Whether you’re starting out in trail running or you’re an experienced runner, having the right gear is essential to fully enjoy every run. Although much of the equipment is designed in a unisex way, some pieces are specifically designed to fit the female body shape and meet the specific constraints of women. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive overview of trail running gear, with examples of items approved by the women on our team and our ambassadors.
Contents
The essential item, trail running shoes
Choosing the right pair
Trail running shoes are the foundation of your gear. Even though many models are designed to suit everyone, it is crucial to choose a pair that offers stability, grip, and cushioning, while considering the shape of the female foot.
- Size and fit:
Shoes should fit well to avoid rubbing and ensure good support. Don’t hesitate to try on different models to find the one that perfectly fits the shape of your foot. - Type of terrain and usage:
Depending on whether you run on rough, muddy, or rocky terrains, prioritize suitable soles that provide good grip and protect your joints with effective cushioning.
Don’t hesitate to visit a specialized store, as some have treadmills for analyzing your stride. You can also benefit from expert advice to find the gear best suited to your needs.
Although shoes are personal to each individual, even to each foot 😉 Here are the ones, for example, that we use:
Candice : The Hoka SpeedGoat 6 women’s shoes – dynamic, comfortable, for staying stylish even on muddy paths.
Sophie : Saucony winged shoes, motivating during races – apparently, she doesn’t run anymore, she flies now!
Technical Clothing: Comfort and Freedom of Movement
For trail running, it is essential to opt for technical clothing that ensures excellent sweat management, quick drying, and optimal freedom of movement. High-performance materials, such as polyester, nylon, or innovative blends, often integrate technologies (e.g., Dri-FIT or Climacool) that wick away moisture and maintain lasting comfort, even during long runs.
In terms of fit, although many items are designed in a unisex manner, specifically female models offer a better fit for curves. For example, sports bras offer molded cups and adjustable straps for better shock absorption.
For shorts, there are short and very airy ones, leggings to prevent rubbing, skorts for style, or even longer shorts inspired by men’s collections.
If you are prone to rubbing, especially on your feet and thighs, applying an anti-chafing cream can help. This simple gesture creates a protective barrier, reducing irritations and blisters so you can fully enjoy your runs and races.
As with all gear, the essential thing is to find what best suits your needs, as there is an option for everyone’s tastes.
Finally, to protect yourself from the weather, it is essential to have a technical jacket equipped with a waterproof and breathable membrane (such as Gore-Tex or equivalent), which ensures you stay dry and comfortable even when the weather suddenly changes.
Essential Accessories for Trail Running
Watches and Tracking Devices
A GPS watch is essential for trail running. It allows you to accurately track elevation, distance covered, and pace, while integrating mapping options to trace your routes and avoid getting lost.
Trail Poles
Trail poles are not essential for every run, but they are a valuable asset on rugged terrains or during long races. By distributing effort across the entire body, they help preserve your joints. To learn more about their use and choose the right poles, check out our dedicated article on trail poles.
Lighting and Safety
For runs in the late afternoon or low light conditions, a headlamp is essential. Also, remember to bring a safety kit with a whistle and a first aid kit for isolated trails.
For example, I use the Silva S mini. In addition to being pink (it comes in other colors for those who prefer), I appreciate it because it is practical, compact, offers good autonomy, and provides different lighting modes. Perfect for starting out and training safely!
Sophie’s tip: If you’re concerned about your watch, headlamp, or phone running out of battery during long runs, bringing a backup battery is an excellent solution. Personally, I never leave without it.
Hydration Backpack and Nutrition
A hydration backpack is just as essential. It allows you to carry water without interrupting your pace, while also offering the possibility to bring your nutrition, your necessary safety equipment, your windbreaker, your phone, your keys, etc. Choose a lightweight and ergonomic model with a capacity suitable for the duration of your runs and multiple compartments to store your essentials.
Some backpacks even include ventilation systems to reduce sweat and ensure maximum comfort.
For women, specially adapted models exist: for example, the TwoSixOne Artemis pack (the site is currently available only in French but can easily be translated by your browser) reimagines the position of the flasks to better suit the female morphology and chest constraints, thus improving balance and comfort during effort. It is also adjustable, allowing you to switch from a capacity of 2L to 5L with a detachable back pack.
I personally use this pack, very breathable and very comfortable around the chest. Its added plus: the flasks can be put on from below, which avoids struggling every time to fit your flask into its compartment.
Our ambassador Alexia Stelli (in the right photo) also wears it a lot!
Kiprun offers an 8L version, also designed for women, with pockets repositioned under the chest to optimize comfort.
As for nutrition, don’t forget to bring easy-to-digest snacks, such as energy gels, dried fruits, or bars, to maintain your energy levels throughout the run. Proper nutrition management is just as crucial as choosing your gear.
Adapting your gear to your constraints
Today, trail running gear is increasingly tailored to women’s needs, whether in terms of shoes, technical clothing, accessories, or hydration packs. Specific models integrate cuts and technologies that take into account differences in body shape, ensuring a better fit and optimal comfort on the trails.
However, it is important to adapt your gear to your personal constraints: if you find that men’s models offer superior comfort for certain pieces, there is no reason not to choose them. The essential thing is to select gear that perfectly fits your daily life and requirements, to combine performance and well-being on each trail run.
Moreover, it is crucial to test your new gear before every run. Checking its comfort and fit helps prevent discomforts such as blisters and rubbing!