Path working requires a bit extra gearing up than your common jaunt across the block. If you run within the mountains, the forest or the desert, you’re much less prone to occur upon a comfort retailer or water fountain. So, you deliver it with you. In the summertime, it may be lots: You might want to carry sufficient water and electrolytes, sunscreen, possibly anti-chafing cream; plus, no matter you’re sporting must hold you cool, dry and comfy. That’s all on high of the fundamental path gear, together with snacks, navigation and security instruments.
Even should you’ll be on the market for a mile or two, you don’t wish to skimp: Because the ambiance heats up, it’s essential to remain hydrated and protected against the solar, whereas additionally taking care to decelerate and hearken 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 may severely put your well being in danger.)
To make your planning simpler, we’ve compiled a listing of the gear greatest suited to your summer time path runs, whether or not brief, lengthy, aggressive or purely for enjoyable.
Editor’s word: 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 simple, coming back from harm or hitting the paths for the primary time, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with these necessities in your equipment. When unsure, consider your consolation. Should you’re a heavier sweater, you’ll wish to be extra diligent about your decisions in attire and hydration. Should you’re new to the exercise, take your time buying round for the appropriate footwear.
goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sun shades
Tried and true, the goodr Circle Gs are the proper 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 prone to start with.) $25
REI Co-op On The Path Cap
Sweat will get in your eyes. Hold 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 means that you can put on it just a few occasions earlier than washing. It’s additionally manufactured from 95% recycled polyester, sourced from recycled water bottles, so you possibly can be ok with including this versatile piece of cloth 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 Operating T-Shirt (Ladies’s and Males’s)
A lightweight, comfy, sweat-wicking shirt is crucial on summer time runs. The REI Co-op Swiftland Operating T-Shirt offers each ease and breeze in a collection of interesting colours. $39.95
On Tank-T Operating Shirt (Ladies’s and Males’s)
Should you desire a tank or that barely-there feeling in your summer time working gear, look no additional than On. Their Tank-T Operating Shirt feels easy as silk whereas displaying no sweat. The singlet type can be excellent for racing. $70
Janji 3” Multi Shorts – Ladies’s and Janji 7” Multi Shorts – Males’s
For these brief, quick and sizzling path runs, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with Janji‘s versatile Multi Shorts. The ladies’s are available in a 3″ inseam with a split-short design for freedom of motion and light-weight mesh built-in underwear that retains all the pieces safe. The boys’s shorts are absolutely lined; should you’re fearful about chafing, you might wish to go the 7″ inseam route, no matter gender. Each shorts are available in a spread of enjoyable, brilliant colours that may hold you each seen and trendy on the paths. They’re additionally outfitted 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’ll be glad to have a bottle on you. This handheld bottle from Nathan is insulated, so your water will truly keep chilly for just a few miles. It additionally encompasses a small pocket for keys and playing cards. (For extra carrying capability on 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 1 taste. $1.95
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets
For very salty sweaters, you might have to 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 hassle 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. Should you’ve been trying to find 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 hold your pores and skin hydrated and wholesome. Apply to each face and physique quarter-hour earlier than you head out for 80 minutes of waterproof safety. In case you have darkish pores and skin, you’ll want to apply thinly, in layers, rubbing in nicely to keep away from white solid. Uncooked Components additionally makes the identical components in an simply packable tin, in addition to a tinted facial moisturizer with mineral sunscreen, right here. $18.95–$20.95
The Degree-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 doubtless have to speculate extra money for this subsequent degree of substances, so should 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 Test: Operating the Wonderland Path at Mt. Rainier.
Oakley Radar EV Path Sun shades
Searching for some severe shades? You possibly can’t miss with the Radar EV Paths from Oakley. Should you’re not the sort to misplace your sun shades at each flip, these might be the very best funding you make in your summer time working equipment. These mild, trendy frames present optimum protection for these startlingly brilliant 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 preserving your eyes relaxed. $244 – $296
The North Face Trailwear QTM Bike Shorts – Ladies’s and The North Face Trailwear OKT Shorts – Males’s
Should you desire 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—preserving your legs dry and chafe-free. The boys’s OKT Shorts are a bit hardier—match for bushwalking and scrambling. Each pairs have pockets aplenty for individuals who wish 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 Formulation 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 software. This runner-beloved components 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-Operating Footwear (Ladies’s and Males’s)
On lengthy journeys, you’ll desire a roomy but light-weight path runner. HOKA has discovered the proper stability with the Mafate Velocity 4, an Editors’ Selection Award Winner in 2025. You’ll really feel safe on technical terrain whereas with the ability to transfer rapidly if you wish to. Regardless of being high-performance, these are comfy footwear: No carbon plate and a smooth, breathable and spacious higher will accommodate ft swollen from the warmth and laborious work. Learn the complete evaluation. $185
Salomon Adv Pores and skin 5 Hydration Vest
Should you desire bottles in your lengthy path runs, Salomon‘s Adv Pores and skin 5 Hydration Vest is the way in which 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 must buy your personal bladder). Its Sensifit building system means that you can 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 response to MSR, the Guardian removes most viruses, micro organism and protozoa—in addition to sediment and microplastics—from “worst-case” water circumstances. Sporting a 10-liter reservoir you possibly can grasp up at camp to refuel earlier than your subsequent day trip, 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 various to the Guardian—you’ll simply wish to be pickier about your water supply.
Uncooked Components Pure Sunscreen SPF 30 – 0.16 fl. oz.
Going ultralight? Pack just a few 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 vitality increase 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 replenish 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 be simple on the abdomen. $30
Bobo’s Oat Bars Stuff’d Bar
Let’s be sincere: It’s no enjoyable to gas 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 wish to make the most of 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 full of sufficient carbs, fats and protein to maintain your muscle mass satiated, and attractive in addition. 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 wish to keep away from when you’ve got any nut allergic reactions. $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 selection for salty sweaters on lengthy runs since they comprise 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 mass will thanks! $27.30
Garmin Intuition 3 Photo voltaic
For lengthier adventures, you might wish to throw down for a GPS watch with extra in depth options. The Garmin Intuition 3 Photo voltaic enables you to to remain powered up with its assorted 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 using photo voltaic, this watch continues to be spectacular and the model experiences it may well 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 may be boosted with the ability of the solar, prolonging inevitable dips within the watch battery. This characteristic alone makes it a horny decide for endurance athletes, backpackers and expedition-lovers. Learn the complete evaluation. $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 means that you can entry maps and a 24/7 search and rescue monitoring middle, so long as you could have an lively satellite tv for pc subscription (extra buy required). Battery life is in depth on this watch, relying on how intensely you monitor your actions or how a lot direct daylight you get to cost it. For instance, commonplace 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 comprise 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 inclined 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 beneath query in analysis trials and even been banned in locations like Key West and Hawai’i as a result of hurt they could pose to coral reefs.
Mineral sunscreens—made with both zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or each—work bodily slightly than chemically. That implies that the sunscreen acts as a defend (slightly 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, slightly than a mist or spray. They’re additionally protected for adults with delicate pores and skin and kids over 6 months outdated, although some formulations may be tough to use and depart a heavy white solid. Some manufacturers combine mineral sunscreens with chemical sunscreen components like avobenzone and octocrylene to reduce white solid. For broad-spectrum UV safety for truthful pores and skin, a mineral sunscreen ought to ideally comprise 20-25% of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Formulations with as little as 10% of these lively components could also be extra appropriate for individuals 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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