Ultimate Guide to Running Gear in Australia [PDF Checklist]

Why Is Running Gear Checklist So Important?

Comprehending the fundamentals that can improve your running experience before you take to the pavement is critical. Proper footwear, cosy clothing, and hydration options are the essentials. Understanding what to look for will enable you to make decisions that support your running objectives. Preparing the necessary running gear for a marathon helps reduce anxiety on race day.

>>Download The Running Gear Checklist PDF

Guide to Running Gear

Running - it's not so difficult, right? You get on the road, path, or treadmill and walk for a set amount of time or distance. Theoretically, it is pretty simple - but the physical exertion is anything but. 

Nonetheless, you may expect a list of must-have running gear to be straightforward and sweet - good shoes and workout attire should suffice. However, more running accessories and tech items should be considered.

Running Wear 

With this guide, you no longer have to agonise over what to wear while running. Instead, by breaking it down into categories, we'll review everything you need to know while keeping things simple.

The words to live by when it comes to running clothing are moisture-wicking. Whether picking out running socks or looking for a shirt, opt for moisture-wicking gear with synthetic fabric blends to help you stay dry and comfortable on the run.

Here's a breakdown of what to wear running with all the essential items you need:

- Running Shoes

- Running Clothing

- Compression Gear

- Running Socks

1. Properly Fitting Running Shoes

Right out of the box, the most excellent running shoes should be comfy. Avoid purchasing excessively tight shoes that cause pain until they break in.   

To achieve a proper fit for the running shoes you select, provide the appropriate length: The distance between the tip of your running shoe and the end of your longest toe should be roughly the width of your thumb.

Next, determine the breadth of the shoe by feel. Running shoes should be roomy in the forefoot so you can wriggle your toes but snug in the heel and midfoot. Compared to street or dress shoes, most people wear a size larger, giant running shoe. When you place your weight on it during a run, the additional space allows your foot to elongate and expand. To determine the fit, start with a shoe that is half a size bigger than your street shoes.

Finally, take a short jog around your house or up and down your driveway to get a feel for how the shoes perform on the run. Consider how it will feel after a few kilometres if your heel or foot is slipping about in the shoe or if you are uncomfortable on a short lap.

2. Running Specific Clothing

Breathable and moisture-wicking apparel ensures comfort and peak performance when running. During a run, moisture from sweat can quickly become uncomfortable and even lead to chafing and blisters.

By choosing shirts and bottoms made from moisture-wicking fabrics, such as polyester and nylon blends, sweat is efficiently drawn away from the skin and evaporated, leaving you dry and cool throughout your workout.

Most top running brands have moisture-wicking fabric technologies, such as Nike Dri-FIT and Under Armour HeatGear, which offer excellent options for staying dry and comfortable. Similarly, breathable running shorts or leggings provide chafe-free comfort and airflow.

Additionally, for female runners, choosing the right supportive running bra with moisture-wicking properties is crucial for eliminating discomfort during runs.

When incorporating these essential clothing items into your running gear, you can focus on the feel-good experience of running and achieving your personal best without any distractions getting in your way.

3. Compression Gear

According to research, compression wear reduces exercise-induced muscle damage, accelerates recovery processes, removes lactic acid faster, increases strength and power, improves endurance, increases muscle oxygenation, and improves body temperature control.

By providing an extra layer of support, the fabric helps to reduce muscle vibration and force impact, which can help to keep inflammation at bay. Additionally, compression clothing helps to improve local blood circulation, which can help to reduce inflammation further.

Compression clothing helps the body to remove lactic acid by facilitating increased blood flow. Compression clothing also aids the body during workouts by providing increased stability and support.

4. Running Socks

Running socks are right up there with shoes to keep your feet comfortable. Choose moisture-wicking running socks that keep your feet dry on the run. Make sure you use the socks you'll be running in when you try on shoes to ensure a tight and tight fit.

A terrible pair of socks will show their ugly head on your run. However, quality running socks are barely noticeable. They keep your feet dry, fit comfortably, and wick away perspiration to keep you cosy.

Here's what to look for in the best socks for running:

• Opt for wool or complete synthetic materials. Cotton socks don't work well for running since they dry slowly and might cause painful blisters. Synthetic fibres are not intended to be soft, breathable, or odour-free like wool is.

• Discover your fit. You can buy running socks that fit well by matching them with various shoe sizes. They will feel sloppy within your shoe if they are too large, and some socks will be uncomfortable for extended periods if they are too small.

• A high number of needles. Higher needle count running socks are better at wicking moisture away from your skin, preventing discomfort and those dreaded blisters.

• Try socks designed for running. Running sock manufacturers like Feetures and Balega create socks especially for running. The purpose of thoughtful features like targeted compression and high-heel tabs is to improve your running.

• Think about compression. With medical-grade compression, CEP running socks help you recover from strenuous workouts by improving circulation, lowering inflammation, and reducing fatigue.

