Best Running Accessories for 2025: Must-Haves for Every Runner

hydration, nutrition, sun protection, cold weather running gear, and recovery tools

The author running on a rocky, wooded trail with a hydration pack.

Published January 27th, 2025
Home > Gear Lists > Running

One of the best things about running is how accessible it can be — you mostly just need a good pair of shoes and breathable clothing and you’re good to go. But if you run regularly, whether that’s making a habit of exercise or training for a marathon, investing in more than just a good pair of shoes can be a great way to improve your experience. 

Running accessories, like watches, sunglasses, and recovery tools, can provide comfort or ease while you’re working really hard. Some accessories, like running headlamps, Emergency IDs, and the right nutrition, can keep you safer.

As a runner who spent 17 years racing competitively and over 5 years coaching middle schoolers to D1 collegiate athletes to friends looking to run their first road race, I’ve learned a lot about the sport. I’ve seen and experienced firsthand the difference certain running gear can make (or not make, for that matter).

Whether the goal is to feel more comfortable running in the rain or cold, track a more consistent pace, or recover from workouts more quickly, running accessories can be an essential part of the training plan. In this guide I use my decades of running experience, alongside other expert opinions and other Treeline Review guides, to help you decide what running gear is worth your consideration.


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Why running accessories matter

Treeline Review writer Becca Downs with a running hat and hydration pack on a minimalist trail run.

Treeline Review writer Becca Downs with a running hat and hydration pack on a minimalist trail run.

The word “accessory” can sound like it’s describing something superfluous, but running accessories can be necessary in some cases. They can help protect you from inclement weather, avoid injury, or stay safe. 

In fact, while shoes are arguably the most important piece of running gear you can invest in, things like reflective gear, headlamps, sunglasses, and energy gels could literally save your life. I’ve certainly appreciated my GPS map after taking a few wrong turns, and the stash of energy gels in my hydration pack when I’ve bonked miles from my car.

Running accessories can also help you get out the door, feel more comfortable and confident, and allow you to enjoy your experience more. And isn’t that the point, to enjoy what you’re doing? Why suffer more when you’re already working hard.

At the end of the day, you get to decide which of these tools would be useful for your kit.


Running accessories checklist

RUNNING ACCESSORY OUR FAVORITE
During Run
Hat ciele athletics GOCap
Headband/ Sweatband Buff CoolNet UV Multifunctional Neckwear
Sunglasses Tifosi Swank Polarized Sunglasses
Hydration Vest Salomon Avd Skin 12 Hydration Vest
Handheld Water Bottle Nathan QuickSqueeze Insulated Handheld Water Bottle
Energy Gels/ Chews Hüma Energy Gels
Electrolyte Drink Mixes Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Drink Mix
Reflective Vest/ Bands Nathan Streak Reflective Vest
Lighting Black Diamond Distance LT 1100 Headlamp
Emergency ID Tag ROAD iD Identification Bracelet
Running Socks Stance Ultralight Performance Crew Socks
Blister Prevention Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm
Insoles Superfeet Run Cushion Insoles
Running Poles Black Diamond Distance FLZ Poles
Gaiters Dirty Girl Gaiters
Cold Weather
Neck Gaiter Buff Merino Lightweight Multifunctional Neckwear
Cold Weather Socks Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultra-Lightweight Cushion Socks
Gloves/ Mittens Nathan Hypernight Reflective Convertible Mitt
Arm Sleeves Oiselle Firecracker Reflective Armwarmers
Traction Devices Black Diamond Distance Spikes
Run Recovery
Compression Socks/ Sleeves Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks
Foam Roller ROLL Recovery R4 Body Roller
Massage Gun ROLL Recovery R1 Percussion Massage Gun
Massage Ball Rawlogy Massage Ball
Recovery Shoes OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandal
Electronics/ Gadgets
GPS Running Watch Garmin Forerunner 55
Non-GPS Running Watch Timex Ironman 30-Lap Watch
Headphones Shokz OpenRun Headphones
Emergency Satellite Messenger Garmin inReach Mini 2
Extra Storage
Running Belt FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
Longer Distance Running Pack Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20


Head and face protection

Treeline Review writer Sam Schild on a trail run in Arizona wearing the Salomon Sense Ride 5 running shoes.

