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Samantha J
Fri Nov 26 21

Best Gifts for Ultra Trail Runners

best gifts for ultra runners

The best thing about purchasing gifts for ultra trail runners is that there is a big chance they’ll be used and valued by the person you give them to.

Ultra trail runners are known for their tenacity and endurance, so it’s likely after hours and days of putting in the kilometers, that a trail runner’s gear can start to wear out relatively quickly.

Looking for a gift for an ultra trail runner in your life? You’re in luck. We’ve got a couple of recommendations for some of the best gifts for ultra trail runners in your circle. 

We’ve separated each gift idea into 3 categories based on the following price ranges: high, medium, and low.

For each gift idea, we’ve also included 3 product links within the price range that you can find easily on Amazon. Here’s a rough guide of how budget-friendly the products included in this gift guide are with $ being on the more budget-friendly end, and $$$ on the pricier end. 

  • $$$ – Over $300 CAD
  • $$ – Over $100, not more than $200 CAD
  • $ – Under $100 CAD

High-Cost Range Gifts for Ultra Trail Runners

Wireless Earbuds – $$$

If your trail runner enjoys listening to music or a podcast while on the trail, then you could consider purchasing durable wireless earbuds. Instead of having to deal with cords and wires, choosing a wireless pair of earbuds will ensure that your trail runner won’t have to worry about focusing on anything but putting one foot in front of the other. 

We recommend finding a pair of earbuds that are durable, waterproof, and comfortable all while having solid sound quality so that your trail runner is able to continue listening through their workout regardless of the weather conditions. 

Here are 3 top-rated wireless earbuds you can choose from:

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
Bose QuietComfort® Noise Cancelling Earbuds–True Wireless Earphones$3494.3/5 based on 10,489 ratings*
AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones$209.954.6/5 based on 6,234 ratings*
True Wireless Sports Earbuds, APEKX Update 5.0 Auto Pairing Touch Control Sweatproof Running Earphones$54.894.3/5 based on 1,110 ratings*

Satellite Communicators – $$$

For some trail runners, unplugging from everyday life is an essential part of immersing themselves in the great outdoors. While we want our trail runner to maximize their time on the trail being disconnected from the everyday, it is important for them to be able to call for help when they need it the most. 

Satellite messengers / communicators are 1 gift idea your trail runner could use to send a distress signal. 

Here are 3 top-rated personal locator beacons you can choose from:

Price RangeProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
HighGarmin GPSMAP 66i, GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator$829.994.6/5 based on 334 ratings*
MediumGarmin inReach Mini – Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator$514.954.6/5 based on 1,857 ratings*
LowDELORME inReach SE Satellite Communicator$395.00 (buy used*)4.3/5 based on 73 ratings*


Medium-Cost Range Gifts for Ultra Trail Runners

Percussion Massagers – $$

Long runs on the trail will usually also mean sore leg muscles. Percussion massagers are one way for trail runners to relieve muscle soreness after a long run. These gadgets use a reciprocating tip to strike your muscle tissue which is supposed to facilitate blood flow in the area – reducing inflammation and soreness.

These days, there are many percussion massagers available on the market. Here are 3 top-rates percussion massagers to choose from:

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
Muscle Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Massager$169.994.7/5 based on 7,621 ratings*
QIQIGO Massage Gun Deep Tissue,30 Speed Level Cordless Portable Handheld Electric Percussion Muscle Massager Gun$119.994.8/5 based on 847 ratings*
Muscle Massage Gun, Electric Handheld Deep Tissue Massager Gun, Percussion Massage Gun$89.994.4/5 based on 110 ratings*

Hydration Packs – $$

We all know the importance of properly hydrating while on the run. Ultra trail runners especially must remember to properly hydrate while they’re out for hours at a time. Hydration packs today can carry your water, snacks, and anything else you’ll need while you’re on the go – making them a useful item for any ultra trail runner’s arsenal of gear.

Here are 3 hydration packs you can find on Amazon.

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
Nathan Women’s Hydration Pack/Running Vest$2004.6/5 based on 113 ratings*
TRIWONDER Hydration Pack Backpack 5L Marathoner Running Race Hydration Vest$45.994.3/5 based on 678 ratings*
WANOSS Hydration Backpack with 2L 70 oz Water Bladder$39.994.3/5 based on 395 ratings*


Budget-Friendly Cost Range Gifts for Ultra Trail Runners

Headlamps – $

Ultra trail runners are truly in it for the long haul – whether it’s before dawn or shortened daylight, running outside for hours at a time can prove to be cumbersome when it comes to planning. Headlamps are one gift idea that allow runners to clock in kilometers in the dark. 

