Gear That Actually Makes Running More Enjoyable 

So refreshing to watch someone focusing in what is important and not to sell something. Keep the good work and never change!

The Naked running band was a real game changer for me. Easily holds everything you could want- phone, keys, gels and even a couple of soft flasks (all at the same time!) with minimal bounce. Very specific sizing and not cheap- but one of those things that I’m glad I invested in.

Thank you for this PRACTICAL AND REALISTIC episode. No hype . No sales pitch. Just RAW , GRASSROOTS 'principles' when it comes to the Real Passion for Running.

Love this. Great advice for anyone starting out for sure. My four best run kit items are 1) Good brand but always old model shoes (never pay over £60-70) and keep them clean of grit and aired well after each run. I still use a pair of Mizuno Wave Equate 5 shoes with over 2000 kms. 2) Simple breathable sports boxers (£6 Decathlon) as they eliminate chafing as the top of the legs are protected, even in torrential rain or extreme heat (I live/train in southern Türkiye). 3) Homemade sweatband made 5 yrs ago from cheap microfibre towel cutoffs keeps my eyes sweat free (might look like an 80s has-been, but that's another matter). 4) Hydration vest; simply because it allows me to train for 20-30km per refill in a hot climate (refill with water, then add lemon juice and pink salt concentrate I carry in small hotel shampoo bottles). These four items have been a game changer in terms of what and where I can venture.

Thanks for this - definitely good to hear some clarity amongst the noise.

Great advice and your becoming my favourite running channel lately 🙌

For running at night (especially near traffic/on streets) I would also recommend the Runlight from decathlon. It’s kind of a harness with an adjustable front light on your chest and a blinking red light in the back.

great video. Thanks for staying on subject and giving useful advice. I am just getting into longer runs so this was very helpful.

I´m learning a lot from your channel mate! Currently laying the base for my first ultra. Lycka till med svenskan!

Thanks for this video man! I'm trying to get into running this year and found this useful.

Completely agree with the running hat against rain. Very useful especially if you wear glasses! 🤓

Have learned a bunch from your vids! Thankyou much! 58 and just getting into Ultra running! Love it… your vids have helped me very much …

Decathlon has those plain black running shorts with a zip pocket in the back for a phone for around 15-20 euros. My phone does not fit there because it quite large, so I stuff it in the inside pocket at the front, but medium sized phones should fit I reckon.

Great video! Those Patagonia shorts (Strider Pro) are my go-to short and I have several pairs. The best part is Patagonia guarantees their products for life, and I've swapped out several pairs when holes developed in the inseam from excessive wear.

Hey James, Happy to have stumbled upon your channel, and happy to subscribe, Thank you for the insignt of the gear that you are using, seems very simple, that just does the job! Thanks again and happy running :)

James, I just love the first five minutes of this video! Love your ultra videos!

most honest opinions i have ever heard,this guy is a gem

Thank you for a refreshing take on this subject

Thanks for this video James!

Very nicely put together

Excellent video James. I think new runners often get bombarded and overwhelmed with gear, especially the idea of "shoe rotations". I know I did. I was lucky enough to find a trail runner I really like that does everything well, and the same for a road shoe. I eventually got some race shoes for halfs/marathons and that's all I need. Saves me money and makes running much more enjoyable.

That's really helpful. Thanks, James. Where are you at re running poles? Thinking I should get some foldable ones, but you haven't mentioned them in this video.

A few people have mentioned Decathlon, can highly recommend, especially the TR2 trainers. They cost £60, often on sale for £30 or £40 and i'm on my fifth pair now. My previous four pairs have all done well over 1200+ miles before the tread went flat and uppers all still intact on them. At about 600 miles I swap the insole out for a new one just for a bit of freshness.

Great intro and approach to this topic

Not the cheapest but Saysky's 2in1 Pace Shorts have been an amazing buy for me. The zipped back pocket for phone and multiple smaller options for keys/gels. Inner lining great at stopping chafing to. Come in black!

As a self confessed running gear geek this was wonderfully refreshing and pretty much spot on advice. As mentioned below, a good running belt is useful for days when you don't need a full pack.(Naked is by far the best I've used) And agree completely on the waterproof top comments, the only reason to have one is to check off mandatory kit lists.

