Guide to Running Gear
Beyond comfortable clothing and a great pair of running shoes, having the right gear can make running more enjoyable.
In this guide, I break down the running-related gear items I’ve used over the years. I describe what I look for when shopping and provide links to online buying guides if I could find them. In addition to the products those guides provide, I have a paragraph on my favorite item in the category and other items that I’ve tried with my review. (I’m not a brand ambassador for any products.) When possible, I provided links to the product I used but manufacturers sometimes discontinue or alter the items.
GPS Watches
Handheld Water Bottles
Armbands
Belts
Sunglasses
Visibility Gear
Massage
Anti-Chafing
Other Gear Items
Foot Pods
Heart Monitors
Hydration Packs
Body Wipes
Headphones
Traction Devices
Race Bib Holders
Scales
GPS Watches
A GPS watch tracks the distance, time, and pace in real-time. Research the features on DC Rainmaker’s website before purchasing – some models have features such as running dynamics that may be more than the casual runner needs.
Buying Guide: The Best Affordable Watches for Runners, Runner’s World; 14 Advanced GPS Watches for Runners, Runner’s World; Product Comparison Calculator, DC Rainmaker
Price Range: $200-$500
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music. Originally, I purchased this as a back-up to my Garmin Forerunner 610 but now it’s my primary watch. It works the same as my 610 but buttons instead of a touch-screen. It has sensors that monitor heart rate through the wrist, which eliminates the need to wear a chest strap. There are various watch faces on Connect IQ but I chose a pre-loaded ones. The music functionality during a run is a bit confusing. Price: $449.99
Other products: Garmin Forerunner 220 [Review], Garmin Forerunner 630 [Review]
Handheld Water Bottles
For drinking on the go, runners have a lot of options. Handheld water bottles are good because they tend to be very light-weight. However, hydration packs allow runners to carry more water. Most handhelds hold around 12 ounces. Hydration packs very – some have a bladder that can hold a liter or more of water, while others have holders for bottles. Either way, it’s important to have a model that feels light and comfortable.
Price Range: $15-$150>
Nathan QuickShot Plus. It’s light-weight and the pocket is big enough for some cards and a gel. There are two things I don’t particularly like about it, though. I wish the strap that goes around my hand was adjustable and that the nozzle was “push-pull”. But, I still prefer it over my other handhelds for shorter runs. Price: $15.99
Other products: Amphipod Ergo Lite Ultra [Review], Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Ergo-Lite – 16 oz [Review],Amphipod Jett-Lite Thermal [Review], Camelbak Quick Grip Chill [Review], Camelbak Ultra Handheld Chill [Review],Nathan QuickDraw Plus [Review], Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel [Review]
Armbands
An armband is a convenient way to carry a phone during a run. Look for a model that fits snugly. If it doesn’t, it might bounce around a bit. Also, sleeves may stretch out over time and Velcro may degrade over time.
Buying Guide: Armbands for Carrying Your Phone on a Run, Runner’s World
Price Range: $35
Amphipod ArmPod SmartView. I’ve been very happy with this armband. It fits my Samsung Galaxy S8, which is a big phone. My only wish that it fit a little tighter around my arms. And, the Velcro gave out after a while. Price: $35
Other products: Bondi Band Armbands [Review],E Tronic Edge Phone Armband Sleeves [Review], MoKo Sports Running Armband [Review], Muv365 Armbands [Review]
Belts
A belt is another comfortable way to carry necessities while on the run. They feature a main compartment for storing items and a belt that goes around the waist or hips. Shop for a model that fits securely but not so tight that it constricts movement through the hips. The stretch of the pocket, width of the band and ability to adjust it, are also key.
Price Range: $20-$40
SPI-Belt. I wear an armband for most of my runs. But on race day, I put gels and anything else I want to access quickly, in a belt. Price: $19.99
Other products: Amphipod AirFlow Lite Waistpack [Review], Amphipod AirFlow Micro-Stretch Plus Belt [Review], FlipBelt [Review], Nathan LightSpeed Pak Belt [Review]
Sunglasses
Eye protection isn’t just for sunny days. Sunglasses can also guard against bugs or other objects flying into the eyes. In addition to researching the lens for polarization and visible light transmission (VLT), find a pair that don’t pinch the ears or chafe the nose. Some brands, like Oakley, make smaller frames for women. Some models have removable lens that can be changed based on outdoor conditions.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Sunglasses, REI and The Best New Running Sunglasses, Runner’s World.
Price Range: $25-$250>
Smith Optics Parallel Max Sunglasses. This comfortable pair of sunglasses provides complete eye coverage. It comes in four different frame colors and two other lens colors. (According to the website, replacement lens are no longer available.) Price: $139.00
Other products: Goodr Running Sunglasses [Review] and Oakley Commit Sunglasses [Review]
Visibility Gear
Visibility gear serves two purposes: being able to see and being seen by others. For lighting the way, look for products that cast enough light for the conditions – rural area runners might need a stronger beam than urban runners who benefit from street lights. An adjustable product is also desirable for pointing in specific directions. For being seen, lights that strobe can help distracted motorists and cyclists spot runners out in a busy city-scape. Generally, light-weight and re-chargeable products are best.
