Latest gear - trail running clothing & equipment

A beautifully soft and comfortable waist belt that carries small items with ease. The Pulse Belt has several expanding pockets for storage of small items like keys, gels or a phone. It also has diagonal straps for lashing extra items on temporarily.

It’s made from a very light and breathable stretch fabric with a mesh lining which is comfortable next to the skin or over light clothing. The Salomon Pulse Belt is perfect for short to mid length runs when you need to carry just a few items.

Larger than most running packs, the Norvan 14 from Arc’teryx is designed to comfortably carry items on long runs. The key to the Norvan’s success lies in its great fit which stays snug to the body and limits bounce whilst running.

The 14L size also makes this pack a good option for biking and fast hiking. The main compartment has a weatherproof roll top closure and there are multiple mesh pockets for gels, snacks and bottles. The Norvan 14 comes supplied with a 2L Source hydration bladder.

Outerwear for running needs to be as light and packable as possible. Often the best option is simply to go with a super light windshell like the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. It’s more breathable than a full waterproof but still cuts the wind and protects from light precipitation.

The hood is a great feature to have on a piece like this as it adds extra protection in bad weather. The streamlined fit limits the amount of loose fabric and the single chest pocket stores essentials and also acts as a stuff sack.

Clearly a huge amount of thought has gone into the design of the Aether Smock. It’s aimed at the mountain runner who wants to get out there in all conditions, yet it still weighs under 200g and packs down very small.

Made with waterproof and ultra breathable eVent fabric, the Aether Smock has several features aimed at keeping the user dry in nasty conditions. The hood is well shaped to provide protection and visibility when is use. It also has an internal gasket that seals out the elements. The rear of the smock has a nice drop tail with an innovative closure system that keeps the garment in place and the cuffs have a reverse closure with integral thumb loops. These look great for protecting the hands in wet weather.

Poles aren’t for everyone, although they are a fairly common sight on the long distance events these days. They have the same benefits to runners as they do to hikers; they take a load off the knees when descending, they provide extra stability on uneven terrain and they can help with rhythm and efficiency when used correctly.

The very lightest poles on the market have a fixed length, however adjustable poles have the obvious advantage of being adaptable to steep ups and downs. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ weigh in at just 360g per pair, come in 3 sizes and are fully adjustable. The Carbon construction is light and strong and foam handles and upper shaft grip are comfortable to use whilst on the move.

Windshell
A windproof or wind resistant smock or jacket that is extremely lightweight and packable. Designed to offer protection from wind chill but not completely waterproof. This makes it more breathable than a 100% waterproof garment and therefore generally more comfortable for active sports like running.

eVent
One of the few waterproof fabrics genuinely breathable enough to run in. Some internal condensation should still be expected however, especially in warm, humid conditions.

Running Vest
A small rucksack designed to carry just a few items that fits very close to the body to limit bounce and movement when running. They usually feature several zipped pockets for essentials and often have either hydration bladder or soft bottle storage.

Read more of Andy's reviews on his website.