Holiday Gift Guide for Trail Runners (2018)

Got some trail runners on your holiday gift list? Here are a few of my favorite gift suggestions to stick under the tree (or menorah, Festivus pole, etc) including a few new ones for 2018 and some classics that always seem to please. Enjoy!

Custom Otter Pop Kit ($13)

What could be better to hand your runner at an aid station or race finish than a custom Otter Pop popsicle? These bite-sized bags allow you to create your own, and load them full of all the electrolytes and shnacks needed for a hot run. They even come in giant sizes!

Trigger Point Grid Travel Roller  ($25)

If your runner is a frequent traveler, this roller will be a godsend. Nothing tightens up your fascia like a long plane ride, and this travel roller is small enough to fit in luggage, and can also be filled with socks/clothes when you pack to take up minimal space. I've even seen people whip these out in the plane aisles. This gift will definitely get used!

Traxedo ($60)

How casual can you make formalwear? Look no further than the Traxedo, a track suit with penguin like appeal. Available in holiday colors!


Like The Wind Magazine/Subscription ($9-50)

UK runners Simon and Julie Freeman have a labor of love, Like The Wind magazine, that is truly magical. Each issue is a unique collection of long form stories, poetry and art dedicated to "why we run" rather than "how we run". From 5k to 1000k, track to trails, contributing editors, artists, and photographers combine their best work to create a page-turning masterpiece every couple of months. You'll be thanked all year long, for sure.


Life Size Inflatable Foosball Table ($5,000)

Need a fun way to cross-train with your running group? Look no further than the life size inflatable foosball table. Great for team building!


National Parks Annual Pass ($80)

An $80 pass that gets you into 2,000+ national parks? That's a damn good excuse for a road trip. Think of it as a donation and gift all wrapped into one.

Injinji Toe Socks ($10-23)

About twelve years ago, an aid station volunteer looked at my beat up and blistered toes and handed me a pair of Injinji toe socks that changed my life. Over 150+ races later, blisters are a rare occurrence rather than a weekly hassle. This year there are some great new winter designs, available in warm NuWool, Over The Calf compression style, and fancy pink, green, and blue colors. I can never go wrong with this stocking stuffer!


Garmin Mini inReach Satellite Radio ($350)

For your backcountry lovers, Garmin's latest inReach weighs just 3.5 ounces and connects from anywhere in the world with text and voice. This one is a must for the FKT crowd.


Polar Seal On Demand Heated Clothing ($119-200)

Polar Seal is the latest entry into the heated clothing market, offering base layers/hoodies/parkas that can warm you up in ~10 seconds with the push of a button. I like the hoodie option the best, thanks to the heated pockets that allow for quick warming. This is a great one for crew/aid station volunteers!


Apple AirPods (w/EarBuddyz silicon ear hooks) ($150/$12)

I've tried nearly all the headphones on the market, and can honestly say that Apple has flat out "won" with the AirPods. The sound is amazing, and now that they can be paired with the new Apple Watch Series 4, it is a super lightweight package that can be easily navigated with touch or voice. Pair them with the $12 EarBuddyz silicon sleeve, and they stay put in your ear no matter what the speed or weather. 

Oiselle Gift Certificate ($10-500)

The all-women apparel and accessories from Oiselle keep getting better and better every year. Few gifts spread #girlpower like letting your bestie choose a favorite.

Workout Sledgehammers ($80-200)

Forget kettleballs - if you want to throw some weight around, tap into your inner Thor with a sledgehammer or mace from Acme Sledgeworks. Great for both stress relief and deltoids the size of grapefruits.  

Victory Sportdesign Drop Bags ($40-85)

By far the gold standard for drop bags, the Victory Sportdesign Drop Bag is one of those "how did I ever live without one of these" kind of gifts for ultrarunners. They carry EVERYTHING is an easy-to-access design, and look awesome, particularly when you dress it up with custom panels that have your name and race number. There are some new versions this year, including the BEAR III above available in slate blue. An awesome gift for runners and volunteers alike.


