Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:10 am
Whether buying a gift for an ultramarathoner or picking something up for a hobby trail runner, selecting the perfect gift for the activity can be a challenge. In this post, we’ve provided 2019’s best gift ideas for trail runners to help make the process a bit simpler.
Trail Running Gift Categories
We break our recommended gifts for trail runners into two primary categories:
1. Gifts for Runs/Races
- GPS Watches (that play music)
- Bluetooth Devices for music while running
- Running Belts for Hydration
- Running/Racing Poles
- Trail Running Shoes
2. Gifts for Trail Recovery
- Foam Rollers for Muscles
- Stretching Bands
- Energy Gels and Nutrition
- Compression Recovery Boots
Now that we have gone over the logic in how we have chosen our gifts, below is our list for the best gifts for trail runners.
GPS Running Watches | The Gift of Time
GPS watches are definitely among the best gifts to receive as a trail runner. Without one, it becomes increasingly difficult to track accurate distances, splits, heart rate, and more.
Many GPS watches also come with features that collect important workout data, which can later be compared… Trail runners secretly love comparing their times, distances, and more. With a GPS watch, this all becomes possible.
A trail runners’ closest companion is often a GPS watch, and if you get one for the runner in your life you will likely be a hero. We have an entire post dedicated to the best GPS watches for trail running, but below we go over some that would make perfect gifts.
Coros Pace GPS Watch | A Great Budget Watch
The Coros Pace GPS Watch is becoming a favorite among ultramarathoners. With 25 hours of GPS mode battery life, and a 30 day life in standard mode, how could it not?
Operating longevity is great with this watch, but there are other reasons its perfect for trail runners. With a built-in heart rate monitor, and compatibility with Strava, this watch is awesome for tracking progress and fitness.
This watches personal tracking capabilities coupled with the Coros UltraSync Technology make this watch super easy to use. The UltraSync Technology provided through this watch allows data from runs to more quickly transfer over to the phone app. This might sound like a small benefit, but this technology allows data transfer to occur twice as quickly.
Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Coros Pace GPS Watch
Garmin Forerunner 945 | A Proven Favorite
There are plenty of reasons to purchase the Garmin Forerunner 945 (which we cover more below), but one glaring aesthetics based reason is its display. The Garmin Forerunner 945 comes with a beautiful full-color display. Not only is this cool, it’s super helpful when trying to read data sets on a small surface.
While a colorful display is fun, it probably shouldn’t be the main reason one buys a specific GPS Watch. With that in mind, the Garmin Forerunner 945 provides a number of extremely practical features that make it a great gift:
- The watch can link to all the major streaming services so you can connect your Spotify (or other) account directly to your watch
- Store up to 1000 songs on the watch if you don’t want to continually stream music (earbuds sold separately)
- Powerful battery with three different modes
- Features Garmin Pay so the watch can be used to make payments (no need to bring a giant wallet on a run)
As with most of the top line GPS Watches, there are various modes of operation that provide a variety of expected available battery hours. In GPS Mode, the watch provides 10 hours of battery life, and in UltraTrac mode up to 60 hours. That is a lot of battery power!
You will certainly earn a place in the heart of whoever you gift this GPS Watch to. You can check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Garmin Forerunner 945
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch
The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is definitely a GPS Watch that would spoil any trail runner.
With a sleek vibrant design, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro will end up being one of those gifts you buy, and never want to give away.
I personally own this watch and use it for trail runs, tempo runs, and track workouts.
Whether taking on singletrack or squeezing in some strength training at the gym, this watch is a perfect companion. An easy to read interface makes reading data on a small screen easy, but really the reasons this GPS Watch would be an awesome gift are:
- Easily syncs with smartphones
- Can hold up to 2000 songs on it
- Has Garmin Pay for wireless payments
- Full-color topographical maps
- Trendline popularity routing…provides the best trails and routes by referencing billions of miles of running data
- Has an altimeter to measure ascent and descent accurately
- Can connect data to Garmin Connect App
- Can Track Sleeping and REM Cycles
- Real-time pulse oximetry readings to measure blood oxygen levels
Battery performance is up to 48 days in battery-saving watch mode, and 36 hours in GPS mode.
If you are looking for a watch that provides the rugged functionality a professional seeks, but with the common luxuries of a standard smartwatch, this watch should definitely be considered.
From the topographical maps to the trendline popularity routing, this watch could keep even the biggest explorer on track.
Take a look at the various wristband options, additional pictures, and pricing on Amazon here: Garmin Fenix 6 Pro.
