What Should You Wear for a Trail Race in the Philippines?

The Philippines isn’t built for soft trail runs. You get heat. Mud. Sabit-sabit. And trail races here demand gear that can handle all of it — not just look good online.

So if you’re racing in Itogon, Rizal, Bontoc, or any of the steep and sun-exposed trails in the country — here’s what we recommend based on over a decade of local trail experience.

Quick Answer:

• Shirts or Singlets – Choose light, quick-dry, abrasion-resistant fabrics
• Shorts or Tights – Go light, secure, and breathable
• Gaiters – Useful for sharp, dry terrain or river crossings
• Accessories – Keep your pack minimal, your gear intentional

Below is a full breakdown of what to wear depending on the race — from heatstroke-prone climbs to muddy forest trails.

1. Shirts & Singlets: Prioritize Breathability and Fit

Go for fabric breathability, not just branding. Look for:

• Light mesh or vented panels
• Quick-dry fabric
• Fits that won’t rub against vegetation

Best picks:

• Super Light (SL) Shirts – rugged, light, tested for long climbs and PH terrain
• Ultra Light (UL) Shirts – ultra-light, ideal for elevation and clean trails (New Drop - August 12)

2. Shorts, Tights, and Underwear: Go Light, Stay Dry

Trail shorts should never hold water or chafe. You want:

• Stretchy, secure material
• Waistband that stays in place
• Freedom of movement

Runner-approved:

• Road Shorts – minimalist, light, ready for climbs
• Trail Shorts – more pockets and longer endurance-ready cuts
• Running underwear – base layer still matters, especially in long humid summer races

3. Gaiters: Worth It on the Right Trails

They’re not required — but they help. Gaiters block:

• Fine volcanic sand and trail silt
• Mud splash in Tanay and Laguna races
• Loose rocks on technical descents

Shop Ahon Gaiters →

4. Accessories: Don’t Forget the Details

What you wear last can make or break your race:

• Caps or Visors – Shield your eyes and cool your head
• Socks – Go with soft, blister-resistant socks — avoid cotton
• Arm Sleeves or Sunhoodies – Useful for ridge lines and open trails

Why Heat Isn’t Just Uncomfortable — It’s Dangerous

We’ve seen what happens when heat takes over — and we’ve lost fellow runners to it. This is why breathability and light gear aren’t just about performance. They’re about safety.

When we build our Ultra Light line, we build it for the kind of heat that doesn't forgive. Gear should help your body fight off overheating — not trap it inside.

Still Unsure? Start with This:

Just getting into trail running? Begin with these:

• SL Singlets
• SL Shirts
• KSU Singlets

Then explore our Gear Tier Guide to find your groove.

FAQs: Trail Gear in the Philippines

• What’s the best shirt for humid races?
  Try the SL or UL Shirts. Both are built for heat in the worst heat.
• Do I need tights?
  Not required — but they can save you on long grass or compression climbs. We're testing half tights for release in 2026.
• Any glove tips for elevation?
  Fingerless, low-compression. Useful for keeping warmth, and for pole control.

Final Note

Explore Ahon gear. Elevate your trail.


Photos by: Bong Bernadez

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