Getting into trail running? This is the kit you need
Running has never been my thing. The treadmill felt like a hamster wheel, and city streets were just endless stretches of concrete monotony. I’ve done it a few times, usually as a result of falling for peer pressure, but it never truly clicked for me.
It wasn’t until I heard about trail running that something shifted. The idea of running through forests, up hills, and along rugged paths felt different, more exciting and adventurous. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a shot, but I realised that with all the activewear I had at my disposal, I honestly did not even know where to start in knowing how to prepare and what to wear on the trails.
The thing about trail running is that it's not as easy as just jumping on a treadmill or running on city streets; you're much more at the mercy of the elements and it's better to be safe than sorry.
So, I consulted with some experts to learn the essentials before hitting the trails and tested some of the best trail running kit on the market to create the ultimate beginner's guide.
What is trail running?
As its name suggests, trail running is a sport that involves running on natural, unpaved trails such as forest paths, mountain routes, or rugged terrain. It combines physical endurance with mental focus, as runners navigate uneven surfaces, inclines, and descents, often in remote environments.
It can vary in intensity, from gentle trails to technical routes requiring careful footing and occasional hiking, making it the perfect workout for those looking for something that keeps them outdoors and offers some excitement.
What kit do I need to get into trail running?
So this is where I turned to the experts; I chatted with Kate Mackenzie, the director and founder of trail running brand Harrier.
'Starting out I’d felt overwhelmed by the hype and gear of the industry, I just wanted to enjoy a jog on the trails!' she tells me about her motivation for starting the label. 'There was definitely a need for a different kind of brand which supported people in their trail running journey through great kit and down-to-earth advice.'
Harrier wanted to help out rookie trail runners like myself and so developed the Beginner Bundle, as well as other level bundles that included all of the essentials.
While, yes, there are the obvious necessities like trainers, shorts or leggings, and a supportive sports bra to handle high-intensity workouts that you want to have on hand, it's not always as simple as grabbing your everyday go-tos when it comes to hitting the great outdoors.
To keep your feet protected, look for trail-specific trainers. They're often kitted out with details such as firmer midsoles to protect your soles against uneven ground and provide extra traction or toe bumpers to protect from debris.
It's wise to pack rain-resistant protection in the form of lightweight jackets – ideally with reflective details – and 'a race vest will carry everything you need to stay comfortable and safe on the trails,' says Kate.
However, the underrated essential to ensure you have in your pack is a compact first-aid kit. On trails, a wrong step can lead to scraped knees or other injuries, so it's best to have supplies like plasters, antiseptic and bandages on hand, just in case.
What are the best trail running tips for beginners?
It might sound obvious, but start slow. When I set out on the trails to test my skills as a beginner trail runner, despite my somewhat decent endurance levels, I found myself switching between jogging and fast walking if I felt nervous on certain ground.
'Go for time on feet rather than distance, the terrain will affect your pace,' Kate advised me. 'Don’t try and blast out a 5k hilly trail [with] the same time as a road loop.'
It seems counterproductive, but in my research, the advice to 'look ahead and not at your feet' proved surprisingly helpful. It helps to avoid more hazards, and we have the wonderful neurological skill of proprioception, which means our feet can work without supervision.
Kate also suggested to 'go out with a local club to start.' Not only is this great socially, but it helps to be with more experienced runners to get over that beginner fear.
However, it was Kate's recommendation to 'cut your toenails the night before, or you’ll feel it on the downhills' – this was one of the very best pieces of advice. Downhills are a rough trot to begin with (prepare for quads on fire the next day), and this completely saved my toes.
The ultimate beginner's trail running kit guide 2025
Now I set out to test some of the best pieces of kit available to see if they were worthy of adding to your shopping list if you're hoping to take up trail running in 2025.
Testing across a range of categories from trail-appropriate activewear to trainers, accessories and vests, these are the best of the best.
Trail running trainers
Look for specific trail-appropriate tech details on your trainers to ensure you protect your feet against debris like rocks, twigs and mud, whilst also providing cushioning, support and comfort while you run.
Morphlite GORE-TEX®
Cascadia 18
£135.00 at brooksrunning.com.uk
Off-Trail TR Gore-tex
Gymwear for the trails
The most important thing to look for in your gymwear is minimal distractions. No hoisting of waistbands annoying straps and too-tight silhouettes. Trail running is also pretty high-impact, so you want pieces that can withstand these types of workouts – highly supportive sports bras and breathable materials are a must.
Find Your Way Leggings
Terrex Agravic Trail Running Shorts
Right On Run Long Sleeve Layer
FastImpact Luxe Run High-Support Bra
Outerwear against the elements
UK weather can be temperamental at best, so finding a top layer that works for you can be the difference between shivering in your trainers and making it home at least somewhat dry.
Terrex Trail Running Wind Jacket
Pippa Packable Pullover Puffer
Vests for the essentials
Beginner Trail Bundle
£82.37 at harrierrunfree.co.uk
Active Skin 12
Rab Veil 1L Belt Pack
Stile Reflective LED Run Vest & Phone Carrier
Accessories to get you through
Sometimes, it's the little things that make your next run a breeze. These are the top accessories to help you hit the trails in comfort and peace.
Radar EV Path
Women's Trail 21 Single Layer Sock
Ultra Open Earbuds
More gymwear to shop:
The best arch support running shoes for women, tested by Fitness Editors
12 best fitness watches for women: Apple, Garmin, FitBit and more tested
21 best changing robes to keep you toasty warm post-swim and on outdoor adventures
Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Running has never been my thing. The treadmill felt like a hamster wheel, and city streets were just endless stretches of concrete monotony. I’ve done it a few times, usually as a result of falling for peer pressure, but it never truly clicked for me.
It wasn’t until I heard about trail running that something shifted. The idea of running through forests, up hills, and along rugged paths felt different, more exciting and adventurous. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a shot, but I realised that with all the activewear I had at my disposal, I honestly did not even know where to start in knowing how to prepare and what to wear on the trails.
The thing about trail running is that it's not as easy as just jumping on a treadmill or running on city streets, you're much more at the mercy of the elements and it's better to be safe than sorry.
So, I consulted with some experts to learn the essentials before hitting the trails and tested some of the best trail running kit on the market to create the ultimate beginner's guide.
What is trail running?
As its name suggests, trail running is a sport that involves running on natural, unpaved trails such as forest paths, mountain routes, or rugged terrain. It combines physical endurance with mental focus, as runners navigate uneven surfaces, inclines, and descents, often in remote environments.
It can vary in intensity, from gentle trails to technical routes requiring careful footing and occasional hiking, making it the perfect workout for those looking for something that keeps them outdoors and offers some excitement.
What do I need to get into trail running?
So this is where I turned to the experts; I chatted with Kate Mackenzie, the director and founder of trail-running dedicated brand Harrier.
'Starting out I’d felt overwhelmed by the hype and gear of the industry, I just wanted to enjoy a jog on the trails!' she tells me about her motivation for starting the label. 'There was definitely a need for a different kind of brand which supported people in their trail running journey through great kit and down-to-earth advice.'
Harrier wanted to help out rookie trail runners like myself and so developed the Beginner Bundle, as well as other level bundles that included all of the essentials.
What are the best tips for beginners in trail running?
The ultimate beginner's kit guide to trail running 2025
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