New season, new gear, in TRAIL’s issue 23 product guide! This issue features a selection of some of the warmest jackets from First Ascent and Salomon, and the latest trail shoes from Brooks, Hi-Tec, Salomon and Saucony brands. New to SA, Raidlight features their 10 litre race vest. Nutrition options from Biogen and NuZest have your fuel covered.
Winter jackets
Prepare for the worst. “I never ever leave for a trail run without a space blanket and a wind or waterproof shell. You may never need them, but you may come across someone who does.
“The weather at the base of a mountain is not necessarily the same a hundred metres up. Be sure to carry a waterproof or windproof jacket, space blanket, whistle, cell phone, and some cash.”
CLINTON MACKINTOSH First Ascent performance tester, Team Cyanosis adventure racer
- Salomon Park Waterproof Hoodie R2,199
- First Ascent Women’s Compass Jacket R1,499
- First Ascent Men’s Hurricane Jacket R2,299
For more winter kit tips from Clinton Mackintosh, as well as Nicolette Griffioen, Thabang Madiba, and Nic de Beer, get a copy of TRAIL 23 and turn to page 80.
Lace up!
A new season brings a new set of challenges for your feet and shoes.
For one, traction is entirely different on dry crumbly terrain than it is on ice, mud, or wet rock. You also have to consider how to keep your little piggies from getting numb. Here are some tips from elite trail runners to address winter foot and shoe issues.
Adjust socks and laces. “Use good quality socks, which are slightly thicker than those you use in summer. With the thicker socks, I also have to adjust my laces slightly, otherwise I get numb spots. That’s even worse in winter!”
KARINE BEZUIDENHOUT Brooks athlete, physiotherapist, mountain runner
Solid mesh. “Try not to use a shoe where the top mesh has large holes. Morning dew will go into your shoes easily, and when your feet get cold, they may go numb. You won’t enjoy your running with numb feet.”
THABANG MADIBA Salomon athlete, international trail racer
- Hi-Tec Speed-Life Breather Ultra i R1,100
- Saucony Peregrine 7 R2,300
- Brooks Cascadia 12 R2,399
- Brooks Caldera R2,599
- Salomon S-LAB Sense Ultra R3,499
Enter here to WIN a pair of Saucony Peregrine 7 trail shoes!
For more winter shoe and foot tips from Lucky Miya, Karine Bezuidenhout, and Thabang Madiba in our product guide, turn to page 82 in TRAIL issue 23.
Useful extras
- Biogen Peanut Butter Protein Bites pack of three R30
- BUFF Go Multi R180
- NuZest Clean Lean Protein 600g tub R250
- NuZest Good Green Stuff 300g tub R250
- Raidlight Lazerdry Responsive Vest 10 litre R2,975
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