Gibbs Quadski ($40k+)

For the runner who has everything (and needs to get everywhere), the Gibbs Quadski is both a Jet Ski and a four-wheeler. No aid station or trail is out of reach with this bad boy!

2019 Tribute To The Trails Calendar ($20-23)

Another "gold standard" trail runner gift, Glenn Tachiyama's visually stunning annual calendar can light up any drab cube or laundry room with glorious visions of west coast trails. This stunning calendar also includes lottery race entries for over two dozen races, and proceeds fundraiser go to the Washington Trail Association, so you know your dollars are going to a good cause. I buy 3-5 each year!

Star Wars Work Out Gear ($180)

Harness the power of the dark side with these great Star Wars-themed kettleballs, medicine balls and more from Onnit. Your inner Yoda will urge you to "complete your training!", and you learn the power of The Force for sure!

T-Shirt Quilt ($250-400)

Tired of your roommate or spouse stacking race t-shirts?  Look no further than the marriage-saving T-Shirt Quilt, which creates a 7x7 (=49) King Size cotton quilt out of old race T's. I got my first one from a desperate need to create closet space, but we quickly found out that we use the quilt all the time (it's just t-shirts after all, so spill away!). Added bonus - when you are at a kid function wishing you were running instead, you can just glance through the shirts and relive those memories! Available at CampusQuilt.com, be sure to order before December 1st for Santa to get it to you on time.


Outside Shower ($800-$5,500)

The mother of all marriage saving gifts is the outside shower, which my wife graciously gave me a few years back. Dirt and dirty clothes stay outside, and I get to be naked in the sunlight on a regular basis...what more could a trail runner ask for?!? Each summer I go 70+ days showering outside only and it is HEAVEN. Well worth it!


A New Running Book ($9-39)

Lots of great new running books out this year, including Sarah Lavender Smith's Trail Running Companion, Emeli Forsberg's Skyrunning, The Roche's Happy Runner Project, Catra Corbett's Reborn On The Run, and Kilian Jornet's upcoming Summits Of My Life. I also consider the fictional book Once A Runner, and the giant picture book Running Beyond by master photographer Ian Corless to be "must haves".

On the Track Prefontaine Necklace ($35)

Steve Prefontaine's sister has original art and jewelry designed to capture the spirit of Pre, all at affordable prices. I heard that it enhances large mustaches and sideburns as well. 

Subscription to UltraRunning Magazine ($29.95)

This is the magazine we all pour over, likely before we even make it from the mailbox to the house, and wonder why there can't be an issue every week. Now with outstanding color, their own national competitions, and the usual awesome reviews, writing, and training/nutrition advice, an annual subscription to UR (now 25% off!) is a safe bet for any trail runner.

Gift In Your Name to iRunFar, UltraRunnerPodcast, etc. ($TBD)

If your trail runner obsesses about race coverage (like we all do), consider making a donation or Patreon subscription in their name to iRunFar.com, UltraRunnerPodcast.com, or one of the other many passion-driven media outlets we thrive on. Every dollar makes a difference for these guys, and the gesture will be well received. A perfect gift for the runner who has everything!

The RinseKit Portable Shower ($90)

If you've ever had to do the quick creek rinse or gravity-powered hanging shower, you know there isn't enough water pressure to get that muck and poison oak oil off your body. Behold the RinseKit portable shower, which provides up to three gallons of pressurized water that can fit in your trunk. You can even fill it with hot water for a mini-shower!

A Coupon Book for a Catered Run (Free!)

Got a friend who is short on time, but long on a need for adventure? We all do! One of the simplest gifts is to give them a coupon book with all the things they need to make it happen - get someone to watch their kids, make an aid station and a map, create a finish line and snacks. and round up their friends to have a once in a lifetime experience. Extra points for a homemade trophy! Easy and super fun.

