Here’s What I Actually Use For Spring Trail Running, As A Gear Editor

I spent years running in a vintage Boilermakers union hat that I found at a yard sale, and while I still believe any brimmed cap will do for a sweaty, dirty romp in the woods, I’ll also admit that some styles are better than others. Rnnr’s Pacer Hat, for example, pairs quick-drying fabric with top-notch ventilation to keep your head cool, and the brim flexes in a few different styles. Sure, the fabric picks up sweat stains and grime over time, but a gentle hand wash brings it back to life. 

I picked up Skida’s fleece-lined Alpine Hat for long, chilly days in the backcountry, but it slowly became my go-to beanie for crisp spring miles on the trail as well. Its stretchy fabric fits well without being too tight, and the floral pattern (I picked up the “Lullaby” print in the photo above) catches so many compliments. Plus, Skida is a women-led, Vermont-based brand, and its Skida[+1] program matches your purchase of an Alpine Hat by donating one to a patient undergoing chemotherapy. It’s an easy brand to get behind in a sea of options. If a fleece-lined hat sounds too warm, consider the fleece-free Pursuit Hat instead.

The Path Projects Pyrenees Hoodie is made with a soft, breathable blend of polyester, Tencel and spandex that takes the edge off those cool, windy days on the trail. Complete with a scuba-style hood, thumbholes and a watch window on the left sleeve, it’s a great do-it-all layer for mild weather, and the fabric’s UPF 50+ protection is the cherry on top. That said, I probably wouldn’t wear it if temps climb above 50 degrees—the short-sleeve tee is much more inviting at that point.

Cotopaxi’s Sombra Sun Hoodie may not be the first layer that comes to mind when you think of spring trail running tops, but it’s a faithful part of my collection that never quits. The recycled polyester fabric is light, breathable and quick to dry if it gets wet, while tiny details like the scuba-style hood, thumb holes and a small stash pocket for keys round it out. Like so many other picks in this guide, it’s a layer that adapts to the environment, whether you’re logging sunny miles in the high desert or the humid forests out east. And with UPF 50+ protection, you’ll worry less about hours of sun exposure.

The Baja Shorts have been a part of my rotation for two or three years, and while I’ve tested countless other shorts since then, there’s just something about this pair’s fit and simplicity that keeps me coming back. The 5-inch length is nearly perfect, hitting that sweet spot between too long and too short, while the water-resistant zippered pocket in the rear is big enough to hold a full-size phone without bouncing around. There’s also a liner that takes some getting used to, but if you have experience with lined shorts or don’t mind giving them a go, these are a great do-it-all option for runs of any length.

Path Projects makes the cut again with a sleek half tight that’s so much more capable than you might assume. For starters, the Sentinel’s nylon and spandex construction is thicker than a pair of compression shorts, so you won’t feel exposed as you get moving, and the leg openings have a non-slip rubber seam to keep them in place. 

The biggest benefit, however, is the absurd amount of pockets that hold everything from flasks to phones. With six pockets in total—one on each thigh, one on each hip, a rear phone pocket and a hidden key pocket—I’ve left my running vest behind in favor of these tights when I need that Goldilocks amount of storage. Opt for the full tight if you’d prefer more coverage.

Darn Tough’s crew socks need no introduction. They’re practically indestructible, and if you wear through a pair, Darn Tough replaces them, no questions asked. I like this style for its above-the-ankle coverage, targeted cushioning and merino wool fabric blend that combines durability with odor resistance.

Ridge’s Minaret crew socks are designated for hiking, but the fit, fabric thickness and height is just as ready for trail running. After four-plus years of use and abuse, I finally retired a pair last month when a hole started forming under the heel, but weaker socks would have called it quits much sooner. For running, hiking, riding, travel and every other activity you’re into, these rise to the occasion.

There was a time when I ran exclusively in Altra’s Lone Peak platform , but a few dusty miles in the Timp 6 convinced me to make the switch. Like the Lone Peak, the Timp sports a roomy forefoot that lets your toes splay, and the midsole is slightly firm yet responsive, allowing you to get lost in the magic of a run or pick up the pace. Some runners would call it too sluggish and others too aggressive, but I think that reinforces its versatility in a way. It’s not the only shoe in my rotation, but it’s the one I’ll reach for when I’m looking to spend a few hours logging carefree miles.

