Our favorite trail running gear for mid-summer 2026

Mid-Summer Gear We Love Right Now

TAYLOR: Are you sweating? Cuz I’m sweating.

This summer has been hot without any real reprieve. Running can’t just stop because of the weather, though. So, our answer is to find the right gear that will allow you to get out there with a little more comfort and confidence.

We’ve likely got a couple more months of this. Check out some of our favorite summer-saving options.

Apparel

RENEE: The elusive 4-inch women’s short. The white whale, if you will. During these hot, disgusting summer months, a 2- or 3-inch length sounds great for airflow, but the reality is the material gets gobbled up by my thighs. Even shorts with a high split aren’t safe.

The Active Lined 4-inch Short is flowy, not bulky, so the material does not stick to my thighs or ride up, unlike all of my shorter seam running shorts during the humid summer. Plus, the liner and waistband are both super comfortable. The Merino wool has so far proved easy to clean, and I’ve been nothing but completely soaked in sweat after running.

The shorts have a small side zipper pocket for a gel or key fob. I’m usually wearing a vest so the storage isn’t an issue. I recommend your usual size. I’m pushing a medium these days, but my usual size small fits great thanks to the stretchy waistband, length, and flowy material.

SAM: In our world of fancy tech and always-new-and-better gear, one thing I think we can lose sight of is the brilliance of steady repeatability. Since I’m stumbling out of bed morning after morning to repeat on some small but necessary variation of the same loop from my house, I want a short I can grab in the light of my cell phone that will persevere. What I mean by “persevere” is that the Smartwool Active Lined Short doesn’t reek like a sewer after two, three, or (don’t judge me) four runs.

It performs day in, day out, with the same comfort, and I don’t feel like I’m pulling on a dead rat after two runs. I hang it after my shower to dry and grab it in my morning haze the next day. The Merino/Lyocell blend liner manages moisture and odor, and the outer shell doesn’t get clingy or sodden when soaked with sweat. The whole package here is comfortable, smooth to run in, and perfect for every training run I can toss it’s way (poorly, as my morning coordination is lackluster).

Sure, maybe I’d like a few more pockets than the one zippered pocket in the small of my back, but more pockets would also hamper the sheer simplicity of this short, and I’m fine keeping that instead.

REESE: The Essent High-Rise Utility short has become my go-to training and racing short. (If I’m not mistaken, my fellow reviewer, Alex, wore the longer version for Cocodona 250). And to that end, these shorts can go the distance. I’ve worn them for short training runs from my house and a 100k race.

I’ve stashed a packable rain jacket in the 360-degree waist pocket and never once felt it bounce. I throw some gels in the thigh pockets and my car keys. Everything stays put on these shorts, including the leg grippers. These shorts don’t bunch or ride up. I cannot say enough good things about them. Beyond their functionality, after many washes and uses, these shorts show no signs of wear and tear and haven’t held on to sweat odors.

TAYLOR: The idea of beating the heat has been on our mind more this summer than ever before. The Raide Thermal Dispersion Tee is designed to help runners do that. It does so with fine materials, a lightweight build, and strategic ventilation around the body. All of that is felt, quality included.

Seemingly at least a thousand strategic holes allow heat to escape and air to pass through the garment from multiple angles. I particularly liked the rib cage perforations that I could definitely feel even with my pack on.

Yes, this is a spendy t-shirt, no doubt. It’s also one of the finer constructions, comfortable fabrics, and durable shirt options available to us runners. So, take that for what it’s worth.

TAYLOR: I’ve tested all three Radical Airflow options, and I keep coming back to the tank for one particular reason: I’ll actually wear it.

Nike refers to all the holes as “air-ducts,” and I almost hate to say it, but they work pretty much like that too. Throughout all my tests, it makes sense that more holes equals a cooler sensation. From this premise, the long-sleeved option would be the “coolest.”

I didn’t love the bounce associated with the long sleeve, though. The tank has a lot less material, thus a more performance-oriented fit; the cooling effect is concentrated on my chest and back where I need it most, and it looks a whole lot less absurd. End of story.

Packs and Belts

TAYLOR: Even though I’m a belt lover, there are very few belts I would absolutely recommend. The Dera B01 makes my short list.

It joins a couple of other high-quality options on the market that can handle a surprising amount of gear without bounce. I would classify the Dera B01 as a mid-sized belt in terms of carrying capacity. It comes with a curated 575ml flask that fits perfectly in the rear pocket pouch-style pocket. A rear zippered pocket, pouch-style front pocket, easy-to-clean water-resistant pocket, and a rear pass-through pocket give runners a variety of storage options.

What that really means is that I could take a bottle, light jacket, gels, phone, water filter cap, and keys with me without thinking too much about any of it. There are plenty of other combinations of gear too, but this was my long run check that passed the test.