Price Range: $15-$40>
Amphipod Swift-Clip Cap Light. For such a small light, I’ve been impressed by the amount of light it emits. The only downside is that it isn’t adjustable. For running, it might be nice if the beam cast down more than out. Price: $14.95
Other products: Amphipod Xinglet [Review], Brooks Nightlife Essential Vest {Review], Nathan LightSpur RX LED Foot Light [Review], Nathan Mag Strobe [Review], Nathan StrobeLight LED Clip [Review], Nathan Zephyr Fire 300 Flashlight [Review], Petzl Tikka Plus 2 LED Headlamp [Review]
Massage
Regular massage can help soothe aching muscles and, when done regularly, increase flexibility. Shop for products that make the body feel better, not worse., by applying just the right amount of pressure.
Buying Guide: The Best Massage Tools for Sore Muscles, Runner’s World and 14 Foam Rollers, Balls, and Sticks That Help Get the Knots Out, Runner’s World
Price Range: $15-$25
Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls. These balls are a little harder and smaller than a tennis ball, but not as dense as a lacrosse ball. I think they give a deeper massaging effect than a foam roller or The Stick. They’ve been really great for working the tiny muscles in my shoulders/traps and and hips/piriformis. Price: $14.95
Other products: iReliev TENS ad EMS Combination Unit [Review], Pro-Tec Stretch Band with Grip Loop Technology [Review], The Stick, TriggerPoint MB1 Massage Ball [Review] and TriggerPoint Nano Foot Roller [Review]
Anti-Chafing
Running can be tough on the skin. In the summer, it bakes in the sun and is covered in sweat and grime. In the winter, it dries out from the cold. Year-round, chafing from clothing or skin-to-skin contact can lead to sore spots. Look for products that feel light on the skin but are sweat-resistant.
Price Range: $5-$15
Body Glide and Squirrel’s Nut Butter. I use these products interchangeably before long training runs and on marathon race day. Body Glide comes in a stick and is easy to rub over places that tend to chafe. I have a small tin of Squirrel’s Nut Butter, which makes it easier to pack for travel or ultra-distance running. It doesn’t spread very well when cold, though.
Other products: Pjur Active 2 Skin [Review], SweatWELLth Friction Free Anti-Chafing Spray [Review]
Other Gear Items
Here are some other gear items that I’ve used over the years for…
Foot Pods
Unlike a pedometer, foot pods can do more than simply measure distance. Most also provide running dynamics like cadence or stride length.
Heart Rate Monitors
Garmin HRM-Run Heart Rate Monitor [Review].
Hydration Packs
Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel. One of my take-ways from the 2018 San Diego 50 Miler was that I wanted a hydration pack with bottles rather than a bladder. It was a little hard finding the right tension for the straps and the loose ends are a little annoying, but it’s very comfortable. It has two expandable pockets on the straps. I put my phone in one of them and was happy that it didn’t move around. There’s also a big main pocket for an energy bar and other small items. My only problem with the pack might be the bottle that came with it – the spout doesn’t open very easily. Price: $84.95.
Other products: Camelbak Dart [Review].
Body Wipes
Can’t always take a shower after a run? Body wipes to the rescue! While baby wipes have traditionally been the go-to product for runners, several manuacturers have created toilettes specifically for athletes.
Price Range: $5-$15
Epic Wipes. I keep a packet of these wipes in all my gym bags. The extra large wipe is huge – falf is large enough to thoroughly wipe down the body – so I’m currently using the large size. It’s a little antiseptic smelling, but I still preferred using one big wipe to wash up rather than several smaller wipes. Price: $14.95
Other products: EO Natural Deodorant Wipes [Review], HyperGo After Sport Wipes [Review], Sports Towels On the Go [Review]
Headphones
For runners who listen to music or podcasts on the run, headphones are a must. These days, shoppers need to decide whether they want to stay with a traditional wired pair, which are cheap and easy to find, or purchase a wireless model. The benefit of wireless is that there aren’t cords flopping around getting in the way. However, they are also expensive and some models have better reviews than others. Generally, look for a model that’ll stand up to rough treatment. For wireless, also research how long they will play before needing a re-charge.
Buying Guide: Wireless Headphones and Earbuds Are Better Than They’ve Ever Been, Runner’s World
Price Range: $10-$150>
AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Headphones. These headphones use bone conduction to deliver sound through your cheekbones instead of ear buds. The idea is that you can hear more of your surroundings. The sound quality isn’t as crisp as earbuds but it’s not bad. And, some sound is emitted from the speakers so it’s not silent to others nearby. There’s a standard size and a “mini” version for people with smaller heads. Price: $99.95
Other products: BeatsX by Dre Wireless Headphones [Review], Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones [Review], FRESHeBUDS Wireless Earbuds [Review], Jaybird Run XT Wireless Headphones [Review], Jaybird X3 [Review], Jaybird X3 Wireless Headphones [Review], Jaybird Run XT Wireless Headphones [Review], JLab JBuds Air True Wireless Earbuds [Review] Skull Candy Ink’d [Review]
Traction Devices
Race Bib Holders
Scales
Garmin Index Smart Scale [Review]
Shoe deodorizers
Shoe dryers
Drysure [Reviews] When I first tried this product, I was skeptical about these bulky shoe contraptions. However, I’ve had a complete change of opinion since then! I’ve used them several times during trips and they’ve consistently dried my wet or sweaty running shoes overnight. Price: $31.95.
This page was initially published on March 15, 2018 and will be edited or updated as needed.