Running Accessories

Every runner is as individual as the weather. And the running accessories that each runner chooses are just as unique. You decide which accessories to buy based on your performance and level. Is it a pulse watch for the beginner who wants to lead a more active lifestyle, or a carbon fibre trail running pole for top performance at the next UTMB? The choice of accessories is limitless, because every run is different and so is the choice of equipment.

 

Buy running accessories ONLINE at Sport Conrad

Before you set yourself your next sports goal. Ask yourself what is important to you and what you need to achieve your goal. As with your running clothes, pay attention to the details of your running gear: What material is it made of?

Is it quick-drying or breathable (clothing), what functions does it have and how heavy is it? These are all important questions, but now comes the most important one: What running accessories are there and which ones do you need? To help you answer this question, here's an overview.

 

PULSE & SPORTS WATCHES - THE NEW COMPANION IN YOUR LIFE

As the headline suggests, your next sports watch will be your new companion, a member of the family so to speak. At Sport Conrad, you can choose between watches from Garmin and Suunto.

You can decide whether you want to wear them during the day or at night. Do you want to actively watch how your calories are burned, or do you also want to see what happens to your body at night while you sleep?

Pulse and sports watches not only look good, but also provide you with informative data about your body. In addition, the latest sports watches offer you functions such as Listening to music without a smartphone, up-to-date world maps for navigation, sleep score & body battery, menstrual cycle tracking (Garmin) and much more.

You can read more about heart rate & sports watches here:

Train like a pro with heart rate & sports watches
How to find the right GPS watch for trailrunners?

Running backpack - best performance for your run

Who hasn't had the experience of wishing you hadn't overdressed because the weather forecast says it's going to be changeable but the weather is still fine?

A running backpack is just the thing to avoid this situation.

Keys that clatter around in your trouser pocket, a soft flask, bars and gels and a change of clothes can all be easily stored in a running pack, while poles and other accessories such as ice axes and helmets can usually be easily attached to the outside and are just one of the reasons why a running pack is essential for your next training session or run. They start at 2 litres and go up to 23 litres.

As well as storage space, the material is also important. They are usually made from lightweight, breathable mesh material that wicks heat away from your body. To ensure that the backpack sits snugly and does not chafe under the armpits, it is important that it fits snugly and can be tightened with the drawstring if necessary.

All well and good at first glance, but what kind of running pack is right for me? Do I need one for training only, an all-rounder for every situation, or one for when it really counts, for competitions?

With the brands Adidas Terrex, Arch Max, Black Diamond, Deuter, Dynafit, NNormal, ON, Salomon and Ultimate Direction, you'll find the right backpack for you at Sport Conrad.

You can read more about running backpacks here:

Pack it in your running backpack!
The best backpacks and hip bags for trail running!

Hydration belts & hip bags - less is more

If you're not a fan of running packs and want more freedom, you can use a hydration belt or hip bag. With a hip bag, you can keep your mobile phone, keys, bars and a 500ml soft drink with you when you run.
You can find hip bags from Arch Max, Dynafit, NNormal, Salomon and Ultimate Direction here.

Soft flasks & drinking systems - Stay hydrated

Soft flasks and hydration systems are indispensable accessories. That's why they're also compulsory equipment for competitions. You need to be well hydrated to perform at your best, because the next aid station may be a long way off, and who knows when the next stream will come.

What you drink is up to you. We'll show you the options.

Soft flasks: Every manufacturer of running packs offers a range of flasks to go with their packs. Two 500ml bottles are usually included. The advantage is that you can always keep an eye on your water level, but you also have less weight to carry. Small disadvantage: if you drink a lot, a 1 litre (2x500ml) can be a bit tight.

Drinking systems: This is a drinking bladder with a drinking tube attached. The advantage is that you can carry more water than with a soft flask and these systems are compatible with most hiking and running backpacks. The disadvantages are the extra weight you carry and the fact that you can be thrown off your stride by the sloshing of the bladder.

