The Story Behind Nepal’s First Hydration Vest
The Story Behind Nepal’s First Hydration Vest.Trail running and ultra marathons are still young sports in Nepal, but their story is nothing short of inspiring. While Nepal has always been known for its mountains and trekking routes, the idea of running across these rugged trails only started gaining attention around 2013 with the introduction of the mustangtrailrace.com .
Despite the rise of talented athletes like Rashila Tamang, Sunmaya Buddha, and Bhim Gurung,Priya Rai etc runners struggled to find essential gear. Recognizing this problem, Rashila Tamang, along with Aashish Mishra and Jeevan Lama, founded Trailmandu. The company's primary goal is to organise races, promote adventure sports and adventure tourism and provide affordable and accessible running equipment to the runners.
The Struggle for Proper Gear
Trail running is more than just stamina — it’s also about preparation. Without the right shoes, hydration vests, or headlamps, even the strongest athletes face unnecessary challenges. Many races in Nepal require essentials like hydration vests, yet most young runners simply couldn’t afford international brands. On top of that, gear wasn’t available in local markets, and ordering from abroad was too expensive.
This lack of access meant many athletes suffered during races — not because of a lack of ability, but because they lacked the tools to compete fairly.
The Birth of Trailmandu
Recognizing this problem, three passionate runners — Rashila Tamang, Aashish Mishra, and Jeevan Lama — came together to create a solution. They founded Trailmandu, a company with a clear mission:
Organize races to grow the trail running community
Promote adventure sports and adventure tourism in Nepal
Provide affordable, accessible running gear for athletes
Their vision wasn’t just about selling equipment. It was about making sure no talented runner would have to give up on their dreams because of a missing hydration vest.
Nepal’s First Hydration Vest
In 2022, Trailmandu designed and launched Nepal’s first-ever hydration vest — a milestone moment for the community. Priced at just NPR 2,000 (now NPR 2,500, about $17 USD), it quickly became an essential piece of gear for local athletes. Affordable, practical, and designed for Nepali runners, the vest gave many first-time racers the confidence to take part in events they otherwise couldn’t join.
Beyond Gear: Building a Community
Trailmandu didn’t stop there. The company began expanding its product line to include running shorts, caps, and other essentials. By partnering with international brands, it also made shoes, flasks, and headlamps more affordable for Nepali athletes.
On top of gear, Trailmandu organizes trail races, creating opportunities for young people to experience the sport and discover their potential. Every race strengthens the community, bringing together athletes, adventurers, and nature lovers under one shared passion.
Looking Ahead
Trailmandu’s journey is proof that when challenges are met with creativity and community spirit, new opportunities are born. We started as a small initiative to provide gear has grown into a movement shaping the future of trail running in Nepal.
With more young runners taking their first steps on the trails, and with Trailmandu committed to supporting them every stride of the way, the future of Nepali trail running looks brighter than ever.