Essential Running Gear Checklist

All the gear you need for your daily runs

Braden Van Dragt| Published February 5, 2025

Three people are running along a sidewalk: One is passing by the camera and only their kick is visible, one is mid-stride, and one is seen in shadow.

You’ve probably heard it before: All you need to get into running is a good pair of shoes. While there’s some truth to that cliché, you’re far more likely to have a good run—and therefore to keep running—if you round out your kit with functional clothing and gear. Running-specific essentials like layers, a watch, and a way to carry reinforcements like snacks and water can be the difference between a stressful outing and blissful miles. 

To get you started on the right foot, we’ve put together this checklist of the most helpful running gear along with product recommendations to simplify your decision making. Keep in mind that some of the gear you already have—like a sweat-wicking T-shirt—may work just fine. 

Running Essentials 

For quick recommendations, click below, or keep scrolling for more information. 

  1. Running shoes 
  2. Running socks 
  3. Running T-shirt 
  4. Running shorts, pants or tights
  5. Running jacket 
  6. Hat, beanie or headband 
  7. Handheld water bottle, hydration vest or hydration belt 
  8. GPS watch 
  9. Headphones 
  10. Headlamp 

Footwear 

A running holding up a single Brooks Glycerin 22 road-running shoe
The Brooks Glycerin 22

1. Running shoes

Choosing from a dozen or more running shoe options can seem daunting, but finding the perfect pair comes down to what feels best for you. The easiest way to choose is to head to your local REI to get your feet measured, try on a few different pairs and see which ones work best for your anatomy. Make sure you select the right shoes for the terrain you’re running on: If you’re mainly on paved road, the sidewalk or a track, choose road-running shoes; for rocky or dirt paths, you’ll want to shop for trail-running shoes. For more information on how to find the perfect pair, read How to Choose Running Shoes. 

Whether you’re just starting out, are looking to restart a running habit or are a seasoned runner, the Brooks Glycerin 22 road-running shoes' generous, soft cushioning and comfortable, breathable upper make them a great choice. The DNA Tuned midsole foam features plush foam in the heel for soft landings with firmer foam near your toes for more efficient toe-offs. Your feet and legs will thank you.

Shop expert-recommended running-shoes: Best Beginner Running Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks | Best Road-Running Shoes of 2025: Tested | Best Trail-Running Shoes of 2025: Tested 

2. Running socks

A good pair of moisture-wicking running socks can keep your feet happy on a run. They not only move sweat away from your feet, keeping them dry and warm, but also make forming blisters less likely. Merino wool and synthetic blends are equally effective at wicking sweat—avoid cotton socks, which hold on to sweat and moisture, decreasing comfort and increasing the chances of developing blisters. 

Made from a synthetic blend, the Silver No-Show Socks from Balega are plush and supportive with encapsulated silver ions throughout to help keep odor-causing bacteria at bay. They also feature an extra-deep heel pocket to prevent the sock from sliding down as you run. If no-show isn’t your thing, Balega also makes them in a mini-crew height.


Clothes

A runner in the Patagonia Houdini Jacket
The Patagonia Houdini Jacket

3. Running T-shirt 

Moisture management is the name of the game when it comes to running T-shirts. Synthetic and merino wool fabrics move sweat off your skin and spread it over a wide surface area where it can evaporate quickly, regulating your temperature during your run so you can stay comfortable. Steer clear of cotton, which holds on to sweat.

With features like gusseted arms for easier movement, flat seams to limit chafing and reflective accents for increased visibility, the REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt will feel just as good at mile one as at mile 10. Add bluesign®-certified fabrics and a carbon neutral footprint and you have a shirt that is as good for the planet as it is for long runs. Also available in a long-sleeve version (men's, women's and women's plus sizes) and a thermal version (men's and women's) for cool-weather runs.


4. Running shorts, pants or tights

Tights, half tights, long shorts, short shorts—there are plenty of options when it comes to running bottoms, but the most important part of selecting a pair is to find a good fit to avoid uncomfortable chafing. Soft, quick-drying fabrics are another must-have, along with pockets that hold your essentials snugly, so they don’t bounce throughout your run. 

Looking for winter-friendly options for running pants or tights? Check out our Cold-Weather Running Gear guide. 

The REI Co-op Swiftland 5" Running Shorts’ fabric is soft, quick-drying, and stretchy, and when you combine that with a wide, stay-put waistband and a cool, breathable liner, you’ve got a pair of running shorts designed for maximum comfort. They also feature two stash pockets on the waistband—great for nutrition or keys—an internal card pocket in the liner and a zippered phone pocket on the back. The men’s shorts are also available in a 7-inch version, and the women's in a 2-in-1 6-inch version.




5. Running jacket

When running in cool weather or in light rain, a running jacket can make the difference between a great run and a slog. Running jackets should be thin and breathable to prevent overheating, packable for easy stowage and wind-resistant with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to keep you cozy and dry in light rain. Avoid completely waterproof jackets for all but the most intense conditions—these fabrics trap sweat, leaving you just as soggy inside the jacket as out. Read How to Choose Rainwear for more tips.

