Here’s our ever-evolving list of best gifts for trail runners. Keep checking back as we regularly update this page.
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Trail Running Shoes (Best All-rounders)
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail
My current favorite all-round trail shoe, the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail is a high-performance trail running shoe that’s so comfortable it feels like a road runnincg shoe. The Pegasus 36 Trail could actually be labeled as a road/trail hybrid, or a door-to-trail running shoe because quite honestly it performs very well on both surfaces. Contributing to the comfort is the Nike Air Zoom cushioned midsole that provides plenty of protection from sharp rocks too. The Pegasus 36 Trail is also very lightweight at 9.17oz (260g) for size US (M) 9, breathable, responsive, and grippy.
There are two other trail running shoes in the Nike Trail collection, both of which I have compared to the Pegasus 36 Trail in this post here: Nike Trail Running Shoes Compared in 2019: Which Are Best?
Drop: 10mm / Weight: 9.17oz (260g) / Support Type: Neutral.
FULL REVIEW: Nike Pegasus 36 Trail Review 2019
Find the Best Price for Nike Pegasus 36 Trail (Tracked Daily)
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 2019 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 Shoes (Best Waterproof protection)
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail GORE-TEX
The Nike Pegasus 36 Trail GORE-TEX is our most highly recommended waterproof trail running shoe for winter running, and much like the non-waterproof version mentioned above, it ranked #1 in one another one of our shoe buying guides: 6 Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Fall/Winter 2019/20.
The Pegasus 36 Trail GORE-TEX is an excellent waterproof trail shoe for winter running, period. It’s a high-performance trail running shoe that feels just as comfortable on the road as it does on the trails, making it a great door-to-trail hybrid running shoe. The Nike Air Zoom midsole provides plenty of cushioning and protection from sharp rocks. It’s also super lightweight, has lots of reflective hits for the safety-conscious, responsive, and very grippy.
I love the curved achilles heel support like with the standard Nike Pegasus 36 Trail listed above. It adds so much additional comfort over long-distance training runs and ultramarathons.
These are unisex shoes so don’t go searching for the women’s version on the Nike site; instead, you will see both men’s/women’s sizes listed like M 9 / W 10.5, for example.
The Nike Pegasus 36 Trail GORE-TEX won an Editor’s Choice Award for their outstanding performance on the winter trails.
Find the Best Price for Nike Pegasus 36 Trail GORE-TEX (prices tracked daily)
 Backcountry.com | $159.95 | See Deal |
 Zappos.com | $160.00 | See Deal |
 Nike.com | $160.00 | See Deal |
 Amazon.com | $249.00 2 new from $249.00 | See Deal |
FULL REVIEW: Nike Pegasus 36 Trail GORE-TEX Review
ON Cloudventure Waterproof (New Edition)
The new On Cloudventure Waterproof trail shoes look so badass and offer excellent cushioning while thrashing the trails. When wearing these I was able to storm down the hills much faster than usual on harder terrain. Don’t let winter stop you running.
FULL REVIEW: On Cloudventure Waterproof Review
SUGGESTED READING: Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes: Buyer’s Guide – (regularly updated!)
GPS Running Watches
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.
I really like the simple clean look of the APEX because it means you can wear it to work without it standing out too much. It’s also great knowing that you have the power on your wrist to do those impromptu long runs when you need to though. There’s also a sapphire glass screen for everyday and extreme protection.
| Watch Size: 42mm/46mm | Waterproof: 100m |
Routes can be uploaded and displayed on a grid as a bread crumb trail with real-time information on heading and elevation. It also gives you alerts to help you get back on course, should you go off track.
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 makes the Coros APEX our top pick for trail and ultrarunning.
RELATED LINKS:
- Coros Apex Review 2019: The Ultimate GPS Watch For Trail Runners?
- Coros GPS Watches Compared in 2019: Which one should you buy?
Best Prices for the COROS APEX (Updated Daily)
| Amazon.com | $300.00 3 new from $299.99 | See Deal |
Garmin Forerunner® 945
The Garmin Forerunner® 945 features an incredible battery life of up to 60 hours in UltraTrac™ mode which any ultrarunner will find impressive. Garmin also includes new incident detection (during select activities) and assistance which sends your real-time location to emergency contacts if necessary, this safety feature will be a huge selling point for many runners who worry about safety while out running.
