Men's Trail Running

The right men's trail running clothes depend on terrain, weather, and run intensity. For most trail runners, four key performance criteria apply across any kit choice.

Breathability and moisture management: fabrics that wick sweat and dry quickly prevent overheating and chafing during sustained effort. This matters most on long-distance or high-intensity runs where heat build-up is a consistent issue. Our Force Trail Running range not only features breathable fabrics but target ventilation at key areas.

Weight: lighter kit reduces fatigue over distance. Prioritise fabrics that deliver protection without adding unnecessary bulk. All of our Force Trail Running tees and shorts weigh under 200g for true, unhindered movement.

Durability: trail terrain puts more stress on clothing than road running. Abrasion-resistant constructions hold up against rock, root, and scrub across repeated sessions. We use merrow seams on our Force Trail Running range for additional durability and comfort when performing under stress.

Fit and stretch: a close but unrestricted fit prevents fabric bunching and chafing. Four-way stretch construction allows full range of motion on technical climbs and descents.

For shorter runs on dry trails, lightweight and breathable kit takes priority. For mountain terrain or longer efforts, durability and weather adaptability become equally important, it's here where our waterproof and windproof Force Trail Running Jacket earns its place.

Trail running clothes are designed differently from road running gear to handle uneven terrain, variable weather, and longer exposure to the elements. Road running kit prioritises lightweight construction and breathability for consistent conditions. Trail kit adds durability, protection, and adaptability.

Key differences:

Durability: trail fabrics resist abrasion from rocks, roots, and rough ground. Road running fabrics prioritise minimal weight over toughness.

Weather protection: trail running involves exposed terrain and unpredictable conditions. Shell layers and windproof fabrics are common in trail-specific ranges; less so in road kit.

Fit and coverage: trail running shorts and tights often feature more secure fits and higher waistbands to prevent movement on technical descents. Our Force Trail Running Shorts feature a dual waistband enabling you to tuck your drawstring for enhanced comfort over long distances.

Storage: trail gear typically integrates more carry options for navigation, nutrition, and emergency kit. To this end our Force Trail Running Tight Shorts hold enough room for gels, phone and keys.

If you run on technical or mountain terrain, road running gear will fall short under sustained conditions. Trail-specific construction is built for those demands. All of our Force Trail Running clothing also includes highly reflective details as standard for when you're hitting the trails in the early morning and/or after dark.

The best materials for trail running apparel are synthetic performance fabrics that combine moisture wicking, quick drying, and abrasion resistance. Natural fibres like cotton retain moisture and are not suited to sustained trail output.

Key fabric properties to look for:

Moisture wicking: synthetic blends and performance weaves pull sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and reducing chafing during long runs.

Quick drying: fabrics that dry fast prevent the cooling effect of wet clothing in exposed or cold conditions.

Stretch: four-way stretch constructions move with the body through technical climbs, descents, and lateral movement without restriction.

Abrasion resistance: tightly woven or reinforced fabrics resist wear from contact with rock, trail surface, and pack straps over repeated use.

Merino wool is worth considering for base layers in cold or variable conditions. It regulates temperature across a wider range and resists odour on longer efforts, though it dries more slowly than synthetic alternatives.

Unlike any other waterproof hard shell, a trail running jacket should favour breathability as much as possible. It's likely you will be working hard under your jacket, pushing the pace, raising your heart rate and so your trail running jacket must do its best to work with you and keep you cool and comfortable.

That's why our Force Trail Running Jacket prioritises:

Weight: at just 180g you hardly notice the jacket on your back. Enough to take the bite out of the wind and easily packable into your Force Running Hydration Vest.

Waterproofing: many trail running jackets are simply water repellent, treated with a DWR. However, our Force Trail Running Jacket has been water column tested to 11,000HH making it waterproof as well as windproof.

Breathability: with a staggering 45,000 MVTR this trail running jacket is designed to breathe as well as you do. The last thing you want to do when nailing a PB is to overheat and sweat profusely, this can be uncomfortable at best as well as running a real safety risk if your temperature then plummets at night.

In very cold but dry weather, you may even consider our Siege Tech Fleece as an alternative. This lightweight grid fleece expertly wicks moisture away from the body whilst retaining enough insulation to keep you warm when the trails have frozen over.

Our Force Trail Running clothing has been worn on multiple ultramarathon and endurance events by both amateur and elite athletes. Careful consideration has been made to create a trail running range that offers:

Moisture management: sweat wicking fabrics have been selected for their ability to transport moisture away from the body. This keeps you comfortable and prevents chafing as well as drying quickly during and after long distances on foot.

Temperature regulation: a breathable construction helps manage body heat from high-intensity sprints and more measured longer routes.

Durability: whilst our Force Trail Running range is light, it could always be lighter but we always build to last first and foremost. Slightly heavier fabrics, without compromising breathability. We've also included merrow stitching which as well as being more comfortable, adds durability with repeated wash and wear.

Fit retention: four-way stretch construction and use of elastane helps the Force Trail Running range keep its shape over time.

Emphasis on speed, durability key. The Force Trail Running range is built to be fast but built to last.

Yes. Trail running clothes can be used year round by adjusting your layering system to match the season and conditions. The core kit adapts across temperatures through the combination of pieces worn rather than a seasonal change of range.

Summer: a lightweight, breathable top and shorts like those from our Force Trail Running range cover most trail runs in warm conditions. Sweat-wicking fabrics and UPF protection are worth prioritising for exposed or high-altitude runs.

Spring and autumn: variable UK weather calls for a moisture-wicking base layer and a water-resistant or windproof outer such as our Force Trail Running Jacket. Conditions shift quickly; packable protection is worth carrying even on dry days.

Winter: a technical base layer paired with an insulating mid layer like our Siege Tech Fleece and a waterproof shell covers most cold-weather trail running. Tights replace shorts for lower leg protection.

The layering principle stays consistent across all seasons. Adjust the weight and protection level of each layer to match the temperature and expected conditions.

Trail running clothes should fit close to the body without restricting movement. A precise, ergonomic fit prevents excess fabric from bunching, shifting, or creating friction points during sustained effort.Key fit principles:

Upper body: tops and jackets should sit close to the torso with articulated sleeve patterning that follows the arm position during a running stride. Avoid excess fabric across the shoulders and back.

Lower body: shorts and tights should sit securely at the waist without constant adjustment. Longer inseams reduce thigh chafing on technical terrain.Stretch: four-way stretch fabrics are the most forgiving across varying body positions, from flat running to steep technical climbs.

Layering compatibility: base layers and mid layers should sit cleanly under outer shells without bunching at the collar, cuffs, or waist.

Avoid oversized fits. On trail terrain, excess fabric moves independently of the body, creates friction, and catches on obstacles. A precise fit removes those variables.

Wash technical trail running apparel at 30°C on a gentle cycle to preserve fabric performance. High temperatures damage elastic fibres, degrade moisture-wicking treatments, and reduce stretch over time.

Care guidelines:

Detergent: use a specialist technical or sports wash detergent. Standard detergents leave residue that blocks fabric pores and reduces breathability.

Fabric softener: do not use. Fabric softener coats performance fibres and directly impairs moisture wicking.

Drying: air dry where possible. Tumble drying on high heat damages stretch construction and degrades water-repellent finishes. If using a tumble dryer, use the lowest heat setting only.

Water-repellent fabrics: DWR finishes can be refreshed by tumble drying on low heat for 20 minutes after washing, or with a specialist DWR re-treatment spray.

Storage: store dry and loosely folded or hung. Compressing damp kit encourages odour and fabric degradation.

Following these steps preserves fabric structure, breathability, and performance across repeated use.