The perfect gifts for trail runners enable the adventure. While trail runners pride themselves on ultra-light packs and a minimal set up, there are some items that are a must. A good gift will empower the runner in your life to go further, lighter, and safer into the freedom of the hills.
1) A Rain Jacket to keep you dry no matter what blows in
“There is no bad weather, only bad clothing,” as the saying goes. Hypothermia is no joke, and runners covering long distances are at increased risk as their bodies manage the prolonged output, nutrition, and the dance with the elements. Fortunately, the right layers can function as a panacea, keeping runners (mostly) warm and dry.
Coverage level: Drizzle
For light rainfall and warmer temps, look no further than the Patagonia Houdini Air. A personal favorite of our crew, it’s packable, lightweight, and weather resistant.
Coverage Level: Active Rain
When it’s raining in earnest, your runner will need more between them and the elements. For solid coverage and higher output runs, the Arc’teryx Norvan SL Hoodie is as good as it gets. Lightweight with breathable Goretex Shakedry, this jacket is great for prolonged running in the rain (so everyday of a PNW winter).
Coverage Level: Inclement
Sometimes, you need to batten down the hatches. If your runner is the intrepid type who’ll head out into the maelstrom in search of their strange brand of nirvana, pick up the Outdoor Research Foray. This jacket is built out with the features to stave off the storm. The Foray’s side zips run from waist to bicep. This means the jacket can be worn over a pack with ease. Leaving the side-zips open increases the breathablilty, keeping sweat from comprising dryness from the inside.
2) Insulating layer for warmth on those ridgelines.
Know a runner who wants to stay warm? A breathable insulating layer is critical protection at higher elevations and colder temps. Look no further than the Patagonia R1 Hoody. Lightweight, quick-drying and incredibly breathable during higher output runs. Given all this, it’s surprisingly warm making it the perfect mid-layer for daylong mountain treks and beyond.
3) A headlamp to light the way home
Even the most experienced runners occasionally underestimate how long they’ll be out. Runners should be prepared for the unexpected and take headlamps out anytime they head onto the trail. Look for a torch with an output of 400 lumens or higher, with solid battery life. Light output decreases as the battery drains, so look for headlamps with battery life at or above 5 hours at full power for runners putting in miles in the dark. We like the Petzl Nao because of its 700 lumen output, stability, and rechargeable battery.
4) The Stocking Stuffer: an Emergency Blanket
Best case scenario, a runner carries one of these light weight sheets with them for years and it never leaves its neatly folded square. Worst case scenario, it saves their life. Don’t be caught in a backcountry pickle without one. REI has great options.
5) Bye-bye water bulky bottles: Pack a Water Filtration system
Trail runners ranging more than a few miles from the car will need to carry means of purifying their water. There are a plethora of options out there, from iodine pills to inline filters, to our suggestion for the fast and light… the Katadyn BeFree. It enables you to drink directly through the filter and it’s soft pack bottle saves space and weight. The Saloman XA filter is another good option with very similar technology and different flask sizes.
6) For the modern trail hero: A GPS for your phone
Modern technology means backcountry navigation has never been easier. Aspire requires that our runners hit the trail with some type of navigation. We encourage Gaia GPS, an app for smart phones that holds map layers and GPS tracks. A $20 subscription to Gaia Premium comes with extensive map overlays, making great gifts for trail runners who like to get into the weeds exploring remote mountain nooks and crannies. Note: GPS devices and apps are not a stand-in for backcountry navigation skills. Learn more about Aspire’s approach to backcountry navigation.
Bonus: Some extra security for the loved ones waiting at home.
For an added level of safety, the Garmin inReach Mini features SOS, two-way text messaging, weather and location sharing. This device can make all the difference when things go sideways far from help.
7) Running packs make it all possible
It goes without saying, but you couldn’t carry any of this gear over miles of backcountry without a pack. For day trips, the Patagonia Slope Runner sits well, has a great strap system for added weight distribution control, and just the right amount of pockets for staying organized.
If your runner is the type to bring along the gourmet crackers, chevre, and a bottle of whiskey on any adventure, or head out for overnight fastpacking adventures, the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 25L will get them there. It’s synching strap system, front pocket arrangement, and durability make it our pack of choice for the Aspire emergency pack we send out when things go down, and it won’t do you wrong. Packs take a lot of use and abuse, making new options great gifts for trail runners.
8) For the Strava addict: A Running Watch
Watches designed for trail running boast a host of features including heart rate tracking, GPS, further fitness metrics, an altimeter (useful for navigating in rough conditions) and of course…the time. In a world of endless options the right watch for your runner will depend on their style of exploration and the other gear they carry. For value, we like the Coros Apex.
9) For the modern world of running: an athlete’s mask
Someday in the not-to-distant future when masks may be a strange memento of a stranger time. Until then, your runner can mask up in style with these moody mountain-scape masks from Territory Run Co.
10) For the runner who has everything: Give an Aspire Adventure Running trip
Once your runner has what they need to get out there, there’s no better gift than the gift of adventure (bonus gifts of laughter, friendship and sweeping views included). Book an Aspire trip for your runner for summer 2021. From iconic locations like Mt. Rainier and Yosemite National Parks, to hidden gems like our Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous and our newest stage trip in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Aspire trips promise memories that will last much longer than anything material.
It’s true, you can’t roam buck naked into the backcountry, spooking the squares and galavanting with bears and call that safe. You do NEED to travel with things. Hitting the hills with the gifts for trail runners covered here will mean your runner is well prepared for the challenges the mountains may bring.
Check out our full calendar here and we’ll see you on the trails! Happy holidays!
