Best of Trail Running Gear 2022

Hopefully 2022 will see the return of races that weren’t able to happen last year, but even if we need to wait a little longer for the return of formal events, the trails are still out there inviting you to run. From shoes to packs to apparel, here are our top trail running picks for Spring/Summer 2022:

Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralite Short Sleeve

We’re just gonna come out and say it. Wool gets an undeserved bad rap, at least in warm, humid climates like the Mid-Atlantic that we call home. At the right weight and blend, we’d argue that…

UltrAspire Zygos 5.0

The ultra marathon-ready Zygos has gotten some seemingly minor updates for 2022 that combine to greatly enhance its already excellent on-trail performance. The pack’s ErgoFit harness has always excelled at delivering a comfortable, bounce-free fit that…

Ultimate Direction Trail Vest

The Ultimate Direction Signature Series vests have become staples for trail running, racing ultras, and tackling grueling backcountry objectives, but they can be a little intimidating for folks taking their first forays into the world of…

Topo Athletic MT-4

As much as we daydream about logging all of our running miles on trail, reality dictates the need to incorporate roads even if only to get from the car to the trail or in order to…

Salomon Pulsar Trail

Last year, Salomon unveiled their S/Lab Pulsar, a feather-light, performance-oriented racing shoe. We loved the shoe, but it unapologetically catered to a podium-minded niche rather than aiming to please those of us with more average speed…

Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set

Runners ask an awful lot of a pack when they expect it to store everything they need, keep what’s needed in easy reach, but at the same time fit and “carry” as though it’s not there…

Osprey Duro LT & Dyna LT Women’s

There was already a crowded trail running vest market when Osprey first rolled out the Duro and Dyna now several years ago, but not surprisingly considering the brand’s pack-building experience they immediately received a warm response.…

LEKI Ultratrail FX.One Superlite

These poles aren’t the least bit interested in slogging. Designed by and for trail racers, they’re built to go fast and push hard regardless of the terrain or no matter how much elevation gain and loss…

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

A number of years ago, Black Diamond popularized the use of trekking poles in long-distance trail running with the unveiling of their lightweight, folding Z-poles. Once a rarity at ultras, poles have now become standard fair…

Black Diamond Storm 500 R

We’ve been big fans of the Storm ever since Black Diamond introduced it because of its bright illumination and it’s IP67 rating which makes it extremely weatherproof. This new rechargeable version maintains those features we love…

Altra Running Mont Blanc

Having some extra cushioning underfoot is a huge plus during ultras and on long-distance trail runs, but not if it means sacrificing nimbleness or speed. The Mont Blanc is the rare plush shoe that is still…