Listening to Music While Running
If your favorite trail runner enjoys running while listening to music there are a variety of awesome gifts you can them to ensure their runs are full of awesome tunes.
Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds
The Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds are amoung the best options for Bluetooth waterproof earbuds.
With an ear canal fit, these headphones slide a little further into the air canal in order to assist in the canceling of external noise. This improves the sound and experience.
The reasons the Jaybird Vista True Wireless earbuds would make an awesome gift are:
- They’re waterproof with an IPX7 rating
- Between 6 and 32 hours of battery life depending on use-settings
- A 5-minute “quick charge” can provide an hour of battery life
- Interchangeable gels ensure they fit snuggly
With the prolonged battery life, these earbuds are one of the best options for ultramarathon runners. After all, many ultramarathons take about a full day to complete. With the battery options offered with these earbuds, it increases the likelihood of making it to an ultramarathon finish line with music.
Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds
ENACFIRE Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphones
. The ENACFIRE Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphones look very similar in design to the Jaybird Vista True Wireless earbuds we reference above, but there are some major differences.
Notably, these headphones are much less costly, but still AWESOME.
Being a great budget option isn’t the only reason to purchase the ENACFIRE Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphones as a gift. Here are some other reasons these made our list:
- Automatic pairing with your device of choice
- They’re waterproof with an IPX8 rating
- Operate for 3 to 4 hours on a single charge
- Comes with a wireless charging case
With the IPX8 waterproof rating, these earbuds are sure to last through even the worst rainstorms or the sweatiest trail runs. It also shouldn’t be overlooked that the wireless charging case that comes with these earbuds could easily fit within a running vest or running belt. This would allow for a mid-marathon charge so your trail running friend can get back to the music.
Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: ENACFIRE Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphones
Hydration Running Vests | The Gift of Health
For any trail runner taking on runs longer than 5 miles at a time, hydration becomes a challenge. Lightweight, high-capacity, running vests become a great way for trail runners to remain hydrated.
Nathan VaporAir Hydration Pack Running Vest (Men)
The Nathan VaporAir Hydration Pack Running Vest is great for the guys (don’t worry, we cover women running vests below).
Not only does this running vest offer two slots on the front for a couple of 22 oz. bottles, but there is 2-liter water bladder on its rear as well.
A great hydration vest will be hardly noticeable when running. At a weight of only 14 oz, this running vest fits the bill, and won’t be too heavy for long runs.
Between the bladder on the back, and the pockets for water bottles on the front this vest offers up to 7-liters carrying capacity. That is a lot of water!
In addition to the obvious hydration benefit this vest brings, there are also various pockets, making it a great way to hold your phone, keys, or ID.
Check out more pictures and specs on Amazon here: Nathan VaporAir Hydration Pack Running Vest (Men)
Nathan Vaporhowe Hydration Pack Running Vest (women)
The Nathan Vaporhowe Hydration Pack Running Vest is designed for women to ensure a comfortable fit during long runs on the trail.
With a 1.8-liter rear bladder and tons of pocket space, this vest designed for women is one of our favorites.
At 6.4 oz empty vest weight, this vest is light. The lightweight makes it the perfect long distance hydration companion for any female trail runner.
In addition to feeling nearly invisible, the Nathan Vaporhow Hydration Pack Running Vest holds a lot of water. When you combine the bladder built into the back with the various pocket compartments made for hydration bottles there is 4-liters of total carrying capacity.
The amount of water you can bring on a run is appealing, but the pocket capacity for non-water items is also great. The pockets can accommodate up to an iPhone 7 plus.
While the empty weight and overall carrying capacity are appealing, the material this vest is comprised of is also very breathable. In other words, this vest is designed perfectly to prevent you from overheating.
Check out more specs and pics on Amazon here: Nathan Vaporhowe Hydration Pack Running Vest
Nathan VaporAiress Hydration Pack Running Vest (women)
The Nathan VaporAiress comes with Adaptive-Fit technology that allows easy size adjustments, which ensures this vest can be adjusted to fit comfortably during long distance trail runs.
With an empty weight of 8.3 oz and a weight of 10.2 oz when the bladder is installed, this vest can be worn almost unnoticed.
While lightweight, this running vest can still be packed to the brim with water. When you combine the 2-liter bladder with the various pockets that can hold water bottles, this vest has a maximum carrying capacity of 7-liters.
One added benefit of the Nathan VaporAiress is its reflective design. With fabric that reflects available light on all sides, it provides 360-degree safety. This is especially important for winter trail running safety and anytime when your favorite trail runner is running in the dark. Since ultramarathons almost always require some running in the dark, this vest is perfect for the ultrarunners out there.
