Choosing the best headphones is always a compromise. You could buy the most powerful, noise-cancelling, bass-pounding, ear-smothering units on the planet, but – from the lack of waterproofing to the risk of your ears overheating – they’d be absolutely useless for running.

Bone-conducting models, meanwhile, are lightweight, fit snugly on your noggin, and don’t shut out ambient sounds. Unfortunately, you generally have to sacrifice audio quality (particularly on bass notes) when you’re listening to your favourite tunes.

These OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are something of a hybrid, however. Bone-conduction specialist Shokz has built additional, more conventional air-based speakers into the headset to complement the sound being transmitted through your skull. But how does this new-look 'DualPitch' tech perform on the trail?

Design and features

Appearance-wise, Shokz (FKA AfterShokz) hasn’t reinvented the bone-conducting headphone wheel. You know the drill: two transducers hook over your ears, clamped to your head by a springy band, in this case constructed from silicone and a nickel-titanium memory alloy.

The OpenRun Pro 2s are available in three colorways – Black, Orange and a special orange/white edition endorsed by former marathon world record holder (and Shokz global ambassador) Eliud Kipchoge. You can also buy the headphones in Standard and Mini fits. This Shokz video can help you choose the right size.

Perhaps the biggest worry when you purchase bonephones is that the headband might break, rendering them utterly useless – as I discovered to my cost when someone (who shall remain nameless) trod on a previous pair, and revealed rather more of their internal electronics than I’d have liked.

These headphones are durable enough to survive being shoved in a daypack, though they do come with a reassuringly solid zip case to help keep them in one piece – a step up from the cloth bag you get with some models, like the Suunto Sonics . The case also has a slot for a charging cable.

Speaking of which, the OpenRun Pro 2 is charged via the now-standard USB-C connection, its power socket protected from the elements by a handy little rubber cover. At just a foot long (30cm), the cable supplied is a little on the short side – you’ll find your headphones dangle from many plug sockets – but USB-C has become so ubiquitous that you’re bound to have a longer version somewhere in the house.

Connectivity and sound

Pairing the headset with your device is as simple as turning it on, holding down the power/volume-up button until the LED indicator flashes blue and red, and looking for Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 in your Bluetooth settings.

Of course, that should be the bare minimum for any Bluetooth device, and for me the revelation was what came next.

Even using the out-of-the-box 'Standard' setting, the sound quality was a significant step up from any bone-conduction headphones I’d used before. Even bassier tones sounded good, with none of the buzzing that sometimes occurs at higher volumes.

Shokz claims that its new DualPitch technology uses the boney bit to handle the trebles and the mids, while the air speaker takes care of the bass. It sounds like jargon, but the OpenRun Pro 2s really deliver on the promise. In fact, when “Bass Boost” is switched on (via the Shokz app – more on that in the Operation section below), there really isn’t much to choose between these headphones and a set of in-air buds.

The range is good enough that you can keep listening a good distance away from your device. My standard test for Bluetooth devices is whether I can keep listening when I go to make a cup of tea in the kitchen at the far end of the house, and these bonephones pass with flying colors.

MultiPoint Pairing promises to allow you to switch your headphones between two devices seamlessly. I tested this out with my iPhone and iPad, and can confirm that the OpenRun Pro 2s transitions between a song and a TV show with minimal effort.

Operation

When you’re out running, you don’t want to be messing around with complicated controls. My main issue with the OpenRock X air-conducting headphones, for example, was the fiddly nature of the buttons, but there’s no such issues here – everything is intuitive and seemingly foolproof.

The left-hand transducer features a single multifunction button, which can be used to play/pause music and answer phone calls (one click); skip forward to the next song (two clicks); and skip back to the previous song (three clicks). The right-hand arm, meanwhile, is home to the volume controls, which also double as the on/off switch.

Although you can happily use the OpenRun Pro 2s without it, the Shokz app adds extra nuance to the user experience. As well as checking your battery levels, you can switch between four in-built audio modes (“Standard”, “Vocal”, “Bass Boost” and 'Treble Boost') or create your own bespoke EQ settings. You can also update the headphones’ firmware.

I’ve seen more sophisticated apps for comparable products, but this one is easy to use, and does most of the things you need it to.

On the trails

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones have become my go-to choice pretty much anytime I want to listen to music or a podcast. They’ve accompanied me on road runs in Bath, on trails in Cornwall, Devon and Staffordshire, and have also stepped up to the task when I’m walking into town, cooking or doing the housework – they’re particularly useful around the house because I don’t miss inevitable shouts of, “Dad, can I…?!”

The sound quality is consistently impressive. Spoken-word podcasts are loud and clear – though I’m not a fan of the Vocal setting, which can sound a bit tinny – while the thumping bass is welcome when you’re pushing yourself at the end of a long run. I get many hours of use between charges, and it’s also useful to know that plugging the headphones in for 5-10 minutes is enough to power them up for a couple of hours on the trails if you’re short on time.

As I have a large head I’ve been wearing the Standard fit. They clamp to my head perfectly, not so tight as to be uncomfortable, but snug enough to ensure they’re not going to fall off. They certainly feel less prone to unwanted shifting than my glasses, and I’m pretty sure they’d stay in place if I wore them on a rollercoaster – alas, I don’t have one readily to hand to put this hypothesis to the test.

There’s no question the OpenRun Pro 2’s IP55 IP rating for waterproofing (billed as sweat-resistant) is a step back from the IP67 of my old Shokz Aeropex model or the slightly cheaper OpenRun – presumably a consequence of introducing tiny grilles for the air-based speakers. But while a little more waterproofing would be good for peace of mind when using a relatively pricey product, these headphones have come through numerous downpours intact, and don’t seem particularly susceptible to rain damage.

As with all bone-conduction headphones, the Shokz OpenRun 2s can struggle to compete against background noise, whether it’s traffic, public transport or wind. Phone calls are particularly hard work when the weather gets gusty but, frankly, on the rare occasion that I need to make a call in blustery conditions I’ll go old-school and hold the phone to my ear.

And sure, it would be nice if they fit conveniently in the pocket of my jeans when I’m out for the evening, but that really isn’t what these headphones are designed for.

But these are minor niggles. Compromises are always a necessity with headphones, but frankly these are compromises I’m prepared to make for this genuinely impressive piece of kit.

• The best trail-running shoes will put an extra spring in your step
• Find the best running shorts for hitting hills and tackling trails

Also consider

Trail running superstar Kilian Jornet has begun his latest crazy adventure - climbing 67 of America's tallest mountains, and hiking and cycling between them.

Jornet began his States of Altitude Project last week on Longs Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, and is aiming to summit every mountain over 14,000ft (4,267m) in the US, aside from those in Alaska, as fast as he can.

Following his initial summit, Jornet continued to the South Arapaho Peak on the Continental Divide and went down to set off on a 49-mile (79km) cycle ride south to the Echo Lake campground. Six hours of sleep later, he was back in the mountains, working his way through Colorado's Mosquito mountain range.

"Kilian barely slept following the LA Freeway epic, and he woke up feeling every one of those 16 hours as well as the Colorado altitude in his body," explains a post on his Instagram account.

"The morning brought Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Evans) and Bierstadt, but Colorado’s afternoon storms had other plans. A weather system rolled in, forcing route changes that added 4 hours to the day," it continued.

"In just over 41 hours of movement & 160 miles (259km) on foot and by bike, Kilian has now summited 6 Colorado 14ers."

At the time of writing, Kilian remains in Colorado as he attempts to tick off each of the 58 peaks above 14,000 feet (4,267m) that the state has to offer.

Jornet, who's previously set records on the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, and scaled Everest without supplemental oxygen, announced his latest adventure in August, and says there are two main reasons for doing it now.

"What I experienced in the Pyrenees and the Alps motivated me to keep exploring this dimension of long traverses with a strong physical, cognitive, and creative component," he said before setting off.

"It’s also about exploring the American West - the vastness of the terrain and the cultures that have lived and continue to live there, as well as a nature that is often wild and incredibly diverse, ranging from alpine areas to dense forests and deserts."

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails
• The best hiking shorts: cool, comfy legs mean more miles on the trails

A UTMB trail running champion has been suspended from competition for two years and had her titles revoked for doping.

Joyline Chepngeno, 27, tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a banned corticosteroid substance used to reduce inflammation, after she won the Sierre-Zinal race in Switzerland.

At the end of August, Chepngeno made history as the first Kenyan to win the 31 mile (50km) OCC race at UTMB Mont Blanc.

But her UTMB title and the Sierre-Zinal gold Chepngeno she won earlier in the month have both now been stripped from her. China's Miao Yao is now recognised as the UTMB champion, and fellow Kenyan Caroline Kimutai has been upgraded to the Sierre-Zinal winner.

The Athletics Integrity Unit confirmed its decision in a statement posted to social media. It reads: "The AIU has banned Joyline Chepngeno (Kenya) for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Triamcinolone acetonide) for 2 years from 8 September 2025."

The AIU has stated that Chepngeno has accepted the decision and will serve her ban until September 8, 2027.

Chepngeno has also been dropped by her sponsor, Salomon, with immediate effect.

"These measures reflect our dedication to acting responsibly and maintaining trust with our athletes," reads a statement the company posted to social media.

"To all those impacted, competitors who race with integrity, organizers dedicated to the credibility of their events, athletes of our Salomon Pro Running Team roster aligned with our unwavering commitment on sporting rules, and the fans of the trail running communities who, like us, believe as much as we do in the spirit of the sport.

"We share our disappointment and reaffirm our commitment to defend the integrity and fair competition above all."

Advnture has reached out to Joyline Chepngeno for comment.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys

Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket: first impressions 

The best type of running jacket for trail runners is one that's so light and packable you never think twice about stuffing it into your hydration vest, and this jacket excels with its barely-there design.

Made using a 7D Pertex Shield 2.5-Layer construction, it's almost impossibly light and packs down into its own hood, so you can stash it in just about any pocket. The fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR, and the jacket does a great job of repelling light rain and is very windproof. It won't hold up against torrential rain, however.

Rab has stripped away all the extras, such as pockets and toggles, and the only thing adding any weight at all is the full-length zip, which comes all the way up past your chin to provide extra protection from the elements and secure the hood. The hood is elasticated and has a toggle at the back so you can cinch it tight when the wind picks up.

The cuffs and hem are also elasticated to help find a snug fit, and the cut is slim enough to be functional while allowing for excellent freedom of movement.

Despite its light weight, it doesn't appear to be a particularly fragile jacket and has held up to months of testing without showing any signs of wear, never mind tear.

Is it pricey? For the occasional wet-weather runner, yes absolutely. But compared to jackets we've tested previously, it's somewhere in the middle, despite being one of the best, and if you go out in all conditions, then it's worth it.

Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket: in the field 

I've spent the latter half of spring and the entire summer testing out Rab's newest trail running gear, on runs ranging from the Highlands of Scotland to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park in England.

In addition to the Rab Talus 2-in-1 shorts, which I absolutely adore, and the Rab Veil 12L Lightweight Running Pack, I've worn this jacket a fair bit, and packed it away in my vest even when the forecast doesn't call for rain. Though Scotland has had an actual summer for once, I've still had plenty of occasion to test it out against mist, drizzle, and torrential rain.

Here's how it performed:

Sizing and fit

I tested the XS, which is a UK 8, and I'm glad I didn't try the small as I think that would be too big and flappy. It might just run the tiniest bit big, but on me this size leaves enough room for layers, which will be useful when winter arrives, and isn't too loose, thanks in part to partially elasticated cuffs and hem.

Weight and packability

The first thing that stood out was how unbelievably light this jacket is. It's exactly half the weight of my North Face Lightriser Futurelight running jacket and, unlike a lot of garments that claim to pack away inside their own pockets, this one really does fit into a pocket on the back of the hood.

I don't even notice it when I'm running, and it will basically always be in my hydration pack moving forward, no matter the weather or the season.

Weather protection and breathability

This jacket has a 2.5-layer construction, and it's made for running, so I didn't expect it to hold up against heavy rain, but regardless, I found myself wearing it in a downpour during my first outing in it back in the spring. I was running in rain and wind (but fortunately not severe cold) for about 90 minutes, and when I got back to my car, I was quite wet down my front around the zip and on my shoulders.

I wouldn't expect any running jacket to really repel that type of weather, and I wouldn't use this as a replacement for a proper 3-layer waterproof for hiking, but it really is excellent in light rain and holds up for quite a long time.

Despite that decent level of protection, this jacket is surprisingly breathable, and I'm amazed at how often I've simply kept it on for an entire run when the rain has stopped (or hasn't started) because it's perfectly comfortable.

You might think that would translate into a smelly jacket, but I've just given the pits a sniff and there's absolutely no odor at all, after months of use, which is another thing I can't say for my other running jacket.

Storage and hood

There are no pockets, but since I wear a vest (and the Rab Talus shorts) I really don't need them and personally wouldn't want something bouncing around in my running jacket pocket anyway.

The hood is just great, staying put thanks to a toggle at the back to tighten it and the high collar, which helps protect my face when it's blowing sideways.

For all its wear, it still looks absolutely brand new and I'm planning to wear this jacket for many years ahead.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Love trail running? The latest documentary from British outdoors brand Rab is here, and it's not one to miss.

Set in Japan's spectacular Northern Alps, 'In the footsteps of Banryu' follows a team of expert trail runners retracing the routes established by the 18th-century monk known as 'the father of Japanese alpinism'.

British film-maker and trail running enthusiast Jake Baggaley leads the 37 mile (60km) journey over the sharp ridgelines and cliffside paths of the Kamikochi, Yarigatake, and Hotaka Circuit routes, which culminates in a record time attempt of Mount Yake-dake, an active volcano.

Jake's joined on his journey by a combination of trail runners, mountain guides, and filmmakers, to follow the routes established by Banryu.

"Ever since my first visit to Japan, nearly a decade ago, I've been captivated by these mountains," explains Jake in the documentary.

"The tales of the infamous Daikiretto ridge and Mount Yari, first climbed by the monk Banryu from Kamikochi, have captured my imagination. They're the origin stories of alpinism in Japan, and the idea of following in Banryu’s footsteps is what's inspired this adventure."

The father of Japanese alpinism

Banryu Shonin was an 18th-century monk and pioneering Japanese alpinist, well-known for his historic ascents in Japan's Northern Alps.

In 1828, he became the first person to successfully climb Mount Yargatei, a 10,433ft (3,180m) peak in the southern part of the mountains, home to plenty of exposed ridges and steep scrambling sections.

Banryu returned to climb the mountain on multiple occasions after his initial ascent and attached ropes and iron chains to challenging sections, so others could follow in his footsteps.

"Mount Yarigatake, towering over Kamikochi, was first climbed by the ascetic priest Banryu," explains the documentary.

"He is known as a pioneering mountaineer and lived and trained in a cave deep in the mountains. Banryu is called the father of Japanese alpinism."

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys

Brooks Cascadia 19: first impressions 

Over 20 years ago, the very first Cascadia trail running shoe was issued (and designed with ultra running legend Scott Jurek), and it allowed Brooks to position itself at the forefront of the trail scene. The shoe was such a success that it has since gone through multiple reiterations, and the original was re-issued last month.

With trail running tech constantly improving, Brooks keeps finding ways to upgrade the design of the Cascadia, and it calls number 19 the most versatile yet, with testers describing it as "the multitool for trail runners".

In addition to a lighter build and lower drop (down to 6mm), the main headline is the updated Trail Adapt System, which is the brand's proprietary system of cushioning, outsole, and rock plate that's designed to provide stability and protection on uneven surfaces.

This has been updated since the 18 to include "a co-molded Ballistic Rock Shield" which basically increases your comfort on rocky trails by protecting your feet and offers a balanced, boundy ride that almost stretches to tarmac. A healthy 35mm wedge of soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning allows for more flexibility underfoot without sacrificing control.

The outsole of this shoe is really worth mentioning, too. Even though the lugs aren't particularly aggressive looking, the chevron design and redesigned TrailTack Green technology really shine on a variety of trails, from rocky and dusty to bogs and wet grass.

The shoe has an impressive lockdown fit, which hugs the midfoot and leaves plenty of room for your toes, and while the upper is surprisingly thick, it's very breathable and dries pretty quickly. They're not as rugged as the 18, focusing more on an agile approach for both technical and fast runs, but there's enough protection for your toes.

Upgrades have also been made on the sustainability front. The outsole is now made with 25% recycled rubber, and overall, the 19 uses more recycled materials than its predecessors and is a CarbonNeutral certified product.

This is one of the more versatile trail shoes we've seen in a while. Available in wide sizing and waterproof versions, it performs well under technical conditions but is light and comfortable enough for a newer trail runner.

Brooks Cascadia 19: in the field 

Much to my shame, I haven't had much experience with Brooks trail runners over the years, despite the brand being an original purveyor of trail shoes. I thought they were a bit outdated, compared to Hoka and Merrell, which I've run in a lot, but in the name of nostalgia, I agreed to give the new model a test.

I've tested these in wet and dry conditions on gravel, grass, and a bit of mud and bog here in Scotland, and also wore them to Chamonix for this year's UTMB where I was following the race, but also squeezed in some running and hiking.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 (US 6), which is technically a half size up compared to my official size, but gives my feet room to swell and leaves room for thicker socks in the winter months. I don't have wide feet, but I do have high arches, and when I first put these on, I was a little concerned they weren't high volume enough, as the fit is extremely snug.

That, I think, is down to the tongue being really quite plush, particularly by modern trail runner standards. However, as soon as I got out on the trail, I realized these were going to be a win from the fit and comfort viewpoint.

I ran a hilly 10k in these for their first outing, and they felt absolutely great. The snugness I experienced didn't restrict my feet at all and instead just translates into a really secure lockdown fit for me. There's zero slippage of my foot inside the shoe, and my toes have plenty of room.

I was actually able to wear these for about 36 hours straight while I was following the UTMB and had no issues with comfort, and I've found them ideal for hiking too.

Breathability and protection

Because I've been testing these in the summer months, and as it's been a warm summer, I've had plenty of opportunity to assess their breathability, and I've never encountered sweaty feet (even during my 36-hour expedition).

It's a little surprising because the upper is quite thick and the tongue is very padded, but the porous mesh does exactly what it's meant to do, and when they get wet, they also seem to drain and dry quickly.

The upper isn't quite as tough as the shoe's predecessor, which is why it's lighter, but there are protective overlays around the toes and heel, and they kept my feet quite happy when I was scampering over the rocky trails of Chamonix.

Responsiveness, stability and grip

As soon as I got over the joy of the fit of these shoes, my mind went straight to that bouncy ride. These shoes might not have the massive stack of a pair of Hokas, and for that, you get a little more trail feel, but they're just as responsive, and that goes for soft grassy trails. I wouldn't wear them for road running, but when I do have to cross a little tarmac to get to the trail, they actually feel a lot cushier than my Speedgoat 6s.

They don't have a super wide geometry, but the overall design and fit do lend themselves to an extremely stable ride, even over quite unpredictable terrain.

Finally, the grip of these shoes really is something to write home about. The chevron lug pattern has proven itself a winner in other shoes, but I think the TrailTack Green outsole really is unusually sticky. I've never even slipped in these shoes, from steep, wet grassy descents and on dry, rocky trails. They don't look like they'd be a good match for mud season, but beyond the sloppiest conditions, these have some of the best traction I've tested.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Amazfit T-Rex 3: first impressions 

When the Amazfit T-Rex 3 dropped last fall it was billed as the ultimate outdoor GPS watch by the Chinese brand, while onlookers hailed it as a rival to the Garmin Fenix 8. Given that the Fenix 8 is a premium watch from the world's biggest brand, and given that the T-Rex 3 comes in at about a quarter of the price, that claim was optimistic. However, this is still a great watch for adventurers heading into the backcountry – especially if you have a more limited tech budget.

The T-Rex 3 promises a rugged build, weeks of battery life, endless activity modes, smartwatch functionality and proper maps on its big, bright AMOLED screen. All for $279.99 (£249.99). Could it deliver? Mostly, but there are some wrinkles.

