Trail running essentials Australia
The best trail running essentials Australia runners can pack depend on where you run, how far you go and how remote the trail is. A short loop near home needs very little. A big day in the mountains, or a long ultra, needs a lot more thought.
This guide covers the trail running gear we'd pack, from shoes and socks to vests, headlamps and poles, plus the fuel and recovery nutrition that gets you through. It includes the new PURE Sports Nutrition range, NZ made sports nutrition we're excited to stock. Product details come from our product pages. Many trail races publish a mandatory gear list, so always check your own race's list before you pack.
Shop trail runningShop PURE Sports Nutrition
- Shoes and socks: grippy trail shoes and socks that help prevent blisters.
- A vest or pack: somewhere to carry water, fuel and a few safety items.
- Fuel and hydration: gels, drink mix and electrolytes you've tested in training.
- Light: a headlamp for early starts and late finishes.
- Protection: neckwear, gaiters and sunscreen.
- Safety: first aid, a way to treat water on remote runs and your race's mandatory gear.
- Recovery: something to eat and drink as soon as you finish.
Trail running essentials Australia: gear at a glance
| Essential | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trail shoes | LOWA Fortux GTX Mens Trail Running Shoe | GORE-TEX waterproof protection, 6mm drop, grippy LOWA TRAC outsole |
| Socks | Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Toe Socks | Merino wool with separated toes to help prevent blisters |
| Vest | Osprey Duro Pro 10 Run or Dyna Pro 10 Run | Two 500 mL soft flasks and a bounce-free fit |
| Fuel | PURE Fluid Energy Gels and Race Fuel | 30g of carbohydrate per gel, 90g per Race Fuel sachet |
| Light | Petzl Swift LT | 43g and up to 380 lumens, rechargeable |
| Poles | Leki Ultratrail FX.One | Lightweight, foldable trail running poles |
| Sun and neck | Buff CoolNet UV Neckwear | UPF 50 sun protection with evaporative cooling |
| Gaiters | Outdoor Research Swift Run Gaiters | Lightweight protection from dirt and debris |
| Recovery | PURE Performance + Race Recovery | 29g of protein and 52g of carbohydrate per serve |
Footwear: trail running shoes and socks
Everything starts at your feet. A trail shoe should grip on wet rock and loose gravel, protect you from the weather and need little or no break-in. Pair it with socks that manage moisture and friction, because blisters end more runs than most injuries.
Fuel: NZ made sports nutrition from PURE
The new PURE range is NZ made sports nutrition, produced in a purpose-built factory in Christchurch. PURE says it uses premium ingredients with no artificial flavours or colours, and tests with real athletes in racing and training. Our guide to what to eat during a trail run explains how much to take, and electrolytes and hydration for trail running covers what to drink.
Safety essentials for remote trails
On a remote run you're your own backup. Carry a first aid kit suited to your route (our guide to hiking first aid kits explains what to include), and check your race's mandatory gear list. If you'll refill from creeks, read our hiking water filters buyer's guide, or consider a filter flask like the Katadyn BeFree.
Recovery nutrition after a long run
Recovery nutrition after a long run starts the moment you stop. A shake with protein, carbohydrate and electrolytes helps you restock energy stores and rehydrate. Throw a sachet in your race bag so it's ready when you finish.
Our picks: trail running gear
LOWA Fortux GTX Mens Trail Running Shoe
A lightweight trail shoe with a GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof, windproof and breathable protection. It has a rocker-shaped DYNAEVA midsole, a 6mm heel-to-toe drop and the LOWA TRAC outsole, which grips on wet rock, loose gravel and technical singletrack. It's built on a standard-width last and needs no break-in. It's currently on clearance, so sizes may be limited.
View LOWA Fortux GTX Shop trail running
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Toe Socks
Merino wool combined with cushioned terry through the foot. Each toe is separated, which removes skin-on-skin contact and helps prevent blisters, and the footbed has knit lines for arch support.
View Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool
Osprey Duro Pro 10 Run Men's Hydration Vest
Developed for ultra racing, with a zippered main compartment, a removable trekking pole quiver and a stable, bounce-free fit. It comes with two Hydraulics 500 mL soft flasks and three pole carry options. There's a women's Dyna Pro 10 Run too. Stock is limited.
