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We picked dozens of different gifts for runners that we love ourselves
Everything from outerwear to accessories to packs to hydration and treadmills
Some items feature steep discounts during holiday sales
We know what you’re thinking. On the one hand, yay for the holidays! On the other hand, we sometimes dread the holidays. Consumerism, am I right?
We are here to help you turn that dread into excitement. While the holidays explode with a bunch of pointless trinkets one could buy, there are many worthwhile goods to scoop up for your dirt-digging loved one.
Believe in the Run’s Dirt Division has hand-selected its favorite pieces of gear from this year and categorized them for you. Whether you’re looking for something simple to place in a stocking or are looking for something to blow some (brand-new) socks off, there’s something here for all trail runners.
These are your smaller items. Many of them fall more into the necessities category that all runners need, or at least strongly desire.
The fuel to get you started
Nutrition is a must for trail runners. Gels are the easiest way to get those calories in, but they can definitely be on the spendy side. Help a runner out! With a ton of options available, there have been a couple that stand out for the Dirt Division. First, Maurten is responsible for numerous PRs and world records due to its superior digestibility and high-performance formula. SiS Beta Fuel is another favorite of ours that packs a punch of carbs and calories, is digestible, and comes in many flavors to choose from.
You can also use code BELIEVE15 at Maurten for 15% off your order.
Thirst-quenchin’
Another essential for runners is water. Clean water, that is. Leader of the Dirt Division, Taylor claims that this is his number one most useful piece of trail running equipment ever. It is a simple, lightweight, and dependable option for bringing hydration on a run, or it can be a nice backup to throw in the pack when needed. No matter how you use it, it can be either a life enhancer or a lifesaver.
Cozy toesies
Comfort and long-lasting performance are two key aspects of the best socks out there. Swiftwick’s Flight XT Trail socks check those boxes emphatically. With the use of technical fibers and merino wool, these socks keep blisters and smells at bay. The fact that we routinely have zero issues with these socks says a lot.
Noggin’ warmer
Do you have a loved one who would let their ears turn blood red with the cold but for some reason needs something on top of their head? My grandpa is one of those types of people, and I never understood it. The Fractel M-Peano Winter Cap is a warm and windproof cap that looks as good as it performs. Truth be told, I almost exclusively wear it casually during the fall and winter months.
If it’s not on Strava, did it happen?
Strava is, hands down, the best social media platform out there. As I often tell my friends, “It’s what people are actually doing.” Having been a Strava user myself for going on 13 years now, I can confidently say that despite some periods of having a negative relationship with the app here and there when I was younger, it’s the only social media that I can vouch for having a net positive impact on my social (and athletic) life. For that reason, it’s the only social media I actually use on a regular basis, with the exception of my never-ending search for a clean, low-mileage Mitsubishi Montero Sport from the early aughts on Facebook Marketplace.
Furthermore, with the addition of a premium subscription, it also happens to be a fantastic tool for the adventurer or self-coached athlete in your life, thanks to its highly sophisticated route planning capabilities and helpful training metrics. In my travels for work in the US and abroad, I am indebted to the full suite of Strava’s heatmaps, which have been the singular key to unlocking some of the most beautiful trails I’ve had the privilege of running in my lifetime, a few of which nearly brought me to tears from their God-given natural beauty alone. So thank you, Strava.
We’re a little biased
Is your loved one a Believe in the Run fan? Or are YOU a Believer yourself? Grab yourself a high-quality, beautiful 100% cotton Dirt Division shirt. It’s one of our favorites for casual wear to rep our squad. Additionally, a portion of the sales supports the Public Land Fund, which benefits the education, financial stability, and recreation of public lands on both local and national levels.
Get the heck out there
At the risk of sounding reductionist, I’d like to assert that there would be no trail running without our beloved local trails. Therefore, an annual park pass, punchcard, or donation to your local wildlife conservancy makes for a fantastic gift for a friend or loved one.
Not only does it help fund the creation and maintenance of the trails we all love and use year-round, but it’ll also help decrease any “fee friction” your loved one may have to simply doing more runs on actual trails, as opposed to jogging yet another sidewalk loop in the neighborhood because it doesn’t cost $5 every time to run there.
I’ll take this a step further and note that mountain bikers have always embodied the saying “Earn your dirt,” and I speak for myself as much as anyone when I say that we trail runners could stand to do a better job of collectively adopting that mentality as well.
Sip, sippin’ away
High carb is the new black. It’s a difficult thing to get enough hydration and energy needed to perform. Why not drink your calories to get the most out of yourself? The Skratch Super High Carb Drink Mix hasn’t let us down. It has 100g of carbs, 400 calories, and 400mg of sodium per serving. If dialed in correctly, this really is a superfuel for long trail runs and races.