The Forerunner 945 has an on-wrist heart rate monitor and more performance monitoring features including VO2 max and training status with adjustments for heat, altitude acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects.
The navigation features are excellent, featuring high resolution, color TOPO maps featuring trend line popularity routing to help you find and follow the best paths. Garmin clearly dominates when it comes to navigation features. It’s so easy to set up a course/route and then send it to the watch, ready for following during your run. Then when the route is displayed back to you on the watch, the detail is incredible. I love to explore new routes/trails, so being able to see the trails lines on the watch map that you shouldn’t take, makes it so much easier to see the ones you should, hence reducing the chances of getting lost.
Other features include:
- Barometric Altimeter for accurate altitude/elevation tracking and weather tracking.
- Water resistant to 50m (5 ATM)
- Swim, Bike, Triathlon Features
- Music
- Garmin Connect software is very informative when displaying back your data, and it’s easy to use.
Best price for the Garmin Forerunner® 945 (Updated Daily)
| Amazon.com | $489.88 29 new from $489.88 1 used from $508.00 | See Deal |
 Google.com | $599.99 | See Deal |
 Rei.com | $600.00 | See Deal |
 Garmin.com | $499.99 out of stock | See Deal |
Suunto 9 Baro
With up to 120 hours of continuous tracking, the Suunto 9 Baro GPS watch is built to last, so if you’re an ultra runner who is constantly looking the the next BIG adventure, this is the watch for you. It’s been tested to withstand extreme conditions, so you can boldly pursue your goals.
Compare Prices for Suunto 9 Baro
| Amazon.com | $453.99 5 new from $453.99 3 used from $358.18 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $599.00 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $599.00 | See Deal |
Clothing
On Weather Jacket
The On Weather Jacket is waterproof and resists the wind well and has smart vent slits to keep the jacket breathable and prevent you from overheating.
I love that the Weather Jacket packs down into its own pocket because I can then store it in my race vest while out on a run should the weather quickly change for the better.
Price Comparison for On Weather Jacket
On Weather Jacket Reviews
On Weather Jacket Men’s Review / On Weather Jacket Women’s Review
Janji
If you’re after running apparel that’s a little different to the ‘big brands’, you have to check out Janji! Their latest range is called the Bolivia Collection and the designs are awesome!
Janji Bolivia Men’s Apparel Review / Janji Uganda Men’s Apparel Review / Janji Uganda Women’s Apparel Review
For more clothing recommendations – check out our sister site https://lookfly.run – On there we curate stylish running outfits with only the gear we love and trust. All gear on there has reviews and also price comparisons so you can find the best prices for the products you love, across the most popular merchants.
Accessories
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 water bottles on the market. 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 holiday season 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
Trail & Kale Trucker Hat
Trucker hats are all the rage on the trails nowadays.
This is why we designed our subtle yet distinctive “Stealth Edition” Trucker hat. 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 instead, see our technical running cap gear guide.
Our Classic Trucker is also available and comes in 4 colour combinations and all products in our Online Store ship worldwide!
Trail & Kale Classic Trail Running Trucker Hat Review
RELATED: Best Running Hats 2019: Top 5 Technical Caps for Trail & Ultrarunners
Buff headwear
These are so versatile and don’t break the bank. I’ve worn mine as a hat, wristband, headband, neck-gaiter and hair-bobble so far, and often use Buffs as flannels for my head/neck on a hot run. Plus I always have one with me when I go skiing. If I’m not wearing one on a run, I carry it in my running pack in case I need it for any other reason, including as a tourniquet (in that case – hopefully never!).
They’re available in hundreds of designs, from plain colours (including black) to some very jazzy numbers!
Buff With UV Protection Review
Jaybird VISTA True Wireless Headphones
There’s a reason you won’t see many true wireless headphones on this list because up until now most would come with drawbacks including connectivity issues, excessive weight, and short battery life. This has all changed with the release of the Jaybird VISTA true wireless headphones, which I have had the pleasure of early release testing. Jaybird VISTA wireless headphones have an extended battery life of 32 hours, are IPX7 waterproof, sweat-proof, crush-proof, and are the lightest, most comfortable true wireless headphones we have ever tested.
Jaybird VISTA has other unique design features that improve their usability far beyond the RUN XT, (their last true wireless earbuds) which I talk in detail about in my full Jaybird VISTA review.
