2017 Gift Guide for your favorite trail runner

It seems like all the cool kids are publishing gift guides, so we thought we would post some of our favorite things. 




Tribute to the Trails 2018 calendar 



Susan has given this calendar to me and David the last few years as a Christmas gift. Not only does it have amazing pictures of races around the PNW, it also supports the Washington Trail Association

Spot Device


I don't currently own a Spot, but I am pretty sure there is one under my Christmas tree. After listening to several podcast with Candice describing how well it works for her 200 mile races for tracking and finding people, I knew I needed to get one, especially after our misadventure at Siouxon Creek.

Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles

I love these poles, they are super lightweight, durable and compact. We never go on an adventure run without them, we use them frequently for tricky stream crossings and technical downhill / uphill sections. When they are stowed away I rarely notice they are there. 


Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter



I have used a lot of different types of water filters in the 15+ years I have been backpacking, hiking and trail running and this is easiest and simplest water filters I have ever used. I love how easy it is to fill and just use. You can drink straight from the bottle or squeeze it into your water bladder. No more inline filters that are hard to suck through or pills that don't filter out debris. There is nothing like the taste of ice cold mountain water during a hot trail run, except maybe the beer after the run.

Dirty Girl Gaiters



I got Susan a pair of Dirty Girl Gaiters 5 years ago for her birthday and we have been running in them ever since. In the PNW the trails are covered in leaves, pine needles, rocks, and mud & snow part of the year, the gaiters help all these things out of your shoes. They also come in a lot of fun patterns and colors and are pretty inexpensive considering how much most running gear cost. 

Patreon for support for Ultra Runner Podcast or The Ginger Runner or donate to your favorite trail association. 




I support both URP and The Ginger Runner via Patreon. I can't tell you how many Ultra Runner Podcasts I have listened to while running solo and several of them have pulled me through rough points or just made me laugh out loud. I love coming home on Monday nights after work, grabbing a beer and watching The Ginger Runner Live. I am happy I am able to contribute to people who make awesome content about this crazy sport of ours. 

I wish I could say I spend a lot of time doing trail work, but I don't (I know I should). I am fortunate that I am able to donate to the Forest Park Conservancy

Rumpl Puffy Blanket

The El Puffy on my couch

I am a little bit too obsessed with Rumpl Puffy Blankets and they have absolutely nothing to do with trail running. But for any trail runner who lives in their puffy jacket in the winter, I think the puffy blanket is the next evolution of puffies. I bought one for my van this summer after noticing one in my friend's van and asking what it was. He told me it was like a sleeping bag but better, it's just one big blanket. Shortly after getting one for my van I got the El Puffy for my couch, I love curling up in it after a long run and drinking hot chocolate. My sister bought me the Sherpa Puffy for my birthday, it is a puffy blanket with an incredibly soft fleece on one side. This is the softest blanket I have ever owned, I am going to stay wrapped in it all winter dreaming of running.

What are your favorite items for trail runners for 2017?

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