The Best Gifts for Australian Trail Runners 2025

If you live in Australia right now, chances are you’ve got at least one friend who’s recently become obsessed with trail running. Want to get them a great gift? Take it from a fellow trail runner.

Runners often joke that running’s simple, all you need is a pair of shoes! But take a look into any running shop and that theory starts to look a little shakey.

Add the challenge of trails, where you might need lights, poles, hydration, nutrition (this is what runners call food) and a pack to carry it all, and things can quickly get out of hand. Oh and you’ll need trail shoes too, of course.

Luckily, it’s still not that complicated and the prices aren’t always mind-bending either. I’ve been trail running for eight years now and have seen proven results from all the brands and products on this list, many which I’ve reviewed or bought for myself. Let’s find your mate the perfect running gift.

Where we can, we’ve linked to reviews or comparisons we’ve put together, so you can trust that we’ve tested the gear. You’ll also notice many links go to Wild Earth, Ultralight Hiker, or other affiliate partners. If you buy anything through those links we get a small kickback to help fund We Are Explorers, but don’t worry, we chose the products first.

Read on for the best gifts you can buy a trail runner in Australia this year.

1. Precision PH 1000 Hydration Tablets

I’ve updated this list for 2024 and kept entry number one exactly the same. This stuff is good. Doesn’t mess with my gut, has three strengths (500, 1000, 1500) for your desired saltiness, and allows you to tackle brutal summer conditions without getting a massive headache.

The Precision PH 1000 Hydration Tablets are an easy way to make water taste great (not too much flavour, not too little), and make sure your runner is properly hydrated. After trying many brands on more runs than I can count, I reckon these are the best hydration product for runners on the market. 

But, they’re not your only option. If you’ve got a fussy runner on your hands who might not like the mild citrus flavour, consider finding an alternative with a wider variety of flavours. Professional trail runner Courtney Gilfillan swears by the Hammer Nutrition Fizz Electrolyte Tablets. She loves the natural tastes and having the ability to choose between different flavours. 

A great gift idea to help fuel the runner in your life on their runs is to grab some Precision PH 1000 Hydration Tablets and pair them with the SIS Beta Fuel gels and chews (also on this list).

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2. Altra Trail Running Gaiter

This highly-rated trail running gaiter is a great gift for trail runners tackling trails that are dusty, sandy or full of other debris like leaves and bark. So uhhh, most of them. Even if you’re happy to stop and shake out your shoes on long runs to prevent rubbing and blisters, a good pair of lightweight gaiters are essential for race day when you really don’t want to have to stop and get a pebble out of your shoe.

Altra’s trail running gaiters have a heap of five star reviews on Wild Earth and work with any shoe thanks to a stick on piece of Velcro. Plus, they look hella Euro (this is good, Europeans are famously good at trail running).

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3. Hoka Speedgoat 6

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It’d be hard for us to go past the Hoka Speedgoat 6 this year. Now on the feet of three separate We Are Explorers staff, this bright, bouncy, and grippy-as-heck trail runner is a ton of fun. You can read our in-depth review of the best-selling shoe, or, if you know your runner loves a Hoka, they’re on sale on Wild Earth at the time of writing.

Why the Goat? Hoka seem to have cracked it with their recent shoes, providing a 40mm thick heel on the men’s model that’s still stable and lightweight. This means that powerful quick descents and rolling pace on the flatter stuff are all within reach. Did I mention that they look sick?

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4. Salomon ADV Skin 12 Unisex Hydration Vest

The Salomon Adv 12 Hydration Vest is the perfect gift for any trail runner. With 12L storage capacity spread out over many super versatile and accessible pockets, essentials are easy to store and convenient to access whilst out on the trails.  

Compatible with a 1.5L bladder and 2 x 500ml flasks, it enough fluid for hours of running. I held off buying this vest for years whilst I trooped along with my old Black Diamond one. When I finally bit the bullet it was revolutionary – this thing hugs you like nothing else and allows you to focus on getting the job done.