Treeline Review writer Sam Schild on a trail run in Arizona wearing the Salomon Sense Ride 5 running shoes.

Running caps and visors

Running hats primarily offer protection from the sun, which can be a great investment if you live in a sunny environment. They can also be great for keeping rain off your face, so folks who run in precipitation frequently may appreciate a hat as well. 

Outdoor Research Swift Cap

What to look for

The best running hats are breathable, sweat-wicking, and offer protection from the sun. We have a guide on the Best Running Hats where you can learn more.

When the sun is bright or it’s raining, I reach for my Outdoor Research Swift Cap. It is breathable, light, comfortable, and the bill does a great job blocking the sun or rain.

We also recommend the Ciele Athletics GoCap for similar reasons. This hat was also dubbed Best Overall in our Best Running Hats guide.


Headbands and sweatbands

Buff CoolNet UV Half Neckwear

The purpose of a headband is to prevent sweat from dripping onto your face and into your eyes, making them particularly helpful on hot runs. They also help tame and keep back your hair. 

(As a side note, you can also wear wrist bands, which I un-ironically wore to practice my freshman year of college so I could wipe sweat off my face and hopefully start a new trend, which for some reason didn’t take.)

What to look for

Look for a headband made from moisture-wicking materials like nylon or polyester. Be sure they feel comfortable on your head — snug enough to stay in place, but not so tight they feel uncomfortable.

Some of our testers, myself included, like to use the “half Buff” as headwear. It has all the advantages of the Buff neck gaiter, including UV protection, but is shorter and fits well on the head.

Some of our testers also enjoy the Blackstrap Snowbird Dual Layer Headband for winter running and the Happi Hardware Misty Trees Summer Headband for summer running.


Sunglasses with UV protection

running in colorado at altitude with running sunglasses

What to look for

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and help you see better on bright days, making them an important piece of safety gear. Look for sunglasses that offer good UV protection, are durable, and are comfortable and secure on your face. We also recommend polarized lenses, as they help reduce glare.

Tifosi Swank Polarized

The Tifosi Swank Polarized sunglasses are our Best Overall pick in our Best Running Sunglasses guide, as we think they’re the best quality for the price. They’re lightweight, comfortable, fit a lot of face shapes, and are Rx compatible, all while offering UV protection and glare resistance.

I often run in Goodr OG glasses, which are our Best Affordable pick in the same guide. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair, these will also do the trick.


Buff CoolNet UV Multifunctional Neckwear

Neck gaiters for cold weather

What to look for

Like all activewear, a neck gaiter should be moisture-wicking. While neck gaiters are a great option for coping with cold weather — they add warmth to your neck and can be pulled up over your nose when needed — they’re a versatile accessory you’ll often see trail runners use to protect from the sun, keep back hair, and wipe away sweat. 

Buff is our go-to neck gaiter brand, and we especially love their CoolNet UV line that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. This gaiter is versatile in that you can wear it in a lot of different ways — around the neck, as a headband, pulled up onto the face. For cold weather running, we recommend a Merino Version.


Hydration and nutrition

Treeline Review writer Katie Brown at a trail race in Utah.

Treeline Review writer Katie Brown at a trail race in Utah.

Hydration vests

What to look for

Hydration vests should feel comfortable and fit snugly on your chest — tight enough to not bounce around but not so tight it’s uncomfortable. They should hold your desired carrying capacity and hold water in a way you prefer (e.g., in a bladder with a straw or in collapsible bottles on the straps).

Our Choice: Salomon Adv Skin 12

Salomon Adv Skin 12 hydration vest

The Salomon Adv Skin 12 is our Best Overall hydration pack in our Best Running Hydration Vests guide. We particularly like that it performs just as well empty as it does full, and has a dialed fitting system. The material is breathable, stretchy, and durable. You can read more in our in-depth review of the Salomon Adv Skin 12 hydration vest

I’ve personally also had luck with Osprey, Ultimate Direction, and Nathan packs. The Nathan Streak Reflective Vest was even featured in our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.


