Trail Running

Latest Stories

Exploration & Survival

“This Is Not the Outcome We Hoped For.” Family of Missing Runner Kalie McCrystal Breaks Silence.

Two weeks after the elite Canadian trail runner vanished during a record recon run in the Alps, her family honors her legacy in the outdoor community.

Madison DapcevichSeptember 16, 20261

North America

The Best Towns for Trail Lovers in the U.S.

Some towns are built for trail lovers. Here are five of the best, from Oregon to Michigan, where you can hit the trails all day and be back in town in time for a run-club happy hour.

Erin McGradySeptember 11, 20263

Running

5 Fresh Trail Running Shoe Drops We're Copping in September

Our lead shoe tester details the shoe releases he’s most looking forward to this month.

Cory SmithSeptember 6, 2026

Running

5 Pieces of Trail Running Gear We Love From a Norwegian Brand You've Probably Never Heard Of

After nearly a century of outfitting expeditions from Everest to the North Pole, Norrøna is gaining traction on the trails.

Dean StattmannSeptember 4, 2026

Running

From $75 Values to $200 Splurges, These Are the Best Running Hydration Vests You Can Buy

We tested more than 50 hydration packs to find the best ones for every distance and type of run.

Lisa JhungSeptember 2, 2026

Running

Your Road Running Gear Will Fail You on the Trail. Here's What to Replace First.

Trail running is booming. Before you follow the crowd into the woods, you need new gear. Here's what's most important.

Cory SmithAugust 29, 2026

Running

I Was Skeptical of Carbon-Plated Trail Shoes. The New Hokas Changed My Mind.

Hoka’s new Tecton X 4 was engineered to win one of the world's hardest races. After weeks of trail-testing, I found it delivers real speed—even for slower runners like me.

Will PorterAugust 26, 2026

Running

The Ultimate Gear List for Turning Trail Runs Into Fastpacking Trips

Fastpacking is just backpacking at trail-running speed—but the right gear makes all the difference. Here's what to pack, from packs to shelters to shoes.

Will PorterAugust 21, 2026

Running

Are Waistbelts Better than Hydration Vests for Trail Running? I Wore Them Both to Find Out.

Trail runners have long relied on vests to carry water and essentials. But a new generation of waistbelts is entering the scene, proving that taking the weight off your shoulders could completely change how you move.

Lisa JhungAugust 19, 20262

Books & Media

When You Think About it, Why Does Anyone Run at All? With Abby Levene

Trailrunner's lead editor on the running boom generally, and the trailrunning book specifically

August 12, 2026

Hiking

I Spent 24 Straight Hours at an Ultramarathon. Here’s Why Runners Go Long.

100-Mile trail races booming in popularity, and every other person we know seems to be training for an ultra. Our writer—who is not a runner—wanted to understand why. So, he stayed up all night at California’s Western States Endurance Run interviewing athletes, race crew, and fans. Here’s what he learned.

Roman StubbsAugust 5, 2026

Running

Choosing the Right Trail Running Shoes

Whether you’re venturing off the pavement for the first time or gunning for your first ultra, get advice and footwear from the experts at REI

Ted AlvarezAugust 10, 2026

Running

This Waitlist-Only Running Vest Is Back In Stock—Here's Why We Loved It

Thanks to innovative features and sturdy construction, the Raide LF 5L Vest is becoming my new go-to for racing and long days on the trail.

Will PorterAugust 19, 20261

Hiking

Outside's Fall Trail Running Guide

Everything you need for trail running this fall, from training and gear to colorful trail adventures, races, and the people who make the sport special.

Emilee CoblentzJuly 31, 2026

Running

The Best Trail Running Shoes Right Now Include an Agile Hoka, a Plush Nike ACG, and a Great-Fitting Altra

From do-anything all-arounders to speedy racers, mountain-tamers, and road-to-trail ramblers, we found the best trail running shoes for every runner and terrain.

Cory Smith, Lisa JhungJuly 15, 2026

Running

I Just Moved to Switzerland. This New Quiver-Killer Is the Only Shoe I Need for Local Trail Running.

If you’re a fan of the versatile, speedy Adidas EVO SL, the new Terrex Agravic SL is the only trail shoe you should care about right now.

Dean StattmannJuly 3, 2026

Environment

Kilian Jornet Is Taking On His Biggest Challenge Yet: Getting Americans to Care About Public Lands

The Catalan ultrarunner is dedicating his 2026 racing campaign to calling attention to the attacks on public lands protections across the U.S.

Jayme MoyeJune 18, 2026

Hiking

Ultrarunning’s Original Influencer Is Still Logging Mega Miles at Age 63

Dean Karnazes discusses the backstory of his 50/50/50 stunt, what ultrarunning looked like in the nineties, and the attitude that keeps him logging big miles in his sixties.

Frederick DreierMay 7, 20263

Running

Expand Your Running Horizons with Road-to-Trail Routes

Here’s why—and how—to add mixed terrain adventures to your runs

Lisa JhungApril 9, 2026

Running

The Seven Wonders of the Trail Running World

These epic routes belong on every runner’s bucket list

Lisa JhungApril 9, 2026

Trail Running

Latest Stories

“This Is Not the Outcome We Hoped For.” Family of Missing Runner Kalie McCrystal Breaks Silence.

The Best Towns for Trail Lovers in the U.S.

5 Fresh Trail Running Shoe Drops We're Copping in September

5 Pieces of Trail Running Gear We Love From a Norwegian Brand You've Probably Never Heard Of

From $75 Values to $200 Splurges, These Are the Best Running Hydration Vests You Can Buy

Your Road Running Gear Will Fail You on the Trail. Here's What to Replace First.

I Was Skeptical of Carbon-Plated Trail Shoes. The New Hokas Changed My Mind.

The Ultimate Gear List for Turning Trail Runs Into Fastpacking Trips

Are Waistbelts Better than Hydration Vests for Trail Running? I Wore Them Both to Find Out.

When You Think About it, Why Does Anyone Run at All? With Abby Levene

I Spent 24 Straight Hours at an Ultramarathon. Here’s Why Runners Go Long.

Choosing the Right Trail Running Shoes

This Waitlist-Only Running Vest Is Back In Stock—Here's Why We Loved It

Outside's Fall Trail Running Guide

The Best Trail Running Shoes Right Now Include an Agile Hoka, a Plush Nike ACG, and a Great-Fitting Altra

I Just Moved to Switzerland. This New Quiver-Killer Is the Only Shoe I Need for Local Trail Running.

Kilian Jornet Is Taking On His Biggest Challenge Yet: Getting Americans to Care About Public Lands

Ultrarunning’s Original Influencer Is Still Logging Mega Miles at Age 63

Expand Your Running Horizons with Road-to-Trail Routes

The Seven Wonders of the Trail Running World

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