The Best Running Gear
Every year, dozens of new products and exciting pieces of gear hit the market. Between running packs, GPS watches, socks, and nutrition, it can be a challenge to keep up with it all. Lucky for you, we've compiled some of the best gear in one place to help keep you updated.
Gear Type |
Our Picks |
Best GPS Watches Track your location, pace, distance, heart rate, and more |
COROS Pace 2 Garmin Forerunner 245 |
Best Hydration Packs Comfortably carry your water, phone, and gear hands-free |
Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set Pack Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 |
Best Running Socks Small gear with a big impact on comfort, support, and blister prevention |
Balega Hidden Comfort No Show Steigen Performance Socks 3/4 |
Best Nutrition Quick-acting fuel for your run and a recovery mix for afterward |
Hammer Recoverite |
Best Running Belts On-the-run comfort and storage for your phone, gels, and other small items |
Naked Running Band Salomon Pulse Belt |
Best GPS Watch

The COROS Pace 2 is the best watch you've never heard of. COROS offers quality design, simple functionality, and comes with an affordable price tag. That isn't to say this watch skimps on features; the Pace 2 is featherweight, connects to satellites and uploads your post-run data ultra-fast, has a long battery life (30 hours in GPS mode), AND offers built-in running power metrics to help you train based on effort rather than simply pace or distance. While fantastic for outdoor workouts, it also has movement sensors that accurately monitor your indoor training and a barometric altimeter to track your elevation. No matter if you're running on the track or in the mountains, this watch will accurately track your data.
Honourable Mention: Garmin Forerunner 245
The Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS Watch is a must-have for the dedicated runner. With live tracking and personal stats throughout your workout and sleep monitoring at night, it provides an easy way to train and recover at your peak. Some impressive features include 24-hour battery life, Pulse Ox for monitoring your adjustment to high altitude, VO2 Max fitness level, and an Incident Detection safety feature which can notify and send your location to emergency contacts in case of an accident.
Best Hydration Pack
A must-have for long-distance trail runners, the Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set Pack features a lightweight design with a unique sternum strap system to deliver a comfortable and bounce-free experience. A rear through pocket on the back is easily accessible in addition to the large expandable zip pocket, providing plenty of storage options and space for anything you may need.
The pack has 12L of storage capacity for extra layers of apparel, nutrition and gear, 1L of hydration between dual Soft Flasks and the option to hold a 1.5L Soft Reservoir (sold separately) within the rear pocket.
Honourable Mention: Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0
If you like running far or need to carry a lot of gear on your next long-distance run, then the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 should be a top choice. This vest checks all the boxes when it comes to all comfort, weight, and efficient storage, allowing runners to enjoy comfortable, distraction-free running. In order to provide superior comfort for long periods of wear, this vest uses a new Comfort Cinch™ 3.0 system and redesigned shape to completely wrap around the body for a more secure vest-like fit.
Best Running Sock

The Balega Hidden Comfort No Show Socks provide extra cushioning for a plush underfoot feel, while the deep heel pocket secures the fit. For added comfort, the high-tab heel prevents the sock from slipping and protects your Achilles from blisters. These socks are so comfortable that they may quickly replace all of your current ones!
Honourable Mention: Steigen Performance Socks 3/4
Out run your competition whilst staying blister free in the Steigen Performance Socks 3/4. Featuring forefoot padding for comfort and durability, seamless construction, lightweight fabric for fast moisture transfer and air flow mesh on top for breathability, these socks facilitate an environment where blisters are less likely to form.
Best Nutrition

Best Energy Gel
Used by top-performing marathoners all over the world, Maurten Gel 100 utilises cutting-edge nutrition science to create one of the most efficient energy gels on the market. Once digested, the acidity of your stomach transforms the mix into a hydrogel which encapsulates a high amount of carbs and transports them to be effectively absorbed within your intestines, resulting in both hydration and easy energy. With only six simple ingredients, the flavour is neutral and natural, and since the gel is not broken down in your stomach, there is no chance of GI distress. This gel can be consumed before, during, or after your run.
Best Hydration Mix
Created to be easy on the stomach while on the run, Tailwind Endurance Fuel Drink uses a simple and complete formula to replenish your body with a mild, clean taste. A combination of simple carbohydrates (dextrose and sucrose) is rapidly converted into energy, giving you the electrolytes and calories you need to push ahead. The mix is reservoir-friendly, making it easy to clean without leaving any residue.
Best Recovery Mix
Hammer Recoverite contains the optimal 3:1 ratio of complex carbs to protein that your body needs to feel refuelled after a hard training session. This all-natural mix uses a host of electrolytes and BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) to replenish your hydration levels and keep you balanced. As an extra bonus, the whey is sourced from grass-fed cows that have not been treated with rBGH or other unwanted substances.
Best Running Belt

The Naked Running Band is an ultra-lightweight running belt with versatile sizing and storage options. It's available in 12 sizes, making it easy to dial in the perfect fit, and you can wear it around your waist, hips, or wherever feels the most comfortable. Featuring three large stash pockets with stretch mesh, you can easily carry a phone, 500ml collapsible flasks (not included), nutrition, and other gear. There are two elastic straps with grip on the rear to lock down trekking poles or a light rain shell, while the front provides dual bungees to secure a race bib.
Honourable Mention: Salomon Pulse Belt
The Salomon Pulse Belt offers an ideal storage solution for the minimalist runner who only wants to carry the essentials. The comfortable stretch fabric sits securely around your waist to eliminate unwanted bouncing or chafing. The rear pocket is capable of holding a Soft Flask up to 500 ml (not included) while a zippered front pocket secures sensitive items such as your phone, ID, and keys. As an added bonus, elastic side straps with silicone grip can be used to quickly stow a light jacket or trekking poles.