Got any other suggestions? Leave a comment and let us know!

Happy Holidays! - SD

* Note - I am sponsored by inov-8, Injinji and others. so no surprise I am a big fan of their gear!

Gift Guide for Trail Runners (2015)

Hmmm...what to get that trail runner/ultra runner on your holiday gift list?!? Our sport has little need for gadgets and gear - we likely all have the basics already. Yes, we have that DVD. Yes, we've read Born to Run! Grrr...I bet we are so hard to shop for.

So here are few non-standard gift suggestions from the inexpensive to the outrageous that you can put under the tree (or menorah, or whatev) for that mud-loving runner in your life. Enjoy!

The Flip-It Running Belt ($29)

This stretch fabric running belt holds everything from an iPhone 6 Plus, to a set of keys, to snacks and trash with no fuss. It can be easily added to any running outfit (handy for those of us who have lots of pocket-less options), and I continue to be surprised at how much you can put in these without any jiggling. A great stocking stuffer! Try coupon code FLIP15 for 15% off.

The SoloShot2 Tracking Camera Mount ($399)

Does your runner friend take endless selfies? Get them the SoloShot2, a self-guiding tripod attachment that hones in on a remote control tag you carry on your body, rotating and panning to follow your movements to get that perfect Facebook-worthy shot. Just put your camera on the mount, and the SoloShot will keep you in frame. The remote lets you control the shutter and works from 2,000 feet away. And just like that...you're out of the lets-take-a-selfie routine! Well, sort of...

Victory Sportdesign Drop Bags ($40-85)

The Victory Sportdesign Drop Bag is one of those "how did I ever live without one of these" kind of gifts for ultrarunners. They carry EVERYTHING is an easy-to-access design, and look awesome, particularly when you dress it up with custom panels that have your name and race number. I have the BEAR II, and it's been with me through dozens of races, not to mention is my go-to trunk bag in my car. An awesome gift for runners and volunteers alike.

GoPro Fetch ($60)

Put this harness on your four-legged friend, and get a dogs-eye view of the world with the attached GoPro camera. Guaranteed to give you a new perspective on your favorite trails!

2016 Tribute To The Trails Calendar ($20-23)

Another "gold standard" trail runner gift, Glenn Tachiyama's visually stunning annual calendar can light up any drab cube or laundry room with glorious visions of west coast trails. Now in its 10th year, this stunning calendar also includes lottery race entries for over two dozen races. If that's not enough, it's all a fundraiser for the Washington Trail Association, so you know your dollars are going to a good cause. I buy 3-5 each year!


The RollingFWD Vibrating Roller ($199)

A fun new twist on the foam roller, the RollingFWD has a built in rechargeable battery that powers three different vibration settings from mild to deep therapy. Available in 18- and 30-inch versions.

Injinji Toe Socks ($10-23)

I'm a huge fan of the Injinji toe socks (and am sponsored by them), which have saved my toes from blisters for over 150+ races. This year there are some great new winter designs, available in warm NuWool, Over The Calf compression style, and fancy pink, green, and blue colors. I can never go wrong with this stocking stuffer!

Squirrel Colugo 2 Wingsuit ($1,700+)

Do you have a thrill seeker friend who just won't shut up? Get them a wingsuit and a GoPro 4, and odds are you won't have to listen for much longer. Considered the A-grade wing suit for parachuting nuts, the Colugo 2 is only for the craziest. But the videos are outstanding. (honestly, watch this one for the most amazing descent of Chamonix I have ever seen) I feel a VK + Wingsuit duathlon in the works...

Jaybird X2 Sport Headphones ($180)

If your runner likes to get their tunes on, they will love a good quality set of headphones. The Jaybird X2 Sport Headphones have great bass and mid-range sound for a low weight unit, a number of add-ons to customize the fit into your ear, and their unique SignalPlus technology helps reduce annoying Bluetooth drop off. The new battery in the X2 lasts 6-8 hours, and it is covered for life against sweat-related malfunctions.