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5. Naked SL Unisex Running Belt

Sometimes though, you might not want to wear your pack. I get it, they’re warm on the back, and heavy. Can’t I just carry water and a few gels in my pockets?

Enter the Naked Unisex SL Running Belt. The belt allows runners to securely hold fluid and nutrition supplies on the go.

It’s easy to access on the run and is great for carrying your phone and other essentials, such as a snake bandage, out on the trails. If you’re looking for an impressive gift, make it a bundle and pair it with a smorgasbord of gels and hydration powders. Dream meal much?

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6. For Wild Places X Fractel Running Cap

For Wild Places do really great work turning trail running into sports activism, you can learn more about it in our Act Local episode where Cam talked to Founder and CEO Hilary McAllister

They’ve also got really beautiful branding, and Fractel make the best running hats going around. In fact, the last run of We Are Explorers hats were a Fractel collab and I rarely take it off.

The limited edition For Wild Places hats are gorgeous, functional, and support a brilliant trail running and nature-focused charity. Can’t lose I reckon.

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7. Nitecore UT27 800 Lumen Headlamp

Every trail runner needs a headlamp, but there’s nothing worse than one that’s not made for trail running or juuustt a little bit too budget. I’m currently reviewing the Nitecore UT27 and I’m pretty impressed. The design is light (74g), the headband is breathable, and the option to use warm or cool lighting options feels almost luxurious. I literally go compliments during a night race on the colour of my beam.

What’s more, I have no doubts this headlamp will be great for all kinds of outdoor activities and it has a clever dual power system that uses a rechargeable lithium battery or regular AAA. Did I mention it’s used by a bunch of pros and comes with a protective bag that doubles as a lantern? You also need one as mandatory gear for most races at half marathon distance and up, so you can save them the stress.

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8. Silva Pocket Compass

Staying on theme with the mandatory race gear! The humble compass is often required as a safety measure for races, so trail runners work to find the smallest, lightest one they can. This one from Silva ensures that you’re still using a reliable brand-name product, whilst the shop, Ultralight Hiker, has ensured that it comes in at a measly 16g! You’ll win Christmas with this one.

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9. Injinji Socks

The Injinji Socks range offers a wide variety of options and sizes for a runner dedicated to the health and performance of their feet. With individual toes you can trust that each little piggy will be save and snug, even on rough terrain.

‘I love the way my feet feel in Injinji socks. I’ve tried and used them now over numerous runs and races, ranging from short-course to long-course. I’ve been a lot more protected from getting blisters with the nice toe sock support this sock offers.’ – Courtney Gilfillan.

Every runner can benefit from a great sock to go with their running shoes, it’s underrated. The Injinji socks are a great gift idea for anyone who loves to run outdoors – plus, they now come in a range of different colours and designs so that you can run and look good doing it.

If the runner in your life is forever complaining about blistered digits, check out our guide of tried and tested products to prevent blisters. 

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10. Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones

Shokz made it onto a number of our gear gift guides this year and with good reason! The sound travels through your muthaflippin’ bones! How cool is that? Seriously though, it’s particularly nice for trail runners who want to hear babbling brooks and birdsong whilst they run as nothing goes into the actual ear.

The OpenRun Pro also features a low bounce design, 10 hour battery life, a microphone and sweatproof credentials. I’d probably ask ahead with this gift as not everyone will be on the same page with the speaker free style, but the mates I know who have them are totally obsessed.

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11. SIS Beta Fuel Range of Gels & Chews

Nothing gets a runner down quicker than running out of juice right when they need it most. Help them avoid this frustration by stocking them up with SIS Beta Fuel’s range of Gels and Chews. These come in a wide range with options tailored for different tastes and preferences. Not only can you get gels in a strawberry/lime or orange flavour, but you can also get chews that help you adapt to eating on the go.