Nathan QuickSqueeze Insulated Running Water Bottle

Handheld water bottles

What to look for

Some runners find hydration packs too cumbersome or unnecessary for their shorter excursions. In that case, we recommend handheld water bottles. You can choose bottles that maintain their shape or collapsible ones, whichever feels most comfortable to you. The hand straps should feel secure and comfortable as well.

The Nathan QuickSqueeze is an insulated water bottle that fits on your hand. The strap has a convenient storage pocket and fits comfortably on the hand. I hardly notice it, though admittedly I’ve only used it on shorter summer runs. Other brands to consider include Amphipod, Katadyn, Salomon, and HydraPak.


Energy gels/chews

Handheld water bottle with a pocket for fuel.

What to look for

Energy gels feed you carbohydrates, calories, and electrolytes to keep you from bonking during longer efforts. Look for quick sugars you can easily digest, like glucose or fructose for example. Sodium and other electrolytes will help you stay hydrated and keep your muscles functioning. You’ll also want to pay attention to caffeine intake, as some gels have caffeine while others don’t. You may need to (safely) experiment with these until you figure out what’s best for your body. 

Our Choice: Huma Energy Gels

Huma Energy Gels

I’ve been a big fan of Huma Energy Gels for years — they’re made with simple ingredients I can stomach while running, provide excellent carbs, calories, electrolytes, and caffeine (some flavors), and taste better than any other energy gel I’ve tried. You can find this brand and others featured in Our Favorite Energy Gels and Chews guide (like Skratch Labs, another favorite of mine!).


Electrolyte mixes

Ultima Replenisher

What to look for

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help balance fluid pressure and maintain blood pH in the body. They help you stay hydrated and your muscles function optimally. An electrolyte powder should ideally include all five electrolytes, taste good and mix well, and be convenient to use. You’ll also want to pay attention to any sweeteners used; many brands use stevia, for example, which some folks don’t enjoy.

You can learn more in our Best Electrolyte Powders guide.

Our Choice: Ultima Replenisher

The Ultima Replenisher is the Best Overall winner in our Best Electrolyte Powders guide for its complete electrolyte blend, taste, clean ingredients, and reasonable price. 

There are a lot of good options on the market though, and admittedly the bulk of my experience is with Nuun, which is also great and dubbed Best for Hiking in our electrolytes guide. I personally love hot watermelon or lemon ginger Nuun after a cold run. 


Safety and visibility gear

In fall and winter, Treeline Review writer and operations coordinator Sara Kruglinski runs by headlamp with her weekly after work running group.

In fall and winter, Treeline Review writer and operations coordinator Sara Kruglinski runs by headlamp with her weekly after work running group.

Reflective vests or bands for night runs

Nathan Streak Reflective Vest

What to look for

If you’ll be running in the early morning hours or after sundown, hi-vis or reflective gear is a safety essential, especially on the roads. You can opt for a vest to wear over your clothes, or invest in clothing that already has plenty of reflective features on it. For ideas, check out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.

The Nathan Streak Reflective Vest is lightweight, hi-vis, and reflective. It’s not cumbersome to wear and it greatly increases your visibility to others. You can find similar vests that accomplish the same goals, but this one has been a handy, tried-and-true piece of reflective gear for us. 


Clip-on LED lights or headlamps for visibility

Treeline Review writer Sara Kruglinski tested dozens of running lights with her running club.

Black Diamond Distance LT

What to look for

Headlamps and lights increase your safety by helping you see in the dark and stay visible to traffic. We recommend headlamps that fit securely without feeling too tight, long battery life, and bright lights. Check out our Best (and Brightest) Headlamps, Best Running Lights, and Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guides to learn more.

The Black Diamond Distance LT is our Best Overall running light in our Best Running Lights guide for its high 1100 Lumens, long battery life, multiple color modes, and comfort. It also has the highest waterproof rating of the running headlamps we tested and offers a great balance of weight vs. lumens.


Emergency ID bands or tags

ROAD iD

What to look for

Having some sort of identification on you while you’re out running is a great safety measure. Your name, an emergency contact, and any medical conditions or allergies can be helpful in emergency situations. You can find ID tags that lace on your shoe, or you can wear a band around your wrist. You can also keep this info on a card that lives in your hydration vest or in a pocket while you run.

