Okay, well this just might be my personal wish list, but I am pretty sure the trail running woman on your gift list would totally enjoy any of the following:
1) Icebreaker Underwear
My recent obsession with wool underwear puts Icebreaker at the top of the list. Icebreaker merino wool underoos makes a great stocking stuffer or Easter basket filler. For one, they are not something you would necessarily buy for yourself (although I strongly recommend it) since they can run around 30 bucks a pair. Second, they are super soft and light, wick moisture naturally, dry quickly, and breath well so they are great for long runs or backpacking adventures. They come in a variety of colors and styles and look super sexy. I highly recommend the Icebreaker Hipkinis.
Where to buy?
2) Cute and Cozy Arm Warmers
Another perfect stocking stuffer, arm warmers are great for those fickle fall days where you don’t know whether to keep wearing your tanks or get out the long sleeves. Start a chilly run with some arm warmers and roll them up or stick them in your pocket if you get warm. Some arm warmers are designed with sun protection in mind while some are great for warmth like the Pearl Izumi Thermal Arm Warmers. Others just make you look super cool and fast with crazy prints and designs like arm warmers by Skirt Sports.
Where to buy?
3) Compression Socks
Compression apparel is thought to increase blood flow during both aerobic activity and rest maximizing athletic performance and recovery. Compression socks can help prevent shin splints, help pulled muscles and achilles issues, and are great for traveling too. I highly recommend the CEP compression socks since they come with a 6-month compression guarantee. Plus they come in a lot of cute colors and look pretty snazzy too.
Where to buy?
4) Hydration Packs and Vests
Water is a trail running necessity and having a comfortable and versatile trail running hydration pack or vest will provide you with the fuel to head out for longer and more adventuresome runs. With plenty of pockets to stash my goods, a hydration reservoir, and a narrow fit that doesn’t restrict movement one bit, I am a big fan of my Nathan Intensity vest. Popular brands like CamelBak, Deuter, and The North Face also making running packs and I know many that swear by the specifically designed for ultrarunners UltrAspire hydration packs although I have yet to try one out.
Where to buy?
5) Energy Bar/Gel Subscriptions
On my quest to find cheap Lara bars, I stumbled upon Amazon’s subscribe and save program. Pretty much you sign up to receive regular shipments of a certain product and then you save up to an extra 15%. Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program includes many energy bars and gels like Larabars, PowerBar Powergels, Kind Bars, Clif Bars and more. I also subscribe and save on other items like protein powder, coffee, and vitamins to save.
Where to Buy?
- Amazon Subscribe and Save
- Amazon Subscribe and Save – PowerBar PowerGels
- Amazon Subscribe and Save – LaraBars
6) Darn Tough Socks
I love these socks! I was sick and tired of my $15/pair SmartWool socks wearing out after only a few months that I was attracted to a sock with “Tough” in their name. They are seriously as tough as they say and they come up with a lifetime guarantee, no strings attached. How can they be that tough? Well they are high density knit wool and reinforced in all the right places. Darn Tough running socks are available in no-show, quarter, and crew with all sorts of cushion levels in plenty of fun colors and designs. Their lifestyle socks are equally awesome and I cannot wait for them to make compression socks!
Where to Buy?
7) Cute Running T-Shirts From RunPrettyFar
I saw these super cute running t-shirts profiled in Trail Runner Magazine and I just had to order a few for gifts. There are plenty of designs and styles to choose from with fun sayings like “Run Now, Wine Later,” “I Eat Mountains For Breakfast,” and “Run Pretty Far.” The clothing is designed by a trail runner herself, so what a great company to support!
Where to Buy?
8) Pretty Much Any Running Attire From Patagonia
If you have a difficult to shop for trail runner on your list this year, I am sure any running attire from Patagonia would make her happy. Choose from shorts, running skirts, trail running jackets, long sleeve thermals, and tights. Patagonia is all about environmental sustainability, quality and durable goods, and awesome!
Where to Buy?
9) Altra Shoes
The Women’s Altra Lone Peak 1.5’s are unlike any shoe I have ever tried. The Altra Lone Peaks are actually shaped like feet so your toes are not squashed like other shoes. With a zero-drop, these shoes are designed to promote a natural foot strike meaning less impact and injuries so more time out on the trails. The Altra’s are great for trail running and ultramarathoning and they are super lightweight and designed specifically for women.
Where to Buy?
- Amazon
- Backcountry.com
- Directly from Altra
10) Bright and Fun Running Skirts
I have to say I was quite skeptical of this running skirt fad until… well I tried one out. There is something super fun about bombing downhills in a fun and flashy running skirt. Not to mention they are actually quite practical seeing as I feel less restricted than I do in running shorts. Skirt Sports holds the market for running skirts with their huge selection of styles, pattern, and colors although I am partial to my Patagonia Running Skirts.
Where to Buy?
I could go on and on; the possible gift ideas for trail runners are nearly endless.
What’s on your holiday wishlist this year?