3. High-Performance Clothing
The clothing options for runners these days range wildly, with almost every imaginable clothing company now carrying athletic gear. Trail runners are looking for the same features as everyone else:
- Light-weight
- Durable
- Reasonably priced
- Comfortable
- Weather-appropriate
More: What to Expect When You Hit the Trail for an Off-Road Race
You want to find material that doesn't chaff and feels almost like you're wearing nothing. Trail runners tend to be frugal shoppers—looking for deals and hitting up stores like Walmart, Target, or buying their clothes online. They're also not limited to "running" clothes. Some trail runners buy brands designed for MMA athletes, cyclists, triathletes, or even hikers. Keep an open mind to find the best gear for you. Favorite brand names include:
- Nike
- Running Skirts
- Champion
- DeSoto
- INKnBURN
- Brooks
- 2XU
- Merrell
- Patagonia
- Sprawl
- Primal Wear
- Icebreaker
- Pearl Izumi
- Sugoi
- Smart Wool
- Moving Comfort
A tried and true brand:
UnderArmour makes a great line of clothing that is soft, light and comfortable. They offer long-sleeved options for both colder weather and sun protection. Their clothing is designed to regulate your body temperature, and often has built-in compression.
More: 11 Tips to Run Better on the Trails
What your friends don't have yet:
Sport Kilts are cute, fun, and come in a variety of colors and patterns for both men and women. The ladies can choose from mini or ultra-mini kilts (longer versions are also available), while men can enjoy greater "freedom" and extra attention from the ladies. The "hiker kilts" are easy to run in, wick away moisture, and can withstand wet weather. Kilts are customized, allowing you to choose from a variety of features for a perfect fit.
More: Dress for top performance to look and feel your best on the trails.
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