Path working requires just a little extra gearing up than your common jaunt across the block. While you run within the mountains, the forest or the desert, you’re much less more likely to occur upon a comfort retailer or water fountain. So, you deliver it with you. In the summertime, it may be so much: You should carry sufficient water and electrolytes, sunscreen, possibly anti-chafing cream; plus, no matter you’re sporting must maintain you cool, dry and comfy. That’s all on high of the fundamental path gear, together with snacks, navigation and security instruments.
Even when you’ll be on the market for a mile or two, you don’t need to skimp: Because the environment heats up, it’s essential to remain hydrated and protected against the solar, whereas additionally taking care to decelerate and take heed to your physique. (And if it’s over 98.6°F and above 70% humidity, do your self a favor and keep indoors or go for a swim. Forcing the run might severely put your well being in danger.)
To make your planning simpler, we’ve compiled a listing of the gear finest suited to your summer time path runs, whether or not quick, lengthy, aggressive or purely for enjoyable.
Editor’s be aware: We up to date this text on August 28, 2025, to switch some out-of-stock merchandise and to enhance our reporting on chemical sunscreens. Future updates will extra extensively replace the product choices on this article to align with present examined gear information suggestions.
The Fundamentals: Runs of Any Size
Whether or not you’re working straightforward, coming back from damage or hitting the paths for the primary time, you possibly can’t go incorrect with these necessities in your equipment. When doubtful, consider your consolation. In case you’re a heavier sweater, you’ll need to be extra diligent about your selections in attire and hydration. In case you’re new to the exercise, take your time procuring round for the fitting footwear.
goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sun shades
Tried and true, the goodr Circle Gs are the right light-weight, no-bounce choice to guard your irises on sunny runs. They’re well-suited to the path, too, since their malleability mixed with affordability imply it’s no sweat in the event that they take a tumble. (And nonslip frames will make that final result much less more likely to start with.) $25
REI Co-op On The Path Cap
Sweat will get in your eyes. Preserve these beads at bay with this nifty little bit of shade. The light-weight and breathable path working cap from REI Co-op comes with UPF 50+ solar safety and an inside sweatband so you possibly can deal with the run and never the climate. Professional tip: Soak your headwear in ice-cold water earlier than your subsequent warm-weather run for some candy reduction. $26.95
Buff Coolnet UV Multifunctional Neckwear
For these rocking baseball-hat-resistant hairstyles, a Buff is a jack-of-all-trades resolution. It’s a headscarf; it’s a neck gaiter; it’s a water-bottle hand sleeve. The model’s propriety HeiQ cooling cloth know-how mixed with UPF 50+ solar safety will meet your summer time working wants, whereas Polygiene® odor management lets you put on it a couple of occasions earlier than washing. It’s additionally made from 95% recycled polyester, sourced from recycled water bottles, so you possibly can be ok with including this versatile piece of material to your repertoire. Plus, a spread of enjoyable colours and patterns flip this straightforward path accent into a press release piece. $24
REI Co-op Swiftland Working T-Shirt (Ladies’s and Males’s)
A lightweight, comfy, sweat-wicking shirt is important on summer time runs. The REI Co-op Swiftland Working T-Shirt gives each ease and breeze in a collection of interesting colours. $39.95
On Tank-T Working Shirt (Ladies’s and Males’s)
In case you want a tank or that barely-there feeling in your summer time working gear, look no additional than On. Their Tank-T Working Shirt feels easy as silk whereas displaying no sweat. The singlet fashion can also be good for racing. $70
Janji 3” Multi Shorts – Ladies’s and Janji 7” Multi Shorts – Males’s
For these quick, quick and sizzling path runs, you possibly can’t go incorrect with Janji‘s versatile Multi Shorts. The ladies’s are available a 3″ inseam with a split-short design for freedom of motion and light-weight mesh built-in underwear that retains every part safe. The lads’s shorts are absolutely lined; when you’re anxious about chafing, you could need to go the 7″ inseam route, no matter gender. Each shorts are available a spread of enjoyable, vivid colours that may maintain you each seen and trendy on the paths. They’re additionally geared up with stealthy and handy pockets within the waistband for keys, pockets, telephone and snacks. $78-$86
personal. $130
Nathan QuickSqueeze Lite Insulated Handheld Water Bottle – 12 fl. oz.