 Jaybirdsport.com | $159.99 | See Deal |
| Amazon.com | $179.99 3 new from $179.99 | See Deal |
The Jaybird VISTA now sits in the number 1 spot of our best wireless headphones for running, and ultrarunning list. I have also given them an Editor’s Choice Award.
FULL REVIEW: Jaybird VISTA Review 2019: Editor’s Choice Award Winner
Salomon Soft Flask 500ml
Running with a soft flask is so great because as you drink the fluid, the flask collapses unlike a solid bottle that stays the same size. This is good for two reasons, 1.) the flask gets more portable and stashable the more you drink, and 2.) you wont get that annoying water sloshing sound that you get with solid bottles when they not 100% full. They fit in most race vests but can also just be taken on their own as a hydration solution during a run.
Best Trail Running Shoes: The Ultimate Buyers Guide (Dec 2019)
The Best Trail Running Shoes in 2019 (So far): The Ultimate Buyers Guide!| Amazon.com | $22.92 7 new from $14.33 | See Deal |
Soft Flasks For Running Review
Why I choose Soft Flasks to carry water on long runs
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! Until I got this case I didn’t realize how many uses a magnetic phone case could have. For example, use your phone as a non-obtrusive GPS navigation device in your car with the Super grip phone vent mount, or stick your device to the fridge and use it as a recipe book in the kitchen.
As the only company to provide high-quality, functional and very affordable protective phone cases, we have chosen Rokform as our phone-protector partners!
Use our exclusive ROKFORM coupon code ‘TRAILANDKALE25’ for 25% off your entire order!
Rokform.com Hydro Flask Coffee Mug
The Hydro Flask Coffee Mug is an excellent gift for when you or a friend is not actually out running. At least drinking your morning coffee out of this outdoorsy mug will take your mind to the trails.
We both really enjoy drinking our morning coffee out of the Hydro Flask Coffee Mug. Our coffee stays hotter for much longer, we can pop the insulated lid on if we need to take it on the move and the colors are fun! We also like the smooth plastic feel and the fact that the outside of the mug never gets too hot to hold. Did I mention it’s pretty much unbreakable too, unlike a standard ceramic mug? We recommend this one as the perfect gift to any outdoors lover!
If you buy from hydroflask.com use our exclusive code TRAILKALE18 to get 10% Off when you spend over $50.
Price: RRP $29.95 $26.95 with code: TRAILKALE18
Price Comparison for Hydro Flask Coffee Mug at other stores
HolabirdSports.com Hydro Flask Coffee Mug Reviews
Hydro Flask Coffee Mug Review: ‘Hot’ Gifts for Outdoor Lovers!
Running Socks
On Running Socks
Each of the 3 different length On Running socks serves a purpose and I think your final decision should be down to personal choice. My favorite out of all of them was the Mid Sock for its versatility, color options and heel padding that sat in just the right place to protect my achilles from blisters while running.
It’s fair to say that based on my experience, On have nailed the art of producing an excellent running sock. Price starts at $17.99.
On Running Low Mid High Sock Reviews
Stance
If you want to give a traditional gift, but with a twist – we suggest a pair of trail running socks! Good running socks are never cheap, so it’s nice to receive a fresh new pair that you’ll get to wear and love over miles and miles. Socks are one of the best gifts for trail runners because we ‘run’ through them so quickly, what with all the dirt and grit we endure.
We love Stance running socks because they have SO many fun designs to choose from and they are super comfy for wearing on trail or road runs. We particularly like the tab style which just show a nice little reflective tab at the back.
Darn Tough
We have also just recently discovered a brand called Darn Tough. They sent us some of their Vertex Ultra-Light socks to test and review, I personally loved them!
Coolmax Vertex Ultra-Light Cushion Review
Rockay Accelerate
Compression, cushioning, temperature regulation and anti-chaffing are the key selling points to the Rockay Accelerate running socks. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced sock that has all this and also good support from compression, look no further and give these a go.
| Amazon.com | See Deal |
Rockay Accelerate Socks Review
Running Poles
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
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 2019 (So Far): For Ultrarunning & Hiking too!
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
| Amazon.com | $100.00 13 new from $99.99 1 used from $91.99 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $169.95 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $169.95 | See Deal |
 Blackdiamondequipment.com | $169.95 | See Deal |
Race Vests
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 super lightweight and looks beautiful!