Check out more specs and pics on Amazon here: Nathan VaporAiress Hydration Pack Running Vest (women)
Running Belt Hydration Packs
Sometimes the multi-liter water carrying capacity of a hydration vest isn’t required, but you still want to bring enough water on your run to keep moving. Hydration belts are perfect for this.
Some hydration belts are designed primarily for holding water, while others can also accommodate smartphones. Below we go over three hydration belts that would make awesome gifts.
While we go over some awesome options below, we have an entire post dedicated specifically to the very best hydration running belts of the year. Consider checking it out if you want to see way more options, otherwise the ones we spotlight below would work for almost any runner.
Bringit Adjustable Hydration Belt
The Bringit Adjustable Hydration Belt is designed to hold two 10 oz. water bottles.
In addition to holding two water bottles snugly, this belt is also designed to be compatible for trail runners that like to take their phone on their run.
Whether taking your phone on a run or just needing to keep your keys somewhere safe, the Bringit Adjustable Hydration Belt has a 7.5″ water-resistant front pocket. This is some major pocket space.
This belt is also perfect for trail runners that still use wired-headphones. There is a small spot on the front the headphone cord can slide into.
Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Bringit Adjustable Hydration Belt
Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix - Adjustable - Includes 2 Bottles
The Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix with Adjustable Waist is a great option for any runner that wants to minimize their carrying capacity on a run.
While the pocket on this belt is big enough to hold a variety of items, it may be slightly too small for the largest smartphones out there. This is a con for some, but a pro for others. This belt would be perfect for runners looking to run with less weight. Running with less weight could be extremely beneficial for trail runners trying to scrape every second they can off their times.
Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing for this belt on Amazon here: Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix.
Fitletic Hydration Belt - HD08 Hydra 16
If you’re looking for a gift for a trail runner that loves using their phone during a run, the Fitletic Hydration Belt – HD08 Hydra 16 would be a fantastic choice.
With a large water-resistant front pocket and adjustable waistband, this running belt is a practical companion for long or short runs.
The snug design of this belt helps ensure the two 8-oz water bottles stay in place through the duration of the run. The tight microfilament material used as the water bottle holsters keep them close and prevents excessive bouncing.
In addition to providing essential hydration capabilities, the Fitletic Hydration Belt provides energy gel loops for easy access. This will help your favorite trail runner maintain energy levels during long runs or races.
Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Fitletic Hydration Belt – HD08 Hydra 16
Running / Racing Poles
Running poles would be the perfect gift for any trail runner starting to run longer distances. More specifically, for trail runners starting to take on super hilly or mountainous runs.
RELATED: Best Trail Running Poles | Mountain Run Ready
You will catch professional trail runners taking part in the Golden Trail Series or the Tromso Skyrace sporting running poles, as they assist greatly in racing where long uphill sections dominate.
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles are an easy choice for any trail runner adding uphill miles to their training or race schedule.
Running a course with massive elevation gain will require every muscle. Your glutes, hamstring, and quads are going to burn.
For trail marathons and ultramarathons, taking some of that pressure off your legs is a huge benefit. Just the slight amount of pressure transferred to the running poles will help your legs endure more through the course of the race.
Since the poles wouldn’t be used through the entire duration of any course any good running/racing pole will be able to fold down to a smaller size. The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles can fold down in size, and are compact enough and light enough to fit in many running vests when not in use. With a folded length of about 14″, these poles can be kept out of the way until needed on the next ascent.
On top of all the functional benefits, these poles are affordable and highly rated. Check out more pictures, and pricing on Amazon here: Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
LEKI Micro Trail Pro Pole Pair
The LEKI Micro Trail Pro Pole Pair incorporates design elements specifically for trail runners.
For trail runs with tons of uphill action, these running poles are a top-of-the-line option trusted by some of the biggest names in professional trail running.
There are three jobs any good running/racing pole has is to be proficient in:
- Being strong enough to support weight
- Being light enough not to exhaust
- Having the ability to fold away easily
The LEKI Micro Trail Pro Poly Pair hits on all three of these perfectly. Each pole is less than a half-pound (195 gram to be precise), and is primarily comprised of super-strong carbon composition to ensure it can support significant weight.