Custom Race Bib Coasters ($22)

If your runner friend has a few proud finishes for the year, here's a way you can immortalize their race number for years to come. Stick it on four coasters! Take a picture of a friend's race number and send it to Mile Stones via Etsy.com for a fun coaster puzzle.

T-Shirt Quilt ($250-400)

On the other side of the spectrum are us runners who have stacks of old t-shirts filling the shelves.  Look no further than the marriage-saving T-Shirt Quilt, which creates a 7x7 (=49) King Size cotton quilt out of old race T's. I got my first one from a desperate need to create closet space, but we quickly found out that we use the quilt all the time (it's just t-shirts after all, so spill away!). Added bonus - when you are at a kid function wishing you were running instead, you can just glance through the shirts and relive those memories! Available at CampusQuilt.com, be sure to order before December 1st for Santa to get it to you on time.

Outside Shower ($800-$5,500)

The mother of all marriage saving gifts is the outside shower, which my wife graciously gave me a few years back. Dirt and dirty clothes stay outside, and I get to be naked in the sunlight on a regular basis...what more could a trail runner ask for?!? This summer I went 70 days showering outside only and it was HEAVEN. Well worth it!

Lily Drone ($800)



By 2018, we will all have drones battling each other for the perfect video angle on a mountain side trail. But for now, drones are only for the nerdiest of nerds, requiring hours of set up and some decent flying skills. One glimmer of hope is the Lily Drone, due in August 2016, which could very well be the simplest user experiences the drone industry has ever seen. Just throw it in the air, and let the video roll...

The Functional Hoodie ($80-150)

As the winter chill comes around, I find a good performance hoodie quickly becomes my go-to piece of clothing. I like a hoodie base layer, like the new Patagonia Merino Midweight Hoody (or the even lighter Merino Air) or the many selections from Icebreaker, which are super light but warm you right up when the temps drop below 45F degrees. For a more universal shell, the new Voormi High E Hoodie is a good one, with its integrated wool/synthetic that repels water. If you're in a rainy climate, the inov-8 Race Elite Race Shell FZ* is the go-to in my closet thanks to the comfy hands and snug fit. 

Digitsole Heated Insoles ($200)

For the runners/volunteers familiar with frozen feet, the Digitsole Warm Series offers a new solution with their digitally controlled heated insoles. You can even adjust the temperature in the iPhone app, and track your steps all day long.

InknBurn Capris ($85)

Add a little pizzazz to the wardrobe with one of the many outrageous and beautiful selections from INKnBURN. A capri is a great addition for Fall/Winter (like the Wildflower above), but check out all their shorts and skirts too. It always brings a smile to my face to see these in action!

The GoalZero Sherpa 100 Solar Charging Station ($600)

Trail nerds, get your sun energy rolling! This three-panel solution weighs 5 lbs, but can power everything that a digital camper could need. No aid station will ever be the same!

Gift In Your Name to iRunFar, UltraRunnerPodcast, etc. ($TBD)

If your trail runner obsesses about race coverage (like we all do), consider making a donation in their name to iRunFar.com, UltraRunnerPodcast.com, or one of the other many passion-driven media outlets we thrive on. Every dollar makes a difference for these guys, and the gesture will be well received. A perfect gift for the runner who has everything!

The RinseKit Portable Shower ($90)

If you've ever had to do the quick creek rinse or gravity-powered hanging shower, you know there isn't enough water pressure to get that muck and poison oak oil off your body. Behold the RinseKit portable shower, which provides up to three gallons of pressurized water that can fit in your trunk. You can even fill it with hot water for a mini-shower!


A Coupon Book for a Catered Run (Free!)