Best Price for Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 4.0
| Amazon.com | $134.95 12 new from $134.95 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $134.95 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $134.95 | See Deal |
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 4.0 Reviews
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
| Backcountry.com | $116.21 | See Deal |
| Amazon.com | $154.95 2 new from $154.95 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $155.00 | See Deal |
Headlamps
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. (easily the lightest headlamp in its class), providing a bounce-free fit and experience while fastpacking, running or hiking.
This headlamp 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 with the Goal Zero Venture 70 Recharger for example.
- Weight with batteries: 2.43 oz.
- Battery Life: High=4 hrs / low=40 hrs
- Max Light Output: 330 lumens
- Beam distance: High=75 meters / low=16 meters
- Beam Type: Flood / Spot
- Water-Resistance Rating: IPX4 (Is resistant to water splashes from any direction)
Find the best price for the BioLite Headlamp 330 Headlamp
| Amazon.com | $49.95 1 new from $49.95 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $49.95 | See Deal |
 Bioliteenergy.com | $49.95 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $49.95 | See Deal |
Biolite HeadLamp 330 Headtorch Reviewed
RELATED: 5 Best Headlamps for Trail Running & Ultrarunning in 2019 (So Far)
Sunglasses for Running
ROKA Phantom Ti Aviators
The ROKA Phantom Ti sunglasses are a true work of art, built to the highest standard of quality. Then there’s ROKA’s GEKO fit and retention system, which holds the glasses in place, even during the most intense workouts. This is an excellent feature-set that helps these ultra-lightweight Aviators stand out from their competition. I really haven’t encountered any sunglasses that are this light before, and that’s another differentiator for ROKA. The Phantom Ti are unrivalled in quality, design and function and so it’s not surprising that they’re also quite pricey.
If money is no object and you want the best sports sunglasses for running, cycling or triathlon, then the Phantom Ti is a solid choice that you won’t regret. While they may seem expensive to have just as running sunglasses, they are also great as lifestyle sunglasses, meaning you won’t need to buy two pairs, one for sports and one for everyday use.
ROKA Phantom Ti Aviator Sunglasses Review
Sunski Sunglasses
All Sunski lenses are polarised, the frames are made from recycled plastic, they’re lightweight, look great and have a price tag that definitely won’t break the bank!
Sunski also donates 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits, so their company ethos is very well aligned with our own. We love that!
Recovery Tools
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. The three dimensional surface has a variety of widths to replicate the feeling of a massage therapist’s hands.
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 | $26.24 7 new from $26.24 | See Deal |
 Roadrunnersports.com | $34.99 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $26.24 out of stock | See Deal |
Trigger Point Grid VIBE Plus Foam Roller
If you’re looking to take your foam rolling to the next level, the Grid Vibe Plus vibrating foam roller helps provide pain relief, increased relaxation, and faster recovery. Its cordless, rechargeable design features high-density EVA foam specifically in a compact, portable size for targeted relief.
Compare Prices for Trigger Point Grid VIBE Plus Foam Roller
| Amazon.com | $74.99 3 new from $74.99 | See Deal |
 Holabirdsports.com | $89.99 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $99.95 | See Deal |
Wiivv Custom Fit Sandals
Wiivv sandals are very much a premium sandal with the added benefit of providing a perfect fit as they’re tailored to your feet. The Wiivv app takes the hassle out of going to a store to get yourself fitted because you can do it from the comfort of your own house, as long as you have a piece of standard printing paper to hand. Why are they in this list? Well, because they make excellent recovery sandals after a long training run or ultra marathon!
The in-app measuring process has been well thought out and the app designed in a way that leaves no room for ambiguity so that anyone can do it in a few minutes without having to scratch their head.
The build quality is excellent and so I imagine durability will be too. High-quality construction and custom fit comfort, are just two reasons why these sandals are worth the $129 price tag.
Wiivv Custom Fit Sandals Review – Everything You Need To Know!
Running Nutrition
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
Why not try out a new fuel for those long runs. We love using the unflavored Tailwind Nutrition, but there are so many other flavors available, we haven’t tried them all yet! We buy the stick bundles as they store easily in your race vest. Each pack offers two servings which makes 12 sticks for $30 a very good deal!