The Houdini Jacket from Patagonia is the definition of everything you need and nothing you don’t. Made from light, durable, weather-resistant fabric and with elastic cuffs and an adjustable hood and hem, the whole thing weighs less than three-and-a-half ounces. The jacket packs into its own chest pocket for easy stowage once you warm up and is so versatile that you’ll find yourself grabbing it for everything from chilly morning jogs to running errands on the weekend. 

Shop more running jackets: For an extra-cold-weather running jacket option, check out the Atom Insulated Hoody (women's and men's) from Arc'teryx. Our Run editor has braved frigid New York temps to avoid the treadmill this winter, and calls the hoodie "a cozy, perfect and adjustable fit" that keeps her warm for miles. Buy women's, buy men's.

6. Hat, beanie or headband

From protecting you from glare on both sunny and cloudy days to insulating warmth in your head in the winter to keeping sweat out of your eyes on longer runs, a good running hat, beanie or headband is worth investing in. Running hats should be lightweight, breathable, wicking and quick-drying. And a good fit is essential, so look for adjustability features. 

With a wicking sweatband, perforated side panels and an adjustable fit, the Active Pursuits Cap from REI Co-op checks all the boxes for a great running hat. Runners love this cap for its excellent breathability, reflective accents and customizable fit. A UPF rating of 50 also adds to your arsenal of sun protection, which should also include a high SPF sunscreen.

Accessories


7. Handheld water bottle, hydration vest or hydration belt

Most of the essentials you bring on a run will fit in your pockets, but carrying water requires some extra planning. While you can use a running hydration vest, belt or any other bottle you already have, a running-specific handheld water bottle is most peoples’ go-to for shorter runs. Look for a bottle that’s lightweight and comfortable in your hand so your arm doesn’t get tired. Soft flask-style bottles can be especially nice as they prevent sloshing as you drink. 

The Swiftland Handheld Water Bottle from REI Co-op can carry up to 14 fluid ounces in a removable soft flask (just under half a liter) and includes a small pocket for your keys or a snack. The bottle is designed to be held in multiple ways—use one strap or two, and put your fingers behind the pocket or around it—so you can mix up your grip throughout your run. It also uses a simple pull-tab adjustment system to make it easy to tighten the strap as you drink. 


Shop our member-tested running hydration vest picks: The Best Running Hydration Vests: Tested


8. GPS watch

While you can certainly run without a watch, having the ability to easily track your time, distance, elevation gain and other metrics makes it simple and fun to see your running progress. For some folks, using a watch can provide that little bit of extra motivation needed to build a habit. All GPS running watches will track the basics (speed, distance and elapsed time to name a few), so that much of the decision-making comes down to selecting additional features that make sense for you. For example, runners planning longer outings on the trails might look for something with solar charging capability. Read How to Choose Speed and Distance Monitors for more information.

The feature-packed Garmin Forerunner 265 offers everything you need not only to track your runs, hikes, rides and climbs, but also to enjoy them to the fullest. A few highlights include up to 20 hours of battery life in GPS mode; a large, bright AMOLED touchscreen; and the ability to pair your headphones and download music from popular streaming services straight to the watch—so there’s no need to carry your phone to have music on your runs. 



9. Headphones

Whether you prefer listening to music or podcasts and audiobooks are more your speed, for many runners, a good pair of fitness headphones is key. In addition to being wireless, your headphones should be sweatproof, lightweight and, above all, comfortable over longer mileage. Other things to pay attention to include battery life and, of course, sound quality.

Some runners love the distraction of music, while others prefer to hear what’s going on around them—with the Shokz OpenRun Pro2 Headphones you can do both. Using bone-conduction technology combined with traditional speakers, the headphones rest just in front of your ears, leaving you free to hear cars, bikers or the quiet of the trail while providing a fuller sound than other bone-conduction styles. And they’re so lightweight that you may forget you’re wearing them. 

 

10. Headlamp

Whether because of the time demands of work and life, or due to the shortened days of winter, you may find yourself logging miles in the dark at some point. What separates a decent running headlamp from a great one are brightness, usability and fit. It’s essential to find a model that doesn’t bounce on your forehead as you move—nothing is more annoying than a jostling headlamp. (And for additional visibility to drivers and cyclists, pair your headlamp with a reflective running vest.) 


With a stunningly bright max output of 1500 lumens, the Black Diamond Distance 1500 can light up the night. It uses a rechargeable, swappable battery that lasts up to 8 hours at 300 lumens and includes an integrated rear red flashing light to make you more visible on the roads. Plus, its lens is designed to disperse light in a way that helps preserve nighttime depth perception. Best of all, the cushioned Comfort Cradleâ„¢ head strap sits low on your head to minimize bounce, and you can add an over-the-head strap for extra security.

Our Process

To compile this list of running essentials, the author interviewed runners, including REI Co-op Members, consulted REI Expert Advice articles, and drew on his own experience as a dedicated road and trail runner. Product recommendations are based on reviews from REI customers and represent some of the latest and most popular running gear offered by REI Co-op.

Authors

Photo of Braden Van Dragt

Braden Van Dragt

Braden Van Dragt is a writer and content producer with a running problem. A longtime contributor to the co-op's Expert Advice publication and videos, he's currently either running or wishing he were. REI member since 2008.