The Prodigio Pro was one of 2025’s top trail shoes, praised for its breathable upper, ultra-grippy outsole and powerful midsole. La Sportiva combines super critical nitrogen-infused foam with EVA to deliver carbon plate-like power, allowing it to devour miles without skipping a beat. Though I’ve had trouble fitting in La Sportiva shoes in the past, the Prodigio Pro fits well and remains stable in spite of its responsiveness. Naturally, the $225 sticker price might give new trail runners pause. If you’re picking up your first trail shoe, I’d consider a simpler platform, like the aforementioned Timp 6 or the Hoka Speedgoat 7. But if you’re looking to add a speedy shoe to your rotation, this is as good as it gets.

Salomon’s ADV Skin 12 has served as my go-to trail running vest for quite a while, and I finally upgraded to the latest version a few months ago. This iteration is more stable than its predecessor, but it contains the same assortment of pockets through the chest, sides and back that allow you to pack truly anything you’ll need for the trail.

Salomon recommends it for long-distance runs of the ultra variety, but I honestly prefer it to the ADV Skin 5 for its sheer versatility. Though it serves as a running vest, I’ve started using it as a daypack when I realized it could fit another layer, another liter of water and plenty of snacks for all-day efforts; it pulls double duty if you’re interested in a do-it-all pack.

I’ll be the first to admit that a running vest isn’t always necessary, and some runners just don’t like the look and feel of a loaded pack. If that’s the case, consider the Raide LF 2L Running Belt that comes with two liters of storage space for a phone, flask, layers, snacks and other essentials. To eliminate any bouncing, a layer of thin foam pairs with a suspension system, and the fit tapers towardsthe top, just as your hips do, for optimal comfort. I’m also a big fan of the two loops on the back that cinch down to secure your poles or even an ice tool if you’re heading into the mountains. Raide includes a low-profile Hydrapak flask to handle hydration needs.

Runners have differing opinions when it comes to audio on the trail, but if you’d rather get lost in music or podcasts, Suunto’s Wing 2 bone conduction headphones have you covered. With 12 hours of battery life and a IP66 sweat and waterproof rating, they’ll last long enough to support everything but the longest of ultras, and the audio quality is stellar for the technology. I owned a pair of the original Wing headphones for years, but recently upgraded to the Wing 2 and can’t see going to any other form of audio that’s both safe and reliable enough for the trail. My in-depth look at the Wing 2 breaks down these headphones in more detail.

The Spot 400 Headlamp from Black Diamond is all you need in the way of trail lighting. Though it takes a little trial and error to master the controls, it makes a lot of sense when you get it down, and the button layout is easy to navigate without looking. With a peak brightness of 400 lumens, it throws light plenty far down the trail, and different modes allow you to adjust the brightness, the beam and even the type of light (like a strobe and a red LED night-vision mode). You’ll find running headlamps that are slimmer, lighter and even some that are more powerful, but this is a solid do-it-all option with a proven track record.

Modern running watches are similar from one model to the next, whether you’re into Garmin, Suunto, Apple or Coros. Still, I prefer the latter, Coros, for its software, accuracy and battery life, and the Pace 4 is a great option. With 19 days of battery life in standard watch mode, charging isn’t a part of your daily routine, and the battery is extremely reliable in GPS mode as well, lasting 41 hours. Coros also outfits the Pace 4 with a bright AMOLED touchscreen, though the brand’s signature dial crown is just as useful, especially when you’ve got gloves on. Though I’ve graduated to the Coros Nomad for its durability and multisport tracking, the Pace 4 is perfect for most runners.

Electrolytes may not be necessary if you’re fueling as you go, but if you’re a heavy sweater or running in hot weather, they can help your cells absorb and retain fluids, supporting proper function in everything from your muscles to your brain. There are plenty of electrolyte powders to choose from nowadays, but I’ve gravitated toward Tailwind for its sugar and sodium content, and the light flavors don’t coat your mouth in that overly sweet taste. Though I’m not married to one electrolyte brand (and I’ve spent time with many of the best electrolyte powders), I appreciate simplicity and transparency above all else, and Tailwind fulfills those asks.