Obviously, the unique premise of this belt is the quick and easy Fidlock dial cinch system. It worked exactly as I wanted it to. While I went with my typical medium, I’d say don’t be afraid to size up. My medium fit was just snug enough to feel confident even when I didn’t utilize the dial. Sizing up would give me a little more wiggle room and really get to utilize the cinch system for all its worth.

TAYLOR: I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the most organized. My attempt to declutter is to get rid of everything that doesn’t have a place. Well, thanks to the Silo Roll Drop Bag Organizer, everything you might care about as a runner can be compartmentalized and easily transported.

I have used mine to organize for a race, but I mostly use it to throw in my car for long runs. Headlamps, gels, drink mixes, sunscreen, and Body Glide all get their own pouches. The Silo Roll Drop Bag Organizer packs up small enough to slide under the seat.

Good to go.

Accessories

TAYLOR: In the wake of the early aughts returning, I’m glad there are still stylish and functional options for those of us who hold onto the styles we like rather than riding the wave. Let’s be honest, sunglasses were one of my longest holdouts because I just didn’t like the bounce, quality of lenses, or the coverage provided. They are often more distracting than helpful.

When I find a pair that actually checks all the boxes, like the Adidas Sport Sunglasses, it makes the pickiness worth it. The main reason I appreciate these shades is that they offer a fully covered field of vision. Secondly, the fit just worked. Having (apparently) a slimmer face, there are very few sunglasses that sit and stay where I want them to while on the go. These did a fine job of holding position without squeezing my temples, and for that, I am thankful.

TAYLOR: I’m a belt and bottle guy on the daily. For long runs, I also add a filter to that equation. It’s a simple, trusted setup that takes a significant piece of gear to replace any one piece.

Type 2 Gear is likely a brand you’ve never heard of, but keep them on your radar because they’re pulling together some cool things down there in Santa Fe. Of their current gear offerings, the 750ml Soft Flask and filter have been a lovely addition to my kit.

It might not sound like much, but the bottle size is a game changer. It’s 1.5 times the typical size, and it fits beautifully in my Raide LF 2L belt. Simple math would say I can go 150% further on one bottle. At any rate, it expands the route possibilities and cuts the planning needed for adventures. Besides that, the colored flasks are pretty sweet too.

Add the filter into the mix, and things just got seriously interesting… I will constantly vouch for a filter being one of the most influential pieces of trail running gear I’ve ever used.

I’ve used this setup by Type 2 Gear enough that it doesn’t even go in the drawer during summer. It’s either drying out or in my belt on a run. Love it.

TAYLOR: One of the main reasons I’ll never live in Minnesota again is the “state bird,” AKA mosquitoes. I happen to be that sweet blood type they love most. For whatever reason, these demon bugs have been active in the mountains lately too.

Thankfully, Hodos Labs just launched their insect repellent that takes out the DEET and smells great thanks to a special blend of oils like cedar, lemon, and eucalyptus.

It would be all for naught if it didn’t work; however, it did. Whether on the run or sitting on the deck with my wife to end the day, the Hodos Labs Insect Repellent is worth every penny.

REESE: I might be an ultra runner and a shoe reviewer, but I am capital-L Lazy when it comes to putting shoes on to leave the house. I want a shoe I can slide my foot into and not tie. I unfortunately tend to leave my house in slides more often than I’d like to admit, but the Kragg Aura shoe has been a game-changer. Technically, Arc’teryx considers it an approach shoe, but for me, it’s an “approach the day’s errands” shoe. It’s comfortable, stylish, easy to slip on and off, and it works as a shoe I can wear with jeans, jorts, or trail-running shorts. I’ve worn this shoe to and from a trailhead as well as to the grocery store.

Technology

TAYLOR: I can’t deny that I’m an avid Coros user. While the Apex 4 is my jam, I cannot deny that the Coros Pace 4 is (IMO) the most bang-for-your-buck watch on the market. We’re talking pinpoint accuracy, lightweight design, long battery life, and frequent updates that make your watch better and better as you own it.

Brand new neon yellow and ultraviolet colorways just hit the market, and they’re worth checking out.

TAYLOR: Not trying to give too many secrets away here, but this is almost all that I use to capture content these days. The Insta360 Go Ultra is, admittedly, not great in low-light conditions, but that is its only limiter.

It is simple to use and captures great video and audio, good enough to film many of our recaps, First Thoughts, and on-the-trail content.

It has a ton of features that Karl dove into in this video. Just know that this is one of those items that is easy to grab and go to take quality videos.

Nutrition

TAYLOR: This specific product is my new favorite endurance nutrition item I’ve ever used. It’s one of those staples that has proven itself during long runs, workouts, and on race day. From the 60g of carbs per serving to the added electrolytes and the subtle refreshing cucumber flavor, the Naak Boost Drink Mix Salted Cucumber is a total must-try.