favorite Compex products are both heavily discounted for Black Friday, making this the best time of year to get yourself one of these fantastic recovery and muscle building tools.
The Mini Wireless Muscle Stimulator with TENS is Compex’s latest device, it’s so small that it can very easily be taken with you on the go. Very handy if you want to give yourself a recovery massage straight after a race (more on that in the Recovery section below). The Compex Mini has 6 programs to help athletes improve their running performance. The programs are ‘Prewarm Up’, ‘Endurance’, ‘Resistance’, ‘Training Recovery/Active Recovery’, ‘Muscle Relaxation’, and ‘Pain Management’.
Using a Compex muscle stimulator is a highly effective way for me to build strength into my muscles, especially when I don’t have easy access to big mountains, where climbing would do a similar job for my quads.
I also use the TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) function of my Compex on my Achilles heel when I feel like it may be flaring up, usually after a high-intensity road run. TENS calms it down, reduces the pain and helps it heal faster.
Compex.com 
The Compex Fixx 1.0 Massager, on the other hand, is a portable battery-operated massage device that has been fantastic at working out deep muscle knots.
Using this device makes massaging out localized tense muscles so much faster, and easier. The noise output is very low on the slowest setting but gets a bit louder the faster you make it go.
It has three speeds that you can use to help relieve different levels of soreness and you can also change the tips and rotate the gun head to reach areas that may be awkward otherwise.
AS FEATURED IN: 20 Hacks That helped Improve My Trail Running Performance (Nutrition, Recovery, Gear + MORE)
Chirp Wheel – Back Roller
The Chirp Wheel is designed to fit perfectly between your shoulder blades, targeting the muscles that go up and down your spine. As your back is strained from the countless activities you do, those muscles lock up, and cause even more pain. The Chirp Wheel massages those muscles, relaxing your back and relieving all of the pain.
This is my favorite recovery tool right now, I get a lot of relief and satisfaction out of rolling on my Chirp Wheel to relieve clicks, knots and tension in my back!
Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller
Who wouldn’t want an instrument of pain as a gift?! But in all seriousness, foam rollers are an excellent way to speed up recovery times after a run. The GRID foam roller is for anybody who wants to move better.
Use the GRID for a self-massage and roll through the tight muscles, knots and kinks that prevent feeling good and moving well.
Then there are massage balls… The great thing about the massage ball is its tiny size, which means you can take it with you on those longer hiking and running adventures. Massage Balls can target all sorts of isolated muscle areas due to their small size.
Best Price for Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller
| Amazon.com | $21.37 9 new from $31.00 2 used from $15.88 | See Deal |
 Roadrunnersports.com | $34.99 | See Deal |
Venga CBD Recovery Balm applied to sore muscles
I have been having so much success with Venga CBD’s Recovery Balm product. I first noticed its power when I was in Europe for Matterhorn Ultraks 30k and the UTMB OCC 56km 5 days later. I wouldn’t normally stack races so close to one another, but when I was offered the opportunity to run both, I couldn’t refuse. I used the Recovery Balm on my leg muscles after Matterhorn Ultraks and felt repaired and ready to run UTMB OCC 5 days later.
That impressed me but what really blew me away was just how good my legs felt the day after UTMB OCC which saw me running 57km, with 3200 meters of positive gain for 10.5 hours. That’s a long time for me to be running on such steep mountain terrain. I can only attribute it to the Venga CBD Recovery Balm I smothered over my legs the night of the race. Kudos to Venga CBD with this Recovery Balm, it’s a pretty amazing product.
GET 10% OFF YOUR VENGA CBD ORDER WITH CODE: TRAILKALE10
Vengaendurance.com FULL REVIEW: Venga CBD Review: THC-Free CBD Products For Endurance Athletes
Running Nutrition
Plantworks Protein Powder with Super Herbs.
I’d say this plant-based protein powder is my favorite in terms of taste and purity. We first discovered it at the Hood to Coast Pacific City relay event in Oregon when we were given a sample pack at the finish line. By the way, if you haven’t done a Hood to Coast event before, DO IT! ?