We had already given its predecessor, the Amazfit T-Rex 2, nearly perfect marks for its tough build, battery life and navigation features, so our hopes were high for this watch. Plus, the corresponding Zepp app has seen almost continuous improvements over the last couple of years, making it considerably easier to use.

The watch comes in a robust build that some might say is too big and bulky for all but the burliest of users. On the upside, I wouldn't be afraid to drop it on a rocky trail, thanks to its stainless steel bezel, polymer middle frame and gorilla glass screen. It's rated for free diving, so a bit of wet weather isn't going to pose a problem either.

It's powered by a battery that the brand claims gives you up to 42 hours of support in accurate GPS mode, or up to 27 days with typical use. In our field tests, we found it didn't quite live up to that incredibly high standard, but it does rival the lifespan of Coros watches, which gives it an edge over its Garmin competition. It is, however, a little on the slow side to charge.

As an outdoor adventure junkie, I was excited about the prospect of free, downloadable maps, which I thought would display well given the 1.5in (38mm) AMOLED display. In reality, I found the process of downloading maps a little fiddly, and they didn't display as well as on other watches. However, the GPS was accurate. The screen is easy to view in all light conditions, but it's not super responsive in gesture mode, which can be annoying.

Heart rate tracking was also accurate when compared with other watches, though it was sometimes a little slow to catch up when I went from slow to fast or flat to steep. Health tracking is all done by the Zepp app, which has really improved and allows you to access everything from training readiness to sleep scores. While most of us probably wouldn’t choose to sleep with a watch this size, it has a surprisingly comfortable fit – despite the brutish build.

The T-Rex 3 boasts lots of smartwatch capabilities, which means you can respond to texts and control your music playback, but you can't make or take calls like you can with the Fenix 8, and you can't install Spotify. There's also no LED flashlight for nocturnal escapades.

But enough about what's not there. This is a tough, capable sports watch that's easy to use and has a responsive touchscreen and voice commands. It doesn't seem fair or helpful to compare it to the Fenix 8, largely because you're either in the market for a thousand-dollar watch or a budget-friendly watch. We can't say it's as good, but it does share important DNA with its pricier rival and boasts plenty of perks for adventurers.

Amazfit T-Rex 3: in the field 

I've been testing the T-Rex 3 for the past three weeks of summer activities. Usually when I'm testing a sports watch, I try it out hiking, trail running, pool swimming and for yoga. However, I quickly realized this particular watch is too big to reasonably wear for lap swimming or for yoga. That's fine, because it's billed as an adventure watch rather than a general fitness watch, such as the Amazfit Active 2.

I've been wearing it on my right wrist on the trails in Scotland, including up one Munro, and using my Coros Pace 3 on my left wrist as a comparison.

Design

The T-Rex 3 comes in just one size, and it's ginormous. I don't have a birdlike bone structure, but I'm on the small side, and this beefy piece absolutely dominates my wrist.

That said, whereas the Fenix 8 bruised my wrist for the first few days of wearing it, this watch is surprisingly comfortable. Yes, it gets in the way when I'm putting on my backpack, and no, I couldn't possibly sleep with it on, but for everything in between, it's fine. However, if a smaller version were available, I'd snap it up.

Part of the reason I haven't found this watch too annoying is that I've been testing it in warm weather. It's no problem to wear with a short-sleeved shirt and even a rain jacket or windbreaker, but come winter, I can imagine it being difficult to team with multiple layers, given its high-rise profile.

It's operated by four buttons: top-right takes you into activities, while bottom-right is a back button that takes you into apps such as the Zepp Coach, your workout history and current heart rate. On the left side, there's an up and down button to navigate menus. If you press on the bottom left from the home screen, you get a snapshot of the day where you can see the weather forecast, your most recent workout, training load and recovery time. If you press the top left from the home screen, you get into settings where you can activate a 'do not disturb' setting, adjust screen brightness, check your battery level and more.

All of these screens can also be accessed by swiping in various directions – it's all pretty intuitive.

Features

This watch is absolutely packed with features. Not satisfied with just being an adventure watch, it's also got tons of smartwatch capability and training recommendations provided via the Zepp app.

Maps are free to download for offline use (see more below in 'Performance') and combined with a big, bright screen, they are a definite perk for navigating in the wild. The GPS uses six satellite positioning systems and can be disabled, along with tracking, which you might want to do for safety reasons.

The BioTracker 6.0 PPG biometric sensor is the primary health monitor, tracking key metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and stress levels. It also analyzes your workouts to give you training readiness and recovery scores.

The dive function is a huge bonus and I almost couldn't believe the number of sports modes (nearly 180), which include ultra marathon training, pickleball, wingsuit flying, hula hooping, artistic swimming and Hyrox. The latter seems to be the one the brand is most excited about, which is understandable given the meteoric rise of the circuit training trend, but I admit I haven't tested it in a Hyrox capacity and almost certainly never will.

You can’t install music streaming apps, but you can control playback from your phone and pair headphones. There’s no built-in LED flashlight – a feature that’s becoming increasingly expected on adventure watches, especially with Garmin’s latest Fenix and Enduro models setting the standard.

Performance

A bit like when a restaurant has a 10-page menu, having lots of features in this case means that not all of them function perfectly.

To use maps, you first need to download the area you want via the app. Once that’s done, sending a route to your watch should display it as a proper map, not just line-and-pointer navigation. In my excitement, I jumped on a train, connected to the WiFi, and was pleased by how straightforward the process was. I selected all of Scotland and downloaded it in just a few minutes. But out on the trail, I still only had line-and-pointer navigation – no full map display.

When I got home, I tried downloading the map again, but kept getting a message saying I needed to enable it in ‘map settings'. At first, I couldn’t find that option – until I realized it was referring to the settings on the watch itself, not within the app. The prompt could have been clearer.

On my next outing up Ben Lomond I managed to activate the map, but I can't say it's the best map I've ever used. There were some topographical features – I could see a river when I crossed it – but it lacked detail. The bigger issue is that the route is shown from a fixed top-down view, rather than aligning with your direction of travel. As with Google Maps, I expect the pointer to face forward so it’s clear which way to turn – but on the T-Rex 3, it can point in any direction, which I found disorienting. At one junction, I even had to take a wrong turn in order to figure out which was the right way. It’s manageable for hiking, but could be frustrating if you’re trail running and need to keep stopping.

Another odd thing was that the display showed how much of the hike was remaining in kilometers. That's great, but knowing the hike, I quickly realized this was way off and soon determined that it meant to say distance elapsed, which is a big difference.

On a more positive note, the display is excellent and easy to read. I especially like that I can easily see when sunset is while I'm hiking or running, so I can make sure I'm back before dark.

As for my heartbeat, accuracy was generally within one beat. I did, however, notice that it was a little slow to catch up when I accelerated or slowed down, so I'm not sure how good the acceleration sensor is, and as I've mentioned, it was too big to wear for sleep, so I wasn't able to take advantage of that data.

I don't think the battery quite lives up to claims, but it is excellent. Using it for four hours in GPS mode drained about 20 percent, which, by my estimation, means you'd get more like 20 hours out of it, rather than 42. That said, it is one of the better batteries out there. In a normal week for me, which includes a long hike plus a couple of trail runs, I can get around 12 to 13 days from a single charge, and when out of GPS mode, it barely drains at all.

You charge the watch via Amazfit's charging cradle (included) with a USB-C cord. The cradle snaps right into place and is secure, but I did notice that charging takes quite a long time.

Finally, although I think the Zepp app has improved since I've been using it, it sometimes gives me recommendations that don't seem at all grounded in my actual activity. It still needs tweaking.

The T-Rex 3 isn't a perfect watch, but it's intuitive, has fantastic battery life, and the screen is great. I'll also add here that the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro – set to launch in October 2025 and currently on my desk – promises to address many of the issues I’ve mentioned. It features an LED flashlight and auto-rerouting maps for when you stray off course.

Value

It might seem as though I've focused heavily on flaws in this article, but to be clear, this watch is outstanding value. I'm not quite sure how Amazfit manages to pack so much into its devices and keep the prices so low. The materials aren't on par with the quality offered by premium watches from big-name brands, but they are totally in line with other mid-range watches.

The only thing I can think of is that, instead of spending years in research, the brand is happy to release watches that aren't quite perfect, then update them as they go, helping keep costs down. If I'm right, that means you might get a few quirks, but in this case, for a fair price you can buy a rugged GPS watch with maps and smartwatch capabilities that will support you on your gnarliest adventures.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Could your next smartwatch be an Amazfit? The Chinese watch brand has unveiled its latest high-tech wearable, and it's got loads of new features to get excited about.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro watch is the latest in Amazfit's T-Rex range of watches designed for sports enthusiasts who want to track their performance in immense detail. It comes with plenty of health trackers, advanced mapping, and an impressive battery life, and will set you back a lot less than a top-of-the-range Garmin.

The T-Rex 3 Pro comes in two sizes, 48mm and 44mm. The former features a 1.5in AMOLED display while the latter has a 1.32in display. Both are protected by sturdy sapphire glass and tough titanium bezels.

Price

At $399.99 (£399.90), the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is comparable to upper mid-range sports watches like the Garmin Forerunner 965 and older models like the Fenix 7.

It will set you back a lot less than the latest top-end Garmin models, but costs noticeably more than the previous T-Rex 3, which comes in at $279.99 (£279).

Sports and fitness features

The T-Rex 3 Pro was designed with athletes, particularly runners, in mind, and features more than 180 different sports modes to help you train. The sports included range from trail running to watersports, and there are even specialist HYDROX modes.

While you work out, the T-Rex 3 Pro tracks your well-being with an extensive array of health monitors that keep tabs on everything from your heart rate to breathing. Afterwards, the watch monitors your recovery and updates its Bioscore Energy fatigue indicator, which is meant to inform when you can hit the trails next.

GPS and mapping

The T-Rex 3 Pro features tens of thousands of detailed topographic maps, which you can access for free and check on while you work out. You can also pinpoint key locations and generate new routes in a few simple steps.

Once you're on the trails, it uses a circular polarization antenna to receive accurate GPS signals and track your position with precision.

Battery life

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the T-Rex 3 Pro is its extensive battery life. This brand-new watch can last for up to three weeks on a single charge, depending on what you're using it for.

With GPS and always-on display modes on, your battery will deplete a lot faster, but it can still survive for a while. The 48mm watch lasts for up to 19 hours, while the smaller 44m watch boasts 13 hours of battery life.

• The best Garmin watches: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course
• The best GPS watches: smart timepieces to keep every adventure on track

Garmin's latest high-tech smartwatch is here, with loads of new features and functions to help you hit the trails and explore the wilderness with confidence.

The Fenix 8 Pro is an upgraded version of the super-smart Fenix 8, which launched in 2024 and combined a tough, rugged design with state-of-the-art GPS and sports features.

The Pro adds to all the bells and whistles of its predecessor with several new features, including ground breaking access to Garmin's InReach tech, designed to help you stay connected anywhere that normal phone signals can't reach.

Design-wise, it's pretty similar to Fenix 8, featuring a sapphire crystal lens, encased in a titanium bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium rear cover.

It's also got the same wide array of health and fitness trackers, designed to monitor your progress and help you improve your performance in the wilderness.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro looks to be one of Garmin's most impressive models, but it will also likely be one of its most expensive. The costly MicroLED version costs $1,999.99 (£1,729.99), while the AMOLED version costs $1,199.99 (£1,119.99).

In comparison, the standard Fenix 8, which remains one of Garmin's flagship models, remains priced at $1,099.99 (£899.99).

GPS and InReach technology

The Fenix 8 Pro is Garmin's first watch to use InReach technology for satellite and LTE connectivity. This tech is usually used in Garmin's handheld GPS devices, and allows you to stay connected regardless of your whereabouts in the wilderness.

With an active InReach subscription, you can send and receive messages from remote, off-grid locations and make calls without needing to connect to your phone. LiveTrack location sharing is also handy, allowing loved ones to monitor your progress as you negotiate wild trails.

In an emergency, you can trigger an SOS alert. This signal will be received by Garmin's 24/7 international coordination center, which will pass your information on to local search and rescue agencies.

Navigation has also been improved with the introduction of Garmin's TopoActive maps feature. These maps paint a detailed picture of your route and pinpoint potential points of interest, like upcoming summits and viewpoints.

MicroLED display

The Fenix 8 Pro is the first Garmin device to feature a brand new MicroLED touchscreen display.

It's comprised of 400,000 LED lights, which create a "revolutionary display that produces rich colors and high pixel densities with wide viewing angles and superior readability - even in direct sunlight," according to Garmin.

This display is only available in the large 51mm size. If you've got smaller wrists or prefer a standard AMOLED display, the Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED version is available in both 47mm and 51mm sizes.

Battery life

Despite several new features, the Fenix 8 Pro has suffered slightly in the battery department.

The MicroLED version can survive for up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 14 days in battery saver watch mode, while the AMOLED Fenix 8 Pro boasts up to 27 days in smartwatch mode and 34 days in battery saver mode.

In comparison, the standard Fenix 8 can keep on kicking for up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 41 days in battery saver mode.

• The best Garmin watches: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course
• The best GPS watches: smart timepieces to keep every adventure on track

A record number of runners from the group Black Trail Runners competed in this year’s UTMB finals as a result of the UK-based organization’s work to improve diversity and inclusion in trail running.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, co-founder of BTR, says the idea for drawing more black runners to the iconic trail race in Chamonix-Mont Blanc came to her six years ago when she was competing in the Gran Trail 50k Courmayeur and didn’t see any other women of color at the starting line.

“I looked around, and I thought to myself, ‘Wouldn't it be great to be here with other women of black heritage doing different races?’ Wouldn't that be amazing? Because at that time I was the only person I saw.’”

While the UTMB doesn’t gather ethnicity data on participants, research by BTR suggests fewer than one percent of entrants in UK trail races are black.

In 2020, Pace-Humphreys launched BTR with fellow trustees Sonny Peart and Phil Young, a registered charity that promotes the inclusion and representation of people of black heritage in trail running. This year, she herself competed in the UTMB finals, a 100-mile lap around Mont Blanc, for the first time, while six of her female peers and one male runner participated in other races in the week-long series.

“I’m so proud of everything we did and bringing more ethnically diverse people into the trail running world – that bigger societal, systemic change that ultimately is what I’m all about,” says the 47-year-old from Stroud, who has already raced in the UTMB Snowdonia and Arc of Attrition ultra marathons this year.

"Keep going until the race spits you out"

The brutally wet and freezing conditions during this year’s race, however, slowed the runners down during the first half and caused a last-minute safety diversion, which Pace-Humphreys says challenged every runner from the elites to back-of-the-packers.

“It put me into a massive energy black hole that I struggled for 50 miles to catch up.”

The runner missed the cutoff time for the Le Chapieux checkpoint at the 80-mile mark and was forced to abandon her effort.

“I really wanted to close the loop. I’m a type A personality, and I was never going to pull myself out. It was always going to be, keep going until the race spits you out.”

"There was more support around"

Despite her DNF disappointment, the grandmother of three says this year on the course felt different to her 2019 experience, which found her clinging to the side of a cliff after falling in icy conditions as white runners passed her by without offering to help.

“It still felt quite lonely," says Pace-Humphreys, who explains that the cutoff times mean runners are sprinting through aid stations, stopping only to eat and fill their water bottles, which doesn't leave room for camaraderie.

"But I felt that if something had happened where I needed help, there was more support around.”

“I was hallucinating from La Fouly to Champex-Lac, and in order to regroup myself, I stopped. There was a runner behind me, and he stopped too and asked if I was okay, and that was really beautiful.”

“It didn’t feel like pressure"

Pace-Humphreys says the strong presence of BTR in events in the lead-up to the race, and the successes of her peers, is also helping her cope with what’s known as “the ultra blues.”

“I’m very, very grateful to be able to experience the joy of being around other trail runners who absolutely did everything that they wanted to do.”

Those peers include Simbarashe Mugomba, who completed the 100-mile finals, and Juliette Denny and Serena Broadway, who both competed in the 100k CCC race.

Broadway, fresh off running the 300k Northern Traverse across the north of England, tells us that despite slippery conditions underfoot that slowed her pace, this experience was entirely different from her 2022 OCC race at UTMB, where she says she felt isolated.

“It didn’t feel like pressure, I just felt how lucky I am to be there with this group representing diversity on the trails.”

Rebecca Devereux was the sole member of BTR competing in the 50k OCC race, which was rerouted due to thunderstorms. A vet by profession, Devereaux enjoyed a podium finish earlier this year at the gruelling Montane Winter Spine 50k.

Grace Natoli, Angela Tomusange and Nethliee Smith all competed for BTR in the challenging ETC race, which takes runners up nearly 4,000 ft (1,200m) of vertical gain in just nine miles (15k).

“We did everything that we set out to do"

Though the presence of BTR at the event signals a move in the right direction for runners of color, Pace-Humphreys says she still didn’t see any black women around her at the starting line, and there’s still work to be done.

“It’s on us as changemakers to continue to try and get support to do the work and bring people from our communities,” she says of continuing to put pressure on UTMB organizers to improve diversity at the event.

“We’re the ones doing it. UTMB aren’t doing it. They are relying, in a sense, on the work that they do not support from a resourcing point of view, on us to do it.”

Pace-Humphreys says she’s received an “overwhelming” number of messages from followers in the past week who have been inspired by the BTR showing and now want to try trail running and experience the event.

“We did everything that we set out to do. You’re going to see a massive increase in members of Black Trail Runners at the UTMB next year, because in the end, the mountains don’t discriminate; it’s the system.”

While she’s not sure if she’ll return next year to compete, Pace-Humphreys says she will “absolutely” return at some point to finish the 100-mile loop. Stay tuned.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Hoka Mafate X: first impressions 

A big midsole on a Hoka trail running shoe is no big deal, but the sheer stack of the Mafate X shocked us with its towering 49mm under the heel. Add to that a carbon plate for propulsiveness, and we started to wonder what trail running's fastest-growing brand was thinking of.

If you think in imperial measurements, 49mm is nearly two inches tall, or four decks of playing cards stacked one on top of the other. In these shoes, you might actually want to consider wearing a helmet while you're running to protect your head from low-hanging branches on overgrown trails. That said, what you lose in the possibility of a concussion, you certainly gain in comfort.

There's almost no other way to describe the sensation of running in these shoes than to say it's like running with memory foam pillows strapped to your feet. The plushness of the EVA foam, known its durability and water-resistance, and PEBA foam (excellent energy return) is just al dente enough to give you an undeniable feeling of bounce, even on the softest grass trails, and your feet will remain happy for hours, even if you venture onto tarmac.

If you've never run on the trails in a Hoka shoe, the height of the midsole might reasonably make you feel a little nervous about the prospect of a sprained ankle, but in our field tests, we discovered a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to that carbon plate.

Beneath that staggering stack you'll find a Vibram Megagrip outsole with uniquely shaped 3.5mm lugs in a "tacos and pizza" design (yes, really) that's surprisingly effective on more slippery terrain.

There's also a new woven upper (ultralight to offset the added weight of the plate) that allows for easy drainage when you meet with waterlogged trails. This is the latest model from Hoka to feature its patent-pending "dynamic vamp" in the forefoot upper, which is designed to help your toes splay naturally as you run, and the result is a slightly higher volume fit than we're used to with Hoka shoes and a more generous toe box. For some, that might translate into having a bit of a harder time finding that all-important lockdown fit, but there is a woven sockliner and gusseted tongue to help, which also prevents debris from putting a hitch in your wagon.

In summation, the Mafate X handles a lot better than we expected in terms of grip and stability, whilst delivering on the promise of all-day comfort, but we can't help but be a little confused with this shoe. Set aside the fact that the jury is still out on whether carbon plates actually help trail runners, and you've got a pair of shoes that are priced and built for elite runners going the distance, but arguably on the heavy side for ultras.

They're billed as gravel shoes, and they're certainly a workhorse on that surface, so if you've got money burning a hole in your pocket and you're seeking comfort and responsiveness, they're worth a look.

