So you’re getting into trail running. Maybe you’ve conquered a few hills, or maybe you’ve rolled an ankle or two. If you want to crush it out there - what you wear matters.
The right gear makes the difference between a lovely day on the trail or just another grim tale of blistered feet and bruised pride. We’re going to be honest, we did not specifically design our high performance apparel made from sustainable Merino Wool for trail running, but we've had amazing reviews from customers who love Mons apparel for trail running. It makes sense because we design all our gear to be functional, durable and look good all while integrating natural Merino goodness.
Footwear: The foundation of your trail running gear
Choosing the right trail shoes:
Every great trail run starts with your feet, so it’s essential to choose a well-fitted trail running shoe with grip, durability, and enough cushioning to keep your feet safe from rocks, roots, and whatever else is lurking underfoot. Don’t skimp on shoes - your ankles, knees and hips will thank you later.
Recommended socks for trail running:
Trail runners know that socks aren’t just socks. Enter your new hero: Atlas Merino Wool socks. Offering the perfect combo of softness, secure fit and moisture control you can trust our socks to keep your feet cool, warm, or whatever they need to be. Atlas is available in crew or ankle length because you shouldn’t have to choose between style and comfort. Plus, your post-run Merino socks are way less likely to smell like they’ve been forgotten in the back of your car for a week.
“Have used these on several 40+km runs, even in the wet, and they hold up great. New favourite socks!”
Casey H, NZ ★★★★★ for the Atlas Crew Sock
Next to skin: The key to comfort
The importance of moisture-wicking tops:
A good running tee does more than make you look like you’ve got your sh*t together. Like most things in life, the natural option is way better than synthetic’s poor substitute. Our Merino Wool tops wick away sweat while staying breathable, so you’re not a dripping mess a few kilometres in *cough* looking at you, oil-based synthetics 👀.
Meet your year-round T-shirt for any condition: the Icon Merino T-shirt. Available in Women's and Men's cuts, with short or long sleeves, Icon crushes it both on and off the trail. Made from ultralight, breathable and temperature-regulating Merino Wool, it will keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when you’re not.
“Love this top; I actually nearly live in them! Climbing - grab this top. Running - yeah grab this top - Shopping - why not, this top is casual chic lol. Washes well too and they seem to last forever - I only really buy more when I've changed sizes or they bring out a new colour that I love.”
Julia N, NZ ★★★★★ Icon Merino T-Shirt
Our Bella and Temple lightweight Merino long sleeve base layers have a breathable mesh panel, so you can leave a sweaty back behind you. A dropped tail hem gives you coverage when you’re on the move, and contoured side panels make it fit like it’s made for you (because it is). Thumb loops keep those sleeves in check and offer extra warmth.
Available as a long sleeve or featuring a front half-zip and hood (women's and men's), you can keep your head warm on those early morning runs, or use it as an extra layer when the sun drops behind the ridgeline.
“My fave light long layer for running and despite wearing them till they are ridiculously old, has never smelt like running kit. So good.”
Sian, NZ ★★★★★ Bella Merino Long Sleeve Hood
Because Merino Wool is naturally odour-resistant, you won’t have to apologise for your existence during your après beer. You may have been sweating litres, but your natural Merino top will have been working just as hard; wicking that sweat (and smell) far, far away. It also helps that all our tops are designed to look good cruising around town.
Comfortable and functional shorts:
Then there’s the question of shorts. You need running shorts that move with you and can handle a little (or a lot of) wear and tear. But what happens when you’re caught out in a backcountry storm? Our Cascade Merino Base Layer Leggings are perfect underneath your favourite pair of trail running pants or shorts. Featuring flat seams and 4-way stretch, they’re comfortable enough to keep you focused on the view, instead of adjusting your waistband. Throw them in your trail pack for those cold ridgelines or surprise changes in weather.
Essential underwear for trail running:
When you’re entering the pain cave, you need to be supported in all the right places.
Let’s be real: a good day on the trail means sweating buckets and the last thing you need is underwear that can’t keep up. Some call it sorcery, we call it nature’s climate control. Packing some serious moisture-wicking power, our boxers and bras are made from ultralight, ultra-breathable Merino Wool which keeps your temp perfectly regulated, year-round.
From ridgeline to forest floor, our Hold‘em boxer shorts are your trail-running sidekick. With our tried and true hold’em fit, no side seams for zero chafe, these boxers are built to handle every step of the journey.
“Use these for trail running, just did the Coast to Coast mountain run in them. Complete game changer, love them. No chafing, very happy. Can’t wait to get another pair.”
Hadley F - NZ ★★★★★ for the Hold 'em Shorty Boxer
Out there on the trail, the only bounce you want is in your step. Our Stratos bra has got your back (and front). Offering a deep chest band for medium support and a laser-cut nylon racerback, this bra is built to move when you do.
Our classic Sierra bra has three layers of Merino with removable padding for custom comfort and a badass Merino mesh racerback, so you can be sure ‘the girls’ enjoy the run as much as you do.
“I have several of these that I use for running and riding. Comfortable to wear and dry quickly.”
Helen M. ★★★★★ for the Sierra Sports Bra
Outerwear: Protection from the elements
Choosing the right jacket:
If you’ve spent more than five minutes on a trail, you know the weather can turn on you fast. The right jacket will decide if you stay warm and dry, or call it quits early.
Choose a jacket that is lightweight, seam-sealed, breathable and waterproof, so you can protect yourself from the elements without feeling like you’re trapped in a sauna. Choose something packable and easy to stash so you’ll conform to mandatory gear lists and be ready for anything.
Hot sun and cold hands:
Trail running ain’t all cool breezes and shade. Make sure that post-run glow is just from endorphins and not sunburn by wearing a hat and sunscreen to keep your face from frying on those exposed hillsides. We don’t make sunscreen (yet), but our Velocity Trail Cap will be a lifesaver. Or keep your cool when the trail heats up with our lightweight, breathable Velocity Bucket Hat. With an adjustable chin strap, wide brim for serious shade, and mesh panels for airflow, it’s your MVP for sun-soaked missions.
Cold hands are a real vibe kill when you’re trying to enjoy a brisk run. Our Amp Merino Fleece Gloves are warm yet breathable, so you get just the right amount of insulation sans sweaty palms. The palm features a silicone pattern so you can grip onto your poles and stay steady when the trail gets sketchy. Because they’re so lightweight, they’re easy to stuff in a pocket once you warm up.
"I have used these extensively for running (-2 to -8), for everyday use, and as inners for cold skiing (-10), they are excellent and very robust."
Patrick F. France ★★★★★ for the Amp Merino Fleece Gloves
Any excuses?
Trail running can be physically tough. Wet feet, sunburn and feeling cold are all part of the journey. But if you're prepared, every problem has a solution - so you can focus on the thrill of the trail instead of your discomfort.
Here’s where Mons Royale steps in with high-performance Merino Wool apparel, designed by seasoned professionals to keep you comfortable as you tackle unknown terrain, weather swings and the plot twists that come with tackling nature head-on.
With the right gear, a few snacks and enough water, you’re set to go further, faster, and with way fewer regrets. So layer up, hit the trail, and make sure all you feel is stoked after a good, hard run.