Price: $30 / 12 Stick Bundle – free shipping available from tailwindnutrition.com
Price Comparison for a 50 Serving Bag (Most cost effective)
| Amazon.com | $35.99 7 new from $35.99 | See Deal |
| Roadrunnersports.com | $35.99 | 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 2 new from $36.00 | See Deal |
| Roadrunnersports.com | $36.00 | See Deal |
| Backcountry.com | $36.00 | See Deal |
Read more Trail & Kale articles about food for running.
VITL DNA Test
VITL offers health advice, blood and DNA tests designed to help you understand how your DNA influences your body’s response to environmental factors like diet or lifestyle. I was excited to take the simple VITL DNA test to learn more about my genetic traits and how I could use this information to improve my nutrition and training approach.
The results of my VITL DNA test have certainly given me some food for thought. I’m considering what changes I can make in my diet to make sure I am getting enough of the right nutrients, as well as rethinking my training approach to tap into that body fat as an endurance energy source.
What A VITL DNA Test Taught Me
Strength Training Equipment
Dumbbells
These rubber hex dumbbells are great quality, and won’t roll. I like the 3kg and 4kg weights for upper body strength and conditioning workouts, or mixed in with fuller body movements such as squats, lunges etc. They also make great doorstops when not in use 🙂
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 |
The Bosu NexGen Pro Balance Trainer: Become A Stronger Runner
Flowin Pro Friction Trainer
Friction training is low impact as you’re encouraged to keep your feet, or arms (depending on the exercise) connected to the board via the friction pads and it’s high intensity as you can push yourself as hard as you like. You’re also using your own body weight and muscle power to initiate movements and will notice the added challenge of horizontal friction between the board and the pads.
The friction is where the real fun comes in. This all means that your body-weight to power ratio is of a natural balance. You should notice this when transitioning your friction training over to running on the trails.
We recommend you buy from the Flowin Online Store where you can use our code TRAILANDKALE10 to receive a 10% discount on any product that you purchase from Flowin.
Price: $280 at with code TRAILANDKALE10
Flowin Pro: Friction Training for Runners
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. #trailandkale
GoPro Hero7 Black
The GoPro is a fantastic camera for video and also photos. 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 a built-in stabilizer, 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 HERO7 Black
| Amazon.com | $298.26 42 new from $290.03 9 used from $215.00 | See Deal |
| Rei.com | $299.99 | See Deal |
 Gopro.com | $399.99 | See Deal |
Trail & Kale running videos filmed with GoPro Hero Black and Karma Grip
GoPro Karma Grip Stabilizer
The new GoPro Hero7 Black now has built-in stabilization but I still recommend getting the GoPro Karma Grip too compliment it because it provides an even more professional stabilized feel to the footage. Some examples of our running videos shot with the GoPro Hero Black and GoPro Karma Grip.
Compare Prices for GoPro Karma Grip Stabilizer
| Amazon.com | $249.00 4 new from $249.00 | See Deal |
| Gopro.com | $299.99 | See Deal |
Trail & Kale running videos filmed with GoPro Hero Black and Karma Grip
DJI OSMO Pocket
The DJI OSMO Pocket rolls the GoPro HERO7 and the hardware stabilisation of the GoPro Karma Grip into one, much smaller package if you can believe it. It’s tiny, and easy to take with you on your adventures. Available at the DJI Store, or on Amazon.com below.
- Lightweight & Portable
- 4K 60fps Video
- Mechanical Stabilization
- Intelligent Shooting
- Expansive Accessories
- 140-min Battery Life
| Amazon.com | $294.00 29 new from $294.00 2 used from $265.00 | See Deal |
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 | $1,798.00 19 new from $1,798.00 24 used from $1,582.24 | See Deal |
DJI Spark
Looking to take to the skies for a completely new perspective on capturing your trail moments? I was and so I bought myself the DJI Mavic Pro drone. Unfortunately, the DJI Spark didn’t exist at that time but if it did then I may have bought that one instead. The reason is size, it’s tiny an can literally be put in your pocket. In reality, though, you would place it in your race vest during a run for easy storage and quick access.
Sky’s the limit when it comes to getting creative with the DJI Spark, think ‘follow tracking’ aerial shots of you running in the most epic of places or maybe a photo from above of you on your favourite mountaintop? Please use your drone responsibly and comply with all airspace and UAV drone regulations in your region.
| Amazon.com | $499.00 10 new from $499.00 1 used from $429.00 | See Deal |
See below for a short video I made of us getting creative with our drone 🙂
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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