Got a friend who is short on time, but long on a need for adventure? We all do! One of the simplest gifts is to give them a coupon book with all the things they need to make it happen - get someone to watch their kids, make an aid station and a map, create a finish line and snacks. and round up their friends to have a once in a lifetime experience. Extra points for a homemade trophy! Easy and super fun.

ZombieRunner Gift Certificate ($5-500)

I've never met a trail runner who couldn't drop $100 in Zombie before their coffee gets cold. Definitely will prompt a smile. Also an easy gift to buy and send instantly, and their online store means it can be spent just as fast!

Got any other suggestions? Leave a comment and let us know!

Happy Holidays! - SD

* Note - I am sponsored by inov-8, Injinji and others. so no surprise I am a big fan of their gear!

Great Gifts for Trail Runners - 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for some great gift ideas for trail runners for the 2014 holiday season? I've listed a few favorites below, from the fun to the ree-diculous. Be sure to check the comments at the end for other reader recommendations as well.

Happy shopping, and I hope you are all enjoying the holidays!

Tribute to the Trails Calendar ($23)

Easily my favorite gift to give (or receive for that matter) is the annual Tribute to the Trails calendar. Uber-photographer and trail runner Glenn Tachiyama (along with Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs) has consistently put out the most beautiful trail running calendars to raise money for the Washington Trails Association, and 2015 is a worthy follow up. The gorgeous full-page shots (check them all out here) compliment a complete calendar of ultrarunning events, and include coupons to win free entries to 30+ races! Few things can spice up the drab cubicle life like a constant reminder of epic trail runs hanging on the wall. I buy 3-4 each year, and have never received too many! You can pick one up at ZombieRunner, Rogue Valley Runners, or other stores for $23.

Ian Corless' Trail Calendar ($30)

Can't get enough calendar action? Ian Corless (of TalkUltra fame) is taking pre-orders for his calendar as well, featuring a dazzling selection of top tier runners flying down the most epic european mountainscapes. $30 (20 euros) and you'll be inspired all year long!

Knee Replacement X-Ray Tree Ornament ($23)

Ha, ha! Yup, it's a real thing. Props to Mark Remy for finding this one!

Epic Bison Bars ($3)

Somewhere between a protein bar and beef jerky lies the Epic Bison bar, a delicious and filling meat-based snack. I use them a lot for those days I can't fit in a lunch and need to a filling treat. This season you can get bison with bacon and cranberry...so good, once it hits your lips! Available at local running stores, or direct at epicbar.com.

Endless Pool Spa with Treadmill Option ($23,900)

One percenters need look no farther for that dream gift - the latest Endless Pool spa has a current that runs from one end to the other so you can swim in place, plus an underwater treadmill for recovery days. Your friends can even chill in the back seats while you run! MUST HAVE.

adidas miCoach Training Shirt with Built-In HRM ($62)

I love heart rate monitors (HRM's), but can never get the strap to stay where it's supposed to be. This new shirt from adidas (created by NuMetrex) has the HRM sewn in, and allows you to get that sexy Iron Man look rolling. Available at NuMetrex.

Victory Drop Bags ($45-85)

Once you have a Victory drop bag, you wonder how you ever suffered through all those other drop bags. Ultrarunner extraordinaire Victor Ballesteros' three drop bag configurations are the new gold standard, and all of them also work well as a back-of-the-car gear holder. This gift will definitely get used!

Re-StringIt Drawstring Re-Threader ($15)

I gave a few of these out last year, and they got rave reviews. If you've ever had to re-string a drawstring through your shorts or hoodie, then you are going to love this little gadget. It turns the 15 minute frustrated inchworm routine into a 30-second non-issue. Available at re-stringit.com.

Injinji Performance Toe Sock ($13)

Injinji's toe-wrapped socks are always a conversation starter, and for many (like me!), a life saver in the blister department. The latest sock from the toe-obsessed gang at Injinji are snug and breath really well. Now available in argyle, hawaiian, blue, green and other festive colors! Available at injinji.com.