Don’t overlook your water. For brief path runs, you don’t essentially want a bladder, however you can be glad to have a bottle on you. This handheld bottle from Nathan is insulated, so your water will truly keep chilly for a couple of miles. It additionally encompasses a small pocket for keys and playing cards. (For extra carrying capability in your summer time hydration wants, see our picks for longer runs.) $30
Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Combine – Single Serving
Hydration isn’t nearly consuming sufficient water, however changing the electrolytes your physique sweats out. Skratch Labs has you coated with their Sport Hydration Combine, which is available in single-serving packets for ease on the go. Coming in three flavors—fruit punch, oranges and lemons & limes—every packet incorporates 380mg of sodium, 40mg of potassium and 19g of carbohydrates. Drink earlier than your runs to high off your glycogen shops whereas prepping your physique to shed some salt. Deliver one other serving with you in a handheld water bottle when you recognize you’ll be sweating buckets. The combination additionally is available in a 20-serving bag for individuals who like to stay to at least one taste. $1.95
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets
For very salty sweaters, you could must high off with a extra direct supply of electrolytes as you run. Strive these SaltStick packets of fast-chew tablets in 5 completely different flavors. Every pill incorporates 50mg sodium, 15mg potassium, 5mg calcium and 3mg magnesium. Add these to your hydration routine so you possibly can sustain the trouble by your summer time coaching. $3.25
Uncooked Components Face + Physique SPF 30 Sunscreen Tube – 3 oz.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable; regardless of your shade, the solar’s UV rays can harm your pores and skin and hurt your general well being. In case you’ve been looking for a mineral sunscreen* that goes on like lotion, look no additional. Uncooked Components has mixed UVA-UVB broad spectrum safety with antioxidants and minerals that may assist maintain your pores and skin hydrated and wholesome. Apply to each face and physique quarter-hour earlier than you head out for 80 minutes of water resistant safety. You probably have darkish pores and skin, make sure to apply thinly, in layers, rubbing in nicely to keep away from white solid. Uncooked Components additionally makes the identical method in an simply packable tin, in addition to a tinted facial moisturizer with mineral sunscreen, right here. $18.95–$20.95
The Stage-Up: Gear for Prolonged Outings
Strive these accoutrements for these summer time marathon and extremely coaching runs, in addition to warm-weather multiday adventures. You’ll possible have to speculate extra money for this subsequent degree of substances, so when you’re newer to path working, it’s a good suggestion to stay with these shorter outings at first. For extra suggestions no matter season in addition to key recommendation for planning multiday runs, learn What Is Fastpacking? and Gear Verify: Working the Wonderland Path at Mt. Rainier.
Oakley Radar EV Path Sun shades
In search of some critical shades? You possibly can’t miss with the Radar EV Paths from Oakley. In case you’re not the kind to misplace your sun shades at each flip, these may very well be the perfect funding you make in your summer time working equipment. These mild, fashionable frames present optimum protection for these startlingly vivid days, resting securely in your face as you zip by variable terrain. Plus, the model’s proprietary Prizm
lenses management mild transmission so you possibly can keep full visibility whereas maintaining your eyes relaxed. $244 – $296
The North Face Trailwear QTM Bike Shorts – Ladies’s and The North Face Trailwear OKT Shorts – Males’s
In case you want extra safety on the run, look no additional than The North Face‘s Trailwear line. The ladies’s QTM Bike Shorts present ample protection for these sizzling, sticky runs—maintaining your legs dry and chafe-free. The lads’s OKT Shorts are a bit hardier—match for bushwalking and scrambling. Each pairs have pockets aplenty for individuals who prefer to keep away from working with packs. And for the adventurous path stylist: Your complete line sports activities dazzling patterns and eclectic colorways. $70–$75
Physique Glide Anti-Chafe Method Pores and skin Protectant – 1.5 oz.
Don’t let thighs that rub and toes that sweat cease you from having fun with lengthy days out on the path. Physique Glide has you coated with this transportable anti-chafing balm, which is available in a deodorant-like equipment for ease of utility. This runner-beloved method doesn’t skip a step: It’s fragrance-free, petroleum-free, hypoallergenic, non-greasy, non-staining and water- and sweat-resistant. $11
HOKA Mafate Velocity 4 Path-Working Footwear (Ladies’s and Males’s)
On lengthy journeys, you’ll need a roomy but light-weight path runner. HOKA has discovered the right stability with the Mafate Velocity 4, an Editors’ Alternative Award Winner in 2025. You’ll really feel safe on technical terrain whereas with the ability to transfer shortly while you need to. Regardless of being high-performance, these are comfy footwear: No carbon plate and a gentle, breathable and spacious higher will accommodate toes swollen from the warmth and onerous work. Learn the complete assessment. $185
Salomon Adv Pores and skin 5 Hydration Vest
In case you want bottles in your lengthy path runs, Salomon‘s Adv Pores and skin 5 Hydration Vest is the best way to go. With 5 liters of substances capability and 1 liter of liquid (bottle) capability, you’ve acquired choices. Fill the included bottles with electrolyte water and a reservoir/bladder with plain water (you’ll need to buy your personal bladder). Its Sensifit building system lets you regulate the vest in a number of areas to comfortably suit your chest in order that your hydration system doesn’t burden you en path to that breathtaking vista. $140
MSR Guardian Gravity Air purifier
Backcountry fastpackers rejoice: This 1 lb. 2.7 oz. water air purifier from MSR packs in options whereas remaining comparatively mild. Don’t fear about carrying all of your water with you on a multiday journey. In line with MSR, the Guardian removes most viruses, micro organism and protozoa—in addition to sediment and microplastics—from “worst-case” water situations. Sporting a 10-liter reservoir you possibly can hold up at camp to refuel earlier than your subsequent time out, it is a must-have for self-supported trail-running adventures. $299.95
Extra choices: The Katadyn BeFree 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle is a a lot lighter different to the Guardian—you’ll simply need to be pickier about your water supply.