Each serving of Plantworks protein has 20 grams of plant-based protein from Pea, Mushroom, Pumpkin, and Rice proteins. It contains 0g of sugar and 7g of fiber, and there’s No Dairy, Soy, or Gluten. It is also mixed with Adaptogens and Super Herbs to help you speed-up/improve recovery times, Plant Power baby!
Available at Amazon.com below.
| Amazon.com | $39.99 2 new from $39.99 | See Deal |
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drinks
Repairing muscles after an intense workout is something that many runners overlook. If you can recover faster then you’ll be able to get back out there putting in smart miles that actually count, rather than running on tired ‘always recovering’ legs. We don’t use this after every run, just the really intense ones like ‘speedwork’, ‘hill repeats’ or ‘long runs’. Rebuild recovery powder comes in ‘single serve’ stick packs or in 32 oz packs for $38.99 which provide 15 servings, a great way to reduce packaging waste. The ‘single serve’ sticks are a convenient way of taking your recovery drink to work or the gym, and at $3 a stick isn’t too expensive.
We especially like the taste of the Vanilla flavor but I wouldn’t say no to chocolate! 🙂
Compare Prices for 12 Pack of Recovery Drinks
| Amazon.com | $36.00 1 new from $36.00 | See Deal |
| Roadrunnersports.com | $36.00 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $36.00 | See Deal |
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
I recently had a lot of success using Tailwind Nutrition as an all-in-one food solution while running. Tailwind is a powder that you mix with water, and it will keep you going without the need for solid foods. To anyone having stomach issues, this is the product I recommend trying first, if this doesn’t work then .Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem should be your next port of call.
Price Comparison for a 50 Serving Bag (Most cost-effective)
| Amazon.com | $35.99 1 new from $35.99 | See Deal |
| Roadrunnersports.com | $35.99 | See Deal |
Read more Trail & Kale articles about food for running.
Organifi Green Juice
Organifi Green Juice is a gently dried 11-superfood green powder dietary supplement that is certified USDA organic, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and Vegan. With ingredients like spirulina, moringa, chlorella, ashwagandha, mint, lemon (and more), this product has been designed to help people feel energized and detoxify their cells. Green Juice is a great first step to helping people re-train their taste buds and start replacing the sugary processed foods in their diet with real, revitalizing nutrients. This is the gift of a new journey to a super healthy lifestyle and diet. We mix a scoop of it in a glass of water every morning.
Our exclusive Organifi coupon code ‘TK15′ will get you 15% OFF your total order when purchased via the links in this post: organifishop.com.
Explore Organifi Superfood Products
FULL REVIEW: Organifi Green Juice Review: The Organic Vegan Superfood Supplement
Venga CBD Ultra Gels for daily life and intense training blocks.
For my daily routine during a training cycle, I have been taking 1 Venga CBD Ultra Gel capsule each morning. This has been a really convenient way to get the general benefits from CBD when I need it most, during heavy training blocks. Ultra Gels are formulated to:
- help alleviate any pain during long training sessions & competition.
- speed up recovery to help me get back out there more regularly.
- enhance sleep; the most important time for your body to heal and recharge.
- fight inflammation to allow me to train more consistently.
- reduce stress and anxiety which helps me stay focused, calm and moving forward.
GET 10% OFF YOUR VENGA CBD ORDER WITH OUR COUPON: TRAILKALE10
FULL REVIEW: Venga CBD Review: THC-Free CBD Products For Endurance Athletes
Strength Training Equipment
Bosu Balance Trainer
The use of a balance trainer is something that I feel is largely overlooked when it comes to cross-training for runners. I’m sure you have heard it before but let me say it again, strength training is so important when it comes to becoming a stronger runner.
