The Spring Trail Running Gear We Swear By (2026)

Spring Gear We Love Right Now

TAYLOR: Spring is such a fickle season. In general, it points us toward longer days and warmer weather, but we don’t really know. As we have experienced the longest spring in Colorado history (aka dry warm winter), the East Coast continues to ride the roller coaster of a wintry mix, and the West Coast is actually in a perpetual state of mid-summer.

My point is that a well-rounded repertoire of running gear is what will serve us best. Here are some of our favorites to debut this season.

Apparel

TAYLOR: Patagonia has never disappointed me as a runner. It checks the boxes of comfort, quality, and practicality in obvious ways. In fact, many Patagonia items are on my all-time favorites list. The Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Merino Blend Shirt is just another to put on the board.

Like in the short-sleeved version, the blended merino material and lightweight construction work beautifully together for an extremely comfortable layer that does everything. The shirt demonstrates the versatility of merino by being temperature-regulating, uber-soft, quick-drying, and stink-free. The slimmer fit and minimal unique stitching go the extra mile to feel like you have a next-to-nothing layer while in motion.

I ran in temperatures from the upper 20s to mid 50s in this layer and felt confident thanks to the overall comfort and practicality of the Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Merino Blend Shirt. It’s one of those layers that I would pay more to have and wear often.

Pro tip: pair with the Nano-Air Light Vest on colder days and for pre- and post-run warmth and style points.

TAYLOR: If the term “breezy” could manifest itself into a top, it would be the Satisfy Space-O T-Shirt. It’s a perfect blend of premium materials that absolutely enhance the running experience through a natural flow.

I mean that in both a technological sense and a pure desert-hippy vibe. There’s no doubting the premium-ness of the material used, and I’m a fan of the laser-etched holes for breathability.

Breezy extends to the sensation of the garment’s movement as well. The relaxed fit and semi-crop allow the Space-O T-Shirt to trail behind the body rather than bounce as many wide-bodied shirts will do on the run.

There’s a certain playfulness to this garment that’s hard to capture in words. It matches my means for being in the woods anyway.

SAM: The Stratus is, at first glance, a straightforward lightweight rain shell. It has a streamlined cut that looks fitted, yet still offers enough articulation to be comfortable while running. The overcoverage in the storm hood is fully capable of sealing out whatever you need it to, but it can also relax away from your neck when the waterproof zipper isn’t fully up. But, other than the cut and the hood, there isn’t much to immediately signal quite how impressive this jacket is.

At 6.25 oz (180 g) for a men’s medium, it’s right in the “oh, wow, so light” range, which is great to see in a jacket that looks so good. The true star here, though, is the Japanese Toray Dermizax 3D fabric, which is the key building block of the Stratus. It’s thin and comfortable against skin, slightly stretchy, and has enviable breathability. I wore this with a long-sleeve baselayer on a weepy, windy day in the high 40s and felt comfortable until the temps hit the low 50s and the sun finally showed its face. In comparison, I usually have a hard time taking most waterproof jackets on runs in temps above 35.

The Stratus runs just a touch big. I’m 6’2” and usually wear a large jacket, especially in running brands. This in medium fits perfectly, but there’s not enough room to layer a thicker fleece underneath. To make its weight as impressive as it is, this jacket is stripped to the bone. There’s just a single pocket at the hip that serves for packing and as a quick stow. Don’t expect features, just a waterproof layer that’s actually breathable, made from a great fabric in a great cut. The Stratus isn’t the cheapest jacket around, but it punches way above its weight for the price.

RENEE: Spring running means deciding between pants or shorts on a daily basis. Many of us are still running in freezing temps early in the morning, then dealing with random 90℉ afternoons. Gross. My legs aren’t ready for running in shorts yet. Actually, they never look ready, but here we are.

The Xploric 2-in-1 women’s shorts have a 6-inch inseam on the inner tights, and the fit is neither super tight nor annoyingly baggy. If you hate split shorts that show a bit too much of your rear, these shorts are a solid alternative. And my favorite aspect is the waistband fit. I wore my usual size small, but I’m pushing a medium these days. If you teeter between sizes just because you hate tight waistbands, you won’t need to size up here. The shorts have a drawstring, so if you feel the need to cinch down, you can.

