Trail running has quietly stopped being a niche pursuit, and the gear shelf has caught up. A recent gift guide from Outside Online pulls together eight products aimed at runners who prefer dirt to tarmac — and it doubles as a solid shortlist for anyone shopping for an outdoorsy friend before the holidays.

The big-ticket item is the Garmin Venu 4 smartwatch, pitched as the high-end stocking stuffer for data-hungry runners. It pairs a bright AMOLED display with Garmin's wider training and biometrics ecosystem, including a pulse oximeter and VO2 max tracking, plus the everyday conveniences of calls, texts and contactless payment from the wrist.

Shoes get top billing too, naturally. The Hoka Speedgoat 7 keeps the features that made the line a favourite — Vibram Megagrip outsoles for grip on wet rock and roots, and a lively supercritical foam midsole — while the 2026 update adds a redesigned heel collar and gaiter loops for extra protection on messy trails.

For runners heading into the hills, the Salomon Adv Skin 5 hydration vest is the standout practical pick. It weighs just 7.2 ounces, hugs the body so it doesn't bounce, and carries two included 500ml soft flasks up front plus room for snacks, gloves and keys across the front and back pockets. On shorter outings where a vest is overkill, the Nathan SpeedDraw handheld flask covers hydration with double-walled insulation to keep drinks cool, a mesh pocket for a phone and a zip pocket for valuables.

Clothing and small extras fill out the list. REI's Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Hoodie uses a lightweight grid fleece that breathes hard while still taking the edge off cold starts, with thumbholes and a low-profile hood. Patagonia's Houdini jacket weighs under four ounces, packs into its own chest pocket, and blocks wind and light rain — the kind of emergency layer that earns its place in any running pack. For fuel, GU energy gels in flavours like pumpkin spice, espresso and salted caramel make the disposable-but-appreciated stocking filler. And for afterwards, a backless recovery clog with a soft leather upper and suede-lined footbed handles tired feet.

Why does this matter to travellers as much as runners? Because trail running has become a genuine reason to plan a trip — mountain towns across the Alps, Rockies and Dolomites now fill with runners chasing ridge lines, and gear like a light hydration vest or packable wind shell is exactly what makes those trips comfortable. If someone on your gift list has started eyeing trail races or running holidays, any of these eight picks will get used rather than regifted.