Christmas Gift Guide: Trail Running

There’s something about taking to the trails that makes you feel invincible, and putting on a headlamp and going out at night gives you immediate superhero status. But you need the right kit: getting soggy and cold strips us of our super powers in a flash. It’s time to tool up.

Not what you’re looking for? Try our other gift guides below:

• Christmas Gift Guide: Nutrition
• Christmas Gift Guide: Racing
• Christmas Gift Guide: Beginner Runners

1. THE PROTEIN BALL CO. Gift Box | £17.99

This starter pack contains 20 flavoured protein balls, from peanut butter and cherry bakewell to coconut and macadamia. The Protein Ball Co. know their onions when it comes to nutritious balls packed with vitamins, fruit and nuts, but may we humbly suggest Christmas pud and mulled wine flavours for next year, too?

2. CEP winter compression run socks | £44.95

You know you’re a real runner when the thought of knee-length socks over leggings is a viable fashion choice. Anything to stabilise your joints and keep the muscles warm on winter runs, right? These CEP ones look the business and are made from a mix of breathable merino wool and synthetic fibres, meaning they’re both comfy and wriggle-resistant.

3. BROOKS Carbonite jacket | £130

You may have read in our last issue about Brooks’ new high-vis and reflective clothing. After lots of research, the range puts the important high-vis panels in critical motion zones so that drivers see you more easily from further away. Safe and stylish.

4. EVADICT 10L trail pack | £29.99

I know what you’re thinking. This is just a normal backpack, right? Wrong. It has adjustable straps, a 1L water bladder and a rescue whistle in the chest pocket. It’s lightweight at 285g, has a bazillion pockets and doesn’t budge a millimetre once you’re strapped in.

5. HOKA ONE ONE Evo Mafate 2 | £165

AbracaHOKA! Another magical pair of runners from the Aussie wizards. The alchemy of a perfect pair of trail trainers combines balance, grip, light weight, flexibility and sturdiness. Let these runners, which come in stylish black and red, put a spell on you this Christmas.

6. LEDLENSER NEO6R headlamp | £44.95

This is such a reliable headlamp that it comes with a seven-year warranty. You can optimise settings in terms of both brightness and run-time (the low-battery indicator signals it’s time to head home). It comes with battery, USB charging cable and chest belt. And [champagne cork pops in distance]… you can get 10% off with code DIS10.

Prices are RRP and correct at time of print for Women’s Running December Issue 2020.