Trail running in summer comes with it's benefits – longer, warmer days and more daylight to run in... but it comes with the heat.

Short of setting your alarm for 5am or earlier, the Queensland summer heat and humidity is unavoidable for most trail runners. 

So how do we deal with trail running through summer? Plan ahead and get the right gear to help you keep going.

It's worth checking National Parks and local Council's websites for planned burns, bushfires and trail closures ahead of time. There's nothing worse than turning up at the trailhead of your favourite spot only to have to turn around again.

If you can, choose to run amongst the trees which offer some shade, or plan to finish your long run somewhere you can swim. (We reckon a quick dip is the fastest way to cool down after a big effort on the trails.) 

If you can't run somewhere shady, a good trail running cap or hat means you've got shade wherever you go and it will help wick sweat of your head too. Lightweight, technical trail run clothing is a must to help keep you cool and to avoid chafe.

If you're racing or doing long training runs during the summer, the sun and heat is unavoidable. That's when we recommend focusing your efforts on managing your hydration and sweat to stay as 'comfortable' as you can on your summer trail runs.

A good hydration product can keep you going by getting essential electrolytes back in – even when you're sweating buckets. And a good anti-chafe balm will prevent you being stopped in your tracks as the salt from that lost sweat builds up and starts to rub.

If you drive to the trails, leave a towel or transition kit in the car to save your seats and a soggy ride home.

Below we've listed a few popular collections of trail gear that most runners stock up on to keep running through summer.

Our friendly team are here to help if you have any questions or need help finding the right bit of kit for your summer runs.

“We recommend focusing your efforts on managing your hydration and sweat”