Running Headbands

The running headband: useful in all weather conditions

Are you not yet one of the enthusiasts of the running headbands for your trail sessions? It’s never too late! Here, you will discover the reasons why you absolutely need to adopt this accessory, as well as some tips on the criteria to consider when choosing the trail headband that will best suit your usual trail or running outings.

Why wear a running headband?

Here are the reasons that will encourage you to adopt the running headband, if you are not yet convinced. First of all, one of the main functions of the trail headband is to absorb the sweat that drips from your forehead to your eyes. The trail headband will prevent this sweat from reaching your eyes and causing discomfort that will surely hinder your effort. Another primary function of the running headband is to keep your head, or at least your ears, warm. In cases where the temperature is slightly above zero and the wind cools your ears, like during a trail training session in the Ecrins, the running headband will be ideal for keeping you warm while allowing your head to breathe. Be aware that most of the heat you lose during exertion is released through the extremities of your body. Your head, feet, and hands are therefore areas that must be well protected against the cold. The trail headband is the perfect accessory to meet this need. During your running, the temperature of your head should be maintained at your body temperature (37.5°C). There’s no point in wearing a warm trail beanie if a running headband will suffice. You risk overheating your body, which can be just as harmful as getting cold. It is therefore very important to allow your head to breathe by letting some heat escape. Unlike a classic beanie, the running headband leaves part of your head uncovered, allowing it to breathe better. For those of you with long hair: the running headband will effectively hold your hair back so that it doesn’t constantly obstruct your field of vision, making your task easier during the run. Some headbands are exclusively dedicated to this purpose, such as the Printed Double Headband by Prana.

How to choose your trail headband?

The trail headband is therefore an accessory that addresses a specific and real issue in trail running. However, the different practices, varying temperatures, and differences among runners mean that there are many types of trail headbands, each meeting specific needs. Here are some criteria that can help you choose your ideal running headband. The first criterion to consider is your morphology. Just as we all have different fingerprints, we all have different head shapes. It is therefore important to find a model of running headband that fits the shape of your head well. Your ears should not be too tightly squeezed, for example, nor should the height of the headband not match the shape of your forehead. Next, consider choosing a model of running headband based on your tendency to sweat from your forehead. If you belong to this category, consider opting for a running headband made of breathable material to promote moisture wicking; a model like the Headband High by X-Bionic is made for you! In your choice, be sure to take into account your sensitivity to the cold. It is indeed preferable to choose a running headband made of fleece if you tend to feel cold easily. If that’s the case, we would recommend a model like the Chase Headband by Icebreaker, ideal for facing low temperatures thanks to its Merino wool composition. Conversely, if the cold doesn’t bother you much, opt for lighter models to avoid overheating. We would rather recommend a running headband like the Headband On - Off by Compressport for its on/off ventilation technology.

The trail headband: the ideal companion for temperatures slightly above 0°C

As you may have noticed, the running headband offers a real advantage over a beanie: breathability. The running headband will be a perfect ally if you plan to have trail sessions in negative temperatures, such as during a trail improvement training at altitude. It will keep your ears warm without preventing a small release of heat, which is necessary in mild temperatures. You can find on Hardloop.co.uk a selection of running headbands made for you by the best brands (Eider, Salomon, Icebreaker, and Millet).