Did you run any of the UTMB races this year? Neither did I. But the runners who did, including Vert’s own Francesco Puppi, are so inspiring.
Watching athletes of all ages running these challenging trails reminds me why I love trail running.
Their confidence and endurance are testament to the hours of training, off trail work, and mental work they’ve put in throughout their lives. And your Vert.Run coach can synthesize all this information and help you put it into practice in a way that works for you.
Train for your next trail race with Vert.run
Whether you’re chasing a new distance or just want to feel stronger on the trails, Vert.run has training plans built by expert coaches—designed for real life.
One of the aspects I like about these races is seeing the different shoes and gear these runners use.
- Poles,
- Hydration vests,
- Gloves,
- Watches,
- Shoes,
- and more.
While it is and will remain true that all you need to get out there is to get out there, gear can help you be safer, have more fun, and measure your performance.
And when I’m lining up at my next trail half marathon, I’ll be taking note of what my fellow runners are using.
In this column, we’ll discuss hats, poles, hydration vests, and watches. We’ll leave other gear, like socks, gels, and headlamps aside for now. The aim is to help you ask questions about what actually works for you rather than recommending specific items of gear.
Your Vert.Run coach is a valuable resource when it comes to specifics. Tap into their experience and expertise.
Hats
Yes, you should wear a hat. I’m not just saying it to support the many suppliers who make running caps, but as someone who has had to have carcinomas removed from the top of my head. No matter how much hair you have, the sun is unrelenting, even in cloudy weather.
Also, we all know the weather can change quickly out there and it’s good to have a brim there that will keep at least some of the rain out of your eyes.
Sunscreen and a hat. All the time.
Because of my experience, I don’t wear “trucker” style caps, the ones with a “breathable” mesh back. Likewise, I don’t think visors are a great idea either.
Depending on where you run and what time of year it is, your choice of headwear will likely change. While there are an endless number of running caps available, it’s most important to find a hat that is comfortable and that you enjoy.
Poles
I’m generally in favor of anything that gets people out there safely. I’ve been running long enough to have seen the debate shift from “I’d never use poles” to “do you think elite runner X is using them at [name of race].”
People have come to realize that poles can offer stability, traction, support, aid on hills, and, in some cases, even help you go faster.
Poles aren’t just for hills any more though, as you see people using them on flat parts of trails and streets. However, one of the biggest advantages of using poles during a trail run is that they can help save your legs on ascents while helping with balance as you’re coming down that hill.
Generally, poles are either collapsible/adjustable or fixed length. Many experts recommend the adjustable/collapsible poles for trail running so you can store them in your backpack/running vest when you don’t need them. As always, what works for the person next to you might not work for you.
Poles aren’t a one-size-fits-all tool. The weight of the poles matters, whether they are in your hands or in your backpack, so trying different poles beforehand might be useful.
Solid advice with any new gear, gel, shoes, etc. is “nothing new on race day.” Practice with your poles in a pressure-free environment.
- How do they fold?
- How are they held?
- What are the tips like?
- How do you adjust the length, if the poles are adjustable?
If you have the option, talking with your Vert.Run coach, a fellow trail runner, or an expert at your local running/outdoor gear retailer can help you avoid buying the wrong poles.
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Watches
Do you need a watch?
It’s up to you. Yes, the phone in your pocket or running fanny pack will tell you the time, measure your distance, tell you how many miles you’ve put on your shoes, and more.
Certain watches are also compatible with Vert’s system and uploading compatible data is one way for your Vert.Run coach to help you with your training.
Watches of any price should include, at minimum, reliable GPS tracking, distance and pace measurement, your heart rate (from your wrist), and decent battery life. That the watch has some waterproofing is also important. If you find you want to receive calls and messages on your phone, make sure your choice can do so.
For some of us, that Apple Watch or FitBit already on your wrist might be enough (do know that you can’t upload your FitBit data to Vert.Run at present). Their GPS tracking abilities are reasonably accurate, although no GPS tracker is 100% accurate, especially if you are running in mountains, under tree cover, or in remote areas.
Storage and hydration options
Even if you’re only going on a short run, you’ll need to carry things. An ID, your phone, maybe something to eat and something to drink. And most running shorts have pockets.
Whether these pockets are comfortable, deep, and secure enough is the question. Do they have a zippered pocket, so your ID and keys don’t fall out? Does your phone fit?
This is all before getting into if you like how any particular pair of shorts fits and how comfortable they are after miles on the trail.
The obvious solution(s) to these issues is to wear something that allows you to carry these items hands free, especially your hydration.
What about those hydration bottles that attach to your hand/wrist?
If this works for you, great. I find that they impact my arm swing and are just heavy enough that I am always aware that I’ve got one attached to my hand. Plus, my footing isn’t always solid and falling while carrying water bottles, even the soft ones, isn’t great.
There are belts and vests which allow the storage of and easy access to multiple bottles. Not only are bottles easier to clean than tubing (see below), but these vests and belts allow you to run without carrying a bottle in your hand while your keys and calories are kept secure.
Again, your mileage may vary. Go with what gets you out there.
I prefer to wear a hydration backpack for my long runs. Mine has a two liter bladder that tucks into the backpack and sits comfortably on my back. Crucially, the liquid doesn’t slosh around when it’s full at the start of runs. The tubing attaches securely to the front of the backpack, so you can quickly get a drink, and the tubing isn’t flopping around.
The backpack holds my calories, my car keys, and hat.
A minor disadvantage is that keeping the tubing clean and free of mold may take some effort. Research storage and cleaning before you purchase.
There’s so much more gear we hopefully discuss in a future column. Socks, tights, headlamps, and more.
If there’s specific kinds of gear you’d like to see covered, get in touch.
Tony Edwards is a writer and trail runner in Northern California. You can read his Substack on trail running, life, and media here.
Train for your next trail race with Vert.run
Whether you’re chasing a new distance or just want to feel stronger on the trails, Vert.run has training plans built by expert coaches—designed for real life.