Our Choice: ROAD iD

When I was a teenager, my anxious mother gave me a ROAD iD for when I ran alone. The stainless steel ID face slides on a latex-free silicone band. It’s water resistant and safe in fresh, chlorine, and saltwater. If you don’t want to wear the band, you can attach the ID face to your shoes as well.


Comfort and recovery accessories

Treeline Review writer Becca Downs runs in tall compression socks.

Running socks

Stance Performance Crew

What to look for

Happy feet make for happy runners. After you’ve chosen the best road or trail running shoes, running socks are the next piece in the foot comfort puzzle. We recommend breathable, lightweight, moisture-wicking socks that fit comfortably. Learn more in our Best Running Socks guide.

Stance Performance Crew socks have been my go-to running socks for years. They’re breathable, moisture-wicking, and comfortable. However, as much as I love them, they don’t win any of our categories in our Best Running Socks guide, so I recommend checking out that guide for more great options! 


Compression socks or calf sleeves

Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks

What to look for

Compression socks or calf sleeves fit tighter than regular socks in order to help increase blood flow for faster recovery. Find socks that fit tight without being too uncomfortable. These socks can also target different areas with varying levels of tightness, so purchasing running-specific compression socks can help ensure you’re choosing a pair that will help your legs recover from running better.

Personally, I’ve accumulated some random compression socks over the years, like Oiselle compression socks. While they have worked well, Zensah is the brand I hear recommended most from my trusted running sources. The graduated compression is comfortable and effective for runners and other athletes. 


Foam rollers for post-run recovery

What to look for

Foam rollers allow you to use your own body weight to message your muscles. This can be a great tool for releasing knots and easing soreness (though it may not feel that way at first!). When I was in college we had basic black foam rollers of varying densities (the more dense, the more intense the massage), or we had PVC pipes. PVC pipes offer very little give, and I do not recommend unless you have extremely tight muscles and a high tolerance for pain and discomfort.

Today, however, the market is filled with foam rollers of various sizes, densities, and topographies. That is, you can find grooved ones contoured to trigger specific muscles. Textured foam rollers are going to put additional pressure on your muscle, which can be beneficial for especially tight muscles, but may be unnecessary for many folks. You’ll also want the roller to be fairly dense with just a little give – some rollers are not dense enough to massage well, and PVC pipes don’t have enough give.

Personally, I recommend investing as much as you feel comfortable without feeling the need to go overboard. I’ll showcase a really nice one below, but know that your basic high-density foam roller will do the trick and save you money.

Looking for something more travel-friendly? A lacrosse ball can do the trick. It’s compact for travel and the right density for massage, albeit a little trickier to use (for example, you may need to place the ball between you and a wall and lean in).

ROLL Recovery R4 Body Roller

This is my recommendation if you’re willing to spend a little more for a body roller with textured grooves designed to target specific muscle groups. This body roller offers the right amount of density to be effective without causing too much discomfort and was designed with input from elite athletes and physical therapists. I like to use this on my back, hamstrings, and IT bands, though you could use it for any sore muscle groups.


Massage Tools for post-run recovery

Massage recovery tools for runners can target specific muscle groups.

Massage recovery tools for runners can target specific muscle groups.

What to look for

There's a whole world of massage tools, many of which are designed for specific muscle groups or injury prevention. Massage guns are great for targeting sore and tight muscles all over your body, and can be easier to use and more portable than a roam roller. This is also a realm of running accessories that can get a little pricey, so be sure to consider your budget.

ROLL Recovery R1 Percussion

The ROLL Recovery R1 Percussion is a massage gun with four speeds and four different attachment heads for varying pressure points. It’s sleek, durable, and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery. 

And, as someone with hip arthritis who stubbornly still runs, I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the number one thing keeping me moving. I use my Percussion before and after runs, on recovery days, and even when I’m just sitting on the couch. I cannot say enough about how useful this tool has been. I recover so much quicker.

On top of that, it costs less than the Theragun, which most folks first think of when they imagine a message gun.