With a small folded length and a travel storage bag that comes with, these running poles are both super functional, and hard to notice when not being used. Additionally, getting these running/racing poles would mean you are purchasing a running pole trusted by the pros. Check out more specs, pictures and pricing on Amazon here: LEKI Micro Trail Pro Poly Pair
Headlamps Will Spoil Any Trail Runner
If you are looking to purchase a gift for a dedicated trail runner it is very possible they have been running in the morning or evenings when the light on the trails is minimal. These “edge hours” are great for running since the trails are more empty, but the limited amount of sunlight can make even standard routes dangerous.
Help reduce the risk of injury for your favorite trail runner by gifting them a headlamp. These are also a perfect gift for ultramarathoners since night running is an inevitability.
Petzl NAO+ Headlamp
There are a lot of reasons the Petzl NAO+ makes it on our shortlist, but primarily it is the 750 Lumens of light output. Lack of moonlight means you will want heavy lumens, and the Petzl NAO+ Headlamp delivers.
Although this headlamp has an extremely comfortable head strapping set-up, and top of the line light output, there are a ton of other reasons this headlamp is perfect for trail running:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery via USB
- Syncs with smartphones via an app for Bluetooth control
- Reactive lighting technology matches light output to what is required
With smart light settings, an easily charge-able battery, and Bluetooth connectivity it is no wonder the Petzl NAO+ has become a favorite headlamp among ultramarathoners and novice trail runners alike. Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Petzl NAO+ Headlamp
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
If you like Headlamps, and you want to purchase one that is a little more affordable, the Black Diamond Storm is among the best on the market.
As far as “bang for your buck” headlamps go, the Black Diamond Storm has to be one of the best out there. Here are the top reasons the Black Diamond Storm deserves to be gift wrapped for your favorite trail runner:
- Maximum battery life of 120 hours
- Provides 350 lumens of light power
- A maximum light range of 85 meters
- It is AFFORDABLE
- Waterproof with an IP67 rating
In addition to the reasons listed above, the Black Diamond Storm provides 8 different light modes. This means you will be able to adjust the headlamp to fit perfectly within your required light intensity and range. Check out just how affordable this headlamp is on Amazon here: The Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
RELATED POST: Best Headlamps for Trail Running | Night Run Ready
Trail Running Shoes Are Great Gifts
If you know the shoe size and preferences of whomever you’re buying the gift for, trail running shoes are perfect.
Since a good pair of trail running shoes typically cost between $90 and $200, this is often an item trail runners drag their feet on purchasing for themselves. After all, it is not inexpensive.
For this reason, a great pair of trail running shoes might just be the desperately needed gift you’ve been looking for. We cover a few of our personal favorite trail runner shoes below, but you can also check out our post on the Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes and Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes if you want a more comprehensive breakdown.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor GTX (Men's or Women's)
If you have read any other posts on Deeper Trails you will realize there is a special affinity for the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor (Men’s or Women’s).
A large part of this love comes from their extreme comfort. Every time I’ve ordered the Ultra Raptor’s I have been able to put them on and immediately start running.
I’ve found that I can literally run in the shoes without any break-in period at all; just un-box, stick my feet in, and go.
Gore-tex waterproofing and heavy duty treads ensure you are prepared for any type of trail with the Ultra Raptors. Additionally, the heavily rubberized toe-box will protect your toes as you bound around tree roots, rocks, and tree stumps.
There is no question that we love these shoes, and we think anyone gifted these trail runners will be happy to have them on their feet. You can check out more pictures, specs and pricing on Amazon here: Men’s Ultra Raptor or the Women’s Ultra Raptor
Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX (Men's or Women's)
While the material surrounding this trail running shoe is able to handle abuse, the tread pattern on its sole are really an important aspect of this running shoe.
Not only are the treads on the Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX substantial, but they begin to wrap up around the toe, which provides substantial protection from obstacles on the trail.
Salomon is one of the most trusted brands in trail running, and these shoes are the perfect example of what sets their shoes apart. Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Men’s Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX or Women’s Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX
Altra Lone Peak 4.0 (Men's or Women's)
Zero-Drop shoes ensure your heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground when your foot makes contact with the trail. This is the Altra calling card, and it helps provide a low-impact run regardless of how difficult the terrain is.
With multi-directional treads, extremely comfortable foot feel, and a built in StoneGuard, these trail running shoes are well suited to single track, mountain running, or an ultramarathon. Check out more pictures, specs, and pricing on Amazon here: Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Men’s or Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Women’s
Gifts for Recovering From Hard Runs
Some trail runners take their hobby very seriously. This may mean running long distances through grueling conditions. The result of this might be extremely sore muscles.
If you aren’t sure what gift to get your favorite trail runner, just know that they will likely need help recovering from their efforts.
Because a recovery based gift can be used at any time, it might just be the most appreciated gift option out there.
