Trail Wish List: Gifts for Every Budget
Whether you want to treat yourself or someone who's a (trail) runner, here are four personal gift ideas, curated from products that particularly stuck in our minds during various photoshoots. Plus a little surprise that costs almost nothing.
Words: Lukas Motschmann
Photos: Florian Kurrasch
GPS watch
Navigation, altitude, training insights, battery life. Anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors benefits from not having to constantly pull out their phone. A good watch is both a companion and a navigational aid. We were particularly impressed with the Coros APEX 4, which we photographed with ultrarunners Michel and Sarah Nouguier in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in October. The APEX 4 boasts impressive features: a titanium case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, highly precise dual-frequency GPS even in forests or mountain valleys, as well as map functions with trail names, turn-by-turn navigation, and altitude measurement. It also measures heart rate, altitude, and pace – and with "Effort Pace," it helps you train smarter and perform better in races. You can find all further information about Coros here .
Budget: between €250 and €450.
Running socks
We've collaborated extensively with CEP this year, including on productions in London, Innsbruck, and Chicago. CEP is primarily known for its compression technology, which provides stability, reduces muscle vibration, and can shorten recovery time by stimulating blood flow. You can never have too many good running socks, so we recommend checking out CEP's website .
Budget: approx. €20-30.
sunglasses
We bring a small selection of "quick-action sunglasses" to almost every photoshoot. Besides the obvious advantages—sun protection and a cool look—they offer a crucial benefit: especially during long runs, they significantly relax the facial muscles, leading to lower heart rate variability and therefore less stress. When the eyes are constantly strained, the strain isn't limited to the face. The tension travels up the neck and into the back, even affecting arm posture. This often results in cramped movements and hands unconsciously clenching into fists. For sunglasses, we classically recommend Oakley. Those who prefer something a bit edgier might also want to check out District Vision.
Budget: approximately €100-€500.
Starting position
Entry slots for running events are now as highly sought after as concert tickets. Depending on performance level and ambition, costs and options vary considerably, especially regarding travel expenses. Anyone looking for a professional and superbly organized trail race outside the well-known UTMB series should check out the Infinite Trails in Gastein. At the beginning of September, there's a suitable course for all abilities and distances. Further information can be found here.
A starting place is available there from €69. The budget can vary depending on travel and accommodation costs and required mandatory equipment.
The free gift: running together
A run together, a slow long run, a coffee afterwards. Perhaps this will lead to a whole shared preparation for a race, but certainly to many wonderful shared experiences. It costs nothing and surely means more to many runners than any expensive gift.