Foot Roller for post-run recovery

What to look for

Plantar fasciitis knocks a lot of runners down, so foot care in particular can be a gamechanger. Massaging your feet with a foot roller is a great way to prevent the fascia from tightening too much. Textured rollers can increase intensity of the massage, but smooth ones can be a great option too.

Rawlogy Massage Ball

Rawlogy offers a variety of cork massage balls that our testers especially love for their portability. Backpackers in particular appreciate how lightweight they are. Rawlogy was founded by a trail runner and backpacker who was seeking to treat his own plantar fasciitis. 

I use a Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Massage Ball, which is textured and a little cheaper. Both options work well.


Recovery Shoes

The author Becca downs rejoices at the feeling of recovery shoes after a run.

The author Becca Downs rejoices at the feeling of recovery shoes after a run.

What to look for

Recovery shoes have become a sort of passion of mine ever since writing the Best Recovery Shoes guide. I love helping people find the best shoes for their needs, so I recommend checking out that guide if this is an area of interest for you. But in short, look for something comfortable and stable with arch support.

Our Choice: Oofos Ooahh Slides

Oofos Ooahh Slides

My pick for Best Overall Recovery Shoes are the OOFOS OOahh slides for their plush and supportive comfort. Nothing feels better after a long trail run or speed workout than slipping these on my feet, and I noticed my legs recovered much faster than if I wore other shoes or slides after the run. 

That said, you may prefer a different shoe for your specific needs. I always recommend Birkenstocks to folks with plantar fasciitis, for example. Check out our Best Recovery Shoes, Sandals, and Slides for Runners guide to learn more.


Blister prevention products (e.g., anti-chafing balm, moleskin)

What to look for

Blisters can totally ruin a running experience, so using anti-chafing balm, moleskin, and wearing proper clothing can go a long way in helping you enjoy your running experience. Moleskin helps with blisters you already have, but to prevent them from forming in the first place we recommend looking for a skin balm for sensitive areas, investing in breathable, sweat-wicking clothing, and (most importantly!) finding quality running shoes and socks that fit comfortably.

A few guides to help you treat your feet right include our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes, Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes, Best Road Running Shoes (this guide says “for women” but it’s intended for all genders), and Best Running Socks guides.

Our Choice: Body Glide

Body Glide

Body Glide has been a go-to anti-chafing balm for many of our testers for years. It helps reduce friction in areas that rub, like between the thighs or at the armpits. 

This won’t do much for feet blisters, but we maintain those are best prevented with good running shoes and breathable socks (you might look into Injinji toe socks, which I’ve worn for marathons to prevent blisters). Moleskin or similar products can help when the blisters have already formed — just be sure to keep the area as clean as possible.


Insoles (for added comfort and support)

What to look for

Some folks prefer using insoles or orthopedic inserts in their running shoes for comfort reasons or to help correct over pronation, supination, or other gait problems. This is something I recommend seeing a specialist for guidance. 

Our Choice: Superfeet

Superfeet

Personally, I haven’t worn insoles in many years, and when I did it was Currex. A poll of our other running testers, though, revealed Superfeet to be the most popular brand as they offer many options for different needs, and fit comfortably and securely in running shoes. Although this guide focuses on insoles for hiking, you can learn a lot about how they work in our explainer on Should I use insoles in my footwear?

Other notable brands recommended by our testers include Currex and Aetrex.


running poles on a mountain run

The author, Treeline Review writer Becca Downs, running with running poles.

Black Diamond Distance FLZ

Running poles

What to look for

Running poles are helpful for trail runners who run long distances on steep or technical terrain. This is a great accessory for folks who hike, nordic ski, or snowshoe too, as you can choose poles that crossover well between activities. Additionally, I personally like them for long trail runs and hikes as a tool for reducing hip arthritis pain — using poles relieves pressure at the joints, 

If you’re running on steep trails a lot, we recommend looking for something lightweight and easy to stow in your hydration pack when not in use. Learn more in our Best Running Poles guide

The Black Diamond Distance FLZ poles are our overall winner in our Best Running Poles guide because they’re lightweight, durable, and handle weight and stress on technical terrain well. These are a great option for both beginners and seasoned trail runners.


