Trail running gear
Our selection of Trail Equipment brings together the gear for trail runners: folding poles Leki Ultratrail and Evotrail, TSL carbon and aluminium poles with cork grips, GPS watches Garmin Forerunner, Instinct, Instinct Solar and Vívoactive, and a children's watch Garmin Vívofit.
Climb faster and track every mile.
The trail runner's tools
In trail running, two pieces of equipment can change the game: poles, which relieve the legs on steep climbs and secure descents, and the GPS watch, which measures distance, elevation, and effort, and guides you on a route. On mountain ultra-trails, poles have become almost essential, and the watch helps manage pace during hours of running.
By type of equipment
The selection is organised by type:
- Trail running poles.
- Heart rate and GPS watches.
- Lighting, headlamps for nighttime.
Trail running also includes trail shoes, men's clothing, women's clothing, luggage, accessories, on the trail running page.
Choosing your poles
Trail poles are most often foldable, made up of three or four segments connected by a cable, like the Leki FX One or TSL: when folded, they can be stored in the back of the hydration vest when not in use. Carbon, being lighter and stiffer, is suited for competition; aluminium, more shock-resistant, bends without breaking. The cork grip of the TSL absorbs sweat. The Leki system connects the strap-glove to the grip via a clip, allowing you to drop and pick up the pole in one motion. The French brand TSL, based near Annecy, became known for its snowshoes.
Choosing your watch
The Garmin Forerunner, designed for running, measures pace, heart rate, and training load, and offers training plans. The Garmin Instinct, with a robust reinforced polymer casing, is shock and water-resistant; its Solar version charges in daylight, perfect for long mountain outings. The Vívoactive, more versatile, tracks all sports and daily life. For kids, the Vívofit counts steps and motivates them to move. The casing comes in various diameters, to choose based on wrist size.
Good deals
Great bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
Carbon or aluminium trail poles?
Carbon, being lighter and stiffer, reduces fatigue on long runs but can break under a strong impact. Aluminium, slightly heavier, bends without breaking and is suitable for beginners or very rocky terrain.
What length of poles for trail running?
Hold the pole in hand, with your arm by your side: your elbow should form a right angle. Between two lengths, trail runners often choose the shorter one, which is more manageable on steep climbs.
Foldable or telescopic poles for running?
Foldable poles, like the Leki Ultratrail, collapse into several segments and can be stored on the bag during running sections. Telescopic poles, which are adjustable, are better suited for hiking where you adjust the length to the slope.
Which GPS watch for trail running?
Opt for one with long GPS battery life, an altimeter, and route navigation. The Garmin Instinct, robust, and its Solar version, charged by light, are ideal for long outings, while the Forerunner, lighter, suits both road and trail.
What is the purpose of an altimeter on a trail watch?
The altimeter measures altitude and total elevation gain, a key data point in a trail where effort depends as much on ascents as on distance. It helps manage pace by knowing what remains to climb.