Hoka Mafate X: in the field 

I won't lie, I was very curious to try out these shoes after spending the previous nine months running in the Hoka Speedgoat 6s. I've had a lot of success with the Speedgoats, but clearly, this was a completely different shoe and I had no idea how I'd handle that massive stack (and as the recipient of two knee surgeries, I'll admit I was a little nervous).

My first rodeo in them was a short 5k trail run on a straightforward trail in the UK's Lake District. When I got back to my car uninjured, I decided to immediately follow that up with an 8k run in steeper, hilly terrain with a mix of gravel, grass, and slate and make a day out of it. The following week, I decided to bring them with me to the Swiss Alps for a hiking and yoga retreat where I knew I'd have plenty of time to bookend our hut trip with a couple of trail runs in Verbier.

Since then, I've been testing them out on trails in the hills and mountains of Scotland to see how they handle different terrain.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 (US 6), which is technically a half size up but gives my feet room to swell and leaves room for thicker socks in the winter months. In the past, I've found Hoka shoes to be quite narrow – my old Clifton 8s rubbed my inner arches quite a bit, even though I don't have wide feet. So when I tested the Speedgoat 6s, I went for the wide sizing, and that seemed to be the solution.

For the Mafate Xs, however, no wide option exists, so I went with my usual size and was surprised to find that these shoes are much roomier than Hokas of days gone by. I have a high arch and found these to be high volume enough to handle my feet. In fact, I quickly learned that if I don't lace them tightly enough, my foot moves around just a little, but with proper lacing, I can achieve a nice snug fit around my midfoot, my heel is locked into place, and there's lots of room for my toes.

As for comfort, well I get that in supersized portions from these shoes. The initial sensation when I put them on was how plush they feel (and how tall I suddenly was). I'm not a 100-mile runner, so I honestly can't tell you how they perform over those types of distances, but on the days when I've run for hours in them, my feet have been nothing short of delighted.

The only caveat to that is that, because I didn't want to pay to check a bag for my trip to Switzerland, I also wore them for two long days of hiking, and I did find that I got foot fatigu,e which I suspect is down to the carbon plate, which provides zero flex. T

o caveat my caveat, Hoka does not advertise them as hiking shoes the way it does with some of its running shoes, so this isn't a design flaw, I just wanted to mention it in case you're looking for a shoe you can comfortably hike and run in. Since I tested these, Hoka has announced the Mafate X Hike, which may be what you're looking for, but it still has the carbon plate.

Breathability and protection

I can't say that these shoes offer the breezy breathability of my Merrell Long Sky Matryx 2s, but I've also worn them in some unseasonably hot weather in Switzerland (in the 80s) and had zero issues with hot, sweaty feet.

Like any good trail shoe, there's reinforcement around the areas where you're likely to hurt yourself on rocky trails. I'd say the protection against roots and rocks is medium, meaning you could certainly hurt yourself if you come up against a sharp rock, but you won't feel anything on gravel trails, which is what these shoes are built for.

While they're not meant to be waterproof, I've worn them through plenty of bogs in Scotland, and they drain quickl,y although they do take a little while to dry. This hasn't posed an issue as I've been running in the summer months, but it's more something I've noticed because I've washed them a few times.

Responsiveness, stability and grip

When you see a shoe with two inches of foam underfoot and a carbon plate, you expect it to be responsive. In the past, I've wondered if the sensation of energy return is just a placebo effect, but with these shoes, I can say with confidence that they feel like running on trampolines.

Because I've had a couple of knee surgeries, I can be a little timid about landing too heavily on my heel with my knees extended, but even on the downhills, I could feel these shoes soaking up all the shock and my knees were quite happy. They're actually even bouncy enough to handle tarmac with ease. Clearly, there's also absolutely no trail feel whatsoever.

Another potential worry for me with these shoes was stability. I've grown to love the trail feel and confidence I get from my Merrell Long Sky 2s, and wasn't sure about going back to a high stack. I started out quite gingerly on more technical trails in the Lake District and the Alps where I was looking at steep, rocky descents, but again, these shoes surprised me with their stability. I'm putting that down to the wide geometry and carbon plate, and while I wouldn't actually pick these for a technical trail in regular life, they really pose no problem on gravel and grass.

Grip is provided by lugs shaped like tacos and pizza, which let's be honest, feels like a gimmick. They're 3.5mm deep, which is ample for gravel, though not quite aggressive enough for mud, and I didn't expect much from them, but I have to admit, they really work. Having worn these for descending on slick slate and wet grass, I've never slid once, so I guess that lug design works.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

This year's CCC race at the UTMB finals had one of the most competitive starting lineups of the week, with some elite runners choosing the shorter 100k distance over the 100-mile finals in order to be fresh for the World Championships in Spain next month. That meant the elite field was possibly even deeper than usual, but in the end, it was two Hoka-sponsored athletes who secured the top spots.

The forecast was for heavy rain during the race, which takes runners from Courmayeur, Italy, to Chamonix in France via Champex-Lac, Switzerland. However, while the 100-mile and OCC races suffered from stormy conditions, the CCC runners ended up experiencing some of the best weather of the week, and the skies were mostly clear for Friday's race, which dealt some of the fastest times ever.

• OCC 2025 results
• UTMB women's results
• UTMB men's results

Franceso Puppi's streak continues

In the men's race, Francesco Puppi's winning streak continued, with the Italian taking his place at the front from the word go. After winning this year's Canyons by UTMB 100k, Puppi was a favorite to win along with Eli Hemming (US), who had moved up in distance after winning last year's OCC. The pair quickly moved to the front of the race as the runners left Courmayeur, forming a big pack of more than a dozen runners that included American runners David Sinclair and Drew Holmen.

The group stayed mostly intact through the first half of the race, but at the halfway mark in Champex-Lac, Hemming started to lose time while Puppi moved ahead, alongside Sinclair.

By La Giete, at mile marker 41 (65k), Puppi had secured a five-minute lead over Sinclair, and American Jeshurun Small briefly found himself in third place. Jeshurun soon fell back, however, and the reshuffling continued for the remainder of the race with the exception of Puppi, who broke clear away and stayed out in front all the way back to Chamonix.

Puppi won in 10 hours, six minutes, and two seconds, the second-fastest finish ever behind Petter Engdahl, who set the record of 9:53 in 2022. It was Puppi's second time running the 100k distance.

Sinclair came in second in 10:13:42 and Holmen rounded out the podium arriving just minutes later in 10:16:15. Hemming ultimately just missed out on the top 10, placing 11th overall, while last year's winner Hayden Hawks moved up to the 100-mile race this year, despite an injury that kept him out of Western States, but DNFd after just 31 miles (50k).

Women sprint to the finish

The women's race started out looking like it might fulfill expectations, with the last three defending champions back for another shot at the podium. Last year's winner Toni McCann (South Africa) was near the front from the start, along with Norway's Yngvild Kaspersen (2023 champion), and France's Blandine L’Hirondel, who won in 2022 winner with the course record.

Kaspersen took the lead over the first climb, but soon dropped back due to an ankle injury, which ultimately saw her dropping from the race.

L’Hirondel and McCann stayed at the front and were joined by Poland's Martyna Młynarczyk, who took second in last year's race, and Spain's Anna Tarasova. However, at the 40k mark, McCann suffered a bad fall, which saw her limping into the aid station, clearly distressed. She withdrew from the race at La Giete, leaving Młynarczyk, L’Hirondel, and Tarasova to battle it out.

With only four miles (6km) to the finish, the race became heated, with Nordskar surging past Młynarczyk and L’Hirondel dropping back. In a sprint finish, however, Młynarczyk proved she had the goods, coming into Chamonix in 11 hours, 41 minutes, and 55 seconds. Nordskar arrived less than 20 seconds later and Tarasova came in less than two minutes after her. L’Hirondel settled for fourth place nearly 10 minutes later.

The win automatically enters Młynarczyk in next year's Western States, if she wants to race again and try to redeem herself after this year's DNF.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on teh trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Looking for the write up on the women's podium? Head to this article for all the details.

Stories of elite runners in the UTMB finals can often be divided into two narratives: those who triumphed, and those who DNFd. Yesterday, Courtney Dauwalter managed to write a new version of what success at the iconic race can look like, pulling off a top 10 finish despite a rare bad day on the course.

Dauwalter was back in Chamonix for the first time since 2023, when she won the race for the third time. Last year, her record fell to Katie Schide and ultra running fans were looking forward to seeing her try to settle the score this year.

Dauwalter started out in the lead, bringing up the front in a pack that included Ruth Croft and a rotating cast of other runners such as Abby Hall, Emily Hawgood, Camille Bruyas and Katarzyna Dombrowska. In torrential rain, climbing Notre Dame de la Gorge, she still had her characteristic smile on her face.

She looked more serious as she hunted for water at Lac Combal, but that was no surprise, given that she'd just endured snow, hail and winds at high altitudes. At the Courmayeur aid station, she looked more serious than usual, and soon it was clear the day was not going to plan.

On Saturday morning, we stood around the lake at Champex-Lac waiting for Dauwalter to come through first. Her family gathered nearby. Instead, the first female figure to make her way along the lakeshore was Croft, followed by Bruyas. When Dauwalter appeared a few minutes later, she was moving more stiffly than usual and her smile had been replaced by a grimace.

Over the next seven hours, Croft seemed to get faster, increasing her lead by 20 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour. Bruyas held her steady pace, and Dauwalter was doing more hiking than running by the time she reached Trient.

By 3pm, Croft's win looked all but settled, Bruyas a shoo-in for second, and while Dauwalter held third place for a couple more hours, it became increasingly clear that a podium spot was out of reach.

Many elite athletes would have chosen a DNF in order to preserve their UTMB Index, but Dauwalter instead showed us all what she's really made of by battling it out against the odds. She hiked, she ran, she stopped to pick up young fans and give them a hug.

In the end, Dauwalter finished what she started, crossing the finish line in an impressive tenth place in 25:50:38, grabbing a young fan by the hand and sprinting over the finish line with him.

"It was a really, really tough day out there," says Dauwalter, who says the support of her fans and team is what kept her going.

"I continued because a race this special is worth doing the full loop."

When asked what it was like to race against Dauwalter, this year's winner Croft says: "It was a privilege to get to race against her, finally, she's the GOAT. Always has been, always will be."

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Looking for the results of the women's race? Head to this article for all the details.

Tom Evans has written the ultimate redemption story at this year's UTMB, taking an impressive win after two consecutive DNFs at the race.

The British runner dominated the race from early on despite a storm that challenged the runners with dangerous, wet and freezing conditions overnight, and resulted in a last-minute rerouting of the course to avoid the exposed Pyramides Calcaires section

"It's just the most incredible race and I think we were blessed with very British weather, we had snow, rain, and a bit of heat at the end," says Evans.

For the final hours of the 100-mile race around Mont Blanc, Evans kept company with American Ben Dhiman and fellow Brit Josh Wade, but started to eke out a wider and wider gap between himself and the other two runners, finally coming in at a spectacular 19:18:58, which is nearly 20 minutes faster than Jim Walmsley's 2023 record. However, because the course was altered due to weather, it's not yet clear whether the time counts as a new record.

"It was just a spectacular day when the mountains just threw everything at you, and the mountains will always win, and you just need to look after yourself and see who can get round the fastest," says Evans.

Evans' victory follows wins this year at Arc of Attrition and UTMB Tenerife. He worked with coach Scott Johnson, who also coaches Ruth Croft, the winner of today's women's race.

Redemption all round

Evans took third place at the race in 2022, but this win has not come easily. He DNFd in 2023 after getting lost and disoriented in the dark overnight, and then dropped out overnight again last year due to stomach issues. In 2023, he was mugged and assaulted on a training run for the UTMB Cape Town in South Africa, an experience he says he's been working with a psychologist to overcome.

"I am incredibly proud to have learned from my mistakes and executed a really good race."

Fellow Asics runner Dhiman, who also DNFd at the race in 2023 and 2024, ended up trailing Evans by over half an hour, taking second in 19:51:37. Colorado-based Dhiman has already won both the Lavaredo Ultra Trail and Grand Raid Ventoux this year.

Josh Wade landed third place in 20:05:06. Wade took 11th on the course last year and DNFd the year before, but he's hot off a podium finish at this year's Transgrancanaria and won the UTMB Snowdonia in 2023. The North Face-sponsored runner lives and trains in the UK's rugged Lake District.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Looking for the results of the men's race? Head to this article for all the details.

Ruth Croft has snatched a commanding victory at this year's UTMB in tough conditions after surging ahead with around 25 miles (40k) to go.

The New Zealand runner, who came second in last year's race behind Katie Schide, was always a favorite for a podium spot, but with Courtney Dauwalter in the mix, we thought first place was all but settled when the pair took off from Chamonix on Friday evening in their first-ever face-off. However, the Adidas Terrex athlete's proven skill as an excellent closer allowed her to move into first place by the halfway mark and hold that spot with a comfortable lead for almost seven hours.

The runners battled challenging conditions overnight, including rain, hail, and snow, which caused a last-minute modification to the route to bypass the exposed Pyramides Calcaires section. Undeterred, Croft says she realized she had to be more aggressive from the start this year, and quickly moved into the lead, with Dauwalter just behind her, and this year's Western States winner Abby Hall taking up third position.

By the time the runners reached Notre Dame de la Gorge in torrential rain at the 33k mark, a bigger gap appeared to have opened up between Croft and Dauwalter, though the Colorado-based runner still had a big smile on her face at that point, and Zimbabwe's Emily Hawgood had moved into third place.

Just over five hours into the race, Dauwalter had moved to the front, and Poland's Katarzyna Dombrowska had taken up third place, a position she held onto through the Lac Combal aid station.

At the halfway mark at Courmayeur, Dauwalter was still in the lead, stopping at the aid station just long enough to put in some eyedrops, but she was moving slower than usual and looking more serious than usual. Moments after she left, French runner Camille Bruyas arrived in second place, followed closely by Croft in third, setting up a new formation of front runners that would last for the remainder of the night and into the morning.

A UTMB Triple Crowner

At Champex-Lac, we were expecting Dauwalter to come through first, but Croft caught us off guard by coming along the lakeshore six minutes ahead of Bruyas, while Dauwalter brought up the rear, seeming to be moving stiffly. Croft moved further and further ahead, arriving at the finish line in 22 hours, 56 minutes and 23 seconds,where she was met with a hug from men's winner Tom Evans, with whom she shares coach Scott Johnson.

Croft's win makes her a UTMB Triple Crowner, after she won the CCC in 2015 and the OCC in 2018 and again in 2019, and she celebrated at the finish line with a shot of peanut butter whiskey.

"It's taken 10 years to get to this point," says Croft, who explains that her DNF at this year's Transvulcania race in May due to hypothermia helped her deal with the conditions overnight.

Bruyas, who finished second in last year's Hardrock 100, came along over half an hour later in 23:28:48, and Germany's Katharina Hartmuth passed Dauwalter after Vallorcine to round out the podium in 24:16:39.

Hartmuth is hot off a third-place finish at Hardrock this summer and is no stranger to the UTMB podium, having taken second in 2023 and third in 20233. Despite appearing overjoyed at the finish line, she admits she struggled with the weather conditions this year.

"I've never experienced such weather before," says Hartmuth.

"Trying to not get too cold and changing clothes all the time, it was just a logistical challenge."

As for Dauwalter, though many elite athletes in her position might have chosen to take a DNF to preserve their UTMB Index, the queen of ultra forged ahead to finish the course in tenth place, saying: "I continued because a race this special is worth doing the full loop."

"It was a privilege to get to race against her, finally, she's the GOAT. Always has been, always will be," says Croft of her opponent.

Read all about Dauwalter's remarkable finish here.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

The best trail running shoes stand up in the toughest conditions, keeping you comfortable and stable over the many miles of treacherous terrain you're likely to encounter off-road.

These cushioned shoes from Merrell aim to tick boxes and are now up to a whopping 45% off in Backcountry's big Labor Day sale. If you're quick, you can get your hands on the Agility Peak 5 shoes for as little as $104.96 in men's sizes, and $76.97 in women's sizes. The sale runs until September 1.

This trail-ready pair combines breathable mesh uppers, designed to maximize airflow, with tough toe-caps to protect your feet from debris as you run. Inside, Merrell's FloatPro midsoles aim to balance comfort and support, while Vibram outsoles provide stability beneath your feet.

Outdoors expert Julia Clarke got a hold of the Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes in Chamonix, in the French Alps, where she got to put them to the test over many miles of strenuous running.

"If you don’t know, trail running in the Alps is, though magical, a special breed of demanding," explains Julia, who was very impressed by the Agility Peak 5's cushioning and stability on the trails.

"What struck me immediately was how comfortable the shoes are right out of the box," she continues.

"You’d be forgiven if you think these will be too unstable for rough trails, but as we start to climb steeply up into the mountains on the northwest side of the river, I have no problem keeping my balance, and my running mates also comment on how stable they feel."

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Merrell Agility Peak 5 shoes deals where you are.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

US runner Jim Walmsley has won the OCC race at the UTMB World Series Finals after what turned out to be an epic battle on the 61k course.

The US runner was originally in the starting lineup for the 100-mile World Series event on Saturday, but changed to the 55k distance last week. There's been speculation that he is still being plagued by a knee issue that saw him drop out of this year's Western States, but he may also be saving his legs for the World Championships in September. Whatever the reason, the switch up threw a wrench in predictions for the top finishers, with a question mark over whether the race would still be an Italian showdown between Cristian Minoggio and Luca Del Pero or another Walmsley washout.

Stormy weather added even more excitement, as the route and start time were changed at the last minute to avoid more exposed sections in Chalet des Grands and La Flegere and add a couple of kilometers to the distance.

The runners set off after a two-hour delay at 10:15am local time in wet conditions, and about 30 minutes later, Walmsley was part of an early breakaway during the first climb along with Sweden's Petter Engdahl and Switzerland's Sam Hendry.

On the ascent up to Col de Balme at 38k, Minoggio started to claw things back, moving into third place, but Walmsley held the lead on the descent. It was at the Argentiere aid station with 10k to go that he explains things went a little pear-shaped.

Despite appearances, the day turned out to be hotter than expected, and Walmsley says he lost precious time hunting for hydration at the aid station.

“There was no water there, so it was a bit of a surprise. I was expecting to fill up one bottle before the climb."

While he was searching through bottles of sparking water and coke, Minoggio seized his opportunity.

“He just blew right past me," says Walmsley, who started to feel worried when the Italian was already 20 seconds ahead of him by the time he left the aid station.

“I think we played around a bit too much earlier.”

This is the first time the two runners have ever raced each other, and the Italian proved a worthy opponent to the UTMB and Western States record holder. The gap had widened to one minute with 8k to go, but Walmsley dug in and kept Minoggio in his sights.

With only around 1k to go, Walmsley made his move and surged past Minoggio, tapping him on the shoulder as he went. The pair proceeded to treat us to a sprint finish, reaching speeds of up to 21.3k per hour at one point, with Walmsley landing in Chamonix in five hours and 34 seconds and Minoggio arriving just 20 seconds later, where the pair shared a hug.

“Sorry, I was running past a lot of high fives, but I was definitely running scared all the way to the line," says Walmsley, who looked overjoyed at the finish.

The win means a €13,000 ($15,000) cash prize for Walmsley and marks the second year in a row a US runner has taken first in the race, after Eli Hemming won last year.

This was Minoggio's first time racing in the UTMB World Series Finals, but he's stood on over a dozen middle-distance podiums over the last year. Poland's Andrzej Witek joined the pair on the podium, coming in around three minutes behind them after a tight battle with Engdahl and Kristian Jones.

This year's OCC course took the runners over 3,487m of vertical gain between Orsières and Chamonix.

Women's OCC results

The women's race was no less exciting, with a deep field of podium contenders in the mix. The participants started the race running as a tight pack, with about seven runners taking the initial lead.

Switzerland's Judith Wyder and Spain's Sara Alonso got stuck behind a train for a couple of minutes, which proved long enough to make a difference in the outcome of their race.