Foam Rollers Are an Inexpensive Gift for Those With Sore Muscles
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller | 26" Long
This roller is our favorite because of how long it is. It can span the ENTIRE back, from shoulder to shoulder, and more. At just about 26 inches across, the Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller will hit all the important muscles.
Foam rollers store away easily when not in use, and tend to get used on an almost daily basis by competitive runners. When you add in the fact that they are typically SUPER affordable, it makes these tools a great gift option.
321 STRONG Foam Roller | 12.75" Long
While a longer foam roller has benefits in being able to span the back, a shorter foam roller does a great job of providing pinpoint pressure. The 321 Strong Foam Roller is our favorite short roller for hitting just the intended target muscles.
At just a little over 12 inches long, and with strategically placed nubs and depressions, the 321 Strong Foam Roller can provide a more precise pressure when compared to many other options out there.
In addition to being compact (and easy to store), the smaller length of this units makes it another affordable gift option.
Draper's Elastic Exercise Bands
Whether stretching after a half marathon, or doing some additional ankle strengthening, these bands are great. Larger bands can be used for strength training while the smaller bands work perfectly for stretches.
LEEKEY Resistance Elastic Bands
The Draper Strength bands linked above offer a lot of different sizes and resistance levels. But maybe you don’t need 7 different bands. The LEEKEY Resistance Bands offer 4 popular sizes with different resistances. These are perfect for travel. Check out more pictures and pricing on Amazon here.
Energy Food for Trail Runners
If the trail runner in your life runs distances over 7 miles at a time, they could benefit from some form of mid-run energy.
If you get a trail runner fuel for their runs, they are going to thank you (and think of you) every time they use your gift. After all, your gift will keep them from cramping up, and will keep them running strong.
GU Energy Gels - Box of 24
Most trail runners are familiar with the GU brand. GU is probably the most trusted energy gel on the market. For this reason, if you buy it as a gift for the trail runner in your life they will likely recognize and trust the brand.
Check out available flavors on Amazon here: Box of 24 GU Energy Gels
Honey Stinger Gels - Box of 24
God these gels are good. Not only by taste (although that is true too), but they do help provide the energy boost needed on long runs.
Compact enough to fit in the smallest pocket, or to be held during the run, a Box of 24 Honey Stinger Gels would make the runner in your life super happy. Check pricing on Amazon here.
Honey Stinger Organic Waffle - Box of 16
If I hadn’t run a 10-miler holding one of these I wouldn’t believe they work for trail running. But they do…and their delicious. Some trail runners like a more solid fuel option during a run (for stomach reasons), and these waffles are perfect for that. You can check out more info and pricing on Amazon here: Honey Stinger Waffle – Box of 16
Muscle Recovery Systems
For those taking on extremely heavy mileage, muscle recovery is essential. One way professional athletes help speed their muscle recovery is massage therapy and cold plunges. Since not all of us have access to physical therapy centers and cold plunges, below are some other options.
Rapid Recovery Reboot System: Compression System
Quite possibly the best leg recovery system on the market, these compression sleeves are a perfect (albeit costly) gift for any competitive trail runner. Moreso than being a great gift, compression boots have tons of benefits.
Muscle compression boot systems is like having your own professional massage therapist tasked with working the lactic acid out of your muscles. With various pressure levels these compression leggings are awesome: Rapid Recovery Boots.
If you think this type of gift might be perfect for your favorite trail runner, but you want more details on the available options, we have a post specifically dedicated to the best compression recovery boots on the market. Check it out to get more details on each of our favorite boots.
A Budget Leg Massager: Fit King Leg Air Massager
While most air compression boot systems are very costly we found the Fit King to be a budget option that still had the variability expected in a good air massager. This gift is sure to help the favorite trail runner recover faster. Check out more specs and pricing on Amazon here: Fit King Leg Air Massager.
Picking a Good Gift for a Trail Runner
Trail runners often run great distances through treacherous terrain, and they deserve gifts that take their long-distance labors into consideration.
The key to picking any good gift, whether for a trail runner or not, is making sure it is meaningful. This isn’t to say your gift needs to be costly, just that it needs to be informed by the person you are getting the gift for.
Has the trail runner in your life made mention of future ultramarathons? Have they started adding weight training into their routine? Do they complain about how sore their muscles are? Allow their comments and aspirations to guide what type of gift you get them.
Do this, and your gift is bound to be appreciated and used to the fullest.
Image credit: Paul Dobson | (https://www.flickr.com/photos/48400305@N08/) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) – file size reduced
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