Running Basics 

Besides the daily running wear, some are just what you need at the right time. We do the same research to find the best running gear for your next trip, whether you like to race on the road or in ultra-trail races.

1. Sunglasses  

It can help protect your eyes from the sun, integral to sun protection. Though sunglasses are essential in all climates and geographic regions, trail runners will likely experience time above treeline at altitude.

A good pair of sports sunglasses is comfortable, secure on my face, and has good UV protection. Good running sunglasses will improve my vision by muting glare or enhancing the contrast of colours on the road or trail to help me stay on my feet rather than tripping over obstacles.

2. Hydration Pack  

Staying hydrated when running is critical to preserve your general health and well-being and best possible performance. Not only does drinking enough water keep you energised, but it also helps you stay calm and avoid heat-related ailments. 

Handheld water bottles and hydration packs provide an efficient way to carry a water supply. Whether you opt for the convenience of handheld bottles or the versatility of hydration packs, prioritising hydration while running ensures you can go the distance safely and confidently.

3. Recovery Gear  

Investing in a quality foam roller or self-massager helps promote post-run muscle recovery. These recovery tools are invaluable for massaging tough knots and easing soreness throughout your body. A foam roller or massager can enhance blood flow, alleviate tightness, and promote relaxation by targeting soft tissue and stretching achy muscles.

Even simply dedicating 10 to 15 minutes to post-run stretches can significantly speed up your recovery time, allowing you to be ready for your next day of running. Embracing these recovery aids will undoubtedly complement your overall running experience and help you maintain your conditioning.

4. High-Visible Gear  

Whether by choice or circumstance, night (and early morning) running can be relaxing and enjoyable - as long as we stay safe. While running has its risks regardless of the time of day we do it, running at night without visibility gear adds an extra layer of potential danger.

This necessary safety precaution is why we've put together a reflective running gear guide to run in the dark more safely.

These clothes are essential for increasing motorcyclists', pedestrians', and employees' visibility since they make them stand out from cars. Hi-vis clothing contributes to a safer atmosphere by improving visibility, lowering the chance of accidents and raising general road safety.

5. Rain Gear  

Whether going for a big event or trying to keep your exercise consistent, you shouldn't let the rain slow you down. Besides, running in the rain can be a fun, exhilarating experience.

But if you need to run in wet weather and would instead not get soaked, a water-resistant or waterproof jacket could be just what you need to keep you dry and comfortable. When choosing the most suitable rain gear, consider water resistance, breathability, and price.

Running Tech 

Watches can do much more than keep track of your distance; headphones have improved sound quality and safety. Many miles have been run with these and other goods to find the best new ones that make running fun.

1. GPS Watch  

There are various methods to stay on top of your exercises, and keeping a running journal is an excellent approach to monitor your development and pursue your objectives.

An easy, digital method to keep track of every run is to use a GPS gadget, such as a Garmin running watch. While entry-level GPS running watches monitor your distance, time, and pace, more sophisticated models provide a wealth of information, including heart rate, cadence, VO2 max, and more.

One helpful tool for tracking your training progress is your miles and pace. A GPS watch you can wear on your wrist is the most convenient option, though you can accomplish this with other apps or programs.

2. Headphones  

Headphones that don't cover your ears at all are the best. When buying new running headphones, we usually only consider the basics, like battery life, weight, and water resistance. But to get the most out of our new headphones, we should consider how comfortable, safe, and stable they are.  

Running electronics offer diverse benefits, such as GPS mapping, fitness tracking, and heart rate monitoring. These innovations are specifically designed to assist you in improving your performance by tracking your progress and helping you stay motivated.

3. Portable Power Station  

Whether you're a marathoner or a newcomer to running, our running electronics selection caters to all skill levels. Stay connected, maintain your motivation, and access essential data to optimise your running performance with the latest advancements in running technology.

You can use your headphones to play your favourite music while running, providing interest for your running time. Besides, it would help if you also had portable chargers to charge your electronic devices; maybe you can choose Jackery Portable Power Stations as your best partners.

The advantage of a portable power station lies in its capacity to store significant energy that may be utilised at any time and location. The Jackery Portable Power Station is a generator powered by a rechargeable battery. AC power outlets, DC vehicle ports, and USB charging connectors in a power station can charge your electronic gadgets.

You can learn more about Jackery Portable Power Stations in the following part.

More Running Gear

A good pair of shoes, socks, and proper clothes for the weather is all you'll need for a simple run. It will take some time, but you'll learn what you need to keep you safe and comfy and what you want to bring.

Also, you can pick out different running gear for hot or cold weather.

Summer Running Gear

Most runners like to go on long runs and goal races in the summer. In many places, this is also the season of dangerously high UV levels, hot temperatures, and high humidity. Having the right running gear for hot weather can make a big difference.

The right running gear can help keep you comfortable and safe when the weather gets hot, no matter where you live or train or how well you can handle the heat. Making sure you have the right running clothes for hot weather from head to toe can help you finish your run when it's hot outside. 