Weather-specific accessories

Treeline Review writer Trey French (back) running in late winter with gloves.

Treeline Review writer Trey French (back) running in late winter with gloves.

Gloves or Mittens for winter runs

Nathan Hypernight Reflective Convertible Mitt

What to look for

When it comes to gloves or mittens for running, you’ll want something sweat-wicking and warm. Stay away from cotton (you’d hate to be halfway through the Boston marathon with wet and cold hands because your cheap cotton gloves soaked through, and now you're so numb you can’t unzip your pocket where your fuel is — just as an example and not because the author knows this from experience). 

Gloves are great for dexterity; mittens are great for warmth. I prefer gloves that have the mitten flaps on them to get the best of both worlds. I also like gloves with thoughtful features, like touch screen compatibility, reflective elements, and a little key pocket. Learn more in our Running Gear for Cold Weather guide.

The Nathan Hypernight Reflective Convertible Mitts are my go-to running gloves because they’re lightweight but warm enough for most winter conditions and have the features I appreciate. They can be worn as gloves with touch-screen capable finger tips, or as mittens for when it’s colder. They’re also reflective, which is especially nice in the darker winter months. We’ve dubbed these the Best Running Gloves in our Best Winter Gloves guide


Thermal socks

Darn Tough Run Ultra lightweight socks

What to look for

If you’re running in the cold, warm feet will make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your runs. A merino wool blend is ideal here, as they will keep you warm while maintaining breathability and sweat-wicking abilities. 

Made from a merino blend, these Darn Tough socks are popular among our testers for their comfort and breathability, earning them Best Winter Running Socks in our Best Running Socks guide. They don’t slip, and Darn Tough offers an excellent warranty. The lightweight model is great; we’ve found thicker socks aren’t necessarily the best for winter running (unless you’re out in extreme cold). 


Gaiters

Dirty Girl Gaiters

What to look for

Gaiters are designed to attach to your shoe and prevent debris, water, or snow from getting in. This can be helpful for trail runners or folks who run in the snow. 

Our Choice: Dirty Girl Gaiters

Admittedly, I don’t run with gaiters. However, if you’re going to be trail running a lot in wet conditions, or on muddy or dust trails, the Dirty Girl Gaiters are a great affordable, comfortable, and durable option. They’re dubbed Best for Thru-hiking in our Best Gaiters for Hiking guide too, as they’re lightweight, easy to wash, and quick drying. Plus, they come in fun colors and designs! 


Arm sleeves

The author, Becca Downs, running in arm sleeves and a running headband.

The author, Becca Downs, running in arm sleeves and a running headband.

What to look for

Arm sleeves offer warmth on chilly runs when you don’t quite need another layer over your core, and can offer sun protection on hot days. (Or, if you’re like me, you grew up seeing professionals wear them and now they simply make you feel fast on race day.)

Some folks also like arm sleeves that offer a little compression, while others find that unnecessary and uncomfortable. To me, a lot of choosing arm sleeves comes down to comfort and style.

Oiselle’s Firecracker Reflective arm sleeves are comfortable, breathable, and offer useful features like thumb holes and a reflective design for running in the dark. 


Traction Devices

What to look for

Traction devices you can attach to your running shoes are great for snowy, icy, or muddy trail runs. While trail shoes already tend to be grippier, traction devices provide extra grip when conditions are rough. In fact, microspikes were my first REI purchase when I moved to Colorado, because winter/spring trail runs are nearly impossible without them.

The Black Diamond Distance Spikes earned Best Overall in our Best Winter Traction Devices guide for their durability, ease of putting on, and effective design.


Electronics and gadgets

The author completed her first half marathon with the help of the Garmin Coach on her Garmin Forerunner running watch, which helps the runner set personal goals through suggested workouts at varied intensities.

Treeline Review writer Shawnté Salabert completed her first half marathon with the help of the Garmin Coach on her Garmin Forerunner running watch, which helps the runner set personal goals through suggested workouts at varied intensities.

