They say it’s the little things in life that make the biggest difference, and if you’ve been running long enough, you know that’s true on the road and trail too.
Sometimes it’s a small detail, or a piece of gear you didn’t realize you needed until suddenly you can’t imagine your routine without it. That’s the kind of stuff we’re excited to share with you this month.
October’s gear round-up is full of those little gems, the things that make the miles smoother, the recovery cozier, and maybe even your whole day a little better.
Is there something you’ve tried below or in past round-ups? We’d love to hear your feedback as well!
Few things annoy me more while running than the feeling of my hair gradually slipping out of its ponytail or bun. So I’m happy to report that K’Lani’s “Rise” hair ties stayed secure even on hilly trails and windy days.
I have wavy, medium-thick hair, so your mileage may vary depending on your hair texture.
The set comes with five elastics: four with various beaded designs, including one with its namesake gold and cream sunrise charm looped into the elastic, all of which would look as cute at the end of a braid as they would on your wrist.
My pick for functionality is the flat one with no beads, because I don’t like the potential for strands getting twisted up in them.
The brand advertises these as two-in-one jewelry and functional hair wear, so if you’re like me and tend to find bracelets uncomfortable, the K’Lani beaded elastics could be for you. They felt as inconspicuous on my wrist as a normal hair tie.
I also got to try the matching necklace set, made from waterproof 18K gold-plated stainless steel.
The layered pair has a minimalist boho look that’s sweet and delicate, and feels well-made.
Hair Ties:
Necklaces:
-Maia, Gear Tester
Sunglasses are necessary on many days, but they are fragile and often have to be replaced.
That means finding a brand that’s affordable, stylish, and well-made is a necessity for almost everyone.
Knockaround offers all of those things, and they sent us a pair of Premium Sports in Moonshot, a pair of Premiums in Blue Obsidian, and a pair of Premium Sports in Jungle Summit.
I found the Knockaround sunglasses to be a fun and practical option for runners searching for a good-looking pair of shades that won’t break the bank.
Lightweight and comfortable, these glasses come in a wide range of colors, designs, shapes, and sizes.
I discovered that they fit well, feel good, and are durable. The sport versions also have grippy pads over the nose to help keep them in place while running. (Which worked most of the time, but they did tend to bounce a bit when turning my head to the side or smiling really big).
I would usually prefer a softer touch over my ears, but these are very lightweight and well-shaped, so it’s not really an issue.
Running in these Knockarounds was enjoyable. I would classify them as a solid option for runners, walkers, and travelers alike!
Premiums Sunglasses Specs:
Premiums Sport Sunglasses Specs:
-Bethany, Gear Tester
People have loved the PAKA hoodie since its release, citing its soft alpaca blend, the performance and durability of the natural fibers, and the overall comfort.
Their brand new Women’s hoodie is designed with the same aspects, but with a flattering fit, side slits, and a longer back panel for extra coverage. And wow.
I’ve found a sweater rugged enough for backpacking and pretty enough for a casual night out.
Since I received Paka Apparel’s Hoodie for Her, I’ve worn it on early morning dog walks, on a long backpacking trip, after a sweaty workout, and to the farmer’s market. This light and mighty sweater has mostly replaced my ubiquitous fleece.
The hand-woven alpaca wool makes this hoodie so adaptable. Elegant, soft, and lightweight alpaca wool is also a tough fiber. Wool is naturally durable, and alpaca wool is one of the strongest wools on the market.
For hiking and running in the rain, wool is my fabric of choice. It resists water and retains its warmth when wet.
I spilled water on it while cooking. The water brushed off rather than absorbing into the fabric.
Additionally, wool regulates temperature – providing breathable warmth in cool weather and wicking moisture on hot days.
While backpacking, I – and my companion – appreciated another magical property of alpaca wool: the ability to resist odor.
Sweaty climbs without showers can produce a certain “aroma.” Wicking microfabrics may feel cool, but they retain odors.
Wool does not.
Alpaca wool has an advantage over sheep’s wool: Alpaca wool lacks lanolin. Those with allergies to lanolin may be able to wear alpaca wool.
However, I occasionally found the sweater scratchy, especially on warmer days. Despite this drawback, I continue to wear the sweater nearly every day.
The Hoodie for Her has a sleek, feminine cut that provides a slim silhouette. A longer hemline provides coverage, making it perfect for wearing over leggings or compression shorts.
I’m smitten with the sweater’s details: a hint of embroidery at the hip, thumbholes, and slimming rib stitching.
Sustainable and ethically crafted, this hoodie is a sweater with a mission. The organic fabric is made from recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable materials.
Paka improves the lives of Peruvian women by teaching them to weave and providing them with a market for their product.
-Rebecca, Gear Tester
After a tough workout or long run, it can be tricky to find a comfortable pair of shoes to wear for the rest of the day. I always want to keep my feet supported but I also don’t want them trapped inside another pair of sneakers.
The VKTRY Recovery Clog is the world’s first carbon fiber recovery clog, making it a great option for runners who want to slip their feet into a supportive shoe without having to bend down to lace them up.
The VKTRY Recovery clog has a three-part recovery system that includes:
patented full-length carbon fiber baseplate
wave-textured, ultra-cushioned footbed
contoured rocker sole with arch support and a deep heel cup
These features make the clog similar to an orthotic by providing stability and comfort while helping to keep good alignment in the body.
While I don’t usually wear clogs, it’s nice to just slide these on without having to bend down to put on shoes or tie laces.
Compared to a regular clog, you can feel the softness provided by the footbed, which moves with your foot due to the carbon fiber base plate.
While they’re not the most fashionable pair of shoes, they are basic enough to be worn with most clothing you would probably wear to recover anyway.
If I’m just chasing my kids around the house in the afternoon, these would be good to throw on with a pair of sweatpants.
The strap on the back is removable, making them even quicker to slip on and off. Given that these were a little big on me, I left them on, and if I was walking around a lot, I’d probably want to keep them there.
The clogs also provide some nice ventilation, which is great when you don’t want your feet to feel trapped.
These are a nice option to promote recovery after a workout, especially if you need to continue being on your feet for the rest of the day.
Lisa, Gear Tester
As a road runner in a city, safety is important. From distracted drivers to unleashed dogs, it helps to be able to hear what’s going on around you while you’re out logging miles.
The Wing 2 headphones from Suunto utilize bone-conducting technology to deliver sound directly to your ears through the cheekbones, allowing your ears to remain open and enabling you to stay aware of your surroundings.
I tested the headphones in everything from 14-mile-long runs on a hot and humid day to extra sweaty gym sessions and trips to the grocery store.
The Suunto Wing 2 is more than just a pair of headphones; it comes equipped with features that make life on the go easier.
Once paired with your Suunto app, you can set the integrated LED lights to display a static bright light, a blinking light, or to emit an SOS signal.
Two additional sport modes can match the lights to your cadence while running or cycling.
Answering or rejecting a call is as simple as nodding your head or shaking your head twice.
Suunto made it easy to remember which motion controls which feature; you nod twice to accept a call or shake your head “no” twice to reject a call.
You can even shake your head twice to skip ahead if the next song on your running playlist is a bit of a downer.
Even if you take away all of the extra features, the Suunto Wing 2 provides excellent sound quality (especially for open-ear headphones).
They also feature long battery life and a comfortable, lightweight, and durable design.
Available in black or red
Up to 12 hours of battery + 24 hours with powerbank
IP66 sweat- & waterproof
Real-time performance feedback from Suunto watch
Check them out on Suunto.com for $179
-Tim, Gear Tester
Is there a piece of gear 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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