Great Trail Running Gear for Women

Trail running is a wonderfully freeing activity that is a growing pastime for women. I can't think of much I enjoy more than the wind in my hair and the ground pounding a steady pace beneath my feet. Trail running clothing is like all else in this world, evolving quickly, and for women there are special considerations in their trail running gear. If you too enjoy the rhythmic and cleansing feeling of trail running, check out the clothing below.

1. Montrail Streak Trail Running Shoe

These shoes get more stylish as the years go on. They have moved up from their bright yellow into a trendy light blue and grey. Regardless of how you feel about the color, you will love to run in these shoes. They are exceptionally well made with an outsole that keeps traction in every direction. To you and me, that means better grip on the road which is a better running experience overall. It is also made with a great kind of rubber that keeps you steady even on wet surfaces. Another danger of trail running is the debris which covers our path, but the molding of this shoe allows it to protect your feet from this. Also, it has a very breathable design and the overall form of the shoe creates a great fit. Running can be hard on your feet, but these shoes will help you stay strong! They are as low as $71.96 at www.amazon.com up to $90 at Half-Moon Outfitters (www.halfmoonoutfitters.com) and are worth every penny for women who love running the trails.

2. Nike Dri-Fit UV LS Top

Close-fitting and comfortable clothing is a must-have in women's trail running gear. Loose clothing chafes and quickly becomes uncomfortable. This long-sleeve shirt is wonderfully comfortable and retains its femininity. It is light and comfortable in every ways you can think of. The material is soft, and it even has a very neat loop that keeps your cords from mp3 players from flopping around. On top of being great to wear and good looking, the shirt also features a UV protective layer that will help protect you from the rays as you pound the trails. I have difficulty finding this shirt for women in the states, but you can find it for 17 pounds at www.running4womenstore.com and once you have it, you will never want to take it off.

3. Nike Trail Music Sleeveless Women's Running Top

If you prefer to run with a sleeveless top, this feminine and super comfortable top is a great option for women trail runners. True to for, Nike has come up with a great vest-like option for women to run in. The loop for keeping your mp3 cord out of the way is convenient, the top is made to flatter any figure, and the fact that it is reflective all the way around it creates a great degree of safety. The length of the shirt is comfortable, resting just about at your hips so you are not worry about having to pull it down constantly. The shirt is well-ventilated, aided by a front zipper, and maintains a high level of moisture control. The material also helps cut down on chafing. Also, as women it is comforting to know that washing this shirt won't add to our chores, it is machine-washable. You can find it for $56.00 at www.zappos.com

4. GoLite Baja Short

For warm weather running these shorts will give you a lightweight and breathable option. There is plenty of room for your legs to move but the look is not baggy at all. The material is made so that it can dry quickly for those cases where you get caught up in a rain storm. There is also a very convenient key pocket to tuck away your key and not worry about it, freeing your mind to focus on that trail ahead. There is also a great liner that keeps the shorts where they should be. These stylish yet ultra functional shorts are available in many online stores, but the cheapest I have found them is either at www.amazon.com or on www.bentgear.com for just around $20.

5. Moving Comfort Dori Sports Bra

One of the special considerations for women is, of course, the sports bra. Trail running is much more comfortable with a good-fitting and comfortable sports bra. The Moving Comfort Dori Sports Bra fills this bill. It comes in two bright and cute colors with a racerback. The material is padded to wick away the moisture (along with DriLayer technology) and give extra comfort. It is adjustable with two different clasps. Taking off the bra after a good, long, sweaty run can be difficult, but not in this case. It gives phenomenal support and the ease of wearing it makes it a top choice for those who are serious about trail running. Don't head out without this all-important piece of trail running equipment for women. You can find it in multiple locations, including www.trails.com and www.cabelas.com for $44.00. The comfort it provides and its durability makes it worth it.

Hopefully this will give you a good place to start if you are interested in starting trail running, or will give you a great way to update your running gear for the best time you can have.