Winter Running Gear

We think of running with friends in the winter when it's dark and cold outside and our homes are extra warm. We feel hot when we think about how cold it was in the first 10 minutes and how quickly and softly it got warmer. You can run outside in winter with the best cold-weather running gear.

Also, we think about how snow falls from a tree as we walk by and how it sparkles when the sun rises. We picture quiet roads and empty streets. There's something about coming home that makes us feel warm, and the cold melts away from our eyes when we walk in the door after a great winter run.

There are more gear and equipment that you may be interested in:

- Fishing gear in Australia

- Hiking gear in Australia

- Must-have camping essentials in Australia

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Running

Take your running trips to the next level with Jackery Portable Power Stations. Jackery Portable Power Stations are made for people who like being outside and care about the environment and their comfort. They give your tools a safe way to get power while on the go.

Jackery ensures that their Portable Power Stations use lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a steady power source. These generators can use the sun's energy now that Jackery Solar Panels are added. This makes them an eco-friendly power source for running in Australia.

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

This Jackery Explorer 600 Plus power station is made to withstand harsh weather thanks to its advanced temperature monitors and robust construction that can work in hot and cold conditions. Because it's so durable, it's an excellent choice for running, hiking, camping trips, outdoor activities, and backup power in an emergency.

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is the best portable power option. It can power many outdoor devices, from GPS devices to camping lights, with its 800W output and 632Wh capacity. The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is your go-to power station for all your activities because it is strong, durable, and light. It makes charging fun things to do outside easy.

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus can meet all of your outdoor entertainment needs. A lot of different outdoor entertainment gadgets can connect to it. Its dual PD fast charging can go up to 100W, so your devices will be charged quickly. The Explorer 600 Plus can give you long-lasting power, a backup in an emergency, or quiet charging that won't bother anyone.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power supply designed to meet the power needs for various situations such as kayaking, picnicking, camping, road trips, and emergency power backup.

This power station has a unique Battery Management System (BMS). It has 52 safety features and 12 BMS algorithms that work together to keep the device and any attached appliances as safe as possible. It also has four kinds of physical security to ensure everyone is safe.

This model stands out because it has an intelligent app control feature that lets users quickly manage the battery through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it more modern and convenient to use. It's also very light - only 8.27 pounds - so it's an excellent choice for people who are always on the go.

What to Consider When Choosing Running Gear?

The following are some factors that you should consider when choosing your running gear:

Find a jogging style that you enjoy.

Your choice of running attire depends on the running you like to do. For example, reflective running clothing can be the finest option to run at night or early morning.

Wearing this kind of luminous gear throughout your runs helps to increase safety by keeping you visible in low light. In addition to being designed to keep ladies visible when working out, this also looks fantastic for everyday use in the daytime!

You might, however, adore trail running. Since this is an endurance-based exercise, you'll require trail running equipment to withstand Australia's harsh weather. You will need long-lasting athletic apparel, such as supportive sports bras, snug-fitting sneakers, and sturdy leggings.

Consider the weather.

The temperature and running conditions vary with the seasons. However, that does not mean you have to stop doing your running regimen. All you need to do is be aware of temperature changes and what to wear. It all boils down to being prepared because every runner, every run, and every prediction is different.

You must maintain a warm body temperature when the weather turns chilly. This will support injury avoidance and comfort during your run, allowing you to concentrate on your performance. You need thin layers that can be altered when you naturally warm up with exertion and trap heat.

Running Gear FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about running gear in Australia.

1. What gear should I have for running?

Running shoes appropriate for your foot type and stride, moisture-wicking clothes to keep you dry, a supportive and comfy sports bra for women, and socks that fit correctly to avoid blisters are all essential.

2. What is the best equipment for running?

The best equipment for running depends on individual preferences and needs. Still, some commonly recommended items include a GPS running watch or smartphone app to track distance and pace, a hydration belt or handheld water bottle for longer runs, and reflective gear or a headlamp for running in low-light conditions.

3. What do runners usually wear?

Runners typically wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing designed for exercise, such as shorts or leggings, a shirt or breathable hat or visor, and a tank top to protect from the sun. In colder weather, layers are essential, including a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, and a hat.

4. What are the best clothes to wear running?

The best clothes to wear for running are those made from moisture-wicking fabrics that help keep you dry and comfortable during your run. Look for clothing labelled as "breathable" or "performance fabric," and avoid cotton, which can retain moisture and lead to chafing and discomfort. Additionally, choose clothing that fits well and allows for freedom of movement.

Final Thoughts

High-quality equipment can help you perform better and is more comfortable. Finding running gear that suits your demands and lifestyle is crucial if you're an avid runner. It's evident in the running community that the equipment and accessories we select are investments in our comfort, performance, and general well-being rather than just simple tools.  

Everything we need for running is essential, from energy bars that give us extra energy when we need it most to running shoes that protect our feet and help us do better to running socks that keep our feet cool and dry.