Whether on road or trail, the proper gear makes the difference between a sick run and a horrific, suffering chafe-fest. Grab some of our favorite running gear to make the miles disappear under your feet.
Nathan Exoshot Bottle
Get a head start on your New Year’s running resolution with Nathan’s ExoShot Soft Flask w/a Spine. A diminutive 12oz, the double-wall insulated ExoShot Soft Flask offers superior insulation whose design keeps fluids cooler 20% longer than other flasks. Runners can enjoy grip-free running with the flask’s fully-adjustable ergo-designed hand strap that keeps hands relaxed. Other features include: Bite valve cap, removable neoprene sleeve that offers insulation and a sweat-free surface, expandable stash pocket (can hold up to two packs of Clif shot blocks) and a chafe-free thumbhole. The ExoShot retails for $34.99.
Grab one on sale (as of publish date) from Backcountry.com
Feetures! Elite Light Crew Socks
Designed specifically for running, Feetures! Elite light crew socks include asymmetrical foot design, wicking fabric, and a blister-free guarantee. Targeted compression supports your feet where you need it most. We've put a few miles on them and they're really nice!
Some colors and sizes on sale right now from Backcountry.com
Ultimate Direction AK Vest 3.0
Grab one from REI
Helly Hansen Dry Base
Helly's Dry base layer is as light as a long-sleeve shirt can be, but still manages moisture impressively. We haven't pushed it yet, but it feels soft enough to avoid BNS. Wear it solo on hot days or as a base for cold-weather aerobic activities to stay dry even as activity levels rise. Helly's Dry tech is also available in bottoms, 1/4-zip tops, and a balaclava.
Tough to find in the US, but Wiggle will send one to you from the UK
Moji Foot PRO Massager
The first time we rolled our feet across the Moji, we went through about four stages of emotional extravagance. First, surprise. Next, ecstasy. Then, melting. Was that four? Is melting an emotion?
Grab one from Moosejaw
Headsweats Performance Trucker
When it comes to choosing form or function, why? Headsweats makes the most functional trucker hat out there. But it looks darn good, too. Take your favorite low profile trucker, add Headsweats Coolmax terry hat band, and make the rest of the hat out of the same wicking materials they use to construct their running and biking caps. We've taken the Headsweats Performance Trucker out on runs and worn it on the skin track. It works!
Find your own Headsweats Trucker with our Gear Search
SAXX Kinetic
It lifts and separates! No? Obscure? Ok, but SAXX Kinetics provide mild compression and their Ballpark pouch keeps your twig and berries supported without crushing them. Perfect for trail running, an hour at the gym, or a day on the slopes. Change the life of your favorite man.
Available in both tights and boxer briefs from Backcountry.com
SHRED and SPIN
A pair of wheels gets you deeper and further into the outdoors than any other human-powered transportation. Whether you're on wide knobbies or skinny slicks, there is no bad season for biking.
SLOPE
Ah, schussing. Is there any better feeling? No, we didn't make up that word. It's German or something. Point is, this is the perfect time - gear-wise - to upgrade or fill out your quiver. The latest skis and boards just dropped. Binding tech is better than ever. Even ski poles are in a renaissance. If you haven't looked at new plank(s) in a while, now's the time!
This pack provides front and rear hydration options and huge number of pockets for organizing fuel and other necessities. Two Hydrapack bottles are included for the front pouches and the rear can fit a bladder. Bungies and straps carry everything from an extra layer to trekking poles or ice axes. All of this comes in an amazingly stable package. Grab it for your favorite trail runner and inspire them to start running ultras.