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Want to make the most of your limited time on the trail? Go faster. Tying on your running shoes and picking up the pace provides an entirely new way to see familiar trails, and lets you squeeze more mileage into your afternoons and weekends. Get started with our favorite trail running gear of the summer.
Salomon Sense Ride 2
Running shoes are the most important part of this kit, and it’s important to find a pair that fits correctly. That’s why we like the Sense Ride 2, which accommodates a wide variety of runners: The spacious but not-too-wide toe box plays nice with most foot shapes, an 8-millimeter heel drop hits a versatile sweet spot, and the EVA midsole provides moderate cushion that maximizes comfort without losing sensitivity on the trail. The Sense Ride 2 has a breathable mesh upper, and our tester says it usually dried by the end of a run if her feet got wet. She wore this shoe on rough scrambles through Colorado’s Gore Range and during high alpine marathon races, but her feet never suffered. Buy Smith Caravan Mag now for $249
Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat
We have a love-hate relationship with our running hats: We know we need to keep the sun off of our faces, but we also want our heads to breathe as much as possible. The Duckbill Trucker makes that problem moot. Our hat-hesitant tester found herself reaching for this cap every time, thanks to its comfortable fit and mesh paneling on the back and sides that’s both soft and breathable. A DWR finish means this hat sheds water in drizzles. Bonus: It stuffs into a pack or pocket without losing structure, and it’s stylish enough to wear off the trail. Buy Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat now for $35
2.2 oz.; one size