Trail Talk By Rock Creek Runner

Gear. Over the past few years, available gear for trail runners has exploded. The good news? This means we're a community worth investing in, and the result is new and improved gear. The bad news? More gear = more questions. Do I really need a handheld and a pack? A pack with a bladder and a pack with bottles? What shoes work best for my trails? Are trail running shorts really better than road running shorts? Should I carry this stuff on every run? It's complicated. And if you're not careful, it leads to spending a ton of money while seeing few results. In today's episode I try to answer those questions and save you a little money. I break down all the essential gear items for trail runners, and my personal preferences for short, medium, and long runs or races. Here's what to expect from this episode: What gear is required to start trail running -- the answer may surprise you Trail running shoes...Are they any different than road shoes? Packs vs handheld bottles and when to use them Clothing for trail runner