Trail Running Gear - OAG’s picks

Gear — By Outdoor Adventure Guide on October 19, 2012 at 2:53 pm

Over the summer, Team OAG decided to/were coerced into getting off our backsides and training for a trail marathon. So we swapped cycling to work for running, dragged old running shoes out of the deepest, darkest corner of the office, and squeezed into those oh-so flattering leggings. Here’s the kit that kept us blister free and motivated:

Tops

Helly Hansen Windfoil Jacket £100

Tested by: Susan and Matt

Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, we were fighting over these when they arrived in the office. The microfibre fabric ensures that not even the blusteriest of winds gets to your skin – perfect when you’re training in all weathers. It’s so breathable though, that even once you’re a couple of miles in, you don’t feel overheated, and it’s lightweight and roomy nature gives you a full range of motion. It’s got a couple of pockets, including one at the back, so you can stash your mobile, keys or energy bars no problem, and the sleeves are removable too. The fabric offers UPF 30+ solar protection, though we haven’t been able to test this – cheers cold British summer!

 

Merrel Women’s Cayley £30

Tested by Mary

This stands out from the usual less-than-flattering athletic apparel. The fabric’s 50+ UPF, making it ideal for summer training while the Opti-wick material keeps unwanted moisture away . A great choice for female runners who want technology and looks in their gea

 

Helly Hansen Pace SS £35

Tested by: Greg and Susan

Helly do a great range of men’s and women’s running shirts.
So comfortable – it feels great against the skin thanks to flatlock
stitching, and stays in place unlike some, more clingy fabrics.
The tee is made with Lifa stay dry technology, which wicks away
sweat in an instant – an absolute blessing when we tackled the hills
of the Beauty and the Beast marathon! HH Cool fabric does exactly
what it says on the label too – circulating air to prevent overheating. Just brilliant.

 

 

Merrel Geo LS £35

Tested by Aran

I’m a huge fan of this peachy handle running shirt. It’s cotton soft and it wicks really well. The fit is on the generous side, and bucks the trend for slim fit. This is great as I don’t want anyone to know about my lack of six pack. The big thing for me on any running gear, the make or break factor - the seams. These are good seams. They don’t rub and they’ve got them in the right place. My only criticism is the chest pocket; either put a zip on it of leave it off.

 

Salomon Trail Runner+ Long Sleeve £35

Tested By Mary

I swapped to this as the weather got cooler: they stop the chill when I’m starting out, but as I warm up it keeps me at the optimum temperature. It’s such a high-spec top with Acti-lite for a fast-wicking and odour resistant finish, plus Salomon’s smart skin technology which gives a high performance. It’s a generous but flattering fit, and reflective strips make it perfect for after-work training.

 

Bottoms

Helly Hansen Pace Shorts RRP £35

Tested by Will and Matt

Ultra-lightweight and high-performance running shorts worn
by the most serious (competitive?) runners in Team OAG.
They have a great range of movement, even in when doing
those warm-up lunges, and the lifa lining wicks away
moisture faster than Usain Bolt sprints 100m. The
drawbacks? They are VERY short, and the meshing does chafe
a little on the first wear. But after that initial wear, they are a
dream to run in.

 

 

 

 

Helly Hansen 3/4 Pace tights £35

Tested by Susan (See above with Windfoil jacket)

I made the most of these as the weather turned cooler, thanks to the lifa/spandex mix which gives just enough warmth to stop your legs shaking. They’re super-comfortable too, giving plenty of stretch and support. Reflective strips for night running are an added bonus. These have become a staple but of my running wardrobe.

Merrel Kumai £45

Tested by Aran

Made with Nylon ripstop fabric and 50+UPF Opti Wick technology, these are great multi-activity shorts from Merrel. The big thing for me on any bit of running gear - the make or break factor - is the seams. These are good seams. They don’t rub and they’ve got them in the right place. The kit washes well and is my go-to gear for a run before work.

Salomon Trail IV tights £55

Tested by Mary

Again, these came in handy in Autumn, and no doubt I’ll be using them all
winter long. These are well-articulated tights, with plenty of give and,
although I’ve only tested them a handful of times, seem to be very durable. I
love the extra details: leg zips, reflective banding and mesh vents. Plus the
Smart Skin technology makes these high performance – with different fabrics
in different places - and seams to give support. They’re warm but not too
warm, and feel so good I even just wear them to chill in around the house.

 

 

Shoes

Helly Hansen Pace Trail HTXP £100

Tested by Matt and Dickie, see above with Pace Shorts

For trail running, you want a shoe that is lightweight but sturdy when you’re running on uneven ground. The Pace Trail is just that: light, but with a really excellent tread to keep your feet from feeling every little bump in the ground. I’ve never felt unstable in these shoes: my ankles are supported and the grip exceptional. C-Zone cushioning in the heel and front keep my feet comfy even on long-distance runs, and they are highly-breathable (there’s nothing worse than hot and sweaty feet). I did get a few blisters, but then I always do, so I’m not going to blame the shoe!

Merrel Barefoot run Trail Glove £85

Tested by Aran

I love them. They look cute as they are skin tight and fit like a glove. You feel connected being so close to the ground. The vibram sole is grippy and the mesh upper feels supportive in a comforting sort of a way. Before you get carried away you need to take these slowly (unless you’re an experience barefoot runner). The running gait is shorter, so you need to mid/forefoot strike (instead of heel strike) as there’s no cushioning like in a traditional shoe. They look okay with a pair of jeans, too!

 

Merrel Mixmaster Glide £85

Tested by Susan

I’ve tried these Merrell shoes for short distance road and trail running. The shoe’s minimal cushioning gives a great barefoot feel without experiencing hard surface impacts. The Strobel construction provides good comfort, flexibility and enhances the fit. Reflective details on the heel and forefoot increase visibility in those dark nights. I loved the colours, and would definitely recommend these to my running buddies.

 

Salomon XR Mission £90

Tested by Mary

I loved training in these - so well fitting and supportive – you can tell a lot of technology is packed into these. Although the length comes up a little small (I would suggest going ½ a size bigger) the toe box is roomy and well protected. I especially appreciated the quick lace system – my shoe laces always seem to come undone but no worries here! It’s good on trails, but can cope with the road too, which is a bonus.

More stuff that you might find interesting

• C2C Scotland gear guide and advice
• Battling Beauty and the Beast
• How to finish an adventure race (and survive to tell the tale)
• New kit we like: Mammut Lahar Down EMT
• New kit we like: The Primus Eta Spider
• New kit we like: Do it yourself cycle lanes
• Win a Powermonkey Explorer solar charger worth £65
• New kit we like: Kayaking straight out of the box
• The Killarney Adventure Race
• Walking Boots: Merrel Chameleon Arc 2 Rival

Tags: beauty and the beast, gear, Running, running gear, trail running