So what happens when you make it fun by adding the added challenge of being required to engage your brain to focus on keeping your balance. Well, suddenly you’re motivated to increase your strength to improve your balance and reduce that “wobble”.
| Amazon.com | $169.99 2 new from $149.99 | See Deal |
FULL REVIEW: The Bosu NexGen Pro Balance Trainer: Become A Stronger Runner
Photography + Video
If you’re familiar with our Instagram Feed then you already know that trail running takes us to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Being a photographer myself and a creative person at heart, I can’t help but stop and takes pictures during a run in the mountains or on the trails. This outstanding natural beauty deserves to be captured with camera gear that will do it justice.
Here’s my list of top photography and video equipment that’s small enough to take running with you; if you want your Instagram photos to go viral, this is a great place to start.
GoPro Hero8 Black
The GoPro HERO8 Black is easily my favorite running camera of 2020 (so far). Soon after testing the built-in camera stabilization I sold my GoPro Karma stabilizer grip because the footage coming out of the new GoPro was just as good. It’s also a lightweight, fully waterproof solution for epic stabilized footage whereas before my Karma grip was heavy and not waterproof. I’m now using it all the time for Instagram stories and our running films hosted on YouTube.
It’s very small which means you can take it everywhere with you and it’s rugged and waterproof so you won’t need to worry about breaking it while out running. It shoots in 4K at 60fps, nice for getting those high-quality slow-motion running videos and I love that you can send video live to your Facebook page too, how cool is that!! There’s also that built-in stabilizer with Hypersmooth 2.0 that I mentioned earlier, which does a fantastic job of creating smooth (non-jerky) footage while running. Check out the full list of features at gopro.com.
Compare Prices for GoPro HERO8 Black
| Amazon.com | $289.95 22 new from $299.99 6 used from $289.95 | See Deal |
 Gopro.com | $399.99 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $400.00 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $399.99 out of stock | See Deal |
Trail & Kale running videos filmed with GoPro Hero Black and Karma Grip
Sony Alpha a7iii
For photography that will blow away your followers, the SonyAlpha a7iii is currently the best in class because it’s small in size, lightweight, excellent resolution and full feature-set. It’s easy to see why when you look at the shots coming from the photographers using it: @jsaragossa / @jess.wandering / @sonyalpha / @chrisburkard and many more…
I’m not denying you need a certain level of creative talent too but if you don’t have your camera while out on your adventure, then you won’t get any photo at all. Size and weight are the biggest reasons that people don’t take their professional grade cameras on adventures or runs with them. It’s just not practical to be lugging a bulky camera with you if you want to enjoy the run too. Enter the Sony Alpha a7iii, small and light enough to put in your backpack while running, and high enough quality for professional grade photography.
| Amazon.com | $1,695.00 7 new from $1,998.00 15 used from $1,695.00 | See Deal |
Active Lifestyle Gear
LARQ Bottle + Bottle Movement
The LARQ bottle, and newly launched sports bottle, the LARQ Bottle Movement, will purify water and neutralize any stinky bottle-odors, completely autonomously. LARQ Bottles are for those who want something a little different from the other lifestyle water bottles on the market.
Although not designed for running with, it’s an awesome water bottle to keep with you at work, the gym, hiking or while traveling. The LARQ self-cleaning bottle can fill up from almost anywhere, even on the trails, and will purify your water at the tap of a button. The high-quality bottles themselves have all been designed beautifully and make for fantastic gifts.
If you want to take this bottle on a hiking trip with you, I recommend getting the new LARQ Bottle Movement as it’s a much lighter option. Please note that the LARQ Bottle Movement doesn’t have insulated walls like the Original LARQ Bottle, but it is lightweight and more robust due to the colorful, and removable silicone sleeve.
LARQ BOTTLE REVIEWS: LARQ Bottle Review / LARQ Bottle Movement Review
Randolph USA Sunglasses
Randolph was founded in 1973 and is now the only remaining metal eyewear company in the USA. It’s so nice to see these premium high-quality sunglasses still being made in the USA, when so many other brands have chosen to take the work overseas.
I love that you can fully customize these handcrafted sunglasses, down to the materials, lenses, and arms used. The scratch-resistant lenses are made from mineral glass (for the clearest vision), are UVA and UVB protected. They have anti-reflective backside coating too, which means you don’t get any distracting reflections from behind while driving or hiking on the trails.