Some really good quality winter running clothes totally changed my world in that suddenly i was happy to run in any temperature, totally worth the price!! And I use coconut oil for my chafe areas, works a treat!!

Hey James, thank you for being refreshingly real and unbiased. Agreed, who cares what brand and the cost. The question is, does it make running more enjoyable and help you reach your goals. I bought my first pair of Hokas a year ago and INSTANTLY I could get an extra 3 miles out of my legs and joints. Good cushioned running shoes are a must for long distance. I do like the weird colors though, so Hoka is perfect for me 😂

I bought a cheap ASICS shorts with the rear zipper pocket and regular pockets. Great video thanks.

Alpkit Koulin Trail shorts are almost identical to the Patagonia Strider Pro (which I think yours are). The elastic side pockets are two wider ones rather than two pairs of smaller ones, and they're a 6" inseam rather than a 7". I've got both and hardly ever wear the Patagonia ones now. Alpkit have been out of stock for ages, but when they're available they're well worth getting. Best shorts I've ever worn. Love the videos!

I use Nike or Under Armour compression shorts as they cover the chaffing issue and they have pockets. I run every run in them and never have any issues. The other piece I won't compromise on now is merino running tops. No nipple chaffing and they don't smell, ever.

I got a Salomon running belt last Christmas and its fantastic for holding things. I know its not a short but even if i had shorts with great pockets i would still run with the belt. Great for when you want to head out for a good length trail run

Hello, thank you so much for your videos, they’re great! I’m new to ultra and I have my first one next year. I was wondering what vest it is that you have? (9:40) I am looking to purchase one. Thank you so much for the advice, very helpful.

Kolla in path projects, tror du skulle gilla stilen och de säljer såna shorts med fickor som du visade, och även som byxor. Jag älskar även deras muir keps. Superskön! Bra jobbat om du kunde läsa detta 😉👏

Hey James. Great video. Out of interest - what is that hat you showed? I usually run in a regular trucker hat as I don’t like the style and fit of most running ones, but the mesh and brim on yours looks good.

For a mid-range pair of shorts, I like the Adidas Terrex agravic trail running shorts. Has a built-in flip belt and loops for your poles. Expensive for shorts, but not when it can replace a running belt!

T8 makes some “Sherpa” shorts that have a bungee pocket built in. Their sizes run small for what it’s worth, size up unless you’re a really slim build.

Love the honesty and the approach. Well done you. However, Runderwear are the best. I suffered the pain of chafing but since runderwear, no problems ever.

Nice video. I run wearing decathlon evadict trail shorts which have zip pockets at the front and rear to put your phone as well as side pockets for gels. Under £30

Crucial winter running kit: a gilet. When it’s cold it keeps the body warm but you don’t overheat after a few miles like you do with extra layers.

I know it's probably not the cheapest, but I bought a Salomon running belt and it's been an absolute game changer. Can fit all my gels, phone, keys in it. As well as a soft flask or a running jacket. Then I just wear any cheap, comfy running shorts. Could be worth a look!

I buy 3 pairs of the terra kiger, love them in the terrain where I trail run and my multi day hikes. My wife has them too but it's not good in ice but with micro spikes works great.

Salomon Cross 5” Shorts are amazing. Got the back pocket and super soft and lightweight. Highly recommend!

My best shorts are Ronhill Marathon shorts. Also has a back pocket for a phone (can fit an iPhone Pro 14). Either side of the back pocket are two open vertical pockets to fit a gel in each one. Best of all it has a non chafe thigh liner which has a stretch pocket on each side, big enough to securely hold a phone or any other small items. Cost about £30 but well worth it. I also recently got a Compressport Run Free Pro stretchy waist band. It’s made of soft material can hold everything you need for any type of run including a 500ml soft flask, poles, head torch, phone, packable water proof and more. No bounce and has 2 year guarantee so designed to last £50

Decathlon’s evadict range has a pair of shorts that has similar pockets to the ones you’ve got in the video. Think they’re 25 quid a pair.

