Trail running is a sport and hobby based on the natural world, we want to start acting like that and have a smaller impact on biodiversity, the environment and climate with every single decision and step we take.
On this page you'll find out how we do business and why we do it the way we do.
Asking Less of the Natural World For The Trail
We start with understanding the natural world, identify the real problems facing the trail, and then build tangible solutions that reduce harm at the source.
For The Trail only release products if they ask considerably less of the planet than what is currently available. You can find out more about our environmental work at ForTheTrail.com
The bottom line: If our products didn't significantly outperform existing options environmentally, we wouldn't be making them. Asking less starts with the product itself - everything else in our business model reinforces that commitment.
DirtBags - The First For The Trail Project
DirtBags are the first project from For The Trail, order DirtBags now to get them delivered on the next season drop!
They replace single-use energy gel packets, powder sachets, and plastic zip bags with a reusable, home-compostable alternative made from plant-based bioplastic.
They exist because reduction and reuse matter more than recycling and because using single-use packaging and plastic that ends up in the landfill, should not be normalised.
By backing DirtBags, you’re not just supporting a product.
You’re helping fund a growing environmental movement within trail running.
How Your Support Is Used
First production run - We’ll take DirtBags from tested prototypes to full-scale production so you can carry them on your next big adventure.
Research & development - Keep refining the design and testing new ideas to make DirtBags tougher, longer-lasting, and even more useful.
Sustainable fulfilment - Build the most efficient, circular shipping system we can, where packaging is compostable and waste-free.
Spread the word - Grow awareness through marketing so more athletes, hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and adventurers can ditch single-use plastics and use reusable alternatives that ask less of the planet.
Partner with nutrition brands & events - Work directly with companies and race organisers to make bulk fuel the norm, so DirtBags and refillable soft flasks replace disposable gels and plastic ziploc bags.
Lead by example - Show the outdoor industry that sustainable, compostable gear works and inspire bigger shifts across the kit we all use.
Grow our circle - A community of reusers who share tips, hacks, and stories about amazing wild experiences and how we can do more for the trail.
Why We Do Weekly Drops
Order before Sunday night to catch this week's drop; orders placed after Sunday go out the following week.
Our products ask less of the planet and a business model that continues to ask less too.
Trail running is a sport and hobby based on the natural world. We want to start acting like that and have a smaller impact on biodiversity, the environment, and climate with every single decision and step we take. On this page, you’ll find out how we do business and why we do it the way we do.
Asking Less of the Natural World For The Trail
We start with understanding the natural world, identify the real problems facing the trail, and then build tangible solutions that reduce harm at the source. For The Trail only releases products if they ask considerably less of the planet than what is currently available.
The bottom line: If our products didn’t significantly ask less of the planet compared to existing options, we wouldn’t be making them. Asking less starts with the product itself and everything else in our business model reinforces that commitment.
DirtBags - The First For The Trail Project
DirtBags are the first project from For The Trail. They replace single-use energy gel packets, powder sachets, and plastic zip bags with a reusable, home-compostable alternative made from plant-based bioplastic.
They exist because reduction and reuse matter more than recycling, and because using single-use packaging that ends up in a landfill should not be normalised. By backing DirtBags, you’re not just supporting a product; you’re helping fund a growing environmental movement within trail running.
How Your Support Is Used
Production & Scale: Taking DirtBags from tested prototypes to full-scale production for your next adventure.
Research & Development: Refining designs to make DirtBags tougher, longer-lasting, and more useful.
Sustainable Fulfilment: Building an efficient, circular shipping system where packaging is compostable and waste-free.
Spreading the Word: Growing awareness so athletes can ditch single-use plastics for reusable alternatives.
Partnerships: Working with nutrition brands and race organisers to make bulk fuel and refillable solutions the norm.
Leading by Example: Showing the outdoor industry that sustainable, compostable gear works.
Growing our Circle: A community of reusers sharing stories of wild experiences and how to do more for the trail.
Why We Do Weekly Batch Drops
Most outdoor brands operate on a "ship immediately" model that requires 24/7 warehousing, half-empty delivery vans, and constant energy consumption.
We process all orders in one weekly batch, shipped every Wednesday. Here’s why:
We don't run high-energy fulfilment centers 24/7. By packing in one focused window, we drastically reduce the energy footprint of your order.
Products don't sit in facilities consuming energy for months. We hold only what is needed, cutting typical supply chain emissions by 10-15%.
Here in the UK, we get our weekly parcels picked up in one large batch by Royal Mail. This means we aren't driving to and from the post office every single day, and delivery vans aren't making "one-off" trips for a single bag.
We choose slower shipping from our manufacturers with 10x less carbon than air freight.
When you wait a few days for a shipment rather than getting instant gratification, you build a better relationship with your gear. It encourages repair, longevity, and a move away from "impulse-replacement" culture.
Our Weekly Schedule:
Mon – Sun: Orders collected.
Tuesday: Batch packing (plastic-free).
Wednesday: The Drop. All orders shipped in one efficient batch.
The short wait isn't a compromise, it's what it takes to ask less of the planet.
How We Do Business (In Short)
Our primary goal is to only release products that ask less of the planet than current options available.
Reduction and reuse in every aspect following a circular life cycle.
Consolidated weekly shipping batches to reduce transport emissions.
No paid advertising (We send nothing to influencers).
No sales or discounts which promote over-consumerism.
No planned obsolescence or constant "new version" releases.
No reliance on carbon offsets; we focus on real reduction.
[Future] Supporting rewilding initiatives in Wales.
🌱 My Story - Why I’m Passionate About This Problem
I'm Martin, I've been an environmentalist since I was a teenager and I make trail and nature films as Kelp and Fern and passionate about capturing the essence of trail running and its deep connection to nature. Through immersive films and plant-forward projects, I aim to inspire you to appreciate the outdoors and motivate you to give back to the beautiful places that fuel our adventures.
I’ve been hiking, running trails, and tackling mountain ultra-marathons for most of my life. And in every adventure pack, there was always the same thing: plastic zip bags and single-use wrappers and packets.
They were useful, but at the end of every race or long day out, they went straight into the bin. Over time, it felt wrong. I was carrying waste through the very landscapes I loved, only to throw the packets and wrappers in to a bin.
For me, this wasn’t just waste, it was hypocrisy. I cared deeply about the wild places I was running through, yet I was adding to the very problem I wanted to fight.
That’s when I knew there had to be a better way. And that’s where the idea for DirtBags began. Join me on this journey to celebrate the trails we love!
👣 Join The Movement FOR THE TRAIL
For The Trail is about demanding less from the planet, through radical, durable solutions that put the environment and biodiversity first.
Join the circle — learn about nature, share what you know, and help protect the trails.