Gifts for Trail Runners

Gift Guide 2024 | Fleet Feet

Updated on

Trail runners and hikers can be a unique bunch with unique needs.

That’s why in addition to owning a pair of the best trail running shoes, trail runners’ gear needs to be as tough as they are.

With over 250 locations across the country, we outfit and run with trail runners in every climate and geography, so we know what works best for runners who like to hit the dirt.

From GPS running watches built for the backcountry to moisture-wicking shirts that look good at the trailhead and the coffee shop, our team of Fleet Feet Editors rounded up our favorite gear and gift ideas for trail running.

This article is part of our 2024 Gift Guide for Runners. See all the best gifts for runners by price, category and more. Can’t make up your mind? No worries. Check out our gift cards for a gift that keeps on giving.

Images of gifts for trail runners on a light blue background
Gifts For Trail Runners
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Thumbnail

Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

$900

The Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar has all of the GPS watch features trail runners dream of. The watch has preloaded topographical maps, navigation sensors and access to multiple satellite systems to get the most accurate location, even deep in the backcountry. They can also send their route directly to the watch for turn-by-turn directions, making navigation of the trails much easier.

The pinnacle of Garmin watches, the fenix 7X Sapphire Solar has all of the latest technology when it comes to training, racing and more. It is rugged enough to handle the inclement weather and rough trails, yet looks good enough to wear as an everyday watch.

Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
Gifts For Trail Runners
Women's Nathan Pinnacle 12 Thumbnail

Nathan Pinnacle 12

$200
If you want water, nutrition and other essentials on the trail, you have to take it with you. The Nathan Pinnacle 12 is one of our favorite hydration packs for comfortably carrying our gear during trail runs and hikes. It’s super lightweight and fits like a second skin so you can move fast and free. Plus, it has no shortage of pockets to store everything from your phone and energy gels to an extra jacket and some trekking poles. Your runner will definitely think of you every time they put on this pack to go for an adventure.
Women's Nathan Pinnacle Men's Nathan Pinnacle
Gifts For Trail Runners
Women's CEP The Run Compression Mid Cut Sock 4.0 Thumbnail

CEP The Run Compression Mid Cut Sock 4.0

$20

These aren’t your standard pair of socks. The CEP The Run Compression Mid Cut Sock 4.0 has targeted compression in the arch and ankle that increases blood circulation, gives deep sensory stimulation and provides premium support—perfect for long days outdoors.

The crew-cut length will help keep dirt and debris out of their socks and protect them from poison ivy. Plus, they are treated with silver to reduce bacteria and odors.

Women's CEP Mid Cut Sock Men's CEP Mid Cut Sock
Gifts For Trail Runners
Nathan Neutron Fire Runners' Headlamp Thumbnail

Nathan Neutron Fire Runners' Headlamp

$40
Every trail runner should have a headlamp or flashlight with them during extended adventures. The Nathan Neutron Fire Runners’ Headlamp is lightweight and shines bright with a crisp 115-lumen spotlight to light the path ahead. Plus, there are two side strobes with red, green or blue options for extra visibility.
Nathan Neutron Headlamp
Gifts For Trail Runners
Women's Brooks Chaser 5" Short Thumbnail

Women's Brooks Chaser Short

$64
The women’s Brooks Chaser Shorts cut no corners on details and can handle any adventure you throw at them. They’re made from moisture-wicking materials that are lightweight and quick-drying for all-day comfort on the trail. These running shorts have two side pockets and waistband pockets to carry small essentials and they come in a variety of lengths depending on what your runner’s preference is.
Women's Chaser Short 3" Women's Chaser Short 5" Women's Chaser Short 7"
Gifts For Trail Runners
Thumbnail

Men's Brooks 2-in-1 Sherpa Short

$0
We love the Brooks 2-in-1 Sherpa Short and have no doubt that your trail runner will too. The boxer-brief liner has a phone pocket built into the side for bounce-free storage, and the flat waistband keeps you comfortable so you can focus on the trail ahead.
Brooks Sherpa Short 5" Brooks Sherpa Short 7"
Gifts for Trail Runners
Women's rabbit High Country Long Sleeve Wool Thumbnail

rabbit High Country LS Wool

$90
This top looks like a plaid flannel but acts like a running shirt. The rabbit High Country LS Wool is one of the most versatile shirts for trail runners and hikers. It’s made with soft, quick-drying and stretchy fabric that can handle days spent on the trail, while its buttoned-up look fits right in at the brewery post-hike.
Women's High Country LS Men's High Country LS
Gifts for Trail Runners
Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones Thumbnail

Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones

$180
The Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones are an awesome gift for any trail runner or hiker. They sit outside your ears so you can hear your surroundings and use bone conduction technology to deliver premium Bluetooth audio during your runs and hikes. Long trail runs and ultramarathons can be a grueling endeavor, these handphones make it easy to listen to music or podcasts so the miles fly by.
Shokz OpenRun Pro Shokz OpenRun Pro Mini
Gifts For Trail Runners
Sprints Towel Thumbnail