The inner tights have pockets on both thighs, large enough for my phone, though I don’t prefer the weight there. The outer shorts have a zippered pocket in the back, along with two open side pockets. Gels, snacks, or a key fob all fit in those pockets. I used the zippered pocket for my key fob and for trash. The side pockets fit two gels each. I tucked a jacket in the back using the pull-through loops. I wouldn’t trust poles there, but jackets and shirts stay in place.

ALEX: The Arc’teryx Norvan Windshell is one of those pieces that has quickly secured a permanent place in my vest and/or belt. It’s super light, highly packable, and you forget it’s there.

It’s highly breathable, so it doesn’t feel like a clingy, tarp-ish gas station poncho. I’ve had plenty of jackets that basically turn into a heat suit on the move; this isn’t one of them. It gets warm when you’re working, but it doesn’t trap all that heat.

It does a really good job cutting wind, especially up high or on descents when you cool off fast. There’s a light coating of DWR, so it can handle a little weather, but it’s definitely not intended to be a rain layer and will not protect you from a soaking rain. For the record: neither is the Patagonia Houdini that I see way too often as someone’s one and only outer layer being used in the middle of a storm in races… I digress. It packs into its own pocket, so it’s easy to stow away or just hold onto.

Fit is straightforward and what you’d expect from Arc’teryx — fitted but not tight, moves well, easy to throw on or take off on the move. The elasticized hood and hem are adjustable and stay in place, equipped with a small zip pocket; the cuffs are simple, nothing feels overcomplicated or overengineered.

Perfect for cool starts, windy summits, overnights, mid-run bonks, or when the weather shifts a bit. Just a simple, easy layer to bring along.

REESE: I get it, this is a running review site. However, sometimes a company sends gear for our other hobbies. Arc’teryx recently dabbled in the mountain bike clothing category with the small release of the Rhoam line. But honestly, this isn’t something new for them. Arc’teryx is taking all their amazing fabrics and mountain-proven gear knowledge and just applying them slightly differently. And it works. So well.

I’m obsessed with these pants to the point that I wear them casually. I went up a size. I want my baggies to be baggy, you know? If you like a more fitted fit, keep your normal size. The MTB-specific mapping just means these pants are meant for movement. You’ll find a little more room around the knees and a waist that sits up higher on your backside. (visualize a pedal stroke here). While the fit is perfect, the fabrics are what really make these pants terrific. They have sturdy fabrics; although still a softshell, the areas where you might need them should you take a tumble. Arc’teryx also lightens the fabric around the back of the knees and other areas to improve breathability.

And the pockets. Chef’s kiss. Four of them! Real front pockets, like full ones. And side zipper pockets. I honestly can’t stop wearing these pants. I know they are for mountain biking, but I’m wearing them like I could hit the trails at any moment.

Packs & Belts

MELISSA: It’s not easy to find a running belt that’s both truly menial and genuinely functional, but this one comes close. The standout for me is capacity without bulkiness. This belt comfortably holds even a larger soft flask, which isn’t always a given with belts this minimal. The pocket layout is thoughtful: one pocket with a dedicated phone sleeve and another with a key clip, plus dual cord locks that make race bib attachment easy without fussing with safety pins.

And once it’s on, it stays put. No bouncing, no shifting, and most importantly, no chafing, even over longer efforts. The fabric breathes really well and doesn’t hold onto moisture like I’ve experienced with other belts like this.

The only thing to be aware of is its stretch, well, its lack of stretch. It doesn’t have a ton of give beyond an 8-9 inch range, which means getting it on can be tricky depending on your hip-to-waist ratio. If your hips are significantly wider than your waist, you might struggle to pull it up, or it may end up sitting a bit loose once it’s in place.

If the fit works for you, though, the Summit Series Run Belt is a really clean, high-performing option that disappears while you run.

RENEE: I’m all for buying the previous model of any gear to save money. In the case of the VaporAiress, the new version is the better buy, especially for trail running. The previous version worked well for hiking, but the pack didn’t have the skin-like fit I prefer for running. The front flask storage wasn’t great either. The new version has a much better fit for running and for storing flasks. I stored 500ml flasks (sold separately) in the front with no issues or annoyance. The pack now has one zipped pocket in the front (phone storage for me). The previous pack had two zipped front pockets, but given the upgrade for flask storage, I’m happy with the change.

The back storage has a few changes, too. The vest comes with a 2L bladder with a quick-release hose for cleaning, and it all goes into the zipped storage area, which has a divider for storing other items. The previous version had a drop pocket for the bladder and a separate zipped pocket for storage. For ultra-distance packing, the Nathan Pinnacle Pro 12L would be my choice, but it’s a much more expensive option. For runners who need a pack for mid- and long-distance runs, and maybe hiking as well, the Vaporairess is more cost-effective.