Our current favorite frames are the lightweight fusion collection that we reviewed here.
RANDOLPH REVIEWS:
- Randolph Fusion Sunglasses Review: Elinor & Archer Frame Styles
- Randolph Aviator Sunglasses Review
- Randolph Concorde Review: Why Use Cobalt Blue Lenses For Hiking?
Books
If you love books like we do, you should definitely check out our personal list of what we consider to be The Best Running Books for Adventure Lovers too… OK, so let’s finish this gift list with these running books that are packed full of adventure, inspiration and motivation.
Grand Trail: A Magnificent Journey to the Heart of Ultrarunning and Racing
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Grand Trail shares the stunning beauty and raw emotions of ultrarunning, paying tribute to the passion and splendor of the sport and lifestyle. Filled with powerful photographs and intimate stories, Grand Trail portrays ultramarathon champions and their extraordinary world.
Grand Trail features the icons of ultrarunning―people, places, and races―in spectacular color and black-and-white photography by Alexis Berg. Exploring iconic courses like Western States, Hardrock, Marathon des Sables alongside personal portraits of heroes like Kilian Jornet, Emelie Forsberg, and Scott Jurek, Grand Trail is as inspiring as it is beautiful.
In its pages, Grand Trail shares the indescribable feelings that spring from running free in a wild place, alone in thought or sharing the miles with another of the tribe. The simple beauty of the task. Stunning views of the world’s most beautiful trails. Faces lined with exhaustion in gritty aid stations. The unguarded gaze of a spent runner who half hears the...
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
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In one of his most ambitious physical efforts to date, Dean Karnazes attempted to run 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 days to raise awareness of youth obesity and urge Americans of all fitness levels to "take that next step."
"UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons - 50 States - 50 Days", a Journeyfilm documentary, follows Dean’s incredible step-by-step journey across the country.
Ultrarunning legend Dean Karnazes has run 262 miles-the equivalent of ten marathons-without rest. He has run over mountains, across Death Valley, and to the South Pole-and is probably the first person to eat an entire pizza while running. With an insight, candor, and humor rarely seen in sports memoirs (and written without the aid of a ghostwriter or cowriter), Ultramarathon Man has inspired tens of thousands of people-nonrunners and runners alike-to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and be reminded of "what it feels like to be truly alive," says Sam Fussell, author of Muscle.
Ultramarathon Man answers...
Finding Gobi
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New York Times Bestseller List
“Leonard and Gobi’s story represents the power of people working together and the profound depth of feeling possible between a man and his dog.”--Publishers Weekly
A man, a dog, and the lengths to which love will go to sacrifice for its companion.
Finding Gobi is the miraculous tale of Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China. The lovable pup, who would later earn the name Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages and the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for 77 miles.
As Dion witnessed the incredible determination and heart of this small animal, he found his own heart undergoing a change as well. Whereas in the past these races were all about winning and being the best, his goal...
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
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The astonishing national bestseller and hugely entertaining story that completely changed the way we run.
An epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt?
Isolated by Mexico's deadly Copper Canyons, the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. In a riveting narrative, award-winning journalist and often-injured runner Christopher McDougall sets out to discover their secrets. In the process, he takes his readers from science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to a climactic race in the Copper Canyons that pits America’s best ultra-runners against the tribe. McDougall’s incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.
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REI Gift Card
An REI Gift Card is a great gift because you won’t have to guess what your recipient would like to receive the most. You can either order a Gift Card to be delivered as a physical card, which takes up to 7 days to arrive, OR you can choose to send a digital E-Gift Card, which can be sent directly to them within hours. You can also choose how much to load the card up with, the minimum is $10.
Send an REI Gift Card and let the picky gift recipient in your life purchase that thing they’ve secretly been pining after.
While surprise gifts can be wonderful to receive, if you buy a gift from REI and it turns out to not be quite what the recipient had in mind, encourage them to say so, and switch it out for an alternative, as REI has an excellent returns policy.
