HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL CLOTHES?

Practicing trail running all year round requires the right equipment for the weather. But how to choose your trail clothes according to the weather conditions? Ekosport explains it all.

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Clothes for a trail run in winter

To protect your upper body in winter, you need to choose trail clothing that is compatible with the 3-layer system. So you will need:

• A base layer: a technical garment that is both breathable for good sweat wicking and quick drying.
• A warmth layer: a more or less thick and breathable fleece will allow you to wick away moisture to the top layer while insulating you from the cold.
• A protective layer: this will be a windproof and waterproof jacket to be ready in any circumstances.

Depending on your sensitivity to the cold and the weather conditions, you can quite modulate your outfit and not wear a mid-layer or a protective layer. As for your base layer, if the conditions are mild a short-sleeved t-shirt will be more than enough. However, don't forget to protect your hands with silk gloves or waterproof and windproof gloves with a lining for high altitude trail running. A beanie and merino socks, which are both breathable and warm, will be a must.

On the bottom, leggings or running tights will keep your muscles and joints warm even at the beginning of the trail. Finally, for shoes, you're going to need a waterproof and ventilated pair. To limit the penetration of cold, prefer trail trainers with little mesh on the upper.

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What clothes to choose for a trail run under the rain

The waterproof and windproof jacket is certainly the essential element when choosing your trail clothes for the rain. It is the only element that will be able to waterproof your trail outfit. Make sure you find a minimalist and compact model so that you can easily store it in your backpack once the rain has passed. Depending on the temperature outside, you'll wear it directly over your t-shirt or over a second layer that provides warmth.

For the lower body, there are waterproof overtrousers to put over your tights or shorts to protect you from the most drastic conditions. As for winter, head for shoes with a Gore Tex or similar membrane to keep rain intrusion to a minimum in your trainers. Finally, you may find this odd, but to improve your visibility and comfort during a trail run, it may be worth wearing a cap that will shield your eyes from the rain.

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Wear for running a trail in summer

We only keep the technical t-shirt which, thanks to the good breathability of its material and its quick drying, will limit the risks of irritation due to rubbing. A tight-fitting cut also causes less heating of the skin. While it is important to carry as little weight as possible with you on a trail run, a light t-shirt will be unpleasant when soaked in sweat. A slightly thicker top will take less time to get wet, but will keep you warmer: it's up to you to decide which you prefer. You can also find technical t-shirts with mesh parts especially in the armpits.

For the bottom, you can opt for running shorts or tight shorts, it will depend on your sensitivity to friction. If you choose shorts, keep them tight enough to limit the risk of skin overheating. On the accessory side, glasses and a cap are a must to avoid heat stroke and eye damage.

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Accessories to complete your trail outfit:

Choosing your trail clothes is one thing, but there are a few accessories that can make your run easier

Arm sleeves

We don't always have the budget to choose our trail clothes depending on the weather conditions. Arm sleeves are then the perfect accessory to adjust the protection of a t-shirt during a cooler-than-expected outing or when you gain altitude.

The headlamp

In the wilderness, the slightest obstacle can cause falls. To avoid these inconveniences, it is essential to have a headlamp in your backpack to finish your run in good conditions even when visibility is lacking.

The GPS cardio watch

Tracking your heart rate, giving you a record of how far you've run, recording your routes and making it easy to find your way around: the GPS cardio watch offers many advantages as soon as you want to trail run.

The Neckwarmer

Neckwarmer or Buff, with more or less coverage of your face: the buff will allow you to run in all conditions.

The sunglasses

Summer or winter, it's impossible to go on a trail run without a pair of suitable sunglasses in your bag.

The hydrobag

Once you've finished choosing your trail clothes, this is perhaps the most important accessory to look into. This is because the hydrobag will allow you to carry plenty of water as well as your personal belongings for safe outings.

Trail is a technical and demanding sport both on the track and for the equipment. To be successful on all your outings, therefore, do not neglect to select suitable trail clothing that is adaptable to all weather conditions.