A long-sleeved jacket could be the most expensive and under-utilised piece of kit in your running wardrobe. If it's fully waterproof, it doesn't breathe. If it really breathes, it isn't waterproof. Even if it does a good job of both, it's too warm

If there's one bit of running kit that really matters, it's those bits of moulded polyeurethane on your feet. So this week we've picked out three niggling shoe queries from the Gear forum. Lend us your thoughts...Q1: The washing machine conundrum

Water belts and hand-held bottles are fine for short runs on the flat, but step out onto the trail or up your distance and you’ll need something a bit more sophisticated. We picked out the best hydration backpacks on the market and gave them a

around the toe boxes, with the fit becoming more comfortable after the first run. LewisKit Coolmax Curbar £4 Fibre content 42% merino wool, 42% acrylic, 14% nylon, 2% elastaneShort description Multi-purpose sock that is light, breathable and has thinly

; www.polar-uk.comMucky Pup… Inov-8 Mudroc – £60For runners who only use the road when driving to the steepest, muddiest trail, there used to be just one shoe brand for them – Walsh. This year, the Inov-8 Mudroc has given serious mudpluggers a real

're great for heavier racers.Contact 01925 423 000; www.newbalance.co.ukBest Off-RoaderInov-8 Mudroc 290 – £60Why it's the best True trail shoes aren't road models with more grip, but lightweight, low-to-the-ground beauties purpose built for the rough stuff

.Weaknesses: Needs to be thoroughly worn in before using them to run off-road or else the firmness in the heel and the high sides will likely hurt you. Not all shop staff will be aware of this.Overall: If you are new to trail running and want an all-round shoe to dip

’t actually follow the optimum line of the course, but had to run around other runners, sometimes on one side of the road/track/trail, sometimes on the other.Random errors, such as multipath errors, always work to increase the calculated distance you travelled

can pull it on over already-bulky winter kit.Contact www.brooksrunning.co.ukGore Magnitude Lady Jacket, £120 Weight 156gThe Windstopper material in this jacket has a papery feel but is flexible and breathable on the run. It can withstand prolonged

though, it does the basics well enough.Contact www.timex.comTimex BodyLink Trail Runner £180 Tested by Big KevFeatures Simultaneous display of heart rate and speed distance, 2 linked interval timers, latitude, longitude and altitude, navigation