See 3 reflective headlamps you can choose from below. 

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
SLONIK 1000 Lumen Rechargeable CREE LED Headlamp w/ 2200 mAh Battery$42.994.6/5 based on 7,445 ratings*
Everbeam H6 Pro LED Headlamp$26.994.5/5 based on 6,139 ratings*
TEUMI Headlamp$19.994.6/5 based on 553 ratings*

Phone Protector Cases – $

I think we can all think of at least one of our runner friends who brings their caseless phone on their runs and somehow manages to never wind up with any cracks in their screen. While living on the edge like this in some ways is admirable, cracked phone screens are an avoidable danger – which makes  getting your runner friend a phone protector case the perfect gift idea. 

Here are 3 top-rated phone protector cases you can choose from:

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
Otterbox Commuter Series Case for iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 Pro$59.954.6/5 based on 171 ratings*
TORRAS Shockproof Compatible for iPhone 13 Pro Max Case$38.994.4/5 based on 60 ratings*
Seacosmo iPhone XR Case, [Built-in Screen Protector] Full Body Clear Bumper Phone Case Rugged Shockproof Protective Case Cover for iPhone XR$20.994.2/5 based on 3,864 ratings*

Seamless Headbands – $

Seamless headbands are an underrated gear item that I personally find essential during those cold winter runs. From keeping my hair out of my face to using it as a mask to cover my neck, nose, and mouth from the cold – seamless headbands are versatile in their utility and would be a great budget-friendly gift to give to a winter runner in your life. 

Here are 3 seamless headbands you can find on Amazon.

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
BUFF Coolnet Uv+ Mfl Headband$25.764.6/5 based on 133 ratings*
8pcs. Assorted Design Multifunctional Seamless Headbands$13.994.3/5 based on 85 ratings*
HCHYFZ 6pcs Seamless Headbands$7.995/5 based on 4 ratings*

Sunglasses – $

Beautiful sunny days can inspire a great run. One thing we could all do more of is use sun protection while we’re outside. In fact, UV rays are still present on cloudy days, so it’s essential that you are doing the best you can to protect yourself while on the run.

If you know a trail runner who does not currently use sunglasses for their runs, sunglasses might just be a great gift idea.

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
FLEX V1– Polarized Sports Sunglasses$38.994.3/5 based on 1,802 ratings
Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses$29.994.3/5 based on 448 ratings
JULI Polarized Sports Sunglasses$26.994.3/5 based on 1,926 ratings*

Running Poles – $

For ultra trail runners that prefer to use running poles for the rougher terrain portions of their routes, running poles could be a great gift option. Running poles can also assist with supporting runners climbing elevation – which can be helpful after running for a few hours. Many running poles today are lightweight and can even fold-up once finished – making them a compact equipment piece while on the go.

Here are 3 running pole gifts you can find on Amazon:

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
Equipeak Folding Trekking Poles$58.48 (small 5’0” to 5’8”) – $98.51 (large 5’9” to 6’5”)4.4/5 based on 656 ratings*
TrailBuddy Hiking Poles – Adjustable Trekking Sticks$44.994.6/5 based on 7.673 ratings*
FREEMOVE Hiking Poles – Collapsible Trekking Poles$41.974.7/5 based on 374 ratings*

Anti-Chafe Cream – $

Anti-chafe cream might not seem like the most exciting gift for ultra trail runners, but that does not mean that it is not useful! Blisters from chafing are inconvenient and annoying. But a trusty anti-chafe cream is what’ll come in clutch after hours on the trail. And, it makes a great stocking stuffer!

Here are 3 anti-chafe creams you can find on Amazon.

ProductPriceAmazon Star Review Rating 
Surf Butta Anti-Chafe Balm$39.314.5/5 based on 210 ratings
Body Glide Original Anti Chafe Balm Stick$22.38 for 22g4.4/5 based on 1,132 ratings
Akileine Sports Anti-rubbing Cream$22.804.5 based on 577 ratings

Important PSA: This is not a sponsored post.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Luke Baum on Unsplash