Christmas Gift Guide: Trail Running

Yes, we know. We all want world peace, safety for women runners everywhere, equal pay, some upper body strength and a lie-in for Christmas. But on the off-chance that they don’t happen by the end of December, we’ve made a list of some of the kit that makes us feel happy and empowered – which is definitely a Christmas gift worth giving or receiving.

Whether you’re shopping for your trail running bestie, or earmarking some new kit for yourself, here are all the things on our Christmas list this year for trail runners..

1. LEDLENSER NEO6R headlamp | £44.95

Get a bit of light relief with this Ledlenser torch. It’s an excellent companion for night runners with its 30-metre beam and 40-hour battery life. You can wear it on your head or chest, and the clever tech means glare is minimal for when you’re running in a group. Equally good for keeping you safe on trails or pavements and it will last long after the sun comes up again. And [champagne cork pops in distance]… you can get 15% off with exclusive code LLWR15.

2. ROCKAY 20four7 Athletic Tee | £65

Looks like a simple tee but there’s magic in them there seams. Not only is the 20four7 top responsibly made with recycled and organic fabrics, it dries quickly and feels comfortable to wear. Rockay has sprinkled some odour-free magic over this one so you don’t have to wash it so often and can wear it day after day – hence the name (24/7, geddit?).
Sizes XS-XL

3. EATLEAN Cheese Snack Bars | £3 (pack of seven)

Trail runners need cheese; it’s a scientifically proven fact*. These low-fat cheese blocks are great to shove in your pack for a protein fix on a long run. They’re also fab for recovery, too. (*Possibly not actually scientifically proven. Yet.)

4. HARRIER Beginner Trail Running Bundle | £100 (approx, depending on items included)

Will 2022 be the year you slay the Fells? If you don’t know where to start with kit and were just planning on shoving a mince pie in your pocket and cracking on, think again. This awesome trail bundle allows you to pick your choice of race vest – 5L or 10L – soft bottles, straw, cup, scarf, survival bag and whistle, and first aid kit, so you stay safe and well in the wilds.

5. INOV-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max | £170

Inov-8 do love to innovate. And with this shoe, they shunned the carbon under-plate in favour of their own, newly-developed midsole foam – the G-FLY. In tests it’s said to give 25% better energy return while the Graphene Grip on the bottom is said to be the toughest grip in the world.

6. BAM Recyclable Insulated Jacket | £170

There’s a revolution in fit kit coming; this new performance running coat from BAM completely closes the loop by using recycled materials and making every single element recyclable. It will last for years, but a QR code inside means that when it comes to the end of its life, it can be returned to BAM who will then get it totally recycled. Even if you have to buy it yourself, wrap it up and put your own name on the label, cos this one’s a gamechanger.
Sizes XS-XL

Prices are RRP and correct at time of print for Women’s Running December Issue 2021.