Got a mate gearing up for a marathon or a super long run? For optimum mental as well as physical performance, a couple of the SIS Beta Fuel gels include nootropic supplements to keep their mind sharp. Also keeping the mind sharp is the 200mg of caffeine, so make sure you point this out when you gift them, especially if they typically run in the evening!

If you want to get real fancy, grab your mate some gels, plus some of the Precision PH 1000 Hydration Tablets so they can pair them together. The combination of these two products gives a balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates that’s perfect to perform at your best.

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12. Foam Rollers and Massage Balls

Every runner has a love/hate relationship with a range of torture devices that they call ‘recovery tools’. Trail runners need them in particular for their quads after long descents or their calves after tiring technical running over rough terrain.

For the home setup, this 35 inch foam roller is a must. Easily massage two legs at once, your back, lie on it lengthways and squeeze it into your shoulderblades – a big roller like this makes foam rolling easy. For travel and races away from home, something more packable is the ticket. Check out this high density 12 inch roller that’ll allow you to quickly target any niggles or sore spots.

And for the real sickos? This 6cm cork ball is going to get right into your TFL or the arch of your foot. Bliss. I think.

13. OSFA 2XU Run Unisex Visor

Sun protection is essential to consider when heading out on a run. The 2XU Unisex Lightweight Run Visors offer a range of colours, all giving sun protection to the face. They feature handy adjustable Velcro with silicon tabs. 

The semi-curved brim of the visor gives it a modern look and it does the job on a hot sweaty day with its moisture-wicking sweatband. It’s not only a great option for sun protection and sweat absorption on the run without trapping in too much heat. It also looks pretty good post-run at the coffee shop/bakery/pub.

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14. The North Face Dune Sky Womens 7/8 Tights

When it comes to buying a new pair of tights for women, these are a great option. The North Face Dune Sky 7/8 Tights feel buttery-soft, use moisture-wicking FlashDry technology, and are made with an 80% recyclable fabric. They come in all sizes and have a gusseted crotch for mobility.

Another great feature is the flat-seamed construction for a chafe-free fit, allowing women to feel comfortable throughout their running workouts.

‘Feeling comfortable as a woman in what we’re wearing is really important, it’s great to find that pair of tights or shorts we love that work for us’ – Courtney Gilfillan.

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15. COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch

The COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch is a great gift idea for any runner keen to track their runs and monitor improvement, but they’re also packed full of features which can help them optimise recovery. From breadcrumb navigation to sleep tracking, and a long battery life, this will be a wonderful addition to their running kit. 

Choosing the right GPS sport watch can feel like a daunting task when running isn’t your sport, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got a great guide to help you understand what to look for. We reckon the Pace 3 punches above its weight for the price, which is why it made the list.

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FAQs Best Gifts For Trail Runners

What’s the best gift for a mate who likes to run?

There are heaps of options to suit every budget when it comes to buying gifts for runners. From a quality pair of the most comfy socks in the world, to nutritional gels, or a new pair of kicks – you’ve got more products to choose from than your mate has trails.

What’s the best gift for a friend preparing for a marathon?

Marathon prep is tough, and you need a surprising amount of gear to stay comfortable out there. You can’t go wrong loading them up with nutrition gels, chews, or hydration tablets. Better yet, go for all three and give them options.

My mate is always complaining about blisters when they run. What should I buy them?

We reviewed and tested a wide range of blister prevention products so start your search for the perfect gift over there! Otherwise, almost every runner you meet rates Injinji socks, and bandaids are always appreciated.

What are the best shoes to buy for a runner?

There are so many different shoes out there for all kinds of different running. We’ve recommended a few pairs of shoes to make the choice a bit easier. For technical running over long distances the brand Nnormal has some great options with their Kjerag and Tomir models. For runners who switch it up between technical trails and flatter fire trails, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a great all rounder. For rugged terrain, the Salomon Thundercross Trail Running Shoes are a great pick.