“Although I am grateful that the ski season has been (snow) packed with alpine adventure, I am ready to move on to the greatest outdoor love of my life: trail running. I cannot wait to join up with friends and take off for flowy trails, wildflowers, and alpenglow.”
- Heidi, Mountain Shop employee, Resident running guru.
With that said, spring is a very wet time in the Pacific Northwest, and running in the rain comes with its share of challenges. Below you’ll find a list of gear and tips, compiled from feedback given by the runners at Mountain Shop, to help you stay as comfortable and prepared as possible for your rainy day running.
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Let’s start at the top.
Wearing a hat can be a major game changer. Keeping rain out of your eyes is not only great for staying comfortable but also an important part of running safely. We love these hats from Outdoor Reasearch because they're so light, breathable, and comfortable!
Outdoor Research Swift Cap ($30)
Now, let’s talk base layers.
Wool is undoubtedly the best choice for your base layers. It’s soft, breathable, and moisture wicking. Meaning it won’t get all waterlogged and heavy when it gets wet and it will still let your skin breath. It dries pretty quickly, too, which is definitely a plus in variable weather conditions. Synthetic materials are another great option for helping to regulate temperature and manage wetness.
Here are some socks we love:
Darn Tough Women's Element No-Show Lightweight Cushion Sock; Merino Wool ($18)
Darn Tough Run 1/4 Height Ultra-Lightweight Sock; Merino Wool ($18)
Falke Women's RU Trail Sock; Synthetic ($23.95)
Next up: outer layers!
Heidi suggests our Rab Vital Hoody ($85). It's windproof and water resistant, and will get you through most of the variable weather conditions here. If you think you’ll need something more waterproof, go with the Black Diamond Stormline Rain Shell ($170). And, if you’ve already got a trusty rain jacket that just needs a little TLC, grab a bottle of Nikwax to refresh the waterproofing!
Just remember, a fully waterproof jacket will keep moisture out, and in - meaning sweat won't be able to escape or evaporate as easily due to lack of breathability in the material.
Down to the bottom!
First, we know we already mentioned socks, but we really can’t say it enough! Good quality socks are essential!
Second, you guessed it, shoes! When you hit those muddy trails you’ll want to have the right shoes for the job. One great option is to get yourself a pair of fully waterproof, Gore-Tex shoes. Some of our favorites at the shop right now are the Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX ($160) and the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX ($170).
Just remember, a fully waterproof shoe won’t be the most breathable and can trap sweat in your shoes. If you opt for a non-Gore Tex shoe, you can get an added layer of protection by getting some trail running gaiters! These will also help keep you warm and keep debris out of your shoes. Check the new Dynafit Ultra 50 ($129.95), Altra Timp 4 ($160), or the La Sportiva Bushido II ($155).
And these awesome lightweight gaiters from Altra!
Trail Gaiter ($25)
Finally, our best tip for having a great time running in the rain:
Your running friends! Running groups are awesome for building community, sharing tips and advice, and keeping you motivated to get out the door on those days when you just can’t outrun the weather! Some amazing local groups to check out are Wy’east Wolfpack, Territory Run Co. Easy Miles Run Club, NW Dirt Churners, Women Who Explore, and the Portland Trail Runners Group on Meetup. Go Beyond Racing also does a great Seasonal Trail Series!
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Contributors:
Heidi Smeby
Jeremy Ray
John Ammondson