View Osprey Duro Pro 10 Run View Dyna Pro 10 Run (women's)
PURE Fluid Energy Gels - Box of 8
30g of carbohydrate plus electrolytes in every gel, in a runny texture with a light flavour. The box of 8 comes in Pineapple (caffeine-free), Cola + Caffeine and Raspberry + Caffeine.
View PURE Fluid Energy Gels Box of 8 Shop all PURE
Petzl Swift LT Headlamp
Weighs just 43g and delivers up to 380 lumens. It's rechargeable by USB-C, has an IPX4 weather-resistant rating and a reflective headband thread, a lock function so it doesn't switch on in your pack, and a red light mode with emergency strobe. Stock is limited.
Leki Ultratrail FX.One Trail Running Poles
Lightweight 16mm poles with a compact foldable design and the Trail Trigger Shark grip system built for trail running, for efficient power transfer and quick strap engagement.
View Leki Ultratrail FX.One Shop trail running
Buff CoolNet UV Multifunctional Neckwear
UPF 50 sun protection and evaporative cooling, made from recycled plastic bottles. Wear it around your neck, face or head. For protection from dirt and debris, the Outdoor Research Swift Run Gaiters are lightweight and breathable, with reflective details for low light.
View Buff CoolNet UV View Swift Run Gaiters
PURE Performance + Race Recovery
A single-serve 112g shake with 29g of protein for muscle repair, 52g of carbohydrate to restock energy stores and electrolytes to help you rehydrate. It also includes blackcurrant anthocyanins and prebiotic fibre, and it's HASTA certified.
View Race Recovery Shop all PURE
Keep reading
- What to eat during a trail run: how many gels per hour running, gel vs real food for running, energy gels for sensitive stomach, fuelling for a trail half marathon and an ultra marathon nutrition plan.
- Electrolytes and hydration for trail running: the best electrolytes for trail running, an electrolyte drink for running, hydration for ultra running and how to avoid cramping on long runs.
- Going longer? See our 24 hour meal packs and the best camping meals.
What to eat during a trail runElectrolytes and hydration guide
Talk it through in store
Fuel and gear are personal, and what works for one runner won't suit another. Come into our Helensburgh store and our team can talk through your next run. We're at 10/177 Princes Highway, Helensburgh NSW 2508, open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Contact the storeCall (02) 4294 2810
Why shop with us at PAST Outdoors
We're a family-owned and operated Australian outdoor retailer based in Helensburgh, NSW. We only stock gear we trust, and we're trusted suppliers for emergency services, government, military and outdoor education groups.
We'd rather help you pick the right product than rush a sale, so ask us if you're unsure. Come in and see us, or shop online at pastoutdoors.com.
Frequently asked questions
What are the essentials for trail running in Australia?
At a minimum, trail shoes and socks, a vest or pack to carry water and fuel, a headlamp if you might be out after dark, sun protection and first aid. Longer or remote runs also need a way to treat water and the gear your race requires.
Do I need a hydration vest for trail running?
For short runs you can often manage with a handheld bottle. For longer runs, a vest like the Osprey Duro Pro 10 Run keeps water, gels and safety gear close and stable.
What should I carry on a long trail run?
Water, fuel, a light layer, a headlamp if there's any chance of darkness, a first aid kit and any mandatory gear for your event. Check your race's gear list.
Are trail running poles worth it?
Many runners find poles help on big climbs. Look for lightweight, foldable poles such as the Leki Ultratrail FX.One, and practise with them in training.
Do I need a headlamp for trail running?
If there's any chance you'll be out after dark, yes. Many trail races also require one. The Petzl Swift LT weighs 43g and is rechargeable.
What is NZ made sports nutrition?
It's sports nutrition produced in New Zealand. PURE makes its range in a purpose-built factory in Christchurch, and we now stock it at PAST Outdoors.
What is the best recovery nutrition after a long run?
A mix of protein, carbohydrate and fluids soon after you finish. PURE Performance + Race Recovery has 29g of protein, 52g of carbohydrate and electrolytes in one sachet.
Where can I buy trail running gear in Australia?
At PAST Outdoors, in store at 10/177 Princes Highway, Helensburgh NSW, or online. Browse our trail running collection.
Gear up for your next trail run
Shop trail running gear and the new PURE Sports Nutrition range, or come in and chat to our team.
Shop trail running Shop PURE Sports Nutrition
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