5 Running Gear Essentials Every Runner Needs on the Go
Photo by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz,
Certified trainer and run coach
In partnership with adidas
Whether you’re training for a race or running for mental health, having the right running gear can keep you comfortable and prepared to run your best. Through trial and error from running and training people in NYC, I came up with this list of the top running gear essentials for when you’re on the go. These items can help you transition from workouts to errands, the office, or school without a glitch. With today’s busy world, most of us are on the go throughout the work week, and these go-to items can help you stay healthy, comfortable, and stylish on busy days, wherever your next run takes you.
Top 5 Running Gear Essentials When You’re On the Go
1. A Durable Bag for All Your Essentials
A backpack keeps all your essentials organized and secure.
A versatile backpack is my staple item for staying organized and bringing items for workouts and post-workout activities. With a durable bag, you can bring your essentials like fuel, hydration, clothing, and recovery tools with you on the go.When choosing a running or workout bag, look for features like zippered compartments, water-resistant materials, and padded straps for comfort. A well-designed bag lets you pack smart and transition seamlessly between workouts, errands, or even commuting.
Whether you’re doing a weekend day trip to go trail running or going to hit the gym for strength training before work, a backpack is the best way to bring everything you need without taking up a lot of space.
Pro Tip: Keep a small pouch inside your bag stocked with your run-day basics like band-aids, electrolytes, sunscreen, and an extra pair of socks so you’re always prepared.
Related: How to Find the Best Running Backpack
2. Hydration That Moves With You
Staying hydrated is crucial for runners, so my list of running gear essentials would not be complete without a water bottle or another way to carry your hydration. Whether you opt for a stainless steel, reusable water bottle or a more flexible hydration bladder, you can choose the best option that works for you. I use a stainless steel bottle on long days when I need to carry more water, and switch to a compact, flexible bottle for shorter or hot-weather runs when I want to travel light.
Pro Tip: Add electrolyte powder to your water bottle after hot, humid, or long runs to help replenish the sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes lost through sweat.
Related: A Coach’s Guide to Hydration for Runners
3. Fuel to Keep You Going
Post-workout fuel is important to help your muscles recover. Keep hunger at bay and refuel by packing smart fuel. Your exact fuel may vary depending on your training and individual dietary needs, but a high-protein and high-carbohydrate snack is usually a great option. Protein bars, whole fruit like an apple or banana, nuts, or a sandwich with protein (like nut butter) will help boost your workout recovery.
If you’re doing long runs for half marathon or marathon training, you’ll also need some energy gels or other fuel for during your run. Bring a hydration pack on your run to make fueling on the go easy. You may need to experiment to find what works best for you on long runs - many runners opt for running belts, running backpacks, or hydration vests for marathon training or trail running adventures.
Pro Tip: Keep a stash of high-protein snacks in your backpack and you’ll always have something to munch on when you’re on the move so you can keep your energy up.
Photo by Marques Jackson Photography.
4. A Change of Clothes
Whether you’re an urban runner like me or a suburban commuter, you may be squeezing in workouts before work, during lunch, or between errands. Having a fresh change of clothes is essential. Packing a clean outfit helps you feel refreshed, confident, and ready to tackle the rest of your day without having to go home first.
Running shoes are often the biggest item you’ll need to stash in your bag if you’re changing into “regular clothes.” Bring a flexible shoe bag if you need to swap footwear with everyday or work shoes after your run.
Packing Tips:
Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Lightweight, breathable clothes like cotton blends or performance-wear keep their shape and are easy to fold.
Roll, don’t fold. Rolling your clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles - perfect for backpacks or gym bags with limited room.
Use packing cubes or garment bags. These keep your clean clothes separate from sweaty gear and make it easier to grab and change quickly.
Pack travel-size personal items. Throw in face wipes, deodorant, and dry shampoo to freshen up post-run.
Pro Tip: Store a ziplock or reusable wet bag in your backpack to stash sweaty apparel like running socks, sports bras, running shirts, etc, and keep the rest of your gear separate, dry, and odor-free.
5. Running accessories
Running gear essentials can vary depending on the season, distance, and time of day, but having the right accessories makes a big difference in your comfort and performance. These small but mighty items can help you stay focused, protected, and motivated on every run:
Sunglasses. Shield your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris, especially on bright or breezy days. Look for lightweight, no-slip styles made for sport.
Performance hat. A moisture-wicking hat keeps sweat out of your eyes and offers sun protection during hot runs. Check out our embroidered Runstreet adidas performance hat for a stylish and comfortable running hat.
Smartwatch or fitness tracker. Track your pace, mileage, heart rate, and recovery metrics to stay on top of your training. You can also check out these free running apps to track your runs using your smartphone.
Anti-chafing stick (like BodyGlide). Prevents painful chafing and blisters on long runs, especially in humid weather or under gear straps.
Headphones. A solid pair of wireless, sweat-proof headphones keeps your playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts going strong without distractions.
Pro Tip: Keep a small zip pouch in your running bag with these go-to accessories so you’re always ready to lace up and head out - no scrambling necessary.
Related: Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Watch Review Based on My Experience
Run Well, Live Well
Keeping these running gear essentials on hand can make your training feel more enjoyable with less hassle. My top recommendations are based on running, training, and commuting in NYC and traveling on day trips for trail runs. You can fine-tune this list to prepare your own on-the-go kit so you can step up your training.
Ready to upgrade your gear?
Check out backpacks designed for every kind of runner - whether you’re commuting, strength training, or hitting the trails. And if you're looking for a structured plan to take your running to the next level, explore the Runstreet Training Center for expert-designed programs.
Related: 16-Week Marathon Training Plan from a Run Coach, Spring Gear Refresh - What to Wear for Changing Weather, How to Find the Best Hiking Shoes
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer, USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.