The hottest fuel in running
We trail runners like to think we’re complex and discerning people who live and breathe the wilderness and thrive in the darkness of pain and defeat. We imagine ourselves striding fearlessly over mountaintops, palms and knees bloody, tens of miles behind us, and a bold, wild unknown ahead. We are the masters of our fates, with finely tuned regimens for fueling and a gear set curated perfectly for each adventure.
But really, we’re a bunch of dirtbags who wipe our noses on whatever surface is most readily available, and to whom the path to bliss is simple: our hands wrapped around the biggest, fattest bag of Nerds Gummy Clusters known to mankind. Fancy nutrition is great and all, but have you ever known the sublime pleasure of stuffing your gullet with perfectly crunchy AND chewy sugar pellets six miles back into the local trail loop you’ve lapped sixty times this year? That’s happiness, friends, and it’s there waiting for all who would but throw a bag into the grocery cart atop the crackers for your kid’s lunch.
Bling for the trails
While many of us trail runners find ourselves wearing running shorts and tops even when we aren’t running, sometimes it’s nice to throw on some razzle dazzle. Dress up those spandex tights. Personally, I run in the middle of the day, so often when I leave my work-from-home set up, the fact that earrings are still on is less a matter of dressing up and more one of forgetfulness or laziness. Having a pair of waterproof earrings makes this mistake totally fine. Run. Sweat. Shower. Waterproof earrings won’t irritate the earlobe or degrade over time. You can pick up a pair from many places, but HeyHarper has a ton of fun jewelry options, from rings to earrings.
Looking for something unique? Or want something with a Southwest or desert vibe? I have earrings, a necklace, and rings from Salt Grass. I’ve worn the necklace and ring every day on every run for a few years, and I’ve never encountered wear and tear or tarnishing. I love the artistry and design behind each piece, and the link to desert landscapes.
Many of these items are desirables — ones that many runners could maybe consider but talk themselves out of. Treat your trail runner with one of these under the tree.
For totin’ the goods
While the Raide LF 2L Belt was an industry reshaper, the Raide UL 1L Running Belt is an extremely good follow-up. For most daily runs, the original Raid belt is overkill, but I still wear a slim belt to carry my goods. Truth be told, many belts do fine at this, but the Raid UL 1L Running Belt does phenomenal. It carries the necessities like my phone, a bottle, and some calories with zero bounce and 100% comfort. This is a belt I would easily use for adventures up to 2 hours (and beyond, depending on the season).
Fashion meets function
Path Projects has a way with the runners. Comfort and quality scream from every seam. Do you need a top that’s low-key classic but high-performing in other ways? The Lomond Half Zip can easily serve as a mid-layer or outer layer while running. It can also be thrown on for various casual endeavors.
Extra storage, extra comfort
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. That’s the design approach for the Tantrums Crest 6 Pack. This is one of the lightest-weight, most breathable, and functional packs on the market. It is meant to supply the necessities in warmer climates, but can be used in really any trail running scenario. This is our current lightweight no-bounce favorites
Tights for the coldest nights
These are, perhaps, the best winter running tights known to mankind. A light fleece-lined inner provides both warmth and wind protection. They are also highly functional with a Kinetic Garment Design that’s mapped to the body’s movement patterns. I have two pairs of them that I wear constantly throughout the winter.
When the winter winds blow
I’m not a windbreaker guy. They’re too often hot, flappy, and loud, and what exactly is wrong with a decent wool-blend shirt when it’s 45 degrees and gross outside? I tend to strip off wind layers three miles into basically any run where they would be useful, so I used to opt for just skipping them.
“Used to” is the key operating phrase there, because this changed with the Peak Performance Freelight Wind Jacket. At face value, this is just an upper-range nylon wind layer. It has a windproof front panel, a stretchy and breathable back panel, and a hood with a stow loop. However, the greatness here is in the details, as it often is with performance jackets. The Freelight has armpit perforations for breathability, a mesh pack pocket, and a zippered chest pocket, and these all add to the versatility of the jacket.
However, the coup de gras of greatness comes from the tiny hook-and-loop closure at chest level across the main zipper. It’s the same plastic hook and elastic loop as the hood stow, but on your chest, it allows you to unzip the jacket to wherever you want to vent heat without it flopping all over. This is a small addition, but it makes the whole jacket a staple in my shoulder-season kit.
Post-run bliss
Recovery is nearly as important as the running itself. When it comes down to recovery slides, there are two that have really struck our fancy. One is the Roll Recovery Superplush Slide that would work well for average to wide-footed runners. After a short break-in period, these are soft yet structured to assist your feet with recovery.