By the 22k mark, defending champion Miao Yao (China) and Kenya's Joyline Chepngeno had moved into the lead, and we saw the runners looking for water on the course after missing the fountain in Martigny.

The pair slugged it out till the last couple of kilometers, where Chepngeno left Yao behind. The Kenyan's win looked like a sure thing until we saw her stop for stomach issues just shy of the finish, but she managed to hold it together, coming in first in 5:34:03.

“It was very hard for me, but I tried my best. I was having a lot of pain,” says Chepngeno, who is fresh off beating Katie Schide for first place at this year's Sierre-Zinal sky race.

Despite taking second this year, Yao came in 20 minutes ahead of her 2024 time and says she knows she ran better than last year.

Wyder managed to overcome her public transportation difficulties to scoop up third place, despite finding the altered course more challenging.

“This course definitely suits me less than the other one, it’s less technical, it’s more runnable,” says Wyder, who managed to come in 20 minutes faster than last year and, along with Walmsley, makes two Hoka-sponsored runners on this year's podium.

“I knew on the downhill I had to put my all into one pot and just go for it.”

You can view the full results of this year's OCC race here.

How to watch the UTMB finals

The UTMB finals take place over August 25 - 31 with the 100-mile finale starting on Friday, August 29. Once again, we'll be reporting live from the finish line in Chamonix, and you can follow all the action live at live.utmb.world in seven languages – French, English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian and Thai – with equal coverage of men's and women's race leaders.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

It's been two months since Caleb Olson turned in one of the fastest times in Western States history, wearing what can only be described as a white fishnet running top, and now Nike has released details on what gives with its latest trail running technology.

With the planet turning hotter and long-distance trail races getting more popular, Nike identified a need for clothing that helps athletes stay cool. Nike Radical Airflow represents "a new era of breathable apparel," according to the brand, which is no surprise if you saw images of Olson, as his shirt appeared to have more space than substance.

“Wearing it is like stepping into a fridge," says Olsen, who ran the 100-mile race in 4 hours, 11 minutes, and 25 seconds despite battling temperatures in the 90s.

Couldn't he just take his shirt off, you might ask? Not according to Nike, which says fridge-effect isn't just about those gaping holes.

Nike Radical AirFlow technology

When your body starts to heat up while you're running on a warm day, your sweating mechanism works pretty much like an in-built air conditioning system, allowing heat to escape through moisture. But only if that sweat is allowed to evaporate off your skin, as we explain in our article on breathable fabrics.

According to Nike, Radical AriFlow doesn't just allow more sweat to escape through the giant holes in the mesh, thereby accelerating the body's natural cooling mechanism; it also speeds up airflow towards your skin while you run.

The holes, which Nike calls "airducts," expedite the flow of air while you're on the move, thanks to a "funnel-shaped" construction that goes from larger on the outside to smaller as they get closer to your body. In lab tests, engineers also discovered that placing dimples on the inside of the fabric (where it comes into contact with your skin) helps to improve the circulation of that air. And that's why the brand says it chose a long-sleeved top – to give athletes the maximum benefit possible.

Does it really work? According to Drew Holmen, who wore a prototype of the shirt for his win at the Lavaredo Ultra Trail 80 in Italy at the end of June, Olson's victory wasn't a mere fluke.

"I was shocked by the cool breeze I felt across my body," says Holmen.

Meanwhile, those large cut-outs under the arms offer mobility and also cut down on weight and chafing in high-friction and high-sweat areas, making it all the more interesting for ultra runners.

Nike says the technology has been tested over the last two years – one of the largest tests in Nike running history – in the field by Nike's All Conditions Racing Department, and in controlled research settings using thermal mannequins. Lab tests reveal that when compared to DriFit, Radical AirFlow prototypes absorb and retain 50 percent less sweat after prolonged running in hot conditions.

Athletes will continue to test the prototype throughout the 2025 elite season for release in 2026, so we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more skin on display at this year's UTMB finals. No word yet on what your tan line will look like after a summer in the top.

• The best running tops: for training and races on all terrains
• The best women’s running tops: for cool and dry runs on the trails or roads

Look out, trail runners! Nike has unveiled its latest pair of trail running shoes to keep you comfy and propel you forward on the trails.

Nike describes the new ACG Ultrafly as "a trail-tuned super shoe purpose-built to move with the terrain, delivering ever-ready stability, traction, durability and comfort, even when the miles stop playing nice."

This pair won't be available to the public until the spring, but there's already plenty to be excited about.

Build

Nike went back to the drawing board to design its latest trail running shoes, gathering insight from testers all across the globe, who received prototype ACG Ultraflys to give feedback on.

After 13 rounds of testing, the final version features a redesigned upper and silhouette with a large toe-box, internal fit band, and gusseted tongue.

Nike hasn't specified which materials have been used, but claims that the new uppers are both fast-draining and breathable, so you can take on water crossings and rainy days with ease.

Nike says these new trail shoes were "built in the dirt, forged by every brutal mile, and is engineered for optimal performance and agility in the most demanding conditions."

Inside the shoes

Once inside, the ACG Ultraflys greet your feet with Nike's ZoomX foam midsoles and ZoomX sock liners. The American brand claims these midsoles are comprised of its "lightest, softest, and most responsive foam", to return energy and stop your feet from aching on the trails.

There's also a redesigned FlyPlate, which promises flexibility and vital support as you navigate varied terrain.

Outsoles

Grippy outsoles are essential for a good trail run, and Nike has gone with the experts. Vibram is trusted by brands across the globe for its stable and dependable outsoles, and is a common choice for hiking and trail running shoes.

The ACG Ultraflys feature Vibram's Litebase outsoles, which provide "superior grip, reduced weight and next-level control on rugged uphill and downhill terrain", according to Nike.

Price

Nike has yet to specify a price for its latest trail running shoes, but if previous models are anything to go off, you can expect to pay a pretty penny.

Its predecessors, the Nike Ultrafly, cost $270 and the ACG Ultrafly is likely to be similarly expensive.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys

Rab Veil 12L Lightweight Running Vest: first impressions 

There's a certain genius to this hydration pack from British outdoor brand Rab in that it's built to hold all your gear for long adventures and races, yet it works just as well when all you're carrying is a running jacket and some water.

What Rab calls the 'Mono Mesh Chassis' framework turns out to provide a really neat (and adjustable) fit that's so comfortable you forget you're wearing it, even when it's loaded up.

Speaking of loading up, you can certainly do that with ease here thanks to 12 pockets where you can stash two soft water bottles (included), extra layers, your phone, snacks, and whatever else you need to get the miles in and stay safe. Some of the pockets on the shoulder straps aren't as useful once you're carrying full bottles, but we've never run out of spaces to sneak in our gear.

In addition to all the small pockets, the main compartment is reasonably roomy and can handle a hydration bladder or lightweight jacket, rain pants, hat and gloves if you're getting up high. It's accessed via a U-shaped zip, which makes it easy to reach your gear, but be warned that gear in the top pocket does tend to fall out when you unzip the main pocket.

There are also pole attachments that provide a couple of different options for carrying running poles horizontally on your back or vertically on your front.

The ripstop fabric is tough, but also light and breathable, and it never seems to hang onto moisture, no matter how wet the weather or how sweaty your body, and the added stretch doesn't seem to affect the stability of the pack whatsoever.

The pack comes in three sizes that should work for all but the smallest bodies, and it fastens at the sternum with bungee cord hooks, which are a little fiddly.

The main addition we'd like to see is a waterproof pocket of some kind, to protect electronics in wet weather, and it is quite a pricey pack considering others in the market are the same price with more bells and whistles. But that said, if you need something extremely comfortable, robust, and versatile, this is the pack for you.

Rab Veil 12L Lightweight Running Vest: in the field 

British mountaineering brand Rab has been inching into the trail running scene over the past couple of years and this summer I've been trail running in a full Rab kit, including the Talus 2-in-1 shorts and this vest. That means I've put in around 100 miles wearing this vest, from hour-long lunchbreak jaunts in the hills near my home to longer days out in the Lake District and the Swiss Alps.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing and fit

Sensibly, this vest comes in three sizes, and the stretchy material and bungee cord adjustability make it a functional unisex design.

I received a small size to test, and that should be perfect for me as I have a small build and am a small-chested woman. I do have to pull the bungee cords at the sternum as tight as they will go to properly secure this vest, so if you're an XS or smaller, I think this may not work for you. For the vast majority of bodies, however, I think you can find a size that works for you.

Once I have it secured, it fits neatly so I have the impression of wearing my kit rather than carrying it, and it sems to fit well whether I've loaded it up with extra layers, water, my phone, charger and snacks or I'm just bringing along my running jacket and sunglasses (yes, you need both in Scotland at all times). The kit stays stable, so there's just no bouncing around while I run.

Comfort and breathability

For me, the litmus test of comfort is whether I notice I'm wearing something, and I'm pleased to report that I can wear this pack all day and totally forget about it. It's one of the lightest hydration packs we've tested and doesn't rub or chafe anywhere, at least when I'm running over a few hours (though I can't speak to hundred-mile races).

Unusually, I've had lots of opportunities to test this in warm weather since we've had plenty of it this year, and while obviously I do get sweaty, this doesn't make me any sweatier than when I run without it. The mesh fabric seems to breathe really well and, crucially, it doesn't hold onto moisture, so it doesn't get heavy or uncomfortable in heavy rain or sweaty conditions.

Storage and hydration

So far, I've counted 12 pockets on this pack, though there may be more I've yet to uncover. There's the main compartment where you'd keep a bladder if you use one, and I can just manage to squeeze my first aid kit, jacket, rain pants, hat and gloves here. Above that is a smaller unzipped top pocket with an even smaller zipped pocket inside, where I tend to keep my car key and credit card for safety.

The pack comes with two soft bottles that fit into two harness pockets, and it's reasonably easy to pull these out while I'm on the move and have a chug, then get them back in. There are zipped pockets on top of these, which are easily big enough for any phone, although they're a little harder to use if you've got two full bottles of water. Never mind, though, because there are more pockets behind them and underarm mesh pockets which work for gels and snacks, and I tend to use the pockets on my Talus 2-in-1 shorts for my phone anyway.

I use running poles a lot, and when I'm not using them, I just carry them in one hand, but there are various options for attaching your poles for longer adventures; however, there's no pole quiver.

The main pocket that I think is missing is a waterproof pocket for my phone which would help protect it in wet weather.

Value

This hydration pack exceeds expectations when it comes to storage and comfort, and that goes a long way. It's also quite robust, and while the bungee cord fastenings are a little fiddly, I'm the first to admit that they're more durable than clip fastenings.

However, it's the same price as my Camelback Apex Pro, which has a waterproof pocket and a RECCO reflector. I'm not saying it's not worth the price, as it really is a versatile pack, but be aware that you could get more for the same price.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

In what looks like the latest move to secure its place among the top GPS watch brands, Amazfit has signed trail running star Ruth Croft to its roster of athletes.

The New Zealand runner is heading back to the UTMB finals next week for her second attempt at the legendary 100-mile race after coming second in her 2024 debut, and she'll have an Amazfit watch strapped to her wrist when she arrives in Chamonix.

Croft took first place at Western States in 2022 and has already won the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 100k race this year. Among her many achievements, she also ran the length of Greenland's 125-mile Arctic Circle Trail in 2022.

The 36-year-old previously worked for Garmin, and Amazfit says she will be working with its Research and Development team to contribute to the creation of new products and the refinement of existing ones "to help deliver the most advanced, athlete-focused sports watches on the market."

“I’m equally excited about representing Amazfit on the global stage and getting hands-on with the product development process,” says the ultra runner, who's also training to be a naturopath.

“I’ve spent years understanding what athletes truly need from their sports watches, and I look forward to bringing that knowledge to help Amazfit establish itself as the reference point for innovation and quality in the category.”

The announcement is a strong indication that Amazfit intends to stake out a place in the world of elite athletes, and follows news that American trail runner Rod Farvard has also joined the Chinese wearables brand.

Both runners will be competing at the 100-mile distance in next week's UTMB finals. Find out who else is running, and how to watch this iconic event in our article on the 2025 starting list.

• The best cheap GPS watches: log your adventures without depleting your savings
• The best Garmin watches: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course

When Jim Walmsley showed up on the UTMB starting list earlier this month after dropping out of Western States due to a knee injury, the trail running world started gearing up for the possibility of another record – however, a last-minute change shows the ultra runner legend has now moved over to the OCC roster.

The Arizona runner, who still holds the course record for the 100-mile distance, which he laid down in 2023, will now compete in the 55k (34-mile) distance at the UTMB finals on August 28.

The characteristically reclusive runner hasn't commented on the change publicly, so it could all have been down to a clerical error, but most likely he's still being plagued by the same knee issue that saw him take a step back from the California race in June.

The OCC stands for Orsières-Champex-Chamonix and takes the world's best middle-distance runners up 11,236ft (3,425m) in elevation gain. Though Walmsley is highly regarded at the 100-mile distance, with course records at UTMB and WSER, he's proved himself to be lightning quick at the 50k distance too, with footage earlier this year showing him charging across desert terrain in the Mesquite Canyon 50k to another course record.

Unsurprisingly, he'll also be in elite company at the OCC, with Sweden's Petter Engdhal and Germany's Hannes Namberger in the mix, as well as his fellow countrymen Ryan Becker, Adam Peterman, and Michelino Sunseri. Last year's winner, Eli Hemming, and second-placed Francesco Puppi have moved up to the 100k CCC race this year.

Besides that big change, the roster for the 100-mile men's race looks largely unchanged, with this year's Hardrock 100 winner Ludo Pommeret still in the mix along with third-placed Germain Grangier, four-time UTMB winner Francois D’Haene, and Jeff Mogavero, who took fourth at this year's Western States.

Seeking redemption will be the UK's Tom Evans who's been unable to complete the race since taking third in 2022 but delivered an impressive victory at this year's Arc of Attrition, Rod Farvard, who DNFd at this year's Western States (but took second place last year behind Walmsley) and Hayden Hawks who also pulled out of this year's WSER due to injury, but placed third in the race last year.

Women's starters

The women's starting list has also seen some changes, with Marianne Hogan sidelined by an injury and Ida Nilsson revealing she's not yet fully recovered from WSER. The good news, however, is that Courtney Dauwalter is still planning on showing up in a bid to reclaim her crown from Katie Schide. She'll be running against the likes of Abby Hall, who's fresh off a Western States 100 win, while New Zealand's Ruth Croft is back for another stab, having taken second place last year behind Schide.

Even without Walmsley's earth-shattering speeds, it's all shaping up to be a brilliant end to the UTMB World Series, and once again, we'll be reporting live from the race to bring you all the news as soon as it happens.

How to watch the UTMB finals

The UTMB finals take place over August 25 - 31 with the 100-mile finale starting on Friday, August 29. Once again, we'll be reporting live from the finish line in Chamonix, and you can follow all the action live at live.utmb.world in seven languages – French, English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian and Thai – with equal coverage of men's and women's race leaders.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Hoka might have made a name for itself in the trail running shoe department, but the brand's hiking boots have also become well-loved on trails worldwide. Those who love the blend of plush, sneaker-style comfort with technical clout are going to want to pay attention to the California-based brand's latest announcement.

Hot off the chunky heels of the Mafate X trail running shoe, which hit the stores back in March, Hoka has announced the impending release of the Hoka Mafate X Hike. In any Hoka shoe, that X marks the spot where there's a carbon plate, and 15 years after the brand released its first Mafate shoe, it wasn't hugely surprising they'd attempted a more propulsive version for runners, even if the evidence is mixed on whether carbon plates really help trail runners.

It's also no great surprise that they're launching a new hiker, what with the popularity of the Kaha 3 and Anacapa 2, but we'll be the first to admit that the Mafate X Hike is the most interesting boot we've seen from the brand (and possibly any brand).

Meet the Mafate X Hike

Like the trail shoe version, it looks to boast a nearly impossibly high stack (the trail shoes are veritable skyscrapers at 49mm in the heel) thanks to supercritical EVA foam midsole, which is known for its durability and water-resistance. Unusually for a hiker, it's also got a carbon plate, something we've found really helps with stability in our field tests of the running shoe, but may also increase foot fatigue due to lack of flex.

The upper is made of Haptic material, which usually means it's 3D printed to cut down on waste. It's a treatment that's applied to synthetic fabrics to improve abrasion resistance and performance.

Unlike the trail runner, there's an integrated neoprene collar that brings them up quite high on the ankle. The brand says it provides extra ankle support and should help keep both debris and water at bay. There are adjustable speed hooks for more adaptability in lacing, and it looks as though the boot might share the same wide toe box (by Hoka standards, anyway) as the shoe.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole features the brand's unique "pizza and tacos" lug design, which we've found delivers surprisingly good grip. They haven't disclosed how deep the lugs are, but they look reasonably toothy in press images, and the midsole is entirely covered up for durability.

The most interesting new feature with these shoes, however, is the built-in RECCO reflector for improved searchability. This isn't unheard of; we've seen it recently in Scarpa boots, but it is unusual, and we're more used to seeing it in ski backpacks and waterproof jackets (gear you're likely to use for years). It's certainly a sign that the brand intends these high-profile shoes to be suitable for backcountry use, and there's no doubt that the Citrus/Alabaster color scheme makes you more visible to mountain rescue.

No word yet on the release date or weight of these beefy boots, though we suspect they're lighter than they appear, and equally, there's no mention of price yet on Hoka's website, though the trail runners are on the premium end of the price scale. With the addition of a RECCO reflector, we can't help but wonder if these will be Hoka's priciest hikers yet?

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

First impressions

The appearance of this shoe isn’t necessarily for everyone; the extra-large toebox gives them a slightly goofy – even clownish – look, if you stare at it for too long. However, I’m the owner of a pair of wide Bozo-style feet, so for me, this generous provision of space across the ball of the foot was a very welcome sight, and it’s not something you see in many of the best trail running shoes, where ‘performance-fit’ is often code for ‘will crush your toes like a vice’.

Simply looking at these shoes, I immediately knew I wouldn’t have to squeeze my poor pinkies into some restrictive chassis, like one of Cinderella’s ugly sisters trying to impress a prince. Consequently, I was confident the MTN Racer 4s would be pretty comfortable trail running shoe. But would the hold and fit be firm enough for the shoe to deliver?

Although this is the fourth generation of this family of footwear, the MTN Racer 4s are the first off-road runners from Topo Athletic I’ve had a chance to genuinely trail test. I have trialed Topo road running shoes a couple of times before, over quite short distances at outdoor industry events, and I was impressed with the look and feel of those models (which were also wide in the forefoot), so I was looking forward to hitting the dirt in the MTN Racers and properly putting them through their paces.

Design

The generously proportioned toebox is the signature feature of the Topo Athletic brand, so let’s start there. The MTN Racer 4s are actually available in a ‘wide’ option, but even the standard version is much more broad across the ball of the foot than the vast majority of running shoes, which is ideal for any with wide feet or bunions, and also works really well for runners who like to splay their toes to increase trail feel. It certainly increases comfort levels over longer runs, when feet often swell.

But, while having enough room to spread your toes and stay comfortable is a massive bonus, you don’t want your feet to be sliding around in the shoe, as this can lead to a loss of control and confidence on technical trails, and result in blisters and hotspots. To prevent this, the rest of the upper on the MTN Racer 4s is designed to achieve a nice firm fit, with a snug midsection and a supportive heel cup. There is also a pair of cord hoops on the tongue for the laces to pass through – Topo call this feature the ‘double-tongue stay’ and it’s intended to keep the tongue where it’s supposed to be (nice and central).

Materials

The emphasis of these shoes is on breathability and drainage, rather than waterproofing (as it should be on most trail running shoes in my opinion), and the upper is primarily constructed from an unspecified but tough-looking synthetic mesh material.

This mesh is supported by a small TPU-type frame, which supplies a little more rigidity around the heel, along the lace system and across the toes. (Sadly, there’s no mention of any recycled content having been used). The toe cap is very minimalist, but the heel cup is a bit more substantial, and cockpit sits quite deep, with a tab protruding from the rear to support and protect the Achillies.