0.0 Running Sticker ($3)

I personally find the 13.1/26.2/etc stickers annoying. This one, however, is pretty funny.

Outside Shower ($800-$5,500)

Few gifts have produced the harmonial bliss between me and my non-trail-running spouse of 21 years like her gift of an outside shower to me earlier this year. Dirt and dirty clothes stay outside, and I get to be naked in the sunlight on a regular basis...what more could a trail runner ask for?!? At one point, I went 40+ days showering only outside, and it was amazing. Well worth it!

T-Shirt Quilt ($250-400)

Another great marriage-saver is the T-Shirt Quilt, which empties your shelves of race t-shirts to create a 7x7 (=49) King Size cotton quilt. I got my first one from a desperate need to create closet space, but we quickly found out that we use the quilt all the time (it's just t-shirts after all, so spill away!). Added bonus - when you are at a kid function wishing you were running instead, you can just glance through the shirts and relive those memories! Available at CampusQuilt.com.

Duracell Instant USB Charger ($29)

A great idea for the electronic obsessed, this battery can quickly boost a USB-driven device like an iPod or Garmin watch to get through the race. A good item for your drop bag!  Get it at Drugstore.com.

Custom Race Bib Coasters ($22)

Want to keep a memorable race bib around? Immortalize it on four coasters! Take a picture of a friend's race number and send it to Mile Stones via Etsy.com for a fun coaster puzzle.

Running Books ($9-30)

It's hard to go wrong with a running book or DVD, and there are some great new ones for 2014. Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning, Sage Canaday's MUT Runner DVD and Kilian Jornet's Summits of My Life DVD's are a few of my favorites.

Milestone Pod Mileage and Shoe Tracker ($25)

The gang at Milestonepod.com has created a mileage and shoe tracker that can be purchased for the low price of $25, a great way to step your tech-avoiding friends into the fun world of tracking. 

Personal Running Tour (Free!)

If you don't have the cash-ola, give the gift of time with a guided trail running tour of your favorite park. Set the date, make a plan, bring some snacks, create a hand-written card that sums it all up...voila, an instant free gift. And one that will certainly be treasured! If you have a friend who is constantly too busy with kids to do those long runs, give him/her some hand made gift certificates for babysitting. Trust me - they will guard them with their lives.  

Holiday Flavored Bars/Gels ($0.50-$3)

When you eat as many of these as we do, a little Peppermint Stick or Spiced Pumpkin Clif Bar is a nice break. On sale now at REI. 

Aero-Press Coffee Maker ($30)

It's a little crazy how good coffee tastes from this handy little device that fits right in with all your camping gear. Available at ZombieRunner.

Gift In Your Name to iRunFar, UltraRunnerPodcast, etc. ($TBD)

If your trail runner obsesses about race coverage (like we all do), consider making a donation in their name to iRunFar.com, UltraRunnerPodcast.com, or one of the other many passion-driven media outlets we thrive on. Every dollar makes a difference for these guys, and the gesture will be well received. A perfect gift for the runner who has everything!

Action Wipes ($3+)

Ever try to take a full shower with baby wipes? I know I have, and they don't quite do the trick. Action Wipes is here to save the day with their full body wipes. Check out their web site for the full story!

Tory Birch Gold Fitbit Bracelet ($195)

Let's face it, there is nothing fashionable about ANY of the rubber-lined fitness trackers out there (sorry Nike, Jawbone, Fitbit, Adidas, etc). Tory Birch has a solution for the fashion-constrained - a gold bracelet that holds your Fitbit and allows you to walk Manhattan's Upper West Side with nary a smug glance from your upper crust neighbors. Available as a bracelet or pendant at Nordstrom's.

ZombieRunner Gift Certificate ($10-100)

I've never met a trail runner who couldn't drop $100 in Zombie before their coffee is even ready. Definitely will prompt a smile. Also an easy gift to buy and send instantly.