Trail running and ultrarunning are relatively new in the world of organized sport. Our sports, while still niche, have grown from the fringe into huge communities with countless runners and races around the world. Technology has followed suit, particularly in the past 10 to 15 years, and the sheer volume of gear choices have exploded.

To prevent gear overload and reduce environmental impact, we want you to be conscious, informed, and wise shoppers. We created these buyer’s guides to aid you in a purchase that is not only the best for you, but enduring – one that will last you for years on the trail.

iRunFar’s Buyer’s Guide Methodology

Our buyer’s guide methodology begins with extensive market research in a gear category. We especially look for products from companies that have a proven track record of high-quality and long-lasting gear that performs. What results is a document containing a couple dozen to hundreds of products in a particular category.

After picking out 15 to 25 products that rise to the top of that long list, iRunFar experts extensively test gear in the terrain, weather, and amount of time congruent with what we believe our readers will experience in their own training and races.

In the end, we choose the best performing pieces of gear, and create a buyer’s guide which explains their specifications, reviewers’ experiences, and a wealth of other information to help you make your purchase.

Each iRunFar buyer’s guide is an article in flux. We update the guides as a new piece of gear becomes available that works better than previous options.

Most Popular Buyer's Guides

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

iRunFar's experts share their best trail running shoe selections from the more than 200...

Best Running Belts of 2023

A guide to the best running belts and waistpacks for road running, trail running,...

Best Running Gaiters of 2023

If you need gaiters to keep dirt and dust out of your shoes while...

Best Running Socks of 2023

The best running socks of 2023.

Best Running Hats of 2023

The iRunFar expert test team reviewed the best running hats of 2023.

Best Running Sunglasses of 2023

Here are the iRunFar editorial team's picks for the best running sunglasses.

Best Running Headlamps of 2023

If you need a running headlamp, then check out iRunFar's guide to the best...

Best Hydration Packs for Running of 2023

After comprehensive testing, here's iRunFar's guide to the best hydration packs for running.

Best GPS Running Watches of 2023

iRunFar reviews the best GPS watches for running from Coros, Suunto, Garmin, and Wahoo.
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All of iRunFar's Buyer's Guides

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2023

Here's our survey of the best windbeaker jackets for running (or any activity!), made...

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

iRunFar's experts share their best trail running shoe selections from the more than 200...

Best Running Belts of 2023

A guide to the best running belts and waistpacks for road running, trail running,...

Best Running Shirts for Women of 2023

The iRunFar team shares the best women's running shirts of 2023 from brands like...

Best Running Rain Jackets of 2023

After four seasons and a year of testing, here's our guide to the best...

Best Men’s Running Tights of 2023

Need a pair of men's running tights? Here's our buyer's guide to the best...

Best Trekking Poles of 2023

These are our picks for the best trekking poles on the market today. (They...

Best Running Gaiters of 2023

If you need gaiters to keep dirt and dust out of your shoes while...

Best Cold Weather Running Gear of 2023

Here's the best cold weather running gear for staying warm, dry, and happy.

Best Winter Running Traction Devices of 2023

The best winter running traction devices of 2023. Get a grip and stay safe...

Best Running Gloves of 2023

The best running gloves of 2023, including gloves from The North Face, Nike, Black...

Best Running Socks of 2023

The best running socks of 2023.

Best Running Hats of 2023

The iRunFar expert test team reviewed the best running hats of 2023.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes of 2023

A guide to the best lightweight trail running shoes for shorter, faster runs, including...

Best Running Shorts for Women of 2023

iRunFar reviewed the best running shorts for women of 2023 from brands like Oiselle,...

Best Trail Running Shoe Brands of 2023

From global sports super brands to hyper niche trail running specialists, we break down...

Best Running Sunglasses of 2023

Here are the iRunFar editorial team's picks for the best running sunglasses.

Best Fastpacking Packs of 2023

After over a year of testing, here's the iRunFar team's guide to the best...

Best Running Shorts for Men of 2023

The best men's running shorts for road running, trail running, ultrarunning, and everything in...

Best Running Headlamps of 2023

If you need a running headlamp, then check out iRunFar's guide to the best...

Best Hydration Packs for Running of 2023

After comprehensive testing, here's iRunFar's guide to the best hydration packs for running.

Best GPS Running Watches of 2023

iRunFar reviews the best GPS watches for running from Coros, Suunto, Garmin, and Wahoo.

Best Reflective Running Gear of 2023

Here are the iRunFar team's picks for the best reflective running gear to help...

Six Great Road Running Shoes for 2023

Here are six great road running shoes in which almost everyone can enjoy running.

Best Trail Running Shoes for Mud of 2023

Got mud season where you live and run!? Here's the iRunFar team's guide to...

Best Running Apparel Brands of 2023

Here are iRunFar's picks for the best running apparel brands of 2023.

Best Recovery Tools for Athletes of 2023

The iRunFar team tested a bunch of recovery tools for athletes and recommends these...

Best Running Gear for Hot Weather of 2023

The iRunFar team has selected the best gear for running in hot weather, in...

Best Running Shirts for Men of 2023

We tested dozens of running shirts for men for hundreds of hours, and created...

Best Running Underwear for Men of 2023

The best men's running underwear will offer the right amount of support, breathability, and...

Best Wool Running Apparel of 2023

The iRunFar team created this guide to wool running apparel for winter, summer, and...

Best Water Filters for Trail Running of 2023

Check out iRunFar's picks for the best water purification devices for trail runners and...

Best Ultralight Tents of 2023

These are the iRunFar team's picks for the best ultralight tents and tarps for...

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags of 2023

Here are the best ultralight sleeping bags for fastpacking available today.

Best Cushioned Trail Running Shoes of 2023

These are the best cushioned trail running shoes on the market today.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads of 2023

Here are the best ultralight sleeping pads for fastpacking available today.

Best Mountain Running Gear of 2023

Here’s the iRunFar editorial team’s favorite mountain running gear.

Best Sports Bras for Running of 2023

This comprehensive guide to the best running sports bras was created by a six-person...

Best Websites to Buy Running Gear Online in 2023

If you need to buy running gear online, here are the best stores with...
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iRunFar's Gift Guides

The Long Game: Gifts for Ultrarunners

We've pulled together some of the best gifts for the ultrarunner in your life....

17 Gifts for Women Who Trail Run

17 of the best gifts for the women in your life who love the...

Gifts for Fastpacking and Adventure Running

Don't know what to get your adventure runner? We've got some suggestions.

14 Gifts for the Trail Runner in Your Life

Shopping for your favorite trail runner? Here's the gear they want.
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