Topo’s designers favor neutrality, but the MTN Racer 4 does have a modest drop of 5mm, supplying extra cushioning to the heel, while the profile of the bottom of the shoe reveals a rocker shape to promote good cadence and forward movement.

There is no surround rand on the MTN Racer 4s, and no rockplate, but the midsole is around 1-inch (3cm) thick, so not only does it supply suspension, it also delivers a degree of protection to the side and bottom of your foot. The ZipFoam used in the midsole of the new 4s offers more springiness than EVA employed in previous editions of the MTN Racer.

Also new is the specially shaped FKT Insole (worth $25 / £20 per pair if you buy them separately) which come included on the inside of each shoe. This insert is made with beaded, closed-cell (so water-resistant) foam, which adds extra cushioning and improves comfort levels.

• Pair your perfect shoes with the best trail-running socks
• Peruse the best trail-running shorts on the market

The MegaGrip outsole, made by tread specialists Vibram, features well-spaced out lugs that are at least 5mm deep, and provide excellent traction and speed control without being overly aggressive.

The tongue is fully integrated to the upper, to prevent the ingress of grit and other trail debris. There’s also a ‘zipfoam’ Velcro hook on the outside of the heel, and a corresponding plastic hoop at the bottom of the lace system, for affixing any design of gaiter, so you can wear them in dusty or sandy conditions, on trails with tangle hazards and/or aggressive flora and fauna and through winter when running in snow. All of these are features that speak to the versatility and year-round useability of the shoe.

On the trails

Along with some wider excursions, I have mostly been running on my local trails while testing the MTN Racer 4s, taking them on a variety of terrain – technical woodland trails, hillside paths, coastal cliff-edge tracks and a mixture of pebble and sand beaches – and wearing them for short and longer runs. Offering an incredibly comfortable ride, combined with good levels of control, I have found them to be a very versatile shoe, perfect for training and competing.

Have I mentioned that these shoes have an extra wide toebox? Well, they do, and I love it. This is partly because of the sorry, misshapen state of my much-abused and knobbly feet, which make running in more restrictive shoes very painful, but it’s also because I love it when my toes can splay while I trot, especially on longer run, something I think adds not only to comfort levels, but also improves stability, balance and trail feel. I really felt these shoes gave me plenty of confidence on technical trails and sketchy descents.

• A good technical top makes trail running more pleasurable
• Taking on a longer challenge? Make sure you get the right running vest

The MTN Racer 4s feel almost like barefoot running shoes in terms of their next-to-neutral profile and the way they let your toes spread. But, at the same time, the funky ZipFoam stuff used the midsole provides responsive suspension, and the generous (by Topo’s standards) 5mm drop means there is ample underheel cushioning in these shoes.

Also, the hold you can achieve around the heel and across the arched section of the foot is nice and tight, so your flappers don’t swim around inside the shoe, and you can stay in control.

The mostly mesh upper makes this shoe nice and breathable, and it drains and dries quickly if you take it through stream crossings or go through wet terrain. The water-resistant foam insole is exceptionally comfortable, and it doesn’t absorb any water, so stays light and quiet (there’s nothing more annoying than a loudly squishing shoe).

The integrated tongue works well to prevent grit, gravel and other trail debris from entering the chassis of the shoe and causing discomfort, irritation and potentially injury, and the double-tongue stay means the cushioned part of the tongue stays in position during longer runs.

• Conditions looking wet? Pack a proper running jacket
• Are you wearing the best running underwear for your outdoor adventures?

As mentioned, there’s no rockplate in the shank, and there is a lot of flexibility in the MTN Racer 4s, both in a tortional sense and along the length of the shoe. This makes for a comfortable ride, but also means you need to run with a tactile appreciation of the terrain you’re scampering across, lest you twist an ankle.

The lugs are well spaced out, so they don’t collect mud when conditions are gloopy, and the designs means they’re extremely grippy on all sorts of terrain without being too aggressive, so they’re very comfortable (to the point of being unnoticeable) even when you are running on hard-packed or sealed surfaces.

Considering the depth of the midsole and the size of the lugs, I found I got a surprising amount of feedback from the trail, which I enjoy.

Also consider

Barring her ability to set course records at the 100-mile distance, you can almost never tell what Courtney Dauwalter is going to do next, and her latest move is yet another surprise. The Minnesota native is heading back to her home state to compete in a road marathon. Yes, a road marathon.

There have been signs that the ultra running legend, who's won every 100-mile trail race she's attempted since her 2019 UTMB win, is ready for a new challenge. First, she announced she was attempting her first 250 miler at the Cocodona back in January. That ended in a DNF after 108 miles.

Next up, she shared on her Instagram feed that she's been spending more time on her bike around the trails of Leadville, CO where she lives, and was working up to 100 miles on her road bike. Now, she's signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon set to take place in the Minnesota capital on October 5.

Dauwalter's participation in the 26.2-mile race isn't just a tribute to her home state – the Hopkins, MN native is competing as part of a "Best of the Midwest Invitational" field which is drawing eight women and eight men with ties to one of 12 midwestern states to compete in an elite field within the race, and there's some serious prize money at stake.

Dauwalter and other Best of the Midwest runners will compete for the dedicated prize purse totaling $20,000, in addition to being eligible for an overall professional prize purse worth $26,000 (with one prize awarded per gender).

Dauwalter has nearly five weeks to recover from the UTMB finals, which she's running at the end of the month in a bid to regain her crown from Katie Schide, before heading down to sea level for a challenge of a different kind.

How Dauwalter will fare on the tarmac in the sultry Midwest is just about anybody's guess. Will she trade her Salomon S/Lab Genesis shoes for the bouncier S/Lab Phantasm? The pacing at this distance will be a whole different ballgame, but on the plus side, she'll have the altitude advantage and it won't be her first rodeo at the race; she ran it in 2009 (where she came in number 126 out of 3,473 finishers) and again in 2012.

One thing we know for sure is that she's a determined athlete and she'll be running with a smile on her face.

• Best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best running poles: for ultra distance training, epic races, and fastpacking adventures

Tara Dower has made ultra running history for the second time, setting a new overall speed record on Vermont's Long Trail. She completed the 273-mile (439k) trail to raise funds for the Green Mountain Club, which preserves the historic trail.

Dower first sprinted into public consciousness less than a year ago when she delivered a new overall speed record on the Appalachian Trail. In September 2024, Dower hiked and ran from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia in just 40 days, 18 hours and 5 minutes, 13.5 hours faster than Karel Sabbe’s 2018 record.

In March, she handed in another stunning time at the Black Canyon 100k, but June brought disappointment for the runner, who attempted her first Western States 100 but dropped out before the finish. Yesterday, her Instagram account revealed that she's back on top form, writing "She's done it!" with a photo of her embracing the trail sign at the southern terminus.

Running very long trails mostly by herself seems to be the perfect formula for the North Carolina native. She set off from the Canadian border on Saturday, August 16 at 10am and ran trail that follows the Green Mountain ridgeline all the way through the state to the Massachusetts border. Her time of three days, 18 hours and 29 minutes has to be confirmed, but once that happens, she'll hold the overall supported FKT, beating Will "Sisyphus" Peterson's time by nearly three hours.

The Altra-sponsored runner has previously worn the Altra Mont Blanc BOAs for long-distance races and pictures from the finish show she's still favoring the Utah-based brand's zero-drop approach to footwear.

Dower has set several FKTs including one on the 567-mile Colorado Trail in 2023 which she completed in eight days. She is known for using her running feats as fundraisers and publicly stated she intended to raise $10,001 for the Green Mountain Club; a fundraising page shows her effort has far surpassed that goal.

The Long Trail is oldest continuous footpath in the US, with 68,000 feet of elevation gain. Constructed between 1910 and 1930, it later became the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail and the two footpaths share 100 miles of trail.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best running backpacks: for everything you need on the move

When Garmin released the Fenix 8 last summer and the Amazfit T-Rex 3 came along a few months later, Coros clearly identified a glaring omission in its GPS watch lineup: a rugged adventure watch. According to Coros, that ends today, with the release of the Nomad, a watch that's purpose-built for your outdoor expeditions.

The Irvine, CA-based brand came to life with the Coros Pace watch back in 2018, entering the market with a lightweight, budget-friendly but reliable multi-sports watch. The first Coros Apex came along the same year with a higher quality build but similar performance, and in 2019 the brand launched its premium sports watch in the Coros Vertix, intended primarily for elite athletes.

Now, the Coros Nomad is here to carve out a new vertical in the Coros watch ecosystem that's specifically built for those who hike, trail run and fish in wild spaces. Keep reading for everything we know about this new release.

Starting with the nuts and bolts, the Nomad promises a higher quality bezel than the Pace or the Apex, with a dual-layer aluminum and polymer bezel. It comes with a hardened mineral glass screen rather than sapphire, which isn't quite as scratch-resistant, but is far less likely to shatter, arguably making it a better choice for outdoor environments, and we've found the mineral glass screen on the Pace 3 to be pretty bulletproof.

While most new releases lately, from the Amazfit Active 2 to the Garmin Forerunner 570, are focusing on bigger and brighter AMOLED screens than ever before, Coros has gone with a new high-contrast 1.3in Memory-In-Pixel display, which the company says improves color saturation and ensures clear visibility in both bright and low light conditions. The real benefit of this is of course is an incredible battery life – up to 50 hours in All-Systems GPS mode and up to 22 days in standard use according to the specs, which is key if you're on a multi-day mission.

For navigating in the backcountry, there's, of course, dual-frequency GPS as well as global maps with street names, waypoints, and save locations powered by a new, faster Gen 3 processor.

The most intriguing new feature is what Coros calls Adventure Journal, which allows you to record voice notes, upload photos and videos to your activities, which sounds great for reliving your adventure or for outdoor bloggers and influencers.

“We built NOMAD to help adventurers have a new way to capture memories and experiences, without compromising the high-performance hardware COROS users expect," says Coros CEO Lewis Wu.

"It can't replace being outdoors, but it can help you remember what it felt like to be there."

If your adventures tend to take you into deep or shallow waters, there's great news. The Nomad features eight dedicated fishing modes, including fly, lure and boat, and if you're an angler, environmental insights like Moon/Tide phases, air pressure can help you fish smarter. You can also log your catches and document species. Like most watches these days, it's rated 5 ATM water-resistant, which is more than enough for swimming and water sports.

As with other Coros watches, you have your choice of nylon and silicone bands, and the lightest option is a reasonable 49g. The Coros Nomad is available for $349 / £319 in three colorways: Green, Brown, and Dark Grey via Coros.

• The best GPS watches: smart timepieces to keep every adventure on track
• The best cheap GPS watches 2025: log your adventures without depleting your savings

For 31 years, Ann Trason's 18:06:24 course record at the Leadville 100 has stood as the time to beat – this weekend, it finally toppled as Anne Flower made her debut at the Colorado race and set a blazing new women's time.

The 35-year-old Colorado Springs resident surged ahead of Justin Grunewald with just two miles to go, arriving at the finish line on Saturday night in 17:58:19. That shaved eight minutes off Ann Trason's longstanding 1995 course record, and like Trason, placed Flower second overall behind David Roche. The closest any other female runner has come to Trason's time was in 2024, when Mary Denholm won in her debut 100 miler in 18:23:51.

Flower, an ER doctor, was not only making her debut in the high altitude race – it was her first 100 miler ever. However, she's been a regular at Colorado 50k and 100k events over the past five years, and came in first overall in the 2024 Javelina 100k.

Joining Flower on the podium were Imogen Ainsworth, 37, from Poncha Springs, CO, who took seventh overall in 19:36:42 and Lea Mulligan, 26, from Chattanooga, who placed ninth overall in 20:39:04.

Men's results

As if the women's race wasn't exciting enough, the men's race also delivered a stunning new course record, from none other than current record holder David Roche.

Roche blazed a whole new trail last year in the Leadville 100 when he finally broke the 19-year record set by Matt Carpenter only four months after a serious bike accident where he was hit by a car. He followed that with a win at the Javelina Jundred last November and then set his sights on this year's Western States, a race he said he intended to win.

His WSER dreams were dashed, however, with Roche dropping out around mile 62 mark, but it seems that by Saturday morning, he'd had enough time to lick his wounds and decided last minute to join the race. Back on familiar soil, Roche returned to familiar form and finished in 15:12:30, 14 minutes faster than his previous course record.

"11 days ago, there was zero chance I was going to race Leadville. I was still processing my very public failure at Western States. I just wasn’t ready," writes Roche on Instagram, who says it was his wife, coach Megan Roche, who convinced him to run.

"I genuinely didn’t think a record was remotely possible."

We'll look forward to Roche's race recap, where he'll no doubt share just how many running gels he consumed to hold that 9:07/mile pace.

Boulder resident Justin Grunewald took second place (and third overall) in 18:06:34, which will feel good after a couple of DNFs this year at Canyons Endurance Runs and Arc of Attrition by UTMB. Leadville local and Lake County High School cross country coach Pat Cade took third place in 18:25:23.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Teva Aventrail Running Sandals: first impressions 

When Teva announced it was releasing its first-ever trail running sandal and that it would take its cues from maximalist shoes, we were intrigued. The best trail running shoes, after all, require stability and protection, and something about a bouncy sandal just felt a bit wrong.

Running sandals aren't exactly a new concept, though they're certainly niche, but past models have been of the minimalist variety, such as those designed by Xero Barefoot. But instead of a thin sole and thong upper, the Aventrails are a robust, chunky affair.

The key talking point is the beefy midsole, which looks more like one found on something like the Hoka Mafate X than any running or hiking sandal we've tested. It's composed of a responsive EVA foam on the bottom and a light supercritical foam underfoot, while a nylon plate sandwiched between the two is designed to add protection and stability.

When wearing them, the initial sensation is one of extreme plushness that I found stayed with me for up to two hours on the trail, and delivers quite a springy run. And despite how substantial they are, they’re really quite light.

For the upper, Teva has combined its W strap system, which offers three points of adjustability using hook-and-loop fastenings, with a stretchy knit bootie that means none of the strap touches your skin. The result is a surprisingly snug fit where your foot doesn’t move around as much as you might expect, though I found that it wasn't totally free of rubbing. Wearing these with trail running socks would probably help, but I couldn't help thinking that’s defeating the purpose of running in sandals in the first place.

The whole point of these sandals is to get off the beaten (or paved) path, and I found the lugs on the Spider Rubber outsole to be a good match for both gravel roads and a mix of grass and bog.

It seems a bit redundant to mention that these sandals are breathable, because of course they are, and for that reason, they’re obviously a boon for running in hot weather, and they drain quickly if you meet water. When things get a little more technical, such as on steep singletrack, they do show a little weakness, but overall, they handle straightforward trails with aplomb, and they’re a great solution for adventure travel where you want versatile footwear that can be use for running and as a water shoe.

Teva Aventrail Running Sandals: in the field

My first experience with Teva sandals was back in 2009. I’d just moved to the Rockies and got a pair for river trips and, because that's what everyone else was doing, open-toed summer hiking. The soles were stiff, the straps a little hard to adjust and not the most comfortable, and I wore them for years, though rarely for hiking. When I heard about the Aventrails, I was skeptical, but curious.

I decided to pick a trail that wasn’t hugely technical to test them out over a couple of runs. But I wanted to give them a proper run for their money, too, so I chose a trail system that has some steeper slopes mixed in with rolling terrain, lots of grass and bog, and a little gravel. The first time I wore them, I ran for about an hour, and the second time for two hours.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a UK size 4 (US size 6), and found that they run true to size. That's a half size up for me, so it gives my feet a little room to swell, though I honestly wasn’t sure if that applies in sandals. Anyway, the upper is neither too tight nor too loose, and there’s little room at the end, but not so much that I trip over.

My first impression when I put these on was surprise at how comfortable they are. In fact, they feel a lot more like a cushy pair of Hokas (and I mean Bondi 8s) than what I usually associate with sandals, and they have a good deal of arch support, which is great for me. This meant ongoing comfort underfoot out on the trail, and after two hours of running, I didn’t have any foot fatigue and really enjoyed the barefoot sensation, even in boggy areas.

The only issue I’ve had with these sandals is that after about an hour, they start rubbing my outer pinkie toe, and I’m not totally sure why. It left me with a small blister and wasn’t too serious, but it made me nervous about wearing these for long days. In both cases, I wasn’t wearing socks with them, and I wonder if that would help, but I honestly can’t imagine the point of wearing running sandals with socks. Surely the appeal is the barefoot-and-free feeling?

Stability and responsiveness

Because I’ve never run in sandals before, I started out really gingerly and made a point of using my running poles for stability. I just couldn’t believe that the high stack would be that stable and thought my feet would be slipping around, but amazingly, these performed pretty well, and as the miles went by, I started to get more confident and run faster and more naturally, even on steeper downhill sections.

The only time I had any issues with my feet sliding around was when I reached a particularly narrow bit of singletrack.

No surprises, but that high stack and nylon plate translate into a really smooth, responsive ride, even when I had to cross a short section of tarmac, and gives you almost no trail feedback besides that of bouncing.

Protection and grip

Sandals and protection don’t exactly go hand-in-hand, but I haven’t had any problems with toe stubbing. I think it’s because the wide geometry essentially acts like the edge of a bumper car and deflects any rocks or roots. That said, I haven’t had these out on really rocky trails and the thought of it still makes me nervous.

I was fully expecting them to constantly trap small particles of dirt between my foot and the sandal (with my old Tevas I was constantly stopping to empty them out), but I had no such problems. It seems like the knit bootie works to keep grime out, or perhaps I'm just towering so high above the ground that no gravel reaches my feet.

The Spider Rubber outsoles have decent-sized tiered traction lugs and have sufficed perfectly well for the terrain I’ve used these in. I’ve never slipped, but the trails have been fairly straightforward and non-technical.

Should you buy?

If you’re a sandal fanatic, these shoes could be the ones you’ve been waiting for. They somehow manage to combine the bounce of a maximalist shoe with that fresh, open-toed feel, but the rubbing on the pinkie toes could pose a problem.

What these shoes do well is provide a solution to adventure vacations where you want to travel light. If I were going somewhere like Corsica or Gran Canaria where I was expecting warm weather and wanted to run, hike, and get in the water but didn’t want to check a bag in, I could realistically wear these shoes on the place and use them for all my activities.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

The Suunto Run: first impressions 

The Suunto Run is the Finnish brand's first GPS watch aimed exclusively at runners, and its first watch priced at under $250. In a nutshell, that means it's largely stripped away features that aren't necessary for runners, and focused on a watch that's lightweight, low profile, has music storage and provides great metrics and tracking across different types of running, such as trail, track, and treadmill plus a dedicated marathon mode. It also has plenty of other activity modes that runners might use as cross training, such as yoga, swimming and cycling, and even a few unrelated ones, like climbing and orienteering.

Despite its more budget-friendly price tag, the Run boasts a bright AMOLED display that you can view easily in any conditions, though it has simple line and pointer navigation rather than proper maps, which may be a downside for trail runners. It's got a super accurate GPS and heart rate monitor, with the Suunto app providing you with more data than you could ever need.

With a 1.8in (46mm) case, it's around the same size as the Suunto Race S with a low profile design, and it's lighter than many other watches we've tested. The nylon strap secures with hook-and-loop fastenings, and it's one of the most comfortable and secure designs we've tried.

The Run is operated with three buttons: a digital crown that takes you straight into the different sports modes if you press it, and can also be used to scroll through what Suunto calls your Widgets: control panel, heart rate, step count, sleep tracking and more. There's a Back button and a button that takes you directly into your most recent sports mode if pressed from the home screen. It's all slightly less confusing than the Race, where we always felt like no matter what we pressed, we ended up in the same place, and the buttons all work well.

You can also control the Run via the touchscreen, swiping up or down to access the Control Panel, and left to get right into sports modes, and it's all very responsive, though a bit surprising that you can't turn the touchscreen off.

