Gifts for Trail Runners: Ideas for Mountain Runners

Salomon Active Skin 8 vest

An 8 litre vest with two 500 ml soft flasks included. Enough for a few hours in the mountains and most short races.

For the runner still running in the mountains with a hiking backpack.

Salomon ADV Skin 12 vest

The 12 litre model for long days out, also with two 500 ml flasks. Salomon recommends it for trails over 60 km on its official product page.

For the runner already eyeing their first ultra. A gift that says you believe in them.

Salomon Soft Flask 500 ml

It collapses as you drink and fits the front pockets of almost any vest. A spare always comes in handy.

For the runner whose bottle bounces and sloshes with every step.

Salomon Pulse Belt

To carry a soft flask and the basics on short runs without a vest.

For the runner who carries a bottle in hand and comes back with a tired arm.

Petzl Swift RL headlamp

Petzl’s trail headlamp, with over 1,000 lumens, a USB-C rechargeable battery and Reactive Lighting, which adjusts the output to the surrounding light.

For the runner already talking about their first mountain race with a pre-dawn start.

Petzl Actik Core headlamp

Simpler and cheaper, rechargeable and enough for paths and tracks.

For the runner who can only train after dark in winter, so they get home seeing where they step.

LEKI Ultratrail FX.One poles

Folding carbon poles designed for racing, which stow in the vest when not needed. They come in sizes, so choose the length according to their height.

For the runner who climbs with hands on knees and reaches the top with nothing left in the legs.

Garmin Instinct 3 watch

A rugged watch with an AMOLED screen and a flashlight built into the watch, handy at night aid stations.

For the runner who spends hours in the mountains and needs a watch that can take knocks and cold.

COROS Pace 4 watch

Light, with up to 41 hours of GPS according to COROS, from a brand focused on distance and trail runners.

For the runner who forgets to charge their watch and wants a light one that lasts for weeks.

Compressport Pro Racing Socks V3 Trail

The trail version of Compressport’s technical socks. They wear out quickly, so an extra pair always gets used.

For the runner who comes back from the mountains with dusty feet and the odd blister.

Buff Original EcoStretch neck gaiter

Essential in winter and in races with cold summits. It works as a gaiter, a hat or a headband.

For the runner who heads out at 7 a.m. in January and comes back with a frozen face.

“Correr o morir” by Kilian Jornet

The story of the world’s best-known mountain runner, in Spanish (published in English as “Run or Die”).

For the runner who dreams of the mountains even if they train in the park. They will read it in one go.