Trail running shoes and backpack (Read 1250 times)

First difference you notice is the sole. You get better traction with a trail shoe. They also protect your toe and forefoot from rocks and roots better than a road shoe. But from there each type can be very different. Many trail runners prefer a more flexible shoe that allows you to feel the trail better. Some people like shoes that are more cushioned. Trail shoes shouldn't have too much motion control devices and the heel shouldn't be built up high either. But everyone will be different in what they need and like just like road shoes. The upper is usually made of materials that allow for good airflow but don't allow debris to get through. I would steer away from water proof materials because they don't drain well.

 

We have a Trail Runners user group that is a wealth of knowledge.

 

I found a lot of info on this site helpful when I was getting started Advice and info

Unless he's gonna be carrying lots of stuff, he might prefer a fanny pack.   Backpacks are hard to run with.

rain jacked

 

Hey, that describes the run I'm about to go do.

i wouldnt wear anything else where theres mud or water. any amount of traction is just going to get caked with mud and make your feet heavy.

 

 

Trail shoes typically clear their lugs pretty well, especially compared to road shoes.  Like a mud tire for a truck/suv compared to a all season or even all terrain for that matter.  They make a ton of different shoes, but some also have lighter mesh uppers that help drain water quickly after being soaked.  And the previously mentioned toe and rock plate protection helps too..

 

 

As for backpacks - I run with a GoMotion lite trail light vest.  It was great for the winter months when I needed the light, now that I don't I pulled the light and battery pack out to keep it light weight.  It also carries a 1.5L water bladder, and if you don't use it as a camelback there is adequet room for storage of keys / phone / gels / etc.

If he is going to be running less than 2 hours at a time, what does he need the backpack for?  What will he put in it?  Unless he is going longer than that, I'd like to know.

 

some trails are dangerous. its always a good idea to carry a small first aid kit, cell phone, and fuel for longer runs. i dont think a packpack is necessary, but something more practical like a belt or shorts with pockets for sure.

I like the Ultimate Direction WASP.  It has room for some stuff: rain jacket, extra long sleve shirt, headlamp, powerbars.

 

+1 on the WASP.  I love mine.  Use it for unsupported wilderness runs all the time... doesn't bounce as much as a normal backpack, due to the "vest" design. 

I use both a Camelbak hippack and a REI "Stoke" backpack. The hip pack requires more management of the straps as they loosen as the bladder empties. It can chafe if you don't get the adjustment right or your waist band isn't compatible. I can't wear it with my Adidas running shorts with the zippered pocket just below the waistband in the rear. The bladder is more bulbous and doesn't hug your body as well when full (45 oz). Therefore, expect it to swing about more than expected until you drink it down.

When I bought the REI Stoke pack I thought I'd use it for a few specific uses and ended up using it several times a week for all sorts of things. I mainly use the pack for run commuting but started wearing it on the bike. I can run 10+ miles with it fully loaded and never have to adjust it. Unlike the hip pack, the bladder isn't very noticeable when full (70 oz Platypus). I expect to use it on long summer runs since 45 oz can go quickly when it's hot.

About the trail shoes…what everyone else said is good. I like the stiff forefoot. It can be rocky out there.

Edit: "as the bladder empties" not "and the bladder empties"