On the features front, the Run is packed with all the cutting-edge training tools you'd expect, and it almost seems redundant to mention anymore, but just in case we need to, you'll find heart rate monitoring and GPS, a pulse oximeter, barometric altimeter, sleep tracking and recovery predictions. The homescreen can be tailored to show your current altitude, heart rate, calories burned, or whatever it is you want to keep an eye on.

Once you get out on the trail, the GPS is truly pristine, as is the heart rate tracking, and if you're running, you can train by duration, distance, calories burned or ascent. Interestingly, the Run advertises Sunnto's Ghost Runner mode, where a virtual pacer runs just ahead of you, but the watch we were sent to test seemed to be missing this feature, with no obvious way to download it.

When you get home from a run, one of the most glorious things about the Suunto app is that you'll be able to watch a digital flyover of your route on the 3D topo map so you can force the details of your run upon your friends and family endlessly.

The battery life definitely didn't seem to hold up to claims. With regular usage, meaning used most days for a run, hike or swim, we found we didn't even get a week out of a single charge (more like five days), and while that will sound like a lot to some Garmin users, it's nothing compared models like the Coros Pace 3 which lasts for weeks. As the battery drains, the watch becomes less responsive, which makes it difficult (or at least annoying) to get real-time data when you're out on the trail.

Because it's designed to be light and running-focused, it's not a full smartwatch, but you can read messages and receive call alerts, and even control music playback.

In total, the Run has 34 different sports modes, including water sports, and while it's not a dive watch, it is waterproof for swimmers. There's no LED flashlight, which at this price point should be obvious, but there is a bright white screen, which does provide a little illumination, if not enough to ditch your headlamp in winter.

Like every GPS watch on the planet, to access the entirety of metrics available, you need to wear this watch night and day so it can gather as much data as possible, and this one was fairly comfortable to wear for a few nights of testing. We especially appreciated how easy it is to turn on sleep mode so it doesn't wake everyone up with an unnecessary flashing green heart rate monitor.

The Run has accomplished some of its goals in that it's light, comfortable, affordable, and has some good running tools, and the AMOLED screen certainly ranks it higher than some budget watches, but it also falls short on battery life, maps and some promised features that seem to be missing. It's a good start and a good price, but if you're not too tied to the bright screen, you can probably find a better watch in the same price range.

Suunto Run: in the field 

I've been testing the Suunto Run for most of the summer, which means I've had it out here on the trails of Scotland, in the Lake District and in Verbier in the Swiss Alps. I've used it for hikes, yoga, and pool swimming as well as trail running, but here I'll mostly focus on how it performed for running.

I've been wearing it on my right wrist and my Coros Pace 3 on my left wrist to see how the two compare in terms of metrics.

Here’s how it performed:

Design

Being a lower-priced and lighter model, the Run is mostly made of plastic, but it does have a stainless steel bezel, and in general, it seems to be of good quality and robust build.

I tested the bright and fun Sonic Lime colorway, which came with two different-sized wrist straps (S/M and ML). The straps were a bit fiddly to put on, but the smaller size is perfect for my wrist, and I was really pleased with how comfortable and secure it feels.

It's secured by hook-and-loop fastenings, and it never budges once it's on. It's a little bigger than my Coros, and even the Suunto Race S, but it's relatively low profile, which means it's not annoying and doesn't make it difficult to get my clothes or backpack on when I'm wearing it. It also meant I could wear it overnight for a few nights, which I sometimes find impossible with bulkier watches.

The AMOLED screen does what it says on the tin and is easy to see whether I'm running in brilliant sunshine, overcast conditions or a downpour.

The Run looks like most watches I've tested, with three buttons on the right side of the case, and Suunto has simplified the buttons presumably after so much feedback about them being complicated in models like the Race, so it all became pretty instinctive pretty quickly. The placement of the digital crown button does mean that sometimes my wrist accidentally presses it when I'm doing a plank (an occupational hazard as a yoga teacher), but if you don't love plank as much as I do, this won't present much of an issue.

Features

Suunto bills this watch as being geared towards runners, and in a sense that's true, since it's the first to have a track running mode, but I think the sports tracking features and metrics are largely the ones we've all come to expect from a sports watch, like heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen. I found the heart rate tracking to be extremely precise and especially during pool swimming.

In addition to the new track running mode, there's a marathon mode and interval training, which I think is fairly standard, but useful. One feature I was excited to test out was Ghost Runner, or a virtual pacer, but I couldn't find it anywhere on the watch, even after reading online guides. In the end, I asked my contact at Suunto and received a video showing me where to find out, and it turns out I'm not technologically challenged; it just isn't there. As I'm writing, they're looking into it to see what might have gone wrong, and I'll update this if there turns out to be a solution, but my investigations have at least revealed that SuuntoPlus doesn't work on the Run, so it may be that's why.

Several times, I've downloaded a GPX file from AllTrails and sent it to my Run, which was a painless procedure. This watch doesn't have proper maps like the Race, but it means I can use breadcrumb navigation. I'm really pleased with the accuracy of it, but I can't help but think that trail runners seeking a run-specific watch would probably prefer maps.

The Suunto Run is the first watch from the brand to offer music storage, I guess because they assume most runners want to listen to music. I don't listen to music on the trail, so I didn't use this function, though it seems as though you drag the mp3 files over onto your computer, which somehow seems outlandishly outdated since most people stream music rather than download it these days. In theory, it would mean a road runner could ditch the phone and download a playlist or podcast and control music from the watch, but for those of us heading out on the trails, it seems prudent to bring the phone along for safety.

This is a training watch, so don't expect lots of smartwatch features, but you can read text messages, which I find handy on the trail, and check the weather forecast.

Performance

This watch is much more intuitive than the Race S and I had no problem just getting out on the trail with it from day one. It's easy to navigate and on the trail, I find the GPS to be brilliantly accurate.

It's super responsive until it's not, which means that as the battery starts to drain, nothing happens when I lift my wrist, and I find that annoying on the trail if I want to see how far I've gone or how long I've been out for.

As for the battery, that's probably my biggest gripe about this watch, since I don't think it's nearly as good as advertised. I took it with me on a trip to the Alps and wore it for a trail run on the first day followed by two days of hiking. It died on day three, which is under the 20 hours of GPS mode, and I had to charge it again for my final day of running. In normal use, meaning that most days I do a run, hike, swim or yoga class, I get maybe five days of use out of it. Compared to some watches, that's quite good, but it doesn't even touch my Coros Pace 3, and means for active trips you'll need to bring the charger.

The Run is charged by a charging cradle, and that's another area that needs refinement, as it's a bit fiddly to get the watch on the cradle and easy for it to slip off. Once it's on, it does charge quickly.

While the GPS and heart rate monitor are really precise, I did find some flaws with sleep tracking and step count. I wore this for the requisite three nights of sleep, and on one night I definitely got up to go to the toilet and my watch showed no signs of having noticed, which is a bit alarming. I've also had the experience where I've been sitting for a while and got up to do something, then 10 minutes after I've sat back down, I get an alert telling me I've been sitting too long. I don't pay much attention to step count generally, but it's clear to me that it's missing some motion.

Value

At $249 / £199 the Suunto Run is definitely friendlier on the wallet than previous efforts from the brand, and that's a good price for the AMOLED screen and access to Suunto's amazing training data. However, it's noticeably lacking in some features you can get for $100 more in the Race S and even if it doesn't look as fancy, I think the Coros Pace 3 is overall a better watch for a cheaper price.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Cape Town has been chosen to host the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, marking the first time the prestigious races will be held in Africa.

The 2027 races will be held between October 6 and 10, bringing runners from around the world to the challenging trails of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, two iconic peaks that overlook the South African capital city, offering views of the Atlantic.

“There is surely no better backdrop to this prestigious event than our very own Wonder of the Natural World, the iconic Table Mountain," says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who also took the opportunity to warn aspiring competitors of the demands of the area's trails.

"Runners should not be fooled by her beauty and her fame – Table Mountain’s rugged trails and steep elevations will pose a stern challenge to elite runners and mass participants alike."

An estimated 1200 runners from more than 80 nations are predicted to compete in the championship races, with a further 2,000 runners joining the mass participation events.

Cape Town already hosts a race on the UTMB World Series circuit, the Ultra Trail Cape Town, due to take place this year on November 21 - 23, as well as the Cape Town Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, one of the most scenic ultras in the world. However, the news from the city's trails has not always been positive, with Tom Evans getting mugged during a training run for the Ultra Trail in November 2023, and a further three runners mugged during the race.

The World Mountain Running Championships started out as an annual fixture in 1985, while the World Trail Championships launched in 2007. The two events merged in 2021 and are held every other year. This year's races are scheduled to take place in Canfranc in northern Spain's Aragon Valley, September 25 - 28.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Trailforks has finally released its long-awaited Apple Watch app, and you can now access and navigate trails offline, track your activities and monitor your performance all from your wrist. The move means you can access Trailforks' growing network of nearly 800,000 trails across the globe and seamlessly integrate your health and performance data across other apps.

Most of us run, hike or ride with a GPS watch these days, which allows us to do all of these things, but a recent survey by Strava reveals that the majority of people still prefer to use a third-party app, so it's no surprise that Trailforks has decided to get in on the action.

"Bringing our maps to Apple Watch is another way we’re meeting users where they are – with a unique app that puts the entire Trailforks trail network on an offline map, right on your wrist, making every adventure safer, smarter, and more fun,” says Trailforks founder Trevor May.

Just like AllTrails, there's both a free and a paid (Trailforks Pro) version, which offer different levels of access. Trailforks Pro users will have access to offline maps and navigation, the ability to add waypoints and Traildar directly from the map screen while you're on the go, plus you can view your current location on a Trailforks map, complete with nearby trails. If you have a trail you run or hike often, you'll also be able to quickly select it the next time you hit the trail.

Free users will have access to the following perks:

• Start and stop your recordings with a single tap.
• Record multiple activity types, including trail running, hiking, skiing and mountain biking.
• Auto-pause functionality when you want to take a break.
• Monitor your total time, distance, average speed, elevation gain, and heart rate in real-time.
• Post-run analysis seamlessly integrated with your Trailforks account.
• Visualize your ride or run with breadcrumb trails and location history.
• Sync your health data directly into Apple’s Health app.

Trailforks is a user-generated trail management system. Check out our comparison of Trailforks vs AllTrails and learn more about the new Apple Watch app here.

• The best cheap GPS watches: log your adventures without depleting your savings
• The best running watches: tech to help you outpace your PB

Runners, hikers, and other athletes from all over the world rely on their Garmin sports watch to track their movements and monitor fitness in the wilderness.

The best Garmin devices combine a sturdy, durable exterior with a sleek design and plenty of built-in sports features.

Garmin models from up and down the price range include loads of handy workout modes to help you up your game and multiple health monitors to keep score of your fitness. Top-end models like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 955 cover everything from jet lag to water skiing, while budget options like the Forerunner 55 offer a basic but dependable set of metrics for workout tracking.

With so many different options, using your Garmin to track workouts might seem a little daunting. Don't worry, Garmin makes it simple enough, and you can start tracking your workouts by following a few simple steps.

Read on for our guide to tracking your workouts with a Garmin device, including advice on how to find workouts and view them on your phone or computer.

How to select an activity

Garmin devices come with basic sports monitoring modes, known as activities, for individual sports.

These modes collect different fitness data relevant to said sport. For example, if you select the running activity, your device will measure your cadence and running dynamics in addition to basic info like your time, speed, and heart rate.

If you select hiking, it will monitor different metrics like your elevation gain and altitude.

Activities will also track your position in the wilderness with your device's GPS tracking. Garmin watches have a stellar reputation for accurate and dependable GPS, so you can stick to the trails wherever you are in the wilderness.

Finding and selecting an activity is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:

• Press the Start/Stop button
• Scroll through the Activities list and select one
• Select Start to begin your workout

How to select a workout

Activities track your health with precision, but don't guide you through a workout. If you want to follow a step-by-step training plan, you can use Garmin's workouts mode to find pre-made or custom workouts that you can edit and change to suit your preferences.

Like Activities, Workout modes also track your position via GPS.

You can select a workout by following a few basic steps:

• Press the Start/Stop button
• Select the Workouts app
• Select an activity type
• Select a workout from the available list
• Select Do Workout
• Press the Start/Stop button to begin

How to create a workout

If you're feeling a little creative, you might want to make your own workout, which you can customize to suit your preferences on the trails. This might sound a touch daunting, but it's easy enough once you get the hang of things.

You can create a workout on the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express website:

Via the Garmin Connect app

• Open the Garmin Connect app
• Select More in the bottom right
• Select Training and Planning
• Select Workouts
• Select Create a Workout
• Select a workout type from the activities listed (Run, Bike, Swim etc)
• Create your workout by choosing from the options available, including your distances, rest times, target pace, target calories burned, and more
• Select save
• Your workout will now be available under My Workouts

Via the Garmin Express website

• Sign in to the Garmin Express website on a web browser
• Select Training and Planning
• Select a workout type
• Create your workout by choosing from the options available, including your distances, rest times, target pace, target calories burned, and more
• Select Save Workout
• Select Send to Device to access your workout under My Workouts on your Garmin watch

How to view your progress

Once you've completed your hike, run, or other workout, it's time to check your stats and see how you got on.

You can see data from your individual workouts on your Garmin device, via the Garmin Connect app, or on the Garmin Express website.

You'll then be able to view a detailed analysis of your performance and a round-up of all the metrics that your watch tracked while you moved. You can also find detailed breakdowns of specific measurements, like your heart rate and lap data.

If you want a broader vision of your progress, you can access detailed charts and graphs that display your stats over time, to show how you've improved with each workout.

Accessing your activity data is an easy job, whether you're using a mobile device, laptop, or your Garmin watch itself.

Via the Garmin Connect app

• Open the Garmin Connect app
• Select More
• Select Activities
• Select the specific activity you want to view
• Select Charts to view your data

Via the Garmin Express website

• Sign in to Garmin Connect via a web browser
• Select Activities
• Select the activity you want to view, and your stats will appear

Via your Garmin device

• Hold the Menu button
• Select History
• Select Activities
• Select the activity you want to see
• Select All Stats to see your data

You can also track your health and fitness stats on the Strava app by syncing your Garmin device with the workout-specific social media. To find out more, check out our expert guide to syncing your sports watch with Strava.

If you want additional coaching, the Garmin Coach feature will provide a personalized workout regimen based on your individual targets and progress on the trails. Find out how to use it here.

• The best cheap GPS watches: log your adventures without depleting your savings
• The best GPS watches: feature-packed timepieces to keep you on course

Eyes up, trail runners, there's a new kid on the block. Tracksmith might be familiar to road runners, but the American brand has never made a foray into the trail scene - until now.

The new Tracksmith Eliot Range trail running shoes are the brand's first pair built for rugged wilderness trails rather than smooth roads. They're designed to optimize agility and comfort on the trails, and feature aggressive outsoles to keep you upright as you run.

Features

Although they're new to the market, these lightweight trail shoes boast several features that will be familiar to trail running enthusiasts.

Their woven ripstop uppers feature soft Merino wool linings, designed to increase comfort as you run. Merino wool is a popular choice for outdoor brands due to its smooth, non-itchy finish, and temperature regulating performance in extreme conditions.

Sturdy Vibram outsoles will also catch the eye. Vibram is the go-to choice for many brands for tough outsoles and is used by the likes of The North Face, Merrell, and Hoka. Vibram outsoles typically feature an aggressive formation of rubber lugs, designed to dig into rough terrain and stop you from slipping and falling.

The Eliot Range shoes are also lightweight, allowing you to speed through the trails without feeling weighed down. A men's US size 9 weighs in at just 9.9 oz (281g) per show.

They're available in two colorways: Clay / Silver / Gray / Faded Myrtle or just Faded Myrtle.

Price

At $240 (US only), the Eliot Range shoes are among the most expensive pairs on the market.

In comparison, our favorite lightweight trail running pair, Merrell Skyfire 2, comes from a well-established trail running brand and is available for just $200 (£170).

The Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes, which we ranked as our overall favorite trail running pair, also cost only $200 (£200).

We're yet to find out whether the Eliot Range trail running shoes are worth the full $240, but there's a lot to live up to with such a hefty price tag.

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Now that the dust has well and truly settled on the Western States 100 course, new data has revealed that one shoe brand was far and away the most popular choice among the competitors: Hoka.

A survey of data that was collected by the running site iRunFar and analyzed by TrailRunningReview.com shows that a whopping 32.6 percent of runners at the race this past June were wearing Hoka shoes.

The data was collected via video from a point early on in the race, and found that of the 369 competitors, some 118 took to the course in Hokas. Of those runners, 7.4 percent ran in the versatile and grippy Speedgoat 6s, while six percent ran in the springy Hoka Mafate Speed 4s and another six percent the propulsive, carbon-plated Tecton X 3s.

The results put Hoka about as far ahead of next-placed brand as Courtney Dauwalter was ahead of Katie Schide in the 2023 edition of the race, which is a long and winding way of saying that, in comparison, Altra was seen on just 12.4 percent of runners’ feet.

The Denver-based running brand is known for its low-to-zero drop and wide toe box in models like the Mont Blanc BOA beloved by Appalachian Trail champ Tara Dower, who put up a good fight at this year's race but DNFd at the 73-mile mark.

Annecy-based Salomon takes 7.7 percent of the pie, and Nike, which hasn’t previously been known for paying much attention to trail, was in fourth place at 6.3 percent and on the feet of overall winner Caleb Olsen, who raced in the new Ultraflys. Brooks, an early pioneer of trail running shoes, has slipped down in favor, coming in sixth place after burgeoning Adidas Terrex.

What’s perhaps more interesting is that brand representation at the starting line doesn’t seem to translate to representation at the finish. While the data collected doesn’t reveal who was wearing what, we can say with some certainty that only one person on either podium was wearing Hokas, and that’s second-placed Fuzhao Xiang who was powered to the finish by the yet-to-be-released Rocket X Trail. Winner Abby Hall and third-placed Marianne Hogan were running in shoes from their sponsors at Adidas Terrex and Salomon.

On the men’s podium, Hoka runner Jim Walmsley looked a dead cert to grab another podium in his Tecton X 3s, but he dropped out of the starting line up a couple of months before the race, leaving Caleb Olsen, Chris Myers and Kilian Jornet to take home the three winning buckles in shoes from Nike, Brooks and NNormal respectively.

What can we learn from this? That Hoka is officially a household name and that there’s no such thing as the perfect running shoe, probably. Read all the results at iRunFar and check out our guide to which Hoka trail running shoes are best for you.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

First impressions

Helly Hansen is one of the world's oldest and most trusted outdoor brands.

The Norwegian stalwart was founded in 1877 by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen, who wanted a better way to protect himself from the harsh conditions at sea. Tired of toiling in soaking clothes, Hansen and his wife, Margarethe, created innovative waterproof jackets and pants to protect sailors from the wind and waves while they worked.

In the almost 150 years since, Helly Hansen has earned a stellar reputation for creating comfy and reliable outdoor apparel for people preparing to get out and take on the elements, gear such as the new Tech T-shirt 2.0.

This trail-ready top is made from breathable 100%-recycled polyester and is designed for repeated use on the trails. With comfort and moisture control the main priorities, the T features flatlock seams, and the material is moisture-wicking and quickly sheds sweat, so you can trek or run without irritating additional weight or moisture.

This Helly Hansen top, which is available in six different colorways, is bluesign approved, meaning it's been manufactured to the highest possible standards for environmental and worker protection.

Helly Hansen Tech T-shirt 2.0: on the trails

I was lucky enough to snag two Tech 2.0 T-shirts in June, when I joined the AQA hiking charity for their ascent of Ben Nevis, in Scotland.

Following my trip to the Highlands, I've put the Colbalt and Grey Fog colorways to the test over plenty of high-intensity treks and trail runs in the English countryside. I was treated to plenty of varied weather in testing, including several rainy days and a scorching heatwave.

Read on to see how the Helly Hansen Tech 2.0 T-shirt got on in the field.

