Pro Picks: Best Trail Running Accessories for 2020

Great gear makes trail running safer, more comfortable, and more fun. If you’re looking to take your trail running to the next level, here’s your spring shopping list for running accessories.

We asked Scott Jurek, Hydro Flask ambassador and professional ultrarunner, for his favorite running accessories in 2020. This is the gear that will help you lengthen your runs, roam new terrain, and recover and refuel after a workout on the trails.

Brooks PureGrit 8 — Men’s & Women’s

The PureGrits have been my shoe of choice for all trail pursuits. They are low-profile and lightweight with forefoot protection, which makes them extremely versatile. The tread works well on a wide range of surfaces in different seasons.

Hydro Flask Lightweight Trail Series™ Bottles

I look forward to chugging down fresh, ice-cold water after a long, hot day in the mountains. The Lightweight Trail Series Bottles are 25% lighter than Hydro Flask’s other 32- and 24-ounce bottles. They keep water cold for hours and are nice to put in a drop bag during a race or in a recovery bag post-run.

Brooks Sherpa Short 5″ — Men’s

Pockets are essential for a trail short. The pockets on the Sherpa Shorts hold things in place while the fabric and liner create the ultimate anti-chafing combination.

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 5.0

This is the latest iteration of the running vest I’ve been designing with Ultimate Direction for 7 years. It has pockets in all the right places and ways to stash gear quickly. We’ve dialed in the adjustability, which creates a comfortable fit with minimal bounce.

Black Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp

I used the Icon every night on the Appalachian Trail, and it never failed. It’s so light that I can keep it in my vest at all times. When I need serious light for long hours, the Black Diamond Icon 700 is my go-to.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking/Running Poles

I carried these literally every single day on the AT. They became extensions of my limbs. Lightweight, stiff, and collapsible, they’re easy to carry or stash for changes in terrain.

CLIF BLOKS & SHOTS

Gels and chews have been around for a while and are still the best way to consume condensed portable energy. They are easy to eat on the run and quickly digested. I love the Citrus SHOTS, with a little hit of caffeine, and the Tropical Punch BLOKS.

See the CLIF BLOKSSee the CLIF SHOTS

Garmin Forerunner 945

I’ve been using the 900 series for years, and the latest update has an incredible amount of useful features. A watch for more than just logging performance metrics, the 945 can be used for navigation, safety, tracking features, and more. It does it all!

Sawyer MINI Filter

This allows you to filter water as you go during a long trail adventure when you don’t want to be weighed down with excess water. As long as you know there will be reliable water access like creeks or alpine lakes, this is a must-have. At 2 ounces, there’s no excuse to leave it behind.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction

I know a lot of people aren’t thinking about traction devices this time of year. But if you’re getting up into the high country, having a set of MICROspikes could open up more terrain for you to safely explore.

Birkenstock Arizona EVA

Slipping into a supportive sandal after a run is key for foot recovery. Even if your feet are sweaty or dirty, these EVA versions of the classics are washable and don’t absorb odors. Yet these still have the footbed support Birkenstocks are known for.