The VaporAiress has a women’s specific contoured fit, and while I don’t have the men’s version for comparison, the flasks sit comfortably across my chest. The adjustable toggles allow for some fit changes. I wore my usual size.

REESE: I wish I were someone who could wear a belt, but I just can’t. It always bugs the hell out of me. So I’m normally left with a handheld on shorter runs, or I slug around a vest, which often feels like overkill. The Gravel Skin 2 fixes this. It’s for those runs where you want hydration and fuel, but don’t need to carry a ton (or any) extra gear. The lack of a larger back pocket is a relief in hot weather.

I rarely need to carry a ton of gear on a run close to home. I found myself using this pack with one bottle (it comes with two 500ml bottles) on hotter days, on trail runs under two-and-a-half hours, or on longer road runs when I could easily refill a bottle. It gets a little harder to justify using this when the runs start requiring more fuel storage and the use of both bottles.

I love the fit and the fit system. It’s simple and easily adjustable on the go. I never experienced rubbing, bouncy bottles, or chafing.

Accessories

TAYLOR:  I’ve mentioned this numerous times, but I’m going to risk sounding like a geezer and tell you again. A bottle top filter has been the most significant piece of gear for me as a trail runner. It has literally changed how I approach adventure and kept me out of trouble many times.

There are multiple reasons why I love HydraPak Ultraflask, and one of the major reasons is that it’s packable, even when not in use. It also fits on all of my other HydraPak wide-topped bottles. And let’s be honest: cold, fresh glacial meltwater is so much more refreshing than a bottle that’s been body-warmed throughout my runs.

No matter where you live or what type of trail adventure you’re on, I highly recommend grabbing a HydraPak Ultraflask.

TAYLOR: FKT is a relatively new brand. Their first run of glasses impressed us with quality build and function. Really, what more could you ask for?

Style, you say? Well, turns out they’ve got that too — enough so that my wife nabbed these from me pretty quickly.

A couple of new models dropped this spring, and our favorite was the Bridger frame. I would describe it as a modern-classic design that’s reminiscent of the aviator.

Running practicality remained in these and the new Rim to Rim frame, thankfully. A clear field of vision through high-quality shatterproof lenses and a bounce-free fit is the way to be, especially when taking them to the trail.

Technology

REESE: Trail running has tapped into a sense of modernity that we ebb and flow from frequently. Often, the gear and people we depend on require energy. That’s where the Goal Zero Yeti 500 is both a lifesaver and a luxury.

It’s easy to see the applications for ultra-distance races and run-specific trips when many prefer to be off-grid yet technologically capable at any time. Two of each USB-A, USB-C, and multi-tap plugin are available to power multiple devices at once.

Quick charging is another perk. When plugged in, it can charge in a mind-blowing 90 minutes… my phone can’t even do that. Better yet, off-grid charging is completely possible with the Goal Zero Yeti Nomad Solar Panels. I received the smaller Nomad 50, which can fully charge the Goal Zero Yeti 500 in 7 hours.

I took this thing camping with my family and kept our surprisingly long list of technology ready for use. We’re talking three days in Moab, and our phones, audiobooks, headlamps, and computers never died. There was still plenty of battery left after such a weekend.

At home, it has served as a power station to use a chop saw far beyond the reach of an extension cord, to keep a Wi-Fi connection when the power is out, and more.

I’ve even worked half-days from the back of my truck at a trailhead without concern… which gets my head spinning naturally about all the places I could “work from home.”

Nutrition

TAYLOR: Some of the latest and greatest running innovations have been in the nutrition realm. One of the best examples is the Precision Fuel PF30 Caffeine Gel. I’ve noticed performance gains on both long runs and races when this gel has been along for the ride.

I can stomach a lot when needed, but that wasn’t required with the Precision Fuel PF30 Caffeine Gel. It had a middle-ground consistency that went down easily; the flavor was mild and palatable, and I had a noticeable, consistent energy throughout these endeavors.

The caffeine addition really surprised me during the Big Alta 28k and our Grand Canyon excursion. Not only did I notice the aforementioned benefits, but I also got a little extra zip, both physically and mentally. When you need to be in sound mind and body for optimal performance, you can count on the Precision Fuel PF30 Caffeine Gel.