Trail running—or, as I like to think of it, charging down muddy paths and scrambling up treacherous trails—is exhilarating. It’s way better than plodding along on a monotonous asphalt road, anyway. And because outdoor apparel companies are creating lighter, more durable trail running gear, hitting your stride outdoors is better than ever.
So: What’s the best trail running gear out there right now? I was wondering the same thing. I hit the muddy trails in North Carolina to test the latest shirts, shorts, tights, hats, and backpacks. The best were chosen for this roundup.
And of course, to make the most of your woodsy running adventures, you’ll need to strap on a pair of the best trail-running shoes around. Check our roundup of the best trail running shoes of spring 2018.