Sprints Towel

$42
It’s always a good idea to have a towel waiting for you after a hard run. The Sprints Towel comes in cool designs and is made from performance microfiber materials to mop up sweat. It’s the little touches that make this an upgrade from your standard bath towel, however—It has a built-in pocket that fits over your car headrest to keep your seats dry on the drive home, and it can fold into the size of a burrito for easy packing.
Sprints Towel
Gifts For Trail Runners
Sprints Hat Thumbnail

Sprints Hat

$32
Trail runners love a good hat. Sprints Hats are not only built to perform using lightweight, moisture-wicking materials and mesh vents to keep you cool, but they come in fun patterns that will liven up any run.
Sprints Hats
Gifts For Trail Runners
Icebreaker Flexi Chute Thumbnail

icebreaker Flexi Chute

$30
A neck gaiter is super versatile when you’re out on the trail. You can wear it as a neck warmer, twist it into a beanie, pull it up as a sunshade or fold it into a headband. The icebreaker Flexi Chute is one of our favorites because it’s made from soft and breathable merino wool that can be worn year-round.
Icebreaker Flexi Chute
Gifts For Trail Runners
Women's On Weather Jacket 2023 Thumbnail

On Weather Jacket

$240
It’s only a matter of time before some unpredictable weather rolls in mid-run. When it does, your runner will be happy you gifted them the On Weather Jacket. This jacket has a barely-there feel and provides durable, water-repelling coverage when the rain starts falling. And when the clouds part, it can be folded up and stashed within its own water-resistant chest pocket.
Women's On Weather Jacket Men's On Weather Jacket
Best Gifts For Trail Runners
goodr OG Running Sunglasses Thumbnail

goodr Sunglasses

$25
Sunglasses are not only helpful when the sun is shining, but can also offer extra eye protection from bugs and rogue branches. These fun and stylish sunglasses are lightweight, polarized and don’t bounce or slip when you’re weaving through singletrack. Plus, their budget-friendly price means it’s not the end of the world if you accidentally fling them off a cliff (this has happened to us).
goodr Running Sunglasses
Gifts For Trail Runners
Women's Craft ADV Essence Warm Tight Thumbnail

Craft ADV Essence Warm Tight

$85
These cold-weather tights make winter running warm and easy. When it’s cold out and you're sweating during a run, our bodies can be more prone to chafing. These training tights are stretchy and soft for a comfortable fit that keeps you warm without irritating your skin. They also have light compression that feels great during a long run or hike.
Women's Craft Warm Tight Men's Craft Warm Tight
Gifts For Trail Runners
Men's rabbit EZ Tee Long Sleeve Thumbnail

rabbit EZ Tee Long Sleeve

$55
You can’t go wrong gifting the rabbit EZ Tee Long Sleeve. It has everything you could ever want in a running shirt. It’s silky-soft, moisture-wicking and breathable, which makes it a great baselayer, and it looks good to wear on its own, too.
Men's rabbit EZ LS Women's rabbit EZ LS
Gifts For Trail Runners
Honey Stinger Waffle Thumbnail

Honey Stinger Waffle

$1.79
These waffles are a delicious treat to break out mid-run or aprés ski. They’re easy to carry in your hydration vest or running belt and pack a big punch of quick energy whenever you need it.
Honey Stinger Waffle

Why You Should Trust Us

At Fleet Feet one of our core values is that it is a privilege to serve. We take the thought of giving you advice and guiding you to pick out the perfect gift for the runner in your life very seriously and are honored that you chose to read this. Fleet Feet is the No. 1 run specialty store in the country. We serve more than 3 million customers across 250+ locations annually and have completed more than 5 million 3D foot scans (and counting) of different runners and walkers’ feet. Our goal is to help every customer find the correct shoes, apparel and gear for their goals.

We don’t just sell shoes and gear, we run, walk and hike with you in those shoes. We have had hundreds of thousands of runners and walkers participate in our training programs, community runs and events every year. We have locations all over the country running in the snow, desert and everything in between.

We take our sales data and talk with the different shoe companies, designers and our network of runners, walkers and hikers to cultivate this list of the best gifts for runners. We also review shoes and gear ourselves to provide you with the best information possible when making these guides. We update this guide regularly to make sure you have the latest information possible to make the best decision for you when it comes to giving your loved one a gift.

How We Picked the Best Gifts

With more than 45 years of experience, Fleet Feet is the expert in running (and gifting). What makes the perfect gift for a runner comes down to the personal experience, goals, preferences and style of that runner. We use a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, seasonal trends and our own top-seller lists to pick out the best gifts. With all that in mind, we picked gear that lived up to our personal (and professional) expectations. Plus, as people who live and breathe running, we know what we would like to unwrap ourselves.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We picked the best gifts based on what we think will work for the most people in most situations. If you buy a gift from us and you don’t love the way it looks, fits or performs, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund.

Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.