A performance t-shirt is a must. This t-shirt comes from Kathmandu’s new Seeker range, which is designed for those who seek moments in nature above all else. It’s incredibly soft, eminently lightweight and maintains breathability even in the toughest of conditions. Plus, with an Ionic+ Botanical citric acid-based treatment to eliminate odour-causing bacteria, you can finish your run feeling as clean as you started it.

Another piece from Kathmandu’s Seeker range, these performance shorts are made for the trail. With four-way stretch, they’ll move in whatever direction you’re going, while moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool and sweat-free, whether it’s an up-tempo run or a chill meander along a scenic trail.

It’s worthwhile completing your Seeker get-up with this high-quality rain jacket, because the weather on the trail can be unpredictable. We’ve seen clear skies turn gray more times than we can count, and in those situations, you’ll never be more grateful that you packed a rain jacket. This one from the Seeker range is made of durable nylon that can be rolled up and packed into its own hood to save space. On top of that, it’s highly breathable, so it won’t heat you up too much. Its main fabric is also made from recycled plastic waste, for an added eco-friendly bonus.

Like with any run, you’re going to get thirsty at some point. Luckily, the solution is far easier than lugging around a hefty water bottle. If you have a trail pack like the one above, a soft reservoir like this one from Salomon is suitably compact and can be comfortably clipped inside to provide hydration with ease.

It’s easy to forget with all that dense tree cover and thick foliage that you will still be exposed to the sun for a long time while out on the trail. Protecting your skin, then, should be a high priority. We recommend going for a sunscreen like this one from Bondi Sands. It’s SPF 50 and is formulated to be effective when applied to wet skin, making it ideal for those extra sweaty activities.

In addition to sunscreen, wearing a hat is another easy way to prevent sunburn during a trail run. The benefits don’t stop there though. Wearing a hat with a brim can also shield your eyes from the sun, which is important when you’re navigating uneven surfaces where rocks and fallen branches can come out of nowhere. Go for a hat that’s breathable and lightweight, so it won’t become damp with sweat or slow you down.

Trail running is plenty of fun, but the reality is, it can also be dangerous. Rugged terrain can carry more than a few surprises, and a lot can go wrong. Add to this the fact that you’ll likely be a long way from help on many of your trail runs, and you’ll see the need for a first aid kit. The best ones will be compact enough to be shoved into your trail pack while containing enough bandages, wound dressings and sterile wipes to treat any injury on the spot.