The choice of outfit for a trail depends on several factors, including weather conditions, terrain and the duration of the effort. It is essential to dress in a way that guarantees comfort, performance and safety. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right outfit and stay comfortable throughout your trail, whatever the type of race.
The golden rule: avoid cotton
The fundamental tip for trail is to absolutely avoid cotton clothing. Although comfortable in the short term, cotton has poor breathability. It has an unfortunate tendency to absorb perspiration, creating a damp and unpleasant environment.
This phenomenon can quickly lead to your body cooling down, particularly in cold conditions or after exertion. To avoid this kind of situation, it is preferable to opt for technical and breathable fabrics, such as polyester, which wick away moisture and allow your skin to stay dry.
The technical layering system
Whatever the season, one of the best strategies for dressing for trail is to adopt the layering system. This system allows you to adapt your running outfit according to temperature variations and weather conditions, while optimising your comfort during physical exertion.
- Layer 1 The breathable layer: The first layer is essential for wicking away perspiration and keeping your skin dry. It includes garments such as t-shirts or trail base layers in lightweight and breathable materials. This layer should sit close to the body to maximise its effectiveness.
- Layer 2 The insulating layer: The role of the second layer is to retain body heat while allowing moisture to escape. It can take the form of lightweight jackets, fleeces or thermo-regulating jerseys. This is an essential layer when temperatures drop or in windy conditions.
- Layer 3 The protective layer: The outer layer protects you from the elements in the mountains, such as wind, rain or snow. It must be both waterproof and breathable to prevent condensation inside while keeping you dry. Opt for a lightweight trail jacket, easy to put on or take off according to your needs.
The must-haves, whatever the weather and terrain
For your feet: They are one of the most heavily used elements in trail, so it is essential to choose quality socks. Opt for seamless models or those with flat seams. This helps limit friction that causes blisters. Models reinforced at the heel and toe are also an excellent choice.
Base layers: Choose base layers that are technical, breathable and seamless. For women, a sports bra or crop top suited to trail is essential, with crossed and wide straps for better support.
Dressing for a trail in warm weather
When temperatures rise, the goal is to stay as lightweight and breathable as possible, while ensuring good ventilation of the skin.
- Top: A short-sleeved t-shirt or vest in quick-drying technical fabric is ideal. The fitted cut allows better freedom of movement while reducing chafing.
- Bottoms: Shorts are the obvious choice during the summer period. However, make sure they are well cut to reduce chafing between the thighs.
- Accessories: A breathable cap is necessary to protect your eyes from the sun, along with sunglasses to preserve your vision.
Dressing for a trail in rainy weather
Even in the rain, it is possible to stay comfortable and dry.
- Top: Wear a long- or short-sleeved technical t-shirt depending on the temperature, followed by a lightweight waterproof jacket to protect you from the rain. Choose a water-repellent jacket for light rain or a more waterproof one for heavy downpours. Lightweight and compact, this jacket can be easily stowed in your pack when the weather improves.
- Bottoms: In rainy conditions, a waterproof trail trousers or overtrousers is an option to stay dry. It is also possible to stick with shorts depending on your preferences!
- Accessories: A cap can be useful to protect your hair and eyes from the rain. If you wear sunglasses, you will appreciate a model with an anti-fog treatment.
Dressing to run in cold weather
In severe cold, the three-layer system comes into its own. It is essential to maintain your body temperature while regulating moisture.
- Top: The first layer must also be breathable, such as a technical t-shirt. Opt for long sleeves. As a second layer, include an insulating fleece to retain heat. Finally, the third layer should be a windproof and waterproof jacket, protecting you from the elements.
- Bottoms: Long tights are strongly recommended in winter to prevent muscular heat loss.
- Accessories: A beanie to cover your head is very useful, as body heat escapes mainly through the extremities. If you don't like being too covered up, an ear warmer headband may be sufficient. A lightweight scarf or neck wrap is also a useful accessory to protect your neck.
- Hands: A pair of trail running gloves is essential for retaining body heat, especially when the temperature drops. Choose a breathable material to ensure good moisture management.
Quality equipment for optimal trail
When choosing your trail clothing, opt for technical and breathable materials, such as those offered by Cimalp, which incorporate fabrics like 3D-Flex for a better fitted shape and optimal muscle compression. The jackets on offer are compact, folding easily into a small pocket for simplified transport.
By choosing suitable equipment, you can enjoy your races in all conditions, while remaining comfortable and high-performance, whatever the weather. Also check out our guide on preparation and equipment for ultra trail.