Fit and comfort

There's little worse than an ill-fitting T-shirt on the trails. Too small and you can feel constrained, but too big and you can feel like you're drowning in excess material.

The Tech 2.0 T-shirt dodges these problems with a comfortable fit that feels snug in all the right places without getting too tight. True to size, it fit nicely around my stomach, chest, and shoulders without constraining my movements.

I'm often irritated by the sleeve lengths of outdoor tops, which can be unfashionably baggy or rise so high up my upper arms that they feel like a vest. The sleeves on the Tech 2.0 T-shirt strike a happy medium, falling a couple of inches above my elbow and exposing a little upper arm without riding onto my shoulders.

For reference, I'm 6ft 1in tall, and wore a size medium throughout testing.

The 100%-recycled polyester material was also comfortable and never caused any irritation or chaffing. I wouldn't describe it as soft, but it felt pleasant enough against my skin, and gets my seal of approval for its effective moisture-wicking and quick-drying performance on the trails.

The Tech 2.0 T-shirt obviously isn't waterproof or water-resistant in any way, but the fabric is hydrophobic and the garment sheds rain pretty quickly, and always dries off a few minutes after a downpour. I really appreciated this on long, hot treks, when more absorbant fabrics would've been weighed down by sweat.

The Tech 2.0 is still comfortable after multiple hours of testing and hasn't taken any significant damage. The fabric feels the same as it did when I first put it on, and design features, like the stylish printed Helly Hansen logo, look unblemished.

It's impossible to say what my Tech 2.0 will look like in a few months, but polyester offers excellent long-term durability.

Weight

At 6.7oz (190g), the Tech 2.0 T-shirt starts off lightweight, and it doesn't get soaked with sweat or rain. My T-shirts proved light and airy in all manner of weather conditions, and I never felt like it was weighing me down.

If you're looking for something uber lightweight to wear on the trails, you can find the 3.7oz (105g) Patagonia Ridge Flow running T-shirt, and others like it in our expert guides to the best running tops and the best hiking shirts.

Price

Along with its dependable quality and longevity in the wilderness, Helly Hansen gear is known for its hefty price tags. However, with a list price of $30 (£25), the Tech 2.0 T-shirt is actually comparatively cheap.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best hiking shirts: choose one of these great fitting active tops with bags of technical clout
• The best running tops: for training and races on all terrains
• How Advnture tests products

Sierre-Zinal is one of mountain running's most iconic trail races, and the course proved to be a worthy opponent for Katie Schide this year, as the runner managed to take third place on the podium just seconds ahead of the next runner.

Fresh off a win at Colorado's Hardrock 100 race in July, the Maine native headed to the Swiss Alps for the 31k course, which takes runners up a steep 7,220ft (2,200m) climb from the start and ends with a 3,600ft (1,100m) vertical drop in the Valais Alps.

It wasn't Schide's first time on the course; she ran it back in 2021 in an elites-only edition during Covid while testing out an early prototype of the On Cloudvista shoes that she's now back in after returning to her original sponsors earlier this year. In that race, she didn't get close to the podium, so she knew how hard it was going to be, writing to Instagram last week: "I really can’t think of a more competitive trail race out there. A perfect place to be humbled by some crazy fast ladies."

In the end, she shaved nearly 20 minutes off her previous time, coming in at 2:58:32, but it was a tough battle for the podium, with Switzerland's Maude Mathys coming in only 25 seconds behind her. Mathys still holds the women's course record and has won the race four times since it began in 1974.

The real story from the race, however, is the many victories enjoyed by Kenyan runners this year. In the women's race, Joyline Chepngeno's downhill skills gave her gold for the second year running with a time of 2:54:50, just seconds slower than last year's win. Caroline Kimutai started out in the lead but got swallowed up by Chepngeno and took second place, coming in less than a minute behind the winner.

In the men's race, Kenyan runners dominated the entire podium with Philemon Kiriago taking his third win on the course in 2:28:45, though he failed to touch Kilian Jornet's course record. Less than 30 seconds later, Patrick Kipngeno joined him at the finish line after another extremely tight battle with Michael Selelo Saoli, who took third place only five seconds behind him. Italy's Francesco Puppi was further down the list, taking 10th place.

The race was the final event of the Golden Trail World Series, before the Ledro Sky Trentino Grand Finale on October 9 -12. Check out the full results of Sierre-Zinal here.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Kilian Jornet might not have taken home the gold buckle at this year's Western States, but his third-place finish meant he still managed to shave more than an hour and 15 minutes off his last win on the course. The experience seems to have ignited something else in the Spanish ultra runner: a desire to explore the American West.

Jornet announced today that his next project is to link up every 14er – that's a mountain over 14,000ft – in the lower 48 states by foot and bike. The project, titled States of Elevation, will take the 37-year-old across 67 summits in Colorado, California and Washington, and includes such famous mountains as Mount Whitney and Mount Rainier.

Jornet plans to set off in early September, which is towards the end of 14er season for mere mortals, but we've previously seen the mountaineer summit all 177 peaks over 3,000m in the Pyrenees in just eight days in 2023 and climb all 82 4,000m Alpine peaks in just 19 days in 2024, so we know he's not afraid of moving fast. Nor is he a stranger to a pair of crampons, which is a good thing because those NNormal Kjerags probably aren't going to cut it when he hits the snowline.

Jornet plans to start his expedition on Longs Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park and though he hasn't stated a timeframe for the attempt, his team says he'll be moving the equivalent of a Tour de France stage (that can be as much as 155 miles / 250k) and a marathon each day to beat winter in the high country.

Jornet, who's also set records on the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc and scaled Everest without supplemental oxygen, says there are two reasons he chose this as his next project.

"What I experienced in the Pyrenees and the Alps motivated me to keep exploring this dimension of long traverses with a strong physical, cognitive, and creative component," says Jornet.

"It’s also about exploring the American West – the vastness of the terrain and the cultures that have lived and continue to live there, as well as a nature that is often wild and incredibly diverse, ranging from alpine areas to dense forests and deserts."

Once again, Jornet plans to share real-time updates across social media and via the NNormal blog.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

First impressions

As with everything else in the new L.I.M. ZT II range from swanky Swedish outdoor brand Haglöfs, the Men’s Air Bottoms come with a hefty price tag that feels as though it weighs more than the garment itself. Can you justify such an outlay for a pair of boxer briefs? Well, that depends on how much value you place on being comfortable and staying cool when you’re at the crag, on the trail or making your way up a mountain.

While they look and feel very lightweight, these underpants (well, their designers and marketers) talk a big technical game. Over the last few months, I put my backside on the line to test the Men’s Air undies out, and get to the bottom of whether all these claims are legit, or whether the brand is talking a load of Swedish meatballs.

Design and materials

The Air Bottoms can be used as running underwear, used in conjunction with leggings or trail running short that don’t come with an integrated liner, or worn beneath hiking shorts and pants. But, if you consider that good base layers in general don’t receive the credit they deserve when it comes to the adventure wardrobe (and they really don’t), then underwear gets a proper bum deal.

In much the same way that hikers obsess about boots and shoes, and then don’t spend enough time pairing them with decent socks, people will pore over the pros and cons of climbing and hiking pants for hours, and then wear any old undies beneath them. Wiser hill walkers and mountain moochers will tell you that comfort starts at the bottom of the layering system, so the very first thing you put on when you get up on the morning of an adventure is crucially important.

Made with Polartec Delta fabric, these undies aim to keep the wearer cool and allow the body to breathe during dynamic activity. The material mix is an even split between recycled polyester (which is tough and long lasting) and lyocell, a substance sourced from plants which is relatively ecofriendly, comfortable to wear next to the skin, and can deal with the build-up of bacteria that leads to bad odors (obviously, you do still need to launder them regularly… it can’t do all the heavy lifting). There is also a pinch of elastane in the ingredients, which gives the garment dynamic stretch, keeps the underpants in place and helps maintain their shape.

Arguably the most important trick the Polartec Delta fabric brings to the pants party is the ability to wick moisture (sweat) away from the body with its hydrophobic yarns, before encouraging it to evaporate with its hydrophilic yarns. This clever process keeps the wearer cool, and dry, and reduces the risk of such adventure-ruining horrors as nether-region chafing.

However, the design and material mix also means they are supportive where it counts, and there is plenty of stretch in the fabric, so your range of movement is never impeded. Cleverly, the elasticated waist band, which keeps the underpants in place, perforated with hundreds of small holes, to make even that element of the garment more breathable and less sweaty.

On the trails and in the hills

I have been wearing the L.I.M. ZT II Men’s Air Bottoms for all kinds of outdoor pursuits over the last few months, from running around trails (beneath shorts, I hasten to add), to using as an underlayer for hiking, biking, scrambling and climbing. My review, in a nutshell, is that they’re excellent undies for any dynamic adventure activity in which you’re likely to break a sweat – which has been especially good during this multi-heatwave summer. They deal with sweat brilliantly, and never get clingy and uncomfortable.

Running shorts often come with an integrated liner, but many – such as the Adidas Terrex Multi Trail Running Shorts and the Rab Talus – don’t, which means you have to decide whether to go commando or wear undies while you tackle the trails. If you do choose to go with an underlayer, don’t go with a thick pair of cotton boxers or briefs, as these will quickly become sweaty and nasty, leading to discomfort and potentially horrible chafing issues. I found the L.I.M. ZT II Men’s Air Bottoms brilliant for running, because they’re supportive, very breathable and the Polartec Delta fabric very effectively wicks moisture away from your body.

Whilst hiking, climbing and messing about on mountains – where I have been lucky enough to pair the them with other items in Haglöfs’ new L.I.M. ZT II range, including the excellent Flex Trousers – the L.I.M. ZT II Air Bottoms have proved themselves as the perfect underpants. They permit a really good range of movement, so you can scramble over boulders, stiles and over obstacles, and reach out for footholds on the crag. And, as above, they keep you cool where it counts and reduce sweating and rule out any chafing problems by wicking moisture away.

Also consider

Heading outdoors with a map doesn’t just help to keep you safe – it can help you discover natural features you might otherwise have overlooked or choose the best route to a summit according to your ability level. These days, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to online maps, with navigation apps like AllTrails, OS Maps and Komoot leading the way, and now the US Geological Survey has got in on the action.

The USGS is a scientific agency that studies the landscape of the US, so they’ve been amassing data useful to hikers and backcountry explorers for nearly 150 years. With the launch of its new digital 25K Recreational Topos – so-called because they have a 1:25,000 scale – you can access highly detailed maps of any area in the US you want to explore with a user-friendly design that the agency says is built for recreational users.

“Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a casual hiker, the new USGS maps are a game-changer for recreational activities,” says Ariel Doumbouya, a USGS geographer and product lead.

The maps show subtle changes in terrain so you can plan routes that match your skill level, time constraints, and interests. Specialized symbols denote important recreational features you might be interested in, such as trailheads, campsites, and other amenities. Rivers, trails and forests are emphasized to help you focus on recreational opportunities, as are protected areas, such as National Parks, to encourage responsible exploration.

“They empower adventurers to explore the outdoors with greater confidence, insights, and awareness of their surroundings,” says Doumbouya.

A 1:25,000 scale means one inch on the map represents 25,000 inches on the ground, or roughly 1.4 miles, which is the common scale used in Alaska, Canada, and by the U.S. Military.

The new 25K Recreational Topo is available through the USGS topoBuilder app, where you can customize and download digital OnDemand Topo maps featuring the most up-to-date data from The National Map. The maps can be integrated with GPS devices such as your phone, GPS watch or other apps, so you can use them for navigation in the field, and perhaps most exciting of all, they’re all free for digital use.

Check out our article on how to read a map to get the most out of your experience, and if you’re relying on a digital device for navigation, always carry a portable charger and consider bringing a paper map and compass for backup.

• The best cheap GPS watches: log your adventures without depleting your savings

When the UTMB finals starting list was revealed last week, we were thrilled to see how much trail running talent is going to be lining up in Chamonix in just a few weeks' time, but a little surprised to see Fuzhao Xiang on the 100k CCC list instead of the 100 miler – turns out she's got loftier goals in mind this year.

The Chinese trail running star recently placed a very admirable second at this year's Western States, marking her second consecutive silver buckle at the California race. Her 2024 time of 16:20:03 was the third-fastest female finish in history. She placed fourth at the 2023 UTMB race around Mont Blanc, but DNF'd last year, so we were hoping to see her come back for some redemption.

Over the weekend, however, Xiang revealed she's currently switched out her trail running shoes (the Hoka Rocket X Trail shoes if we're being exact) for crampons as the 34-year-old posted a video of herself on the summit of Muztagh Ata, a 7,000m peak in China.

Standing at 24,757ft (7,546m), Muztagh Ata is located at the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and Xiang says it took her just over 13 hours to reach the summit, where she encountered 43mph (70km per hour) winds.

"The original plan was a no-oxygen speed ascent, but in the final 100 meters I chose to breathe supplemental oxygen in response to how my body and the weather felt. It was both a fresh challenge and a brand-new beginning," says Xiang.

Though for experienced mountaineers, the mountain is considered one of the easier 7,000m peaks to climb, Xiang reveals that for her, it's just a training run, really: "Next peak: Mount Everest—see you there."

We don't yet have any details on when Xiang plans to summit the world's highest mountain, but we'll be cheering her on during this next chapter.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

• Like all good things, this deal has ended, but don't worry, you'll be the first to know if we spot any more great deals on running gear. You can browse all our deals here.

If you're moving over long distances, a running vest that can handle water, snacks, and extra layers without slowing you down is key. Right now, you can pick up the fully adjustable CamelBak Zephyr Pro Hydration Vest for just $79.73 at REI. That's a massive 50% discount on this hydration vest that ensures you'll have everything you need for whatever challenge lies ahead.

Advnture contributor Claire Maxted took this vest out on the trail and called it "wonderfully designed" and suitable for larger bodies with a lot of great features. At 8.5oz, it’s light for its 11L capacity, and the easy-to-use side adjustment straps mean it’s one-size-fits-all.

The 3D mesh venting down the back and under the shoulder straps is specifically designed for the different sweat areas of male and female bodies, based on CamelBak’s own body mapping research.

Claire did wish it had more pockets, but the large, zipped back compartment is easily large enough for spare clothes, a first aid kit and food. On the outside of the back compartment are two stretch pockets, one across the middle and one at the base that will fit a lightweight waterproof jacket or rain pants, with silicone grippers at the edges of each pocket so kit doesn’t slide out. At the front is a water-resistant pocket that is ideal for electrolyte and salt tablets, jelly babies and other small sweet snacks.

This deal applies to the Pigeon/Blue Surf colorway, but hurry, because the sale ends today on August 4.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the CamelBak Zephyr Pro Hydration Vest where you are.

The pack is compatible with the two 500ml soft bottles that it comes with, or a hydration bladder (not included). Finally there’s an included trekking pole quiver secured by poppers diagonally behind the pack.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the CamelBak Zephyr Pro Hydration Vest where you are:

• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs
• The best hydration bladders: water storage for adventures

First impressions

A good cap can be a godsend in the wilderness. Whether you're racing through the trails or navigating the wild while you hike, you never know when the sun will make an appearance, and you'll need some portable shade.

Running and hiking caps come in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite models are lightweight and easily portable, so you can chuck them in a backpack without adding unnecessary bulk to your load.

The Helly Hansen Cascade Shield cap ticks both boxes, weighing just 1.8oz (50g) and featuring a minimalist combination of polyester and elastane materials. So you can fold up your cap and stuff it in your backpack or pocket without a second thought.

The breezy exterior offers a decent amount of protection from the elements. Along with its sizable brim, it's coated in Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment, designed to shield you from wet weather on the trails.

Inside, there's a moisture-wicking inner headband in place to deal with sweat from your head to avoid saturation and extra weight.

The Cascade Shield cap is available in one size, which can be adjusted using a back buckle.

Helly Hansen Cascade Cap: on the trails

I got my hands on the Cascade Shield Cap in June, when I accompanied the AQA community hiking charity on a Ben Nevis trek supported by Helly Hansen.

In the time since, I've taken it on plenty of hikes and runs, putting this lightweight cap to the test in the varied weather of an English summer, which included a scorching heatwave and several rainy days on the trails.

Here's how it performed:

Fit and comfort

The Cascade Shield cap is a comfortable choice for protecting yourself from the sun.

Its polyester and elastane materials are lightweight and stretchy enough to fit snugly without feeling too heavy, and the thicker moisture-wicking inner headband added a nice bit of additional support. The handy back buckle provides a simple and effective way to tighten the headband, which wrapped nicely around my skull and never felt like it would fly off when I ran into strong winds.

My cap remained snug throughout testing, and the back buckle didn't loosen after plenty of runs and lengthy hikes.

The polyester material inside the cap is soft to the touch and never felt uncomfortable on my head, but did get a little sweaty on particularly hot days.

Due to its lightweight build and a few handy ventilation holes, overheating was never too much of an issue, but the top of the cap certainly doesn't have the same effective sweat-wicking as the inner band, which kept sweat from dripping into my eyes.

Protection from the elements

You never know when the heavens are going to open, and the cap's water-resistant DWR coating did a good job of keeping my hair dry in light rainfall, and put up a decent fight when it got a little heavier.

This cap isn't waterproof, so it won't do much downpour, but it offers some useful extra protection if you're caught in an unexpected shower without a raincoat or waterproof cap.

Like all DWR products, its water-resistant coating will fade over time and needs to be reapplied if you want to keep benefiting from its protection in the rain.

Weight and portability

At 1.8oz (50g), the Cascade Shield cap isn't as airy as some models like the Sealskinz Runham cap, but can still be considered lightweight and feels almost unnoticeable on the trails. It also has a bit more protection than the Runham cap, which is slightly thinner and doesn't have a DWR coating.

For this reason, the Cascade Shield is a great option for trail runners and hikers who want to shave every gram, but still need a little protection from the elements.

Its polyester brim is a touch thicker and heavier than the rest of the cap, but still felt light and provided ample shade as I navigated some sweltering days on the trails.

The Cascade Shield cap is great for adventurers on the go. You can fold, roll, or even scrunch it up and throw it in a backpack without adding any noticeable weight. When I didn't fancy wearing it, I'd often keep my cap in my pocket, where it took up little space and again felt unnoticeable.

I found this really useful as I sometimes trek without a backpack, and don't want to hold my cap when I'm not wearing it.

Price

One of the few things holding the Cascade Shield cap back is its price tag.

While $55 (£32) isn't extortionate, it certainly puts the Cascade Shield cap on the higher end of the price range, and might put you off given the other, cheaper options on the market.

For example, you can get your hands on the Salomon XA, another high-quality cap with many of the same features as the Cascade Shield, for as little as $25 (£22).

It's a shame that this cap isn't similarly priced. Helly Hansen gear is often expensive, but the Cascade cap wouldstand out from the crowd more if it cost just a few dollars less.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best running hats: tested for breathability and sun protection
• The best hiking hats: cozy beanies for mountains and sun hats for warmer days
• How Advnture tests products

If you're into trail running, chances are you've considered getting yourself a high-tech sports watch from Garmin. The American brand has been creating top-notch fitness wearables since the release of the Forerunner 201 in 2003 and has developed a stellar reputation for quality.

These days, Garmin is the biggest name in the sports watch market, selling upwards of 10 million devices every year. The best Garmin watches combine sleek and dependable design with super-accurate GPS and plenty of health trackers to help you monitor your progress on the trails.

If you've just got your hands on a brand new Garmin, there's plenty to get used to.

Along with their vast range of health and fitness features, Garmin watches have plenty of options for customization. Whether you're using a top-end device like the Fenix 8 or a cheaper alternative like the Forerunner 55, several aspects of your watch can be adapted to suit your preferences.

One of the best ways to add a little personality to your Garmin watch is by changing its watch face. This is the initial visual display on your device, where the clock hands would be on an analog clock.

How to change your watch face

Garmin offers three different ways to personalize your watch face:

• Personalize a pre-existing watch face on your device
• Choose a new watch face in the Connect IQ store
• Use your favorite photos to create a unique watch face using Garmin's Face It app.

All three methods can be completed in a few simple steps.

