What to run in: the explorr gravel running kit list, with Out & Back
Whether you're stepping onto gravel for the first time over 5km or going the full Marathon distance, the kit you pull on at the start line matters more than most people admit.
Four distances. Forest tracks, quiet backroads and the big open ground of Royal Deeside. Whether you're stepping onto gravel for the first time over 5km or going the full Marathon distance, the kit you pull on at the start line matters more than most people admit.
So we asked the people who know. Out & Back, Aberdeen's home for running, trail and everything in between, have put together a kit list for each explorr running distance. Shoes that handle the surface changes. Apparel built for late-August effort. Somewhere to keep your gels, your phone and your car key.
Pick your distance. Then pick your kit.
Prices correct at time of writing. Some pieces are end-of-season, so sizes are limited. If something's gone, the team at Out & Back will point you at the closest thing.
5km: the entry point
A classic distance, and the easiest way into trail and gravel running. Nothing complicated required here: comfortable shoes, reliable kit, and somewhere to stash your phone and valuables without any faff.
Footwear
Salomon Men's Aero Glide 4 GRVL £109 (was £145) Built to move between road, park path and gravel without noticing the change. Road-shoe comfort and bounce, off-road grip when the surface turns.
Salomon Women's Aero Glide 4 GRVL £109 (was £145) Same idea, same confidence underfoot. A gravel-inspired outsole that transitions from tarmac to track without feeling overbuilt.
Apparel
Saysky Women's Flower Flow T-Shirt £39 (was £55) Featherlight and breathable, built for runners chasing speed and comfort when it's warm.
Saysky Women's Combat+ Short Tights 7" £75 A cornerstone of the women's collection. High-waisted, supportive, with pockets that actually hold things.
Carry
Saysky Unisex Flow Belt £42 Bounce-free storage for a phone, a couple of gels, a key. Stretch mesh pockets for quick access, a zipped pocket for the things you'd rather not lose.
10km: pushing on
Ready to push a bit harder? You'll want to think about hydration on this one. A vest with flasks if you're settling in for the effort, a belt if you're chasing a time.
Footwear
Salomon GRVL Concept x Pas Normal Studios x T.K.O. £239 Made for gravel running across paved roads, mixed terrain and everything in the transitions. Maximum cushioning, a carbon plate, and a built-in mini gaiter to keep grit where it belongs. Image: PNG-2000px-max-72dpi_png.jpg
adidas Women's Terrex Agravic Speed 2 £139 Built for speed across unpredictable ground. Light, precise, and quick through the transitions. Image: JR9115_1_FOOTWEAR_SideLateralCenterView.jpg
Apparel
Bandit Men's FrioSoft™ Perforated Box Tee £75 Technical performance in a contemporary cut. Perforated panels move air exactly where you need it in warm weather. Image: Bandit_SummerCollection_177292.jpg
Bandit Men's CoolGrid™ 2-in-1 Run Shorts £105 The support of compression with the freedom of a lightweight short. Gel pockets, phone pockets, no bounce. Image: 0d5dd8c7-22b3-4def-a7d2-0e1d9e6188a0.png
Carry
Salomon Unisex GRVL Skin 4 Hydration Vest Set £75 (was £100) 4L of capacity, two 500ml soft flasks included, and a fit that stays put. The sweet spot for a range of distances. Image: LC2854600_0_GHO_GRVL4-BLACK.png
21.1km: the half marathon
A real milestone in anyone's running, and not to be underestimated on this ground. Steady pacing, strong legs, and gear that supports you deep into the second half.
Footwear
Mount To Coast Men's H1 £150 Built for runners who move beyond a single surface. Made for the demands of long-distance running across mixed terrain, with dual lacing you can adjust as your feet change. Image: M212M50200UW_1.jpg
Mount To Coast Women's H1 £150 Responsive, durable and steady across road, gravel and light trail, which is exactly what Deeside serves up. Image: M212W50200GW_1.jpg
Apparel
Bandit Women's Vanisher™ V-Neck Race Crop £79 Support, comfort and smart storage, without compromise on any of the three. Image: Bandit_SummerCollection_WTSBP006SM26AN.jpg
Bandit Women's Vanisher™ High Waist 5" Compression Shorts £89 Made for hard efforts, long runs and race days alike. Compressive fit, serious storage. Image: Bandit_SummerCollection_WBCBP003SM26BB.jpg
Carry
Salomon Unisex GRVL Skin 4 Hydration Vest Set £75 (was £100) The same 4L vest, in Iron/Silver Cloud. Flasks up front, layers and essentials in the back. Image: LC2854800_0_GHO_GRVL4-IRON-SILVERCLOUD.png
42.2km: the marathon
The marathon distance, but on trails, with hills thrown in for good measure. A very different proposition to the road version. For a few of you it's about speed. For most, it's about getting it done. That means trail shoes you can wear for hours without a second thought, apparel that stays comfortable, and somewhere to keep all your snacks.
Footwear
La Sportiva Men's Prodigio Pro £169 Built for ultramarathoners and trail runners chasing peak performance across demanding terrain. Rebound, precision and grip, hour after hour. Image: ZFRS100_W00K00_02.jpg
La Sportiva Women's Prodigio 2 £135 Versatile enough for relaxed training runs, capable enough for demanding endurance races. Image: ZFRS122_B53P19_02.jpg
Apparel
Soar Men's Hot Weather Tee £69 (was £90) Ultra-lightweight breathability with targeted sun protection across the shoulders and upper back. Image: ST4M-GRE-PRODUCT-1.png
Soar Men's Marathon Speed Shorts £139 Built specifically for long-distance racing: compression, integrated fuelling, and complete stability without distraction. Image: SS2M-BLK-PRODUCT-1.png
Carry
Salomon Unisex ADV Skin 12 Hydration Vest Set £140 Built for demanding endurance efforts, and a trusted choice for longer days out. 12L, two soft flasks, and room for everything else. Image: LC2854400_0_GHO_ADVSKIN12SET.png
A few words on getting it right
Don't let race day be the first time you wear any of this. Shoes want a few weeks of miles before you trust them over 42.2km, and a vest or belt needs at least one long run to prove it won't chafe or bounce. Buy early, train in it, and turn up knowing exactly how everything feels.
If you're between two options, or you've never had your gait looked at, the team at Out & Back do gait analysis in store at 45 The Green, Aberdeen. It's an hour's drive from Banchory and worth the trip.
New season stock is landing steadily, so if a size has gone, it's worth checking the wider Out & Back collections for the current version.
Choose your challenge
5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon. All four run through Royal Deeside on the edge of the Cairngorms, and all four finish in the same place: the Festival Village, with live music, street food, cold pints and everyone else's post-race stories.
explorr. 28–30 August 2026. Banchory, Royal Deeside.