The Decathlon Kalenji men’s running breathable shorts dry+ have the same pockets. Not sure the back pocket is elastic but I can fit in an iPhone 12 mini. Only £16 too.

I've really enjoyed watching your progression through ultramarathons and was excited to hear you mention in passing another of my hobbies (that you were also learning Swedish). If you don't mind sharing, what Swedish podcasts have you been listening to? I know there are a lot of Swedish youtubers posting running-related content (Marcus Kjellberg, Göran Winblad, Fredrik Zillén, etc.) but they mostly talk in English. Do you know of any interesting running-related podcasts in Swedish?

At last. I totally agree. Get some stuff and run. You dont need to be a consumer to run. I have some kit i have ran in for over 30 years, it still works.

Janji has a short tights that have pockets that can hold proper water flasks. They are expensive. But they are the only pair I have found that help take me away to any running adventure I want to go. I dearly love my pair.

Thanks for that useful video. I realise they might not be considered ‘running gear’ but could I ask you about your experience with running gels? Do they work? And if so, how often in your ultra marathons do you consume them?

Chafe is the biggest concern for me, especially when it gets wet. I've found that runderwear is good as an added protection I do use run butter. ❤ but totally agree with everything ypu say about cost most of my running shorts are karriomor and most of my tshirts are race t shirts or some primany special £4 tops. As for socks, my everyday are bulk bought off ebay. Race socks I do use injinji ❤ hope your well mate. My daily trainers are the reebok floatrides which as ypu would know I don't shut up about and you can get them for less than 50 quid

I use a Salomon running belt. It's super light and it'll hold my phone as well as 2 soft flasks. I'd recommend trying it if you want to be able to have your phone on your waist while wearing whatever shorts or pants you want.

Love those headphones. I minored in swedish in university, would be happy to help or practice conversing with you in swedish.

Gorewear shorts have the back pocket and the style I use has a built in liner that covers the chaffing areas very nicely. But yeah... still not a not cheap option. But the best stuff is NEVER cheap.

Alpkit Koulin Trail Shorts have the same pocket set up as your Patagonia ones. I've used them for years myself on many races and rate them.

Definitely relate about the colourful shoes 😂 I only ever wear black and can’t stand the bright colours

I use a flip belt for gels, key, phone and cash card. It means your shorts don’t feel like they are falling down with the extra weight.

SHORTS - Nike trail shorts, regular but also do half tights; have an elastic zip pocket at the back for a phone that doesn’t bounce, also has zip side pockets in the normal pocket placement, as well as smaller gel pockets on each hip that holds ~2-3 gels each side, a true game changer short and so comfy

I've been learning Swedish for a while too. Finished Duolingo and now I'm mostly listening to Swedish podcasts too while running and cycling. Do you have any good recommendations? I've only listened to Coffee Break Swedish so far. Also, which size is your salomon vest?

You might like to consider Mizuno multi pocket shorts. Quite similar to the Patagonia ones at about 1/2 the price. Sportsshoes stocks them in the uk.

Great, no hype video! I absolutely recommend finding running websites, and trolling the clearance section. I get most of my gear that way, so I'm able to get top notch gear with my tight budget. I rarely spend more than $65 on ANYTHING... shoes, vest, compression tights, etc. Ialso find incredible brands in like new condition at thrift shops and mountaineering shops. One more bit of advice... if you go to your local running store to try on items, with the plan of leaving and buying them online, please remember to buy SOMETHING from them. They have a lot of money invested in overhead, stock, employees, etc, and if people just use them to try gear before buying elsewhere, it's terribly rude and unfair. Support local, even if it's not via the $140 shoes.

Highly recommend Norda 001s - might be everything you’re after in a trail shoe. Incredible grip and silly longevity.

Baleaf gear on Amazon is cheap and affordable and keeps me warm in the winter. I love the tights and thermal shirts. What are your favorite trail shoes? Specifically for wet, technical terrain. I thought a Brit would be the best person to ask!

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts are the best for me. They are the shorts version of their Endless Run Tights. So, they're a spandex short with no bounce pockets and a "modesty front" which is just some loose fabric across the front that makes them a little more modest. I now have 3 pairs. However, Patagonia is never cheap.

