Trail running in singapore: gear checklist for beginners

Shoes are the most important gear when it comes to trail running – they must be able to support your entire bodyweight, so they should be stable, comfortable and have a good grip. 

The material should be breathable and provide sufficient protection, and the heels should provide enough support for your ankles on uneven trails in order to prevent injuries and muscle strain.

In addition, the soles should have a good tread to provide plenty of grip on wet surfaces. Some shoes also have a clip for storing the laces inside the tongue, which reduces the risk of them becoming loose in thick vegetation. 

In addition to meeting the above requirements, the ideal pair of trail running shoes should also be lightweight.

Avoid choosing backpacks that are too big – around 10L is plenty for short to medium-distance runs. 

The bag should have a pocket for a water pack or two 500ml bottles and a pair of walking sticks, as well as an adjustable chest strap. Its size should be small enough to prevent the bag from swinging or catching on vegetation when running on narrow trails.

The backpack should also be waterproof and have a breathable back panel – if the material isn’t waterproof, the contents are likely to get wet even on dry days, as sweat will leak through into the interior.

In terms of headgear, it is advisable to wear a running visor for maximum breathability on hot days. 

On cooler days, you can wear a standard breathable cap. Avoid wearing cotton caps, as they are heavy and not breathable.

The length of your socks should depend on the type of trail. Long socks help to protect your feet when running through thick vegetation or streams.

Some socks extend to just below the calf and feature a compression function to improve circulation through your legs. 

Whether you opt for long or short socks, the most important thing is to ensure that they absorb moisture to keep the soles of your feet dry and prevent blisters.