Kitted Out: Trail Running in the Mud

April showers bring May flowers…but also mud. A whole lot of mud. So much mud, in fact, that the New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation advises and requests that all hikers keep treks below 2,500 feet in elevation to help maintain the structural integrity of the trails that we all love and enjoy. So, the question arises, what do you do in the meantime? One option in the spring is some trail running, and when it comes to spring trail running, the muddier, the better.

Before you set out on a muddy trail run, you need to make sure you’re properly equipped to deal with the conditions you’re likely to encounter. Below is a list of the items to carry with you on any spring trail run:

GPS Watch & Phone: Suunto Spartan Trainer HR

A good GPS watch, like the Suunto Spartan Trainer HR, paired with a smartphone and a Strava account is the perfect way to track your runs and keep a tally of how many miles you’ve covered, elevation change, and any training progress you’ve made. Good waterproofing and battery life, a heart rate monitor, plus a low profile and sleek design give you the ideal trail running watch. Most GPS smartwatches will sync to your phone via an app, and then you can create and connect to a free Strava account to keep track of your miles, personal bests, and progressions!

Lightweight Rain Shell: Marmot PreCip Jacket

If it’s spring and you’re on a trail, chances are you’re going to get muddy. Typically, it’s also cold enough where just a lightweight top will be warm enough, so it’s best to bring along a lightweight rain shell like the Marmot PreCip jacket At only 13 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight, packable, and breathable, but also gives you just enough coverage on top to prevent getting soaked, keeping your core a little bit warmer so you can add on those extra miles without getting hypothermic.

Running Hat: Outdoor Research Swift Hat

A lot of times during the spring season, it’s not just muddy, it’s also raining! Throw on a hat, because hoods on any jacket are tough to keep up when you’re running. Lightweight and moisture-wicking are two features you definitely need for any trail running cap, and the Outdoor Research Swift hat is the perfect head covering for any day on trail.

Waterproof Trail Runners: Salomon Sense Ride GTX

If you’re on a muddy trail, you’re going to want to keep your feet dry. A wet foot is an unhappy foot when it comes to running, and trail running is no exception! A good waterproof trailer runner, like the Salomon Sense Ride GTX, combined with a water-repellent gaiter, will be able to keep your feet dry and happy while you tackle those trails. With a more cushioned, relaxing ride, the Sense Ride GTX is unique due to its waterproofing: Instead of a traditional waterproof booty inside the shoe, the Sense Ride GTX uses Gore Invisible Fit technology, which incorporates the waterproofing into the outer material, and lets the shoe feel more like traditional mesh on your foot.

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Flex-Trek II

To go along with your waterproof shoes, you’re going to need some protection above the ankle. Mud, sticks, rocks and more can get down inside your shoes, and ruin an otherwise great day out on the trail. Water-repellent, low-height gaiters, like the Outdoor Research Flex-Tex II gaiters are lightweight, have a low profile, and you’ll never even notice you’re wearing them.

Moisture-Wicking Top & Shorts: EMS Techwick Essentials/Essence Crew and Impact Training Short

EMS’ Techwick is the way to go when it comes to lightweight, comfortable moisture-wicking clothing. On top, a great choice is the Techwick Essentials/Essence Crew (men’s/women’s), which comes in a variety of styles and colors. This shirt is soft and comfortable, lightweight, and wicks moisture nearly as fast as you can produce it, which is certainly helpful when you’re heading full steam through wet, muddy trails. When it comes to below the waist,  the EMS Techwick Impact Training Short (men’s/women’s) is a versatile running short that will wick away moisture and keep you running comfortably. These shorts are lightweight, comfortable, and most importantly, breathable, which is a must for any adventure where you’ll be exerting yourself. With 3 pockets, you gain an advantage over most other running shorts, which typically only come with one at best.

Running Socks: Smartwool PhD Run

You’ll want a thinner, lightweight sock that keeps you warm even if it gets wet, and also doesn’t carry odor like normal cotton socks will. Merino wool socks are the way to go and with a variety of sizes, heights, and thicknesses, Smartwool gives you plenty of options. Specifically, the Smartwool PhD Run Lite Elite Pattern Low Cut feature top-tier comfort and moisture management.

Trail Running Vest: CamelBak Circuit Hydration Vest

It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out for 5 miles or 50, you should always make sure you’re prepared with the right gear, but carrying it while you’re running can be a hassle. A good trail running vest will let you carry water, nutrition, and small supplies without sacrificing a smooth, comfortable fit that won’t bounce as you fly along the trails. The CamelBak Circuit Hydration Vest does all of these, comes with a 1.5-liter bladder, and has another 3.5 liters for gear storage (extra socks, snacks, and even stashing another shirt).

Nutrition & Hydration

You want to make sure you’re properly fueling and hydrating, even during a muddy trail run. For proper hydration and electrolytes, Nuun Active Effervescent Electrolyte Supplements are the go-to for endurance activity performance. Coming in a variety of flavors from strawberry lemonade to fruit punch, grape and more (some even have caffeine to give you that extra boost), Nuun tablets just get dropped into your bladder and after a few minutes, you’re good to go! For quick snacks on the go, Clif and Gu make gels that are a little messy and sticky, but easy to consume mid-run. Finally, my personal favorite snack for on the trail are gummies. Clif, Gu, and Honey Stinger all make some really delicious flavors that will help keep you going, and staving off hunger while you tackle the vert and chase those views.