GPS watches or fitness trackers for tracking performance

What to look for

The information and technology we have access to at our wrists these days is impressive. GPS watches track your time, distance, pace, heart rate, elevation gain, and more. And the GPS capabilities continue to improve over time (I’m old enough to remember when GPS watches were notoriously and impressively wrong if there were clouds in the sky or tall buildings nearby). 

Because of the sheer amount of tech, this is an area that can get really expensive, too. We recommend determining what information you want to have (to avoid getting sucked into cool features you may not need) and your budget. 

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent entry-level, GPS-enabled, running-specific smartwatch. It’s a favorite among our testers, and we even wrote an in-depth review where you can learn more.


Garmin Forerunner 55

Watches

What to look for

Running watches are an accessory that can get expensive really quickly. GPS watches are nice, but if you don’t need or want all that data, you can get a really simple lap watch. I’m a pretty big proponent of this for most runners—I used a simple lap watch all through high school and college, and even many of my early post-collegiate racing years. 

Today, I often don’t even run with a watch. The GPS watch data became overwhelming, unnecessary for my goals and abilities, and even stressful as I struggled comparing my hip-arthritis body to my younger, fitter body. In short, a simple watch that times your runs, is water resistant, and can keep splits for a workout is absolutely adequate for most runners. 

Note: if you’re new to running, or getting back into it after some time off, it may be a good idea to pair your basic watch with a heart rate monitor to help you measure your effort and track your fitness.

Timex Ironman 30-Lap Watch

This is a tried-and-true, simple running watch that allows you to track up to 30 splits at a time and is water resistant to 100 m.

I used the watch all through high school, college, and even some of my early post-collegiate, sub-elite days.

I’m also old enough to remember when you could buy it for about $20—as of now it is $63.


Wireless earbuds or bone-conduction headphones for safe listening

Shokz OpenRun

What to look for

Bone-conducting headphones are great for runners who like to listen to music or podcasts during a run because they allow you to also hear what’s going on around you. This is an important safety measure. You’ll also want something comfortable, secure, and easy to use.

Our Choice: Shokz OpenRun

The Shokz OpenRun is the winner of our Best Overall Headphones in our Best Bluetooth Headphones and Earbuds for Outdoor Activities guide. We love that it’s waterproof, durable, and comfortable over long runs, all while allowing you to maintain situational awareness.


Satellite Messenger / Personal Locator Beacon

Garmin inReach Mini 2

What to look for

A small satellite messenger is a great safety tool for folks who regularly run in the backcountry. If your trail runs will take you to more remote places, finding a small satellite messenger or personal locator beacon with long battery life. You can also get one that pairs with your GPS watch. 

Learn more in our Best Satellite Messengers and Personal Locator Beacons guide.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 weighs only 3.5 oz and is only 3.9 by 2 inches, meaning you can easily stow it in a hydration pack pocket or clip it to the outside.  It is the lightest, most compact satellite messenger and offers long battery life and two-way texting. It can pair with GPS watches to trigger SOS as well. 

Read our in-depth review of the Garmin inReach Mini 2 to learn more.


Storage and travel bags

Treeline Review writer Aubri Drake during a 100-mile ultramarathon race running with running poles and a running vest.

Treeline Review writer Aubri Drake during a 100-mile ultramarathon race running with running poles and a running vest. Photo by anonymous Mountain Lakes 100 race volunteer. 

Running belts or waist packs for carrying essentials

Flipbelt Classic Edition

What to look for

Running belts allow you to store smaller items, like your phone, keys, fuel, and a small water bottle in an easy-to-access place. Look for a belt or pack that’s comfortable and fits snugly without being too tight. Also be sure it offers enough storage space for the items you intend to carry. 

Check out our Best Running Belts guide to learn more.

The FlipBelt Classic Edition is dubbed our Best Affordable Running Belt in our Best Running Belts guide. We like that it is made of a comfortable material and offers a fair amount of carrying capacity—including space for a water bottle. You can also find a hi-vis/reflective version, which is great for folks who will be running in the dark. 


Lightweight running backpacks for longer runs

Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

What to look for

Running backpacks, or fastpacks, are similar to hydration packs but offer a little more storage for longer runs. You’ll want something lightweight and comfortable. It should hug your chest and not bounce around. 