In a similar way, the Norda 008 would work best for those who have a slimmer foot. These add the benefit of a Vibram outsole, making recovery slides comfortable to wear from the fridge to the farmer’s market.
Oh, so cozy
Are you willing to look like you just skinned a teddy bear to make your trail apparel? We know we are. Alright, so that might sound a little violent for the holiday season, but the soft, fluffy texture of the Shag Hoodie is worth it. Available in four different colors, this lightweight, warm layer features helpful cinches around the hood and waist, making it a flexible option for any fit, whether on trails or at the coffee shop.
Warmth, but make it bougie
I didn’t want to like this top. In fact, the fit is still something that I’m not excited about; it’s a little too cropped for me, but the Alpha Direct material is just too good not to mention. This top offers no wind protection, but it’s suitable for non-windy, semi-cold conditions. It is shockingly warm despite its see-through nature. I’ve run in conditions of all types, and I’ve found that even in 40-degree temperatures, it kept me warm. Windy? Pair it with a shell for added protection.
For carrying, well, everything
Description: The G.O.A.T. Tote (20L, 30L, or 70L) is perfect for hauling around all of your race or long run gear. Check out the drawstring stuff sacks for organization in your vest or pack. I’ve been using these for years to keep things protected and streamlined in my running vest!
A vest, Courtney Dauwalter-style
For the Courtney fan (basically everyone), a few extra dollars for a 6L pack makes a great gift. I’m almost always carrying something with me when I run, and I prefer not to have my phone, keys, or Nerd Gummy Clusters bouncing around in a waist belt. The pack comes with two 500ml flasks and holds them securely in place.
The front has two chest zipper pockets and two front quick-stash storage pockets. The back pass-through pocket also holds a 500ml flask, and there’s an open pouch for a small jacket. The material is soft and lightweight and not annoying. For more storage, the Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Pack is another good option.
Extra storage for long days
For the long haul, the Adv Skin 12 Set has a 12L capacity. I found the material to be more flexible and comfortable than some older Salomon packs, so even if 12L of capacity isn’t always necessary, it’s comfortable when running with only a few items (flasks, food, jackets).
Many runners were disappointed that the new version no longer has the top pass-through pocket on the back. I get it. Still, the Salomon pack has one of the best (maybe the best) performance fits in my opinion, thanks to the SensiFit and Quick Link system (the straps that are easy to adjust on the run to loosen or tighten). You can shove a lot in the back zipper pocket, an extra flask or jacket in the low back pass-through pocket, and of course, the front zipper and front storage pockets.
For elite napping purposes
Sleep is the foundation of any good training plan. Honestly, it’s the foundation of just about everything. No one is ready to take on the day, whether it’s work, running, or anything else, when they’ve gotten a bad night’s sleep. Sleep is always a priority for me. I’m not a particularly patient person as it is, so with a bad night of sleep, watch out, world. The Lagoon pillow has been a lifesaver in terms of sleep. I went through a period of waking up to neck and shoulder pain after sleep. I would go weeks with a terrible kink in my neck.
Not so with the Lagoon. The filling is a Goldilocks feel, not too soft, not too firm. You can add extra memory foam or remove material to meet your specific needs. It’s been pure bliss since getting it. I even brought my Lagoon Travel pillow for the six-day Trans Rockies race, and I’m glad I did. Nothing beats a good night of sleep, especially when you’re running 120 miles.
Think BIG! These are your above-and-beyond gifts that don’t happen every year.
For trackin’ those runs
When it comes down to it, the Coros Apex 4 is the watch that’s most tuned for the “serious” trail runner’s needs. By serious, we mean their only hobby is some sort of outdoor movement — especially trail running and other mountain activities. This watch is best in class in many respects, like lightweight, durable build, GPS accuracy, battery life, and overall functionality.
It’s one of the few platforms that also has regular software updates for free. So, the Coros Apex 4 is a gift that will keep on giving.
For holdin’ and squeezin’ (your legs)
If you’re not looking to go all out on the Normatec boots, the Normatec Go sleeves are the same technology that is cheaper and much easier to travel with (even TSA approved). They’re great for recovery at home or on the go. There are seven compression levels, and you can set a timer per session. Honestly, I mostly like the fact that I can use them and tuck them under my nightstand.
Keeping your pup close
For dog lovers who want to share the trails with their dogs, this has been my most influential piece of gear for doing so. It is more than a correctional collar. The Heel Virtual Dog Leash helps establish healthy boundaries and consistent training stimuli through buzzes, beeps, and shocks (if desired or needed). The handler can set a radius (from 10 to 750 feet) for your pup to train and roam comfortably. I honestly do not know how my dog and I would be where we are today without this tool.
