Your essential gear for alpine trail running

This shoe is fast, durable, and highly supportive. It went through 90 lab sessions and 16 prototypes before the boffins at All Triangles finally arrived at this balanced design.

The grippy Surface Control outside provides great traction with 3.5mm lugs, and the tough mesh upper is extremely breathable. If you stick your hand in the shoe, you can see it through the upper. However, the star of the show is the winged carbon footplate.

We're tempted to describe these shoes as 'propulsive', because that's exactly how they feel. The carbon fibre plate in the midsole doesn't only provide fantastic stability, but also a satisfying bounce that feels like you're springing off with extra power in each step. In reality, though, it isn't the shoe providing the extra power – it's you.

The Summit Vectiv Pro enhances your running ability by reducing your energy output by 3.1%, meaning each step takes less effort. This gives you two options on race day: either run at your usual pace and have more energy in the final leg, or run with your normal effort level and watch your pace get faster than it's ever been before.

Check out the women's version here

For changeable mountain weather, this seam-sealed, fully waterproof 3L shell is all the protection you need. There's no hiding from a downpour when you're running in alpine conditions, but you can rely on the Summit Superior Futurelight to help you weather the storm.

At just 220g, this jacket is impressively light, especially considering its 10k+ hydrostatic head. It's highly breathable and adjustable at the waist and hood, so you'll never be caught off guard by rapid weather changes.

The Futurelight doesn't just protect you from the cold, of course. In alpine running, it's essential that you keep your body temperature regulated. This jacket's membrane allows excess heat and moisture to escape, keeping you in the sweet spot for endurance and safety.

Constructed from 100% recycled ripstop polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish, the Superior Futurelight's sustainability credits are also excellent.

Check out the women's version here

There's no denying that running is a numbers game. And while not every runner needs to obsess over gram-to-gram kit comparisons, runners heading into higher altitudes with less oxygen stand to gain a lot more benefits from ultralight gear. The Summit Run Training Pack clocks in at an astounding 198g.

The pack allows you to keep on top of your hydration, it comes with two 500ml flasks which can be securely fastened via a leash system. With an 12L main compartment, it's also compatible with your bladder of choice, as well as having ample room to stow your jacket and provisions.

Well-placed mesh pockets allow easy access to energy gels and bars while running, and the compression wing at the back lets you keep trekking poles within arm's reach at all times. It's a highly practical pack for training, and when you're going for the gold medal, TNF have a smaller and even lighter version, the Race Day Vest 8L.

The pack secures with a draw-cord and a protective flap. The durable water-repellent finish should keep your stuff safe and dry – whatever the mountains throw your way.

When designing apparel for fast and technical alpine trail running, movement restriction is public enemy #1. That's why the North Face have pulled out all the stops to ensure that their High Trail Run T-Shirt allows total freedom.

Darted seams near the shoulders and waistline ensure that the T contours smoothly to your body in motion, while the split hem at either side allow for extra rotation and flex in the fabric. The material itself is also impressively stretchy – the elasticated mesh can bend and stretch into any position.

It's also worth noting that the material, which is a recycled polyester mesh knit, weighs just 99g per square meter. The North Face uses their own proprietary FlashDry-Pro™ materials which actively wick sweat from the body and keep you light and airy on your run. The T is abrasion resistant and ready to stand up to tough mountain conditions.

Check out the women's version here

The Pacesetter shorts introduce another member to TNF's proprietary fabric family, FlashDry-XD™. This material is comprised of recycled nylon and elastane to be super light and stretchy, while also reducing friction between the shorts and your skin.

On the backside just under the waistband are three useful pockets; two are open Knit Power Mesh pouches and one is a more spacious zipped pocket. The mesh is tight enough that it can easily hold a large smartphone against your body if you need to briefly stow it, though these pouches work best for keeping extra nutrition handy.

The lightweight, stretch woven fabric is optimised for breathability, but it's also tough and ready for your next alpine adventure.

Check out the women's version here