You got a link to buy the shorts? Thanks for the video

Decathlon do a pair of shorts like the Patagonia ones I found them in the biking section but also great for running, think they were about £20-£25

Any chance of sticking the links for all the gear discussed in the description?

As someone that sweats out of my eyeballs and can overheat when it's above 5ºC when running, a technical tshirt is a must. Decathlon 5€ will do fine, and then any that you get from the events, but something that will pull sweat away from your body and will dry in seconds.

Good news about Patagonia brand is that while expensive they do have a forever warranty. I recently exchanged a worn-out jacket completely for free

Decatlon has some great trail running shorts for cheap, the are very durable and have so many pockets

Have a look at the Naked Running Band, it's perfect for storing very little or quite a lot as it's all elastic it holds tight with what ever you have in there

Really good advice , though I prefer brighter T shirt colors Thank you

Bought my first running shorts yesterday. Back zipper pocket, side pockets for gels, small zipper pocket front for keys. @decathlon, €35 not cheapest but still

I basically have all my running clothes from Decathlon and they have shorts like the ones u like, at least I bought something like that there about a year ago and I can recommend it.

Re waterproof running hat - I've found the Vaga fell cap to be fantastic

Path Projects shorts. I use them for the exact reason you use the Patagonia.

Uppfriskande med en avslappnad och ärlig youtuber för en gångs skull 😅 Tack för en motiverande video och lycka till med svenskan 👍

Alpkit do a pair of running shorts like that. British brand too. Think they're called the koulin short

Thanks James. I put a wall mounted security key lock box outside the house so no more jangling/lost keys.... Probably the best 30 euros spent on running gear... 🤔. That and seamless undies from Decathlon for 10 euros...

Garmin HRM Pro Plus chest strap - much more accurate HR data for harder sessions & the running metrics feedback.

Do you wear your waterproof jacket over or under your running vest in the rain?

for shorts I cant recommend Decathlon enough, I use their trail shorts which have stacks of pockets and a dedicated phone pouch on them, theyre quite cheap and all I use to run in now

What is the model name of that Salomon vest? 🙏🏼

I swear the standard Gymshark sports shorts are the best. £25, super comfy and have zip pockets. I own more pairs than I care to mention 😂

have you tried path project shorts?

My GF walked in just as you were saying "you will be moist and sticky". She walked back out the room.

What model of garmin watch is that? Fenix?

I love the pudolla shorts they have a pocket in the back and are only around 27 dollars US

Brooks Sherpa shorts have a similar functionality to the Patagonia ones but a bit cheaper!

But Hoka and Saucony have black options for most of their models but me I buy the colourway that’s on sale … have never paid full price for a shoe!!

I've found the New Balance 5inch shorts to be perfect what you're looking for.

Try adidas Terrex Agravic Trail running shorts with elastic zone on this and a zipped pocket behind!!!! worth it!!!! Nice job!!!

Looks like most people are giving you short advice :D but Inov-8 do great pairs with the same zip pocket on the rear and little cheeky pockets on the side for small things, and they've got the double layer thing going on to help with chafe. Been wearing mine for all long runs for a year now and they're ace.

RatRig do a £35 jacket that means most kit requirements. Love it.

Brooks make great shorts with pockets and one rear zip pocket. I believe they’re cheaper

Great tips. Lycka till med svenskan!

Here's what I got from your video: - Just any cheap and durable shoes will do just fine, as long as you're relatively comfortable in them. Maybe have another pair for road running. Chasing new fad shoes feels good but it's not gonna get you a PR. - You don't need hundred-buck shorts, just one to two pairs with zipped, elastic pockets, enough to carry keys, maybe phones if you don't have GPX watch and some snacks. - Invest in a proper head torch (Can you tell us the brand name or just the lumen you use? I don't mind clicking a few aff links). - Invest in a high volume but more importantly comfortable vest. - 2 flasks are more convenient than a bladder. - A waterproof jacket, no matter how high-end, cannot completely block the rain. Just buy a lightweight one (Personally I often bring a cheap waterproof jacket and 2 light nylon raincoats) - GPX read, long battery is all you need in a watch.

Practical!

SUBBED.

Marathon Running shorts from Decathlon