Want to read more about it?

If so, you'll find everything you need to know about hydration systems right here.

Running poles - the power behind you on the steepest of climbs

The game changer for every trail runner is the running pole. They support you on the way up to give you pulsating bursts of power with your arms and take the strain off your legs, or on the way down to give you the stability you need in muddy conditions. Trail running puts a lot of stress on your body, so it's all the better if you can take some of the load off it.

Some people might ask what is so special about a running pole compared to a walking pole? Quite simply - the weight! Walking poles are now made so light that you can hardly believe what you are holding in your hand. We are already in the weight range from about 140 grams per pole.

Another factor to consider when choosing a walking pole is the construction of the pole. There are the following types:

Fixed length - as the name suggests, you have a fixed length, so the poles cannot be folded.

Telescopic - adjustment is usually made by rotating or clamping the segments. This means that the length of the poles can be adjusted to suit your height and the terrain.

Telescopic & collapsible - where the poles can be telescopically extended or shortened and collapsed for packing.

Fixed length & foldable - these are usually 3-piece and have the same folding principle as an avalanche probe. This design is more commonly used by trail runners as it can be folded down to a small pack size and easily attached to a running pack or stored in a quiver.

Such quivers are available at Sport Conrad from Black Diamond, Dynafit and Leki. To find out which pole length you need, see our pole length guide.
You can find out more about running poles here:

Sunglasses - focused on the trail

Defy the sun, wind and pesky bugs. Running sunglasses are your all-purpose weapon for your next run - no more excuses!

Sunglasses with large lenses, wherever you look. More and more runners are switching from regular sunglasses to running sunglasses. But where people often shake their heads at the great design, there is a great purpose and benefit hidden. We explain it here:

What are the differences to regular sunglasses?

1. Fit & Design: Thanks to the lightweight material and sporty design, you hardly feel the glasses when you run. The large lenses also give you the best all-round vision. Non-slip nose pads and temples ensure a perfect fit. And as a stylish extra, the lenses are also available with a mirror finish.

2. Protection & Function: Goggles are available with special lenses that reduce UV rays (UV protection), increase contrast (like Oakley Prizm lenses or 100% Hiper Mirror lenses) and are self-tinting so you can see every obstacle in all light conditions. And to prevent fogging, most lenses have vents.

3. Durability: Lenses are often stronger and more resistant to impact and scratches than conventional sunglasses.

Overall, running eyewear focuses on fit, protection and comfort.

Find out more about sunglasses from our brands Alpina, Dynafit, Julbo, Oakley, Scott, Sweet Protection and 100% here!

Running lights & headlamps - turn night into day

Running in the dark may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like it, you can't do without the right equipment. If you prefer the dark, you need a cone of light to guide you and prevent falls and injuries. Headlamps from Black Diamond, Petzl and Silva provide just that.

But what should you look for when buying a headlamp?

The first question to ask yourself is What do you need your headlamp for?

Do you need it for a short walk with the dog, a short jog, a long run or a multi-day tour? Once you've worked this out, you can move on to the next question.

The second question is how bright do you want your headlamp to be?

Headlamps with fewer lumens have a shorter range (e.g. PETZL E + LITE 40 Lumen has a range of 15m), while headlamps with more lumens have a longer range (e.g. PETZL SWIFT RL 1100 Lumen at full power 155m).

This sounds good, but you have to remember that the longer the range, the more power is needed and the faster the battery will run out. The headlamp will also be heavier because the battery will be bigger.


If you can answer these two questions, there is nothing to stop you from enjoying your next night session.

For more information on running lights and headlamps, click here:

Luminous choice
The headlamp guide - which headlamp for what?

Now you are perfectly equipped for your next competition or project.
And if you need anything else, you'll find running accessories as well as shoes and clothing from brands such as Dynafit, Salomon, La Sportiva, ON and many more.