How to personalize a pre-existing watch face

Garmin watches come with an eye-catching handful of pre-existing watch faces, which you can customize to suit your individual preferences. There are loads of different parts of the watch face to personalize, including the layout, style of hands, style of numbers, and much more.

You can personalize a pre-existing watch face by following these simple steps on your Garmin device.

• Select Settings
• Select Watch Face
• Swipe up and down to choose your watch face
• Select Add New if you want a minimal watch face
• Once you've chosen a watch face, you can scroll through the available customization options
• Select Apply to save your new watch face

How to a choose new watch face in the Connect IQ store

The Connect IQ store is a platform where you can access additional apps and functions for your Garmin watch. Along with compatible apps and widgets, there are thousands of unique watch faces to choose from.

You can access the Connect IQ store through its app and see available watch faces in a few simple steps.

• Open the Connect IQ Store app on your mobile device
• Select My Device
• Select My Watch Faces

• Scroll through the options to find your chosen watch face
• Select settings
• Adjust the available options to customize your watch face
• Select Save

How to use your photos to create a unique watch face

Face It is an app, available on the Connect IQ store, which turns your favorite photos into watch faces. It's free to access and easy to use.

• Open the Connect IQ app on your mobile device
• Select Face It from the bottom menu
• Select Add
• Select Photos (to bring up your camera roll), Camera (to take a photo), or Preset Backgrounds (to choose from pre-installed options)

• Select Allow Access
• Select or take a photo, or choose a pre-installed option
• Choose display options
• Select Done or Save (depending on your device)
• Select Install to add the watch face to your Garmin device

• The best GPS watches: smart timepieces to keep every adventure on track
• The best cheap GPS watches: log your adventures without depleting your savings

First impressions

There are lots of good trail running socks out there, but in quite a crowded category, Buff – the Barcelona-based brand that specializes in ultralight and multifunctional head and neck tubes – are turning heads and heels with their new range of outdoor-active socks for runners and hikers.

After making their name with head tubes / neck gaiters (to the extent that Buff has become the generic name for such garments), in recent years, the Spanish specialists have branched out to produce garments including running caps and head bands, as well as warm beanies for winter, but this is their first foray into footwear.

And at first glance the socks look great, with the kind of funky colors and art-inspired designs that you’d expect to see on their vibrant and versatile face and head tubes. Unlike their iconic hiking headwear, however – a massive range which is famed for its versatility (the neck gaiters can be worn at least 7 different ways) – there is only one way to put your foot in these socks.

I’m sure you don’t need me to talk you through this, but you simply slide into these unisex socks toes first, before pairing them with some top-notch trail-running shoes, donning some shorts and a technical T-shirt, and hitting the trails. Which is exactly what I set out to do over the last few weeks, intrigued about whether the natural mint element used really could keep my floor slappers cool and stop the socks from getting pongy).

Style and design

Tailored to be left/right-foot specific, these truly crew-length socks (reaching halfway up the shin) are panelled to provide support where it’s really required, including across the all-important arch of the foot, where so many runners experience discomfort.

A sophisticated sock, as well as offering a nicely shaped heel and toe box, the CoolNets also have what Buff call ‘intelligent compression zones’, gently squeezing your feet in places where it helps the wearer in terms of comfort, support and stability during high-intensity activity, such as trail running.

Being a unisex sock with compression elements and ergonomic panelling, I do think Buff could have made these available in a wider range of sizes, so people could get them in a more precise fit for their feet.

Materials

Socks have to be tough, and while natural fibers such as merino wool and bamboo make very comfortable clothing, they often deteriorate over time. For the new CoolNet crew-length running socks, Buff have gone with a synthetic material mix that blends polyamide and polyester with a large helping of elastane, with the latter dynamic substance used to create the supportive qualities and zoned compression that help make this a great running sock.

The polyester content will help the socks wick moisture away from the foot, but polyamide is the largest ingredient in the yarn, and it's a shame that only 4% of it is from recycled sources. Buff proudly use 95% recycled polyester to make their signature neck gaiters, so hopefully the brand will increase the amount of second-life material used in their socks as they expand the range.

‘Polyamide’ is an umbrella term that can describe several fabrics, and we don’t know exactly what Buff have used here, but it’s likely nylon, which is very tough and pretty comfortable to wear, but is not as breathable as polyester (and certainly not as breathable as merino or bamboo). Nor can it deal with the accumulation of bacteria that leads to clothes collecting hard-to-shake nose-wrinkling bad odors over time.

To counter these issues (particularly pertinent in socks), Buff have done two things: firstly, the design includes mesh zones to help make the socks much more breathable. Secondly – and more interestingly – the ‘CoolNet’ design incorporates HeiQ Smart Mint Cooling and Odor Technology, a plant-based deodorizer that regenerates with each wash (up to at least 40 laundry cycles).

On the trails

A long-time fan of the brand’s multi-useful neck gaiters, I was pleased to discover that Buff had branched out into socks and excited to try them. Socks do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to comfort during running and hiking adventures (although they get very little of the glory), and despite looking simple, they’re harder to get right than almost anyone really appreciates.

I’ve been running in the CoolNet Crew socks (over a wide range of terrain and across a variety of distances) for the last few weeks, to see whether Buff have nailed it at their first attempt.

And the short answer is yes, pretty much. These are excellent running socks, with a really smart design created from a clever material mix that allows your feet to breathe and wicks moisture away. The fabric is hardwearing, the fit is very good (although I think they should improve the size selection) and the combination of zoned compression, targeted support and careful fabric selection means your feet are comfortable, even during long-distance runs.

The weather has been extraordinarily hot during the testing period, but I have found the mesh zones adequate enough to stop my poor feet from overheating.

And does the much-lauded mint treatment stop them from stinking? So far so good (even for a notoriously salty sweater such as myself). But, in all honesty, I need to wear them for a longer period than I have so far to truly assess this – all socks pong after being worn (right?), but wash-resistant bad odor only starts accumulating after many months of wear, which makes me a bit concerned about the 40-washes reactivation caveat mentioned on the HeiQ website – but we shall see, and I will update you accordingly.

Also consider

• August 22 update: since this article was written, Jim Walmsley has dropped out of the 100-mile race. Find out all the latest updates to the UTMB starting lineup in this article.

Jim Walmsley disappointed us all when he mysteriously disappeared from the Western States starting list this spring (it was later revealed to be due to a knee injury), but he's just redeemed himself by appearing on the list of starters for the UTMB finals in August.

Though the notoriously private runner hasn't commented publicly on his Instagram account yet, he's showing on the newly released list of starters for the men's 100-mile race around Mont Blanc.

Last time Walmsley took on the course was in 2023, when he surprised us all mid-race by picking up the pace and delivering a stunning new 19:37 course record. Can he do it any faster in 2025? After watching him storm the Mesquite Canyon 50k and Chianti Castles 100k in March, we're pretty sure that if anyone can, Walmsley can. Let's hope his knee is better and his Hoka Tecton X 3s are still doing the job.

Who else is running?

Walmsley will be up against a few challengers of note, including this year's Hardrock 100 winner Ludo Pommeret, as well as third-placed Germain Grangier (who also placed third last time Walmsley ran the finals), though Mathieu Blanchard is nowhere to be seen. Also on the starting line in Chamonix will be four-time UTMB winner Francois D’Haene and Jeff Mogavero, who took fourth at this year's Western States.

Seeking redemption will be the UK's Tom Evans who's been unable to complete the race since taking third in 2022 but delivered an impressive victory at this year's Arc of Attrition, Rod Farvard, who just DNFd at Western States (but took second place last year behind Walmsley) and Hayden Hawks who also pulled out of this year's WSER due to injury, but placed third in the race last year.

Perhaps the most notable person missing is last year's champion Vincent Bouillard, the little-known Hoka engineer who took us all by surprise when he sprinted to the finish and seemed quite surprised himself when he got there ahead of the pack. He recently DNFd during his first Western States attempt, but we'd like to see what else he's capable of.

Women's starters

Following on from last week's announcement that Courtney Dauwalter is returning to Chamonix in a bid to regain her title, the bad news is that Katie Schide is not on the starting list, so it looks like we won't be seeing a battle between ultra's two greatest female runners this year after all. But the possibility Dauwalter taking back her crown from Schide (and breaking the 22-hour mark?) is reason enough to tune in.

Dauwalter has never run in the UTMB finals and not won, so obviously she and her Salomon S/Lab Genesis shoes are a strong contender for first place, but there's an extremely healthy-looking women's field of runners hoping to upset Dauwalter's reign. First and foremost is Abby Hall, who's fresh off a Western States 100 win while New Zealand's Ruth Croft is back for another stab having taken second place last year behind Schide.

Canadian trail icon Marianne Hogan is no stranger to the UTMB (or WSER) podium, and she'll be on the course alongside UTMB veteran Katharina Hartmuth and Sweden's Ida Nilsson (who just placed fourth at WSER behind Hogan). Eszther Csillag and Heather Jackson were both defeated by this year's Western States race and are hoping for a better result in Chamonix. Oh, and Zimbabwe's Emily Hawgood can't resist another shot.

We're sorry to see China's Fuzhao Xiang isn't back for another go after an impressive second place at this year's Western States, but she's on the starting list for the 100k CCC race and recently posted a video of herself climbing a 25,000ft peak in China, so she's probably got enough on her plate.

You can view the full list of starters for 2025 here.

How to watch the UTMB finals

The UTMB finals take place over August 25 - 31 with the 100-mile finale starting on Friday, August 29. Once again, we'll be reporting live from the finish line in Chamonix, and you can follow all the action live at live.utmb.world in seven languages – French, English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian and Thai – with equal coverage of men's and women's race leaders.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

An ultra runner has been killed during a race in Romania after a violent storm broke out, causing the event to be cancelled as other participants required evacuation from the course.

The unidentified runner is said to be a man in his 50s who was competing in the Bucovina Ultra Rocks 88k race on Saturday, July 26. According to a Facebook post from the Department of Emergency Situations, which you can view below, a runner called emergency services at 9:47pm to report that the man had been caught by a falling tree at around 63km into the course in the area of the Giumalău Massif.

A multi-agency response was launched, however, rescuers encountered difficulties reaching the scene as the road was blocked by trees. Crews reached the man at around 11:25pm but were unable to resuscitate him. Approximately 23 other runners on the route had to be evacuated to mountain cabins or back to the start point for safety. Some were suffering mild hypothermia but none required hospital treatment.

In an official statement, race organizers call the storm "extremely violent" and say it occurred without any weather warning.

"Weather conditions were continuously monitored. At decision points, the available meteorological products did not indicate a severe, localized escalation in the Giumalău area. The phenomenon developed suddenly and locally."

As soon as they received news of the storm, they immediately suspended the race, and cancelled a shorter event due to take place on Sunday.

"Runners were located through the live‑tracking system and contacted by phone using the data provided at registration, then directed to assistance points, shelters, and safe areas."

The storm was part of a destructive weather system that has caused widespread damage across eastern Romania, with floods killing three elderly people, damaging buildings and sweeping away cars.

Bucovina Ultra Rocks consists of eight different distances from 5k to 100 miles and is part of the Europe Trail Cup 2025 circuit.

• The best running jackets: beat the wind and rain on your run with these ultralight offerings
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

First impressions

It's easy to take shorts for granted. The best trail running shorts should be almost invisible, providing comfort to your lower waist and upper legs without impeding your movements.

Some like to run in super-light, minimalist shorts, shaving nanoseconds off their PB with breezy fabrics and an absence of extras. Other runners prefer their shorts with a little more protection and a few handy pockets for storing the essentials. The Rab Talus 2-in-1 shorts fall into the latter camp, combining a protective inner lining with enough storage space for your phone, cap, and more.

They're made from a combination of Rab's Lightweight Matrix single-weave stretch and Flextile 100 fabrics, which ward off light rainfall thanks to a water-resistant DWR treatment. These stretchy materials are designed for unhindered motion, so you can race along the trails without feeling like your shorts are holding you back.

The Talus 2-in-1 shorts are held in place by an adjustable, body-hugging waistband, which aims to keep you secure over bumpy terrain without digging into your waist or causing discomfort.

Around the back, there are a few handy pockets where you can store the essentials, including a zippered space for your phone and two smaller mesh pockets where you can stash items like earbuds or a snack.

Rab Talus 2-in-1 shorts: on the trails

I got my hands on the Rab Talus 2-in-1 shorts a couple of months ago, and have plenty of thoughts.

I've worn my pair while running in all manner of weather conditions, from the scorching sun of a British heatwave to the pouring rain that you're more likely to associate with this country.

Here's how they performed:

Fit and comfort

The Talus 2-in-1 are a snug and comfortable pair of shorts that allowed me plenty of mobility without ever feeling too tight on the trails.

I've never been a huge fan of liners, but found the inner on these shorts surprisingly well-fitting and helpful as I ran. The idea behind integrated inner liners (where you don't need to wear running undies beneath your shorts) is that they provide extra support and moisture management to prevent discomfort and chaffing as you run. The Talus's sweat-wicking liner was comfortable on my thighs, even on the hot and sweaty days when I'd expect to overheat.

The outer shorts' Lightweight Matrix single-weave material proved itself to be both breathable and stretchy, maintaining airflow as I ran through temperatures approaching 86°F (30°C).

At 5.8oz (166g), these running shorts aren't as lightweight as truly minimalist running shorts like the original Talus, but still shave off unnecessary bulk to increase your feeling of freedom on the trails.

I'm afraid it's not all sunshine and roses in the fit department, as, despite being a very comfortable pair of shorts, there's one thing that really bugged me about the Talus 2-in-1s: the outer shorts are too close to the inner liner.

The inner liner / outer shorts design is a common choice for running shorts - the idea being that the inner liner fits closely around your thighs and lower waist, and the outer shorts are far baggier.

Frustratingly, this pair's outer shorts just weren't baggy enough. It's not a huge gripe, and didn't impact my physical comfort, but the Lightweight Matrix single-weave outer material fits just a little too closely to the inner liner for my liking.

Some might prefer a close-fitting look, but for a pair of men's running shorts, it felt a touch inappropriate, not only defeating the point of inner liner / outer shorts design, but exposing a little more than I felt comfortable with on the trails.

Pockets

The issue of pockets in running shorts comes down to personal preference. You might prefer an ultra-minimalist design without any, so you can shave every second off your PB and run without anything holding you back. You could also opt for a pair with plenty of pockets, so you can carry everything from your water bottle to your running cap while you race through the trails.

The Talus 2-in-1 shorts strike a happy medium, featuring enough pockets to carry all the essentials without going overboard.

Around the back, the integrated zipped back yolk pocket is large enough for a phone or folding running cap, and can be undone with ease. The two side mesh pockets can carry a little less but still have their uses as a handy place to store earbuds and gels. Although they don't have a zip, the tops of these pockets proved tight enough to keep my belongings secure, and I never feared that anything would slip out.

Lifting up the outer shorts reveals two handy stash pockets attached to the inner liner. These are also well-shaped to hold a phone and can even manage a small water bottle.

These pockets are attached to the body-hugging inner liner, so they didn't flap around while I ran, which is a complaint I often have with regular side pockets.

Price

The second issue with these running shorts comes when you reach the checkout.

The Rab Talus 2-in-1s are undoubtedly a top-end piece of kit, but $100 (£80) for running shorts is a really hefty price tag.

You can find many of the same excellent features in cheaper pairs like the Titan Ultra II shorts from Columbia, which typically retail for around $40 (£35) less, and received a similar four-star rating in our review.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best trail running shorts: for taking on technical terrain
• The best hiking shorts: cool, comfy legs mean more miles on the trails
• How Advnture tests products

Merrell might be best known as a hiking shoe brand, but recent years have seen the Michigan-based outfit make massive strides in trail running shoes, and its new release is designed for anyone seeking a technical shoe that can handle everything from tarmac to trail.

Personally, Merrell trail running shoes have become my favorite to run in over the last four years. The Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx are unbelievably light, breathable, and sticky and have taken me from the volcanic trails of Gran Canaria to the rather soggier ones of Scotland without issue.

Last year, the Merrell Morphlite was released, offering the brand's first hybrid road-to-trail shoe that was built with enough cushion and responsiveness for hard roads and the stability and light grip for straightforward trails. I absolutely loved it, especially for vacations where I know I'm going to want to run, but am not sure what type of terrain I'm going to encounter. However, it wasn't built for technical or muddy trails.

Now, Merrell has taken what made that shoe so awesome and made it more technical for those who want to go further off-road but still travel routes that take them along roads.

Meet the Merrell ProMorph

The Merrell ProMorph, out now, shares DNA with the Morphlite, but it's designed to be more aggressive so you can take on rougher trails.

Since the biggest claim is that it provides better traction, let's start at the bottom and work our way up. Whereas the Morphlite left a fair amount of midsole exposed and has shallow lugs (3mm and 2mm) around the perimeter and under the heel and forefoot, the Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole of the ProMorph covers most of the bottom of the shoe and is absolutely peppered with small lugs. At 2.2mm, they're not super deep, but there are dozens (over 100?) of them, and the brand says this provides adaptable traction across a variety of terrain.

As for the midsole, the ProMorph has upgraded from FloatPro to FloatPro+, which uses the increasingly popular supercritical foam (that's nitrogen-injected) for lightweight responsiveness.

The stack has gone up, from 26.5 in the heel to 32.5, while the 6.5mm drop has remained the same, and here's hoping the synthetic and mesh upper is as breathable as the Morphlite because that's an absolute dream on warm days. The added tech has added a little weight, but at roughly 9oz (260g), these are still astonishingly light.

It's definitely true that gear that serves multiple functions sometimes does a decent job at everything without excelling at everything, but based on my experiences with the Morphlite, my hopes are high that these will be the Leatherman of running shoes.

The Merrell ProMorph is available now in men's and women's sizing for $160 / £150 at Merrell.

• The best road to trail running shoes: footwear for all terrains
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

The dust on the trail has barely settled after the massive Hoka Mafate X landed back in May, and already the brand is hyping the next release in the iconic Mafate line.

The original Mafate was the trail running shoe that put Hoka on the map back in 2010 when the brand first launched in Annecy. At the time, it looked a little out of place with its thick midsole, rocker geometry, and bright colors in a sea of minimalist shoes, but only 15 years on, we've come to expect nothing less.

Hoka has continued to try to improve on the original design as technology advances, and in 2022, the Mafate Speed 4 came along lighter (thanks to a jacquard mesh upper and Profly foam), springier and with some pretty aggressive 5mm lugs, making it best for mountain running out of all the brand's trail shoes.

A few months back, Hoka gave the Mafate the carbon plate makeover, and we could barely believe our eyes when we got our hands on the Mafate X and saw that towering 49mm stack. Now, with the UTMB finals looming, the brand has decided it's time for the next edition of the non-carbon plate variety, and the shoe comes with one really intriguing difference.

Meet the Hoka Mafate 5

Midsole matters, especially when you're going the distance, and like many newer models, Hoka has constructed the midsole of the Mafate 5 using two different foams, a technique that's believed to provide both cushion and responsiveness.

Typically, the softer foam goes closer to your foot to help with comfort over the miles, and the firmer foam goes at the bottom to improve responsiveness, but in this shoe, Hoka has turned the tables, literally.

The softer, impact-absorbing foam on the Mafate 5 is closer to the ground, which the designers say helps negotiate rough trails WITH more control and deliver a smoother ride, and for that reason, this shoe is built for "mileage chasers."

The stack might be slightly lower than the X, but it's still massive at 45mm under heel, with an 8mm drop. While the 4 had a gussetted tongue to protect from debris, the 5 has gone the extra mile and added an optional gaiter to save you from having to empty your shoe mid-run.

In place of the jacquard upper is a warp knit upper with anti-fray treatment for durability, but the Vibram outsole remains in place with 5mm lugs for muddy days.

The whole package weighs around 8oz (220g) per shoe, which is a couple of ounces cheaper than either the 4 or the X.

The Hoka Mafate 5 is out now in both men's and women's sizing for $185 at Hoka.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on teh trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures