A Curated Gear Guide from Goldwin’s Product Team
Trail running takes you off the pavement and onto rugged terrain—forest roads, gravel paths, and mountain trails. Unlike road running, trails are full of elevation changes, uneven footing, and often cover long distances that stretch through both day and night. Rapid shifts in weather and temperature can make the environment particularly harsh. To minimize physical strain and stay safe, having the right gear is essential.
In this article, Goldwin’s product developers, Ayako and Yuya, share expert tips on choosing gear that helps trail runners perform at their best.
Comfort That Moves With You Is Key
From forest trails and rocky paths to stream crossings and steep ascents, trail races demand gear that doesn’t restrict your movement. Ill-fitting clothing can not only cause discomfort but also lead to unnecessary fatigue.
“The Goldwin Start Trail Pack was co-developed with world-renowned trail runner Dylan Bowman. The back panel of the main compartment uses the same material as our support tights, allowing it to stretch without bouncing, even while carrying a load. It’s also designed for quick access to stored items while on the move.”
“Rather than feeling like a backpack, it wears more like a piece of performance apparel—a vest with built-in storage. It hugs the body, stays stable, and is extremely lightweight. Top athletes run 100-mile (160km) races with this pack. Personally, it’s a bit small for my 100-mile attempts [laughs], but it’s perfect for 30km outings when I need hydration, nutrition, rainwear, warm layers, and spare gloves.”
“It has a 7L capacity, making it ideal for mid-distance races up to 70km where aid stations are well-equipped and mandatory gear isn’t too extensive.”
Shorts That Don’t Get in the Way on the Uphill
Trail running often involves dynamic hip movement, especially on ascents. That’s why runners seek shorts that don’t hinder leg motion.
“You’ll sometimes see runners hiking their shorts up mid-race—that’s a sign that restrictive gear causes real stress. The Breathable Active Shorts have an inseam of around 6 inches—not overly short—but the loose, baggy fit and deep side slits allow for full range of motion. Plus, there’s a zip pocket in the center back for your smartphone and roomy pockets on both hips.”
“They’re made from lightweight, breathable, and water-repellent ripstop fabric. The bonded hem creates a seamless finish, so they’re gentle on the skin. That’s a big plus.”
Sweat Management Can Prevent Major Issues
Ignoring sweat can lead to serious problems. While sweat-chill might be minor in urban exercise, in the mountains, it can contribute to hypothermia. Moisture buildup in shoes also causes blisters.
“Natural fibers like wool and cotton absorb moisture from both sweat and the air, while synthetics dry quickly. The Fast Run Wool Sleeveless uses a hybrid wool fabric called ‘NIKKE AXIO,’ which combines the best of both. It’s soft, comfortable, and resists chill from sweat. The back panel is mesh for ventilation, and the wider shoulder design helps reduce damage from sun exposure.”
“As someone who sweats a lot, I always go for quick-drying, 100% synthetic shirts during races. The Advanced Light T-Shirt is incredibly comfortable, with bonded seams around the collar and edges to minimize skin irritation. It’s become a go-to for me.”
Socks Designed to Prevent Blisters
Japanese paper has long been used in traditional elements like shoji and fusuma, prized for its moisture-absorbing properties. Socks made from paper yarn take advantage of this to reduce moisture and friction inside your shoes.
“I love the Paper Fiber Five-Toe Mid-Cut Socks. The five-toe design helps me use my toes more effectively and keeps sweat from building up between them.”
“They’re also extremely durable—over five times stronger than standard sports socks (based on our internal comparison). Trail running is tough on socks, with debris and grit getting into shoes, but I’ve found these to be really resilient. The ankle portion is made from soft nylon for added comfort. Personally, I prefer the Paper Fiber Arch Support Short Socks.”
Compression Tights That Help Prevent Fatigue
In long-distance trail races, the body endures hours of continuous movement. Compression tights help reduce muscle vibration, saving energy and relieving stress on the lower body.
“The Impact Air Cargo Half Tights stabilize the core by supporting the pelvis and reduce power loss by controlling quad movement. Despite the high level of support, the ergonomic design makes them easy to move in. At just 119g (Men’s size L), they’re light and comfortable, even for runners who usually avoid compression wear. They also feature mesh cargo pockets on the thighs and three more on the back for excellent storage.”
“Some people think supportive tights are heavy, but we’ve gotten great feedback on how light these are. You can wear them solo or layer them with shorts—they remain remarkably lightweight either way.”
Choose the Right Gear to Run the Trails Safely and Comfortably
With the right gear, you can enjoy trail running more safely, more comfortably, and with greater confidence. Let these insights from the experts at Goldwin guide your next gear choice.
