Check Out Our Expert’s Guide to Trail-Running Gear

Trail running is a lot like hiking: You’re exploring wild places and getting a great workout. The cool thing about trail running is that you get to see more stuff because you’re traveling faster and carrying less bulky gear.

“Trail running gives you an opportunity to connect to your mind and body while also exploring outdoor spaces that you love,” says Eagle Scout Ben Feinson, founder of the Trail Running Club in Richmond, Vermont.

GETTING STARTED WITH TRAIL RUNNING

Find a mentor or friend who can show you fun and safe trails. Or with your parent or guardian’s permission, download an outdoor activity or fitness app to get information about popular routes. Some of these apps offer location-sharing features. Here are a few to check out:

• Gaia GPS Premium ($4.99 monthly). Includes 300 map layers, including cellphone coverage and private land borders.

• AllTrails (free, upgrades starting at $35.99 yearly). Maps out 500,000 trails worldwide.

• Trailforks ($4.49 monthly). Includes 3D features to help visualize the terrain.

• Strava (free, upgrade to a student subscription for $39.99 yearly). Tracks your progress and recommends routes based on your preferences.

SAFETY FIRST

• Bring some buddies and a couple of adults, and always tell someone else where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

“That way,” Feinson says, “someone knows where to look if you don’t come back on time.”

• Think about your Scout Basic Essentials, especially a water bottle, rain gear and food.

• Add basic emergency gear for runs in the wilderness or on less-trafficked trails — even if you’re out for only a couple of hours. Things to include: a space blanket (find one cheap online), emergency whistle and first-aid kit.

• Be prepared to be out later than planned by taking a headlamp. Petzl’s Tikkina ($19.95, petzl.com) provides 300 lumens of light and weighs only about 3 ounces.

RECOMMENDED TRAIL-RUNNING SHOES

Trail-running shoes are like a cross between hiking boots and road runners. Like hiking boots, they have knobbier soles for better grip on loose soil and rocks but with the flexibility and lightweight feel of a running shoe.

FOR THE BASICS: The stable and adaptable Brooks Cascadia 19 ($150, brooksrunning.com) is great for an average foot. It offers soft and responsive cushioning for those looking to feel confident on any trail.

FOR EXTRA CUSHION: Hoka’s Speedgoat 6 ($108, hoka.com) has extra padding to give you a cushy trek over roots, rocks and ridgelines. The lugs on the sole were inspired by goat hooves for added grip. If you want the latest version, Hoka has released the Speedgoat 7 ($165, hoka.com).

FOR WIDER FEET: For runners with wider feet, try an Altra shoe, like the light, grippy and breathable Experience Wild 2 ($140, altrarunning.com) or the Experience Wild 3 ($150, altrarunning.com). These shoes’ mesh uppers provide breathability, and the lacing designs help with the fit.

KEEP UP THE ENERGY

Staying hydrated and energized with calories is key for a good trail run. Feinson brings snacks that provide 300 to 400 calories for each hour he’s outside.

“Bring carbohydrates,” he says. “For longer runs, bring heartier food, such as granola bars or a sandwich.”

When it comes to hydration, you have lots of options:

Nathan’s Speeddraw 2 Flask (standard $32; insulated $38) holds 12 ounces of water and comes with a handheld strap. It also has a small pouch for extra stuff, like your phone or snacks.

Nathan’s Quickstart 3.0 ($90) is a hydration pack that holds 4 liters of water for hands-free drinking. It has plenty of room for snacks and extra clothing too.

If you want to upgrade, the latest packs from Nathan are the Vaporair 4.0 8L and the Vaporairess 4.0 8L (each $160). They’re spacious with external bungies to carry extra layers, a two-liter rehydration reservoir, pockets for soft flasks and snacks, and a stable vest to carry the weight without excessive bounce but with plenty of ventilation.

Nathan’s new Aerozip 1L ($140) is one of the most comfortable hydration vests we’ve worn. It fits like a zip front sleeveless tank and carries two 17-ounce soft flasks snugly against the body, with a smaller pocket layered over the flask pocket for snacks and a zippered pocket to hold essential gear.

Nathan’s bounce-free Pinnacle Featherlite Belt ($66) holds a soft water flask, plus safety gear and snacks.

Visit nathansports.com to learn more about these products.