Gear we Love: 7 Pro Picks for Women’s Running

April 29th, 2015 • BY WM

[This Gear we Love feature is part of our monthly series featuring the best season- and activity-specific gear picks from the highly inspiring female athlete ambassadors from Outdoor Research. They are runners, climbers, skiers, mountaineers, and more—all breaking down barriers and pushing the edge.]

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After a rocky college running career, Paige Patillo hung up her running shoes and hit the books at grad school instead. Her course of study—exercise physiology and human movement science specializing in research on mountain/ultrarunning and the physiological toll its takes on the body—led her to one conclusion: “This is absolutely ridiculous—where do I sign up?”

Thus, her running rebirth began. Living in a cabin at the base of Washington’s Manastash Ridge, she was at the gateway to the some spectacular and gnarly terrain. Her running debut Part 2 has included trail marathons and ultras plus an abundance of backcountry running.

Here, this Outdoor Research ambassador shares her top 7 women’s running gear picks for the spring season—plus a few intriguing personal details.

“Running is my main pursuit, but I am also an avid backpacker and most of the tops I picked work great for both higher intensity runs/races and hiking,” says Pattillo.

1. Women’s Helium Hybrid Jacket ($125): “Has great lightweight wind and water protection—and it’s easy to fit in your day pack.”
2. Women’s Echo Long Sleeve Tee ($49): “The perfect layer top, it dries out fast after sweating on the climbs to keep you warm on the way back down.”
3. Women’s Echo Short Sleeve Tee ($39): “A comfy-fitting, no frills, solid-coverage Tee—just what I want for my long runs in the warm weather.”
4. Women’s Echo Hoody ($59): “Another great option for colder mornings or unpredictable spring weather forecasts.”
5. Women’s Turbine Shorts ($49): “Quick-drying, allows great movement for running and hiking.”
6. Swift Cap ($24): “Awesome sun protection and sheds off spring rain, as well.”
7. Women’s Essence Long Sleeve Zip Top ($69): “Layer under or over it for added warmth—this is one of my favorites to pack along. With no hood it pairs nicely under the lightweight Helium jacket for a combo of warmth, wind, and rain protection.”

Favorite apres activity pick? OR Flyway Skirt ($60)

Favorite adventure you did in April? Exploring the trails in Squamish, BC.

Typical training schedule this time of year? I run 5 days a week—more conservative than most trail/distance runners, but I pair it with resistance training and cycling 4 times a week to maintain a balance and stay fresh mentally and physically. I always take 1 day off a week to regroup and give some time to my other hobbies and interests like cooking, reading, and gardening.

Book you’re reading right now? Tom Myers Anatomy Trains. Not a very light read, but my background is in exercise physiology and I am a massage therapist so for me this stuff is Juicy! I love furthering my understanding of the body as I ask so much of it on a daily basis.

Artist playing over and over in your car or headphones right now? Shakey Graves!

Favorite running trail right now? Tuck and Robin Lakes trail off of Snoqualmie Pass, on the back side of the Enchantment Lakes Wilderness area. Gorgeous views and lots of fun scrambling.