Uncooked Components Pure Sunscreen SPF 30 – 0.16 fl. oz.
Going ultralight? Pack a couple of of those trial-size mineral sunscreen packets from Uncooked Components. Made with non-nano zinc oxide, sunflower oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E, this sunscreen goes on easily whereas leaving your face and physique protected.
Tailwind Endurance Gas Drink Combine – 30 servings
Get that full power enhance whereas replenishing electrolytes. Tailwind‘s Endurance Gas Drink Combine is an “all-in-one” resolution that mixes with water to maintain you going by ultra-endurance runs. One to 2 scoops of Tailwind mixes nicely with 20 to 24 fluid ounces of water, so you possibly can both refill your hydration bladder or a few bottles in your hydration vest. Coming in Mandarin Orange and Lemon flavors, the non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free combine can also be straightforward on the abdomen. $30
Bobo’s Oat Bars Stuff’d Bar
Let’s be sincere: It’s no enjoyable to gasoline off of drink mixes alone. A part of the enjoyable of path working is consuming actual meals as you go. On a multiday journey, you’ll need to benefit from a few of our delectable backpacking meals choices. But when it’s a matter of topping up on lengthy runs, strive Bobo’s Oat Bars Stuff’d Bar. One bar is filled with sufficient carbs, fats and protein to maintain your muscle tissues satiated, and attractive besides. It’s additionally well-suited to a spread of dietary issues and preferences: vegan, licensed non-GMO, kosher, soy- and gluten-free—although you’ll need to keep away from in case you have any nut allergy symptoms. $3
SaltStick Electrolyte Salt Capsules – 100 Capsules
These salt capsules from SaltStick pack in 215mg of sodium per capsule (and full electrolytes). They’re the smarter alternative for salty sweaters on lengthy runs since they include extra electrolytes than their FastChew companions. Pop a handful in a reusable baggie and tuck them away in an easy-to-access compartment in your hydration vest; your muscle tissues will thanks! $27.30
Garmin Intuition 3 Photo voltaic
For lengthier adventures, you could need to throw down for a GPS watch with extra intensive options. The Garmin Intuition 3 Photo voltaic permits you to to remain powered up with its various battery modes and prolonged battery life. Actually, the Intuition 3 Photo voltaic gives 130 hours of battery life in photo voltaic GPS mode. With out the usage of photo voltaic, this watch continues to be spectacular and the model stories it may final an astounding 56 days in battery saver mode, 28 days in expedition mode, and 24 days in smartwatch mode. Each a type of settings will be boosted with the ability of the solar, prolonging inevitable dips within the watch battery. This characteristic alone makes it a beautiful choose for endurance athletes, backpackers and expedition-lovers. Learn the complete assessment. $400
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Security first. For self-supported journeys, you must carry a satellite tv for pc communication gadget. Even within the backcountry, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 lets you entry maps and a 24/7 search and rescue monitoring middle, so long as you will have an energetic satellite tv for pc subscription (extra buy required). Battery life is intensive on this watch, relying on how intensely you monitor your actions or how a lot direct daylight you get to cost it. For instance, customary exercise recording with 30-minute monitoring mode nets you an astonishing battery lifetime of 10-30 days. $400
*A Chemistry Lesson: REI solely sells mineral or “bodily” sunscreens. The choice, natural or “chemical” sunscreens, normally include components like avobenzone and octocrylene. They work by absorbing the solar’s rays earlier than they get to your pores and skin and so are likely to go onto the pores and skin transparently, leaving little to no white solid or residue. Regardless of their effectivity and comfort as a sheer choice for darker pores and skin tones, sure components in chemical sunscreens could also be irritants for these with delicate pores and skin. Chemical sunscreens are usually protected for people, although sure chemical sunscreen components, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have come below query in analysis trials and even been banned in locations like Key West and Hawai’i because of the hurt they could pose to coral reefs.
Mineral sunscreens—made with both zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or each—work bodily somewhat than chemically. That implies that the sunscreen acts as a protect (somewhat than a sponge), not solely from dangerous UV rays, but additionally from the sensation of the recent solar bearing down in your pores and skin. Mineral sunscreens are reef protected—particularly as a lotion, somewhat than a mist or spray. They’re additionally protected for adults with delicate pores and skin and youngsters over 6 months previous, although some formulations will be tough to use and go away a heavy white solid. Some manufacturers combine mineral sunscreens with chemical sunscreen components like avobenzone and octocrylene to attenuate white solid. For broad-spectrum UV safety for truthful pores and skin, a mineral sunscreen ought to ideally include 20-25% of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Formulations with as little as 10% of these energetic components could also be extra appropriate for folks with darker pores and skin tones; together with different sun-shielding measures, they need to present sufficient safety with out leaving you with a ghostly pallor.
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