Learn more in our Best Running Backpacks guide.

The Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 is the Overall Best Running Backpack in our Best Running Backpacks guide. It’s versatile, comfortable, has a rigid back panel and great pockets, and comes in multiple volumes and gender-specific fits.


How to choose running accessories

Treeline Review writer Stasia Stockwell on a winter trail run in Colorado.

Treeline Review writer Stasia Stockwell on a winter trail run in Colorado.

Running Goals 

Consider your goals before going to town on accessories so you can be sure to buy things you’ll actually use and enjoy. If the goal is to start jogging around your neighborhood a couple times a week, you may not need a hydration vest or a bunch of energy gels, for example. If your goal is to qualify for the elite field of a marathon, you may want to invest your resources in areas you haven’t yet, like recovery shoes and massage tools for example. 

Basically, ask yourself if you need the accessory in order to get yourself out the door, enjoy running, and achieve your goals.

Running Frequency 

How often you run, or how high your mileage is, may impact which running accessories you choose. Some light jogging every once in a while likely won’t necessitate a bunch of recovery tools, running poles, or a hydration pack. Frequent running may mean investing in recovery shoes and tools is a good idea so you can feel better faster.

Weather/Conditions 

The conditions you run in most often will impact which running accessories you prioritize as well. If you plan on running in the dark, you’ll want to prioritize hi-vis or reflective gear. If you don’t plan on running outside in the winter, you can skip the cold weather gear. Road runners likely won’t need poles, traction devices, or gaiters. Consider in what conditions you’ll be running and start there.

For cold weather conditions, we have tips in our guide to Running in Cold Weather. For hot weather, we have hydration tips for trail runners as well as tips on staying hydrated on road runs and tracks. If you’ll be running in wet conditions, our What to Wear Running in the Rain guide can help you prepare for that. And for trail running, check out our Trail Running Gear List.

Budget

Running can be a relatively affordable hobby; it can also quickly become a very expensive lifestyle. We recommend not skimping when it comes to your feet — choose a quality pair of road running shoes and/or trail running shoes. Then, determine how much you can and are willing to spend on accessories. 

If you’re balling on a budget, a lacrosse ball can replace a foam roller and a simple digital watch and heart rate monitor can replace a GPS watch. Our guides include Best Budget/Affordable options too, so check those out if our top recommendations are out of your budget. Some accessories can be easily thrifted, bought secondhand, or found in the REI Outlet as well.


Tips for maintaining your accessories

Read the manufacturer’s instructions

Prior to use, cleaning, storing, or repairing, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s use and care instructions to ensure you’re taking proper care of your gear. This helps with maintaining longevity so everything lasts longer.

Clean your gear 

Some gear will need to be washed, or at least kept clean of debris. For example, hydration packs can get sweaty, and the salt and debris can affect the quality of the pack over time. Read the manufacturer’s care instructions to properly clean the gear. 

Dry before use

If your gear is wet from either conditions or cleaning, be sure to let it dry before storing it away.

Storage 

Store gear in cool, dry places out of direct sunlight as much as possible. This is a good rule of thumb for most gear, as heat, moisture, and direct sunlight can cause damage to a lot of things, or at least affect their longevity. (As someone who kept not one but two pairs of HOKA Ora Recovery Slides in the hatchback of her car, and had both pairs shrink and warp, trust me on this.)

Inspect for Damage

After use, it’s a good idea to check your gear for damage. Making a habit of this helps you catch small issues early enough to repair or replace them as necessary.


Why we chose this gear

To compile this guide, the author used her over twenty years of experience as a runner and coach. She also consulted with other runners and Treeline Review writers. Everyone considered their experience with this gear, as well as its functionality, durability, ease of use, comfort, usefulness, and value for the price. Basically, we asked ourselves: did this gear make our running experience better, would we recommend it to a friend, and would we buy it again ourselves?


About the author / Why you should trust us

Becca Downs outdoor writer

Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to ultramarathons in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.

She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt in 2020, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running when her hip allows it. 

You can read more of Becca's work at her website or on her author page.