by Charlotte Horne
It’s the week before Coastrek. You’ve trained your legs off, rallied your team, fundraised like a champ, and maybe even checked the weather three times a day. But as you lay out your gear, one question keeps creeping in:
Leggings or hiking pants? Trail runners or boots?
It sounds simple, but in those decisions lies your comfort, your energy, and the difference between enjoying every coastal kilometre or cursing blisters by halfway.
To take the guesswork out of it, here’s your ultimate Coastrek gear guide – built from what works, what doesn’t, and what our seasoned trekkers always swear by.
Bottoms: Leggings, Hiking Pants… or Bike Shorts?
Leggings are a favourite for many trekkers because they’re sleek, stretchy, and fuss-free. They move with you, don’t flap, and feel less restrictive over long distances. The risk? They don’t protect you from much sun, rough brush or sand, and they lack pockets unless you go for more technical styles.
Hiking pants bring ruggedness to your kit. They shield you from wind, bushes, and UV, often come with pockets, and many are built with quick dry, breathable fabrics. The trade-off is that they can feel bulky in humid or hot conditions.
Bike shorts are also a very popular Coastrek choice. They’re comfortable, prevent chafing, and pair well with a looser tee or technical top. The drawback? They leave your legs exposed to the sun, so sunscreen (and maybe even a reapply or two) is non-negotiable.
Coastrek-style tip: We’ve seen the most success from a combo approach. Start in leggings or bike shorts for your warm-up or early kilometers, then layer on lightweight hiking pants (or zip-offs) if the weather shifts or you’re entering scrubby, exposed conditions. That hybrid strategy gives you flexibility, protection, and comfort all in one hike.
Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots: What Should Your Feet Be Wearing?
This is where the debate really heats up.
Trail Runners:
- Lightweight, airy and designed for the kind of mixed terrain Coastrek offers (dirt trails, sand, coastal tracks).
- Minimal break-in needed.
- Quick lace or easy lacing systems make stops shorter (something we all appreciate when you just want to keep walking).
- The downside? Less ankle support if you already have instability.
Hiking Boots
- Offer superior support and ankle stability, especially on uneven or rocky sections.
- Better protection for your feet in rough terrain.
- But, they’re heavier, hotter, and (if not well broken in) blister magnets.
Coastrek verdict: Most trekkers go trail runners, and for good reason. They’re lighter, faster, and don’t gobble up your energy on long kilometres. But if you’ve got ankle issues, prefer extra stability, or are tackling especially rough terrain, boots are still a viable option – just make sure they’re well worn-in months before Event Day.
Also: sand is the enemy. As the Coastrek Gear Up ebook warns, sand in shoes = trouble. It can creep in, rub at your skin, and irritate. A pair of lightweight, stretchy gaiters (we love Groovy Gaitors!) can dramatically help here.
Tops, Layers & Clothing Strategy
Your upper half deserves just as much thought as your feet.
- Choose moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or merino blends. These pull sweat away from your skin and allow evaporation to cool you down.
- Cotton is a serious no-go on long hikes – once it’s wet, it stays wet.
- Layer strategically: A sports bra or base layer, a technical tee or long-sleeve, and then a light jacket or vest for sun, wind, or spray.
Sun protection matters: A long-sleeve technical shirt can double as UV armour without overheating you. Pair with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses (non-negotiable). When you’re walking multiple hours under sun, sweat, and wind – breathable fabrics and good ventilation are your besties!
Socks, Essentials & Day Pack Must-Haves
This is the unglamorous but make-or-break section.
- Socks: Merino wool or technical blends keep your feet dry and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton. Double-layer socks can help with friction. Always pack a spare pair – changing mid-walk can feel like a total reset.
- Blister Kit: Tape, blister patches, moleskin – whatever your feet love most. Stop and fix the hot spots early.
- Day pack: Go for one with a hydration bladder for hands-free sipping, plus hip straps and ventilation panels for comfort. (Check your Goodie Bag for a cheeky Camelbak discount).
- Trekking poles: A game changer for knees, hips and hills – just make sure you’ve trained with them first.
- Other little lifesavers: SPF lip balm, head torch, lightweight gaitors, and a compact first-aid kit. Small, but mighty.
What NOT to Wear (We’ve Seen the Pain)
We’ve seen it all, and some choices really do cause pain:
- Denim – heavy, non-breathable, and chafe central.
- Brand new shoes – don’t risk it on Event Day.
- Cotton socks – they’ll trap moisture and betray you.
- Bulky jackets tied around your waist – regret in the making.
- Forgetting sun protection – hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
Your Coastrek journey isn’t just about the kilometres; it’s about the experience – the sunrise views, the camaraderie, the personal triumph. But your enjoyment hinges on gear that behaves, supports you, and disappears into the background so you can focus on the magic of the day.
So, our best piece of advice: test your kit before Event Day. Walk in your shoes, socks, and layers. Train in different weather. Make sure nothing rubs, chafes or surprises you.
And despite all of that, don’t let our gear suggestions limit your Coastrek outfit! Bonus points if you let your imagination run wild while keeping your kit in line with our checklist. After all, a splash of personality (and make a little sparkle) makes the Finish Line celebration even sweeter.
Charlotte is Coastrek’s Resident Content Expert and creative storyteller. She spends her days writing, editing, and shaping Coastrek’s voice online, crafting stories that inspire people to lace up and get outside. By weekend she’s usually exploring, scribbling ideas into a notebook or plotting her next outdoor adventure – ideally with fresh air in her lungs and a strong coffee in hand.
Register for Coastrek and join the adventure today.
