April testing brings May gear reviews. Or something like that.
We’re back with another gear round-up, and there are all kinds of fun things on this month’s list! We’re excited for you to see what our team of testers thought, and you may even find yourself hitting add to cart.
Let’s take a look at some fun spring and summer-inspired picks.
Feetures T-shirt
You read that right! Your favorite running socks have started making apperal and their first swing out of the gates was a hit in our testing (did I mix too many metaphors there??).
Initially I was like “oh great another cropped shirt that I can’t wear”. Listen it’s not my jam. But then I put it on and found it was actually the perfect length. Not super long and not super short, but hitting right at the waist band.
It absolutely lives up to the goal of being super light and really comfy. I didn’t find a seam or an itch or a scratch the whole time I was out, which we all know says a lot.
So far the anti-stinks seems to be doing it’s job. But I’ll be curious after say 20 wears (with washes) if it still holds true because that’s where we’ve seen some others breakdown. So let’s all just plan for a follow up, shall we??
Available in 5 basic colors right now (speaking to my style, so it can also be worn casually)
XS to XL – fits comparable to most brands
Available in men’s and women’s
Check it out now for $60
Dip Bar Shampoo
I LOVE to travel, but I HATE to check a bag. The result is I pretty much never take shampoo or conditioner with me and have learned the hard way in many AirBnb’s that it’s not always provided. Whoops.
Enter my new go to, Dip Hair Care!
Not only is it travel friendly (also great for all of you who need something light and small in your gym bag), but it won’t strip your hair! Mine is already dry thanks to Colorado air, so I’m rally careful to pick things that won’t make it worse.
Dip’s formulations are gentle and pH-balanced, promoting scalp health even after rigorous workouts.
BONUS points we love that this is an eco-friendly option. Something that we know as runners we really have to spend time considering so that we can fully enjoy the outdoors for many more years.
Depending on how often you use the bar it will last quite awhile – up to 2 months with daily usage and unless I’m swimming no way can I wash daily.
Available in full size and travel size
Tons of different scents available
Full size starting at $24
Also facial cleansing bars and body bars
Checkout all their bars from full size to travel size >>
– Coach Amanda Brooks
Baleaf Flat Front Pleated Skirt
I loved the flirty, feminine, comfortable nature of the Flat Front Pleated Skirt! This skirt was a ton of fun to wear, and while I didn’t get out to play tennis in it yet, I loved wearing this one out running errands and going to sports practices with my kids.
The built-in shorts had just the right amount of compression without riding up inside, and the 14’ inseam is the perfect length to feel feminine yet active and secure. The shorts also feature a inside ball pocket and a silicone liner on the shorts seam to prevent them from riding up.
This skirt has a zippered pocket in the back so you can store small items like keys, an ID, etc.
It also has a low profile drawstring inside the front waistband so you can adjust the skirt’s waist to fit your comfort. I found this skirt to be true to size, and the A-line shape along with the pleating makes for a sporty, fun fit.
-Coral, Gear Tester
Post-Run Hydration- Nooma
Afternoon runs are heating up fast here in Colorado, and by the time I finish, I’m usually craving something cold to drink. Instead of reaching for the usual iced coffee, I’ve been grabbing a Nooma Hydrating Sports Drink and it hits the spot.
There are 5 flavors to choose from, but Watermelon Lime is my favorite, especially when it’s super cold! It’s light, not too sweet, and doesn’t leave that sugary taste in your mouth like a lot of other sports drinks.
Each bottle has 505mg of electrolytes with no artificial sweeteners, and everything is plant-based. No mystery ingredients, just a clean post workout hydration option!
There’s a little sweetness from Stevia, but don’t worry, it’s so subtle that you really do not notice it.
They’ve also got energy drinks and wellness sodas if you want to mix things up. The variety pack is the best way to try them all and see what you like the best.
Bonus, if you use code Stacey25, you’ll get 25% off your first purchase from Nooma!
-RTTF Coach and Tester Stacey
Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie
The Deviator Hoodie has become one of my favorite lightweight layers for high-output activities in cool weather. The VerticalX™ Octa insulation keeps me warm without overheating and breathes ridiculously well.
It’s 50% lighter than traditional insulated jackets and wicks moisture away, keeping me dry and comfortable even during my speed runs. The thoughtful placement of the 20D stretch-woven soft shell on the front and hood provides wind and weather protection.
At the same time, the breathable polyester/spandex grid fleece on the back and sides allows for maximum mobility and heat release. However, the fleece does hang on to scents, and this jacket quickly smells like body odor after sweaty sessions.
-Conni, Gear Tester
2XU Ignition Compression Tights
These tights are lightweight, comfortable and have a small pocket in the back that’s just big enough for a key or credit card. There’s a reflective “X” on the leg, which is a nice touch, since I’m always thinking about runner safety. The fabric held up great after washing, but be warned, they are VERY tight and I recommend sizing up.
During runs, I could tell my legs warmed up quicker than usual, but I could still feel the chill seeping in a few miles in. The 2XU website recommends layering the tights with joggers if needed and I think in those longer, sub-32 degree runs it would be necessary to do so.
All in all, these tights do keep you warmer, but you have to take temperature and duration of your run into consideration to determine if you need to add more layers. If you live somewhere that doesn’t get below 32 degrees (and your runs don’t last longer than roughly 45 minutes), I’d say these tights would be worth the price you’d pay for the consistent use.
But since I’m going to be layering up anyway, I don’t think the high price point would be practical for my Wisco winters. My plain jane running tights layered with joggers can do that job!
-Taylor, Gear Tester
Is there something you’ve been dying to know about or an area you’d love to see us focus on? You know the drill, drop a note below and we’ll be happy to get the team on it if we can!
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