You can also use code BITR10 for a discount.
Race fees? Who needs ’em?
Take one less stress off of race day by giving (or partially gifting) an entry to a race. Prices are definitely not subsiding, even for the most local events. So, this one will mean more than you know… especially if you’re like our reviewers, John and Allison, popping off races bi-weekly.
NOTE: Not all events utilize UltraSignup for race registration, but most do. Search for the event in the search bar to double-check before proceeding.
Make life an adventure
Looking to give the gift of a lifetime? Well, a guided trip with trail running legend Anna Frost might just be the gift. She and her husband have traveled the world as professional trail runners, and they built some all-inclusive excursions in some of the world’s most glorious trail running locations. 2026 trips include Japan, Norway, Tour du Mont Blanc, Madeira Island, Patagonia, Bhutan, Ecuador, Greece, Kenya, New Zealand, Slovenia, and Colorado.
You can use code BITR100 for a discount, too.
Because cross-training matters, too
Has injury plagued your runner, or do they need another way to get outside and burn that everlasting energy? A Van Rysel GRVL AF 2 Apex bike would give them all the motivation and no excuses to do so. This bike is versatile for riding on pavement, gravel, and light trails. It’s also a noticeable upgrade from the base-level bike. So, even if they have one, consider this option.
Oh, you want now, but are covered in snow? Tag on the Van Rysel x Zwift D100 indoor trainer that gamifies indoor cycling. It’s not exactly running or riding outdoors, but it is an outlet that’s legitimately fun.
For that little extra oomph
You might be thinking to yourself, 250 bucks for a pair of sticks?! Trust me, to trail runners, these are far more than just hiking poles. These are the lightest, most dependable, and secure poles ever. I held out for years, but the recent switch was well worth it. Compared to my other running poles, these were actually performance-enhancing, especially on steep terrain and ultra-distance endeavors. Leki is known for their Trail Shark glove that attaches directly to the handle for optimal power uphill and control on the rest.
Yeah, the $250 price tag was a big “no” from me for a while, but I finally caved and purchased these poles once I found a discount. The Ultratrail FX.one Superlite poles are one of the few running items I have that I didn’t receive for free for review. Leki’s description clearly states these are for competition, not recreational use. I’m very much a mediocre runner and have used them for training runs. No issues with damage, even when I’m placing most of my weight on them.
Sizing note: Using their pole size advisor, I was between sizes and opted for the longer size (glad I did). Additionally, the grip-straps (gloves) may be too large for those with small hands, so consider ordering them separately.
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Taylor Bodin is a trail and ultra runner living in Estes Park, Colo., with his wife and daughters. As the head of the Dirt Division at Believe in the Run, trail running is pretty much the only hobby he can manage right now and loves it. Every so often, he will pop off a race or FKT attempt because competition is pure and the original motivator for him getting into running anyway.
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Reese Ruland is a Fort Collins, Colorado-based ultra trail runner with over 15 years of competitive running experience. She has a penchant for PopTarts, a gear addiction, and is always taking photos of her two French Bulldogs, Loaf and Oatie. In addition to her athletic endeavors, Reese serves as an ambassador for Project Heal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting accessible mental health care for those affected by eating disorders. She’s also one of the fastest women ever to run R2R2R (7:59).
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Alex is a trail and ultra runner from the upper midwest who loves Minnesota’s long winters and logging miles on the rooty, rocky, steep trails of Lake Superior’s North Shore. She was the first female to set a supported FKT on the 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) and enjoys multi-day events and races, especially if they involve snow and -20 degree temps.
All-time favorite shoes: Hoka Speedgoat Evo, Hoka Tecton X, Altra Timp.
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Sam lives in Baltimore with his wife and two kids and spends his days fixing espresso machines for Ceremony Coffee Roasters. He runs with the Faster Bastards when he can, races ultras, and has been working on completing the AT section by section. He thinks the best days are made of long miles on nasty trails, but that a good surf session, a really stunning book, or a day of board games are pretty all right too.
All-time favorite shoes: Saucony Xodus Ultra, Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3, Altra Lone Peak
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Renee lives in rural Nebraska and runs on gravel roads that may or may not be maintained depending on the time of year. If she’s not running on gravel or dirt, she usually opts to run trails instead of paved roads. Fun face: every Boston-qualifying road marathon she has registered for has been canceled.
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An engineer living with his wife and cat in Birmingham, Ala., Michael loves chill morning runs in the neighborhood, but especially enjoys soaking up long miles of technical southeast singletrack. Occasionally, he’ll get a racing itch and actually string together some “organized” training for a trail race or FKT. In his free time, Michael enjoys books, backpacking, and hanging out with friends.
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