What Run Oregon is Wearing: New gear from Nathan
Run Safe Mask by Nathan Sports
Ah, it’s been a year of living with Covid-19 restrictions… Running is one of the activities that’s actually been the easiest to adapt to the lockdown rules because it can be done outdoors and physically distanced from others. (I do miss the easy flat surface of the treadmill, but that’s another story.)
Still, if you want to run on narrow trails, or on the track (if it’s crowded), it’s a good idea to wear a mask. The primary concern with running with a mask, of course, is whether you feel like you are getting enough airflow and whether the mask will stay secured.
I got to test the Run Safe Mask by Nathan Sports. As you can see from the picture, the loops go around your neck and the back of your head, rather than around the ears. This means the mask feels more secure, and I suppose it makes it easier to take off the top loop if you want to let the mask dangle when there’s no one around. (With the ear loop kind of mask, it doesn’t seem feasible to run with the mask hanging from just one ear.)
As for airflow, I never felt like I couldn’t get enough air, but at times it did feel like the mask would get plastered against my mouth when I was breathing in. (I’ve had the same sensation with regular cloth masks at times when I’ve been lecturing in class.) The other issue that I think is insurmountable with masks is that after a while, it started to feel humid and moist.
One feature of this mask that I haven’t seen in others is that it has a flap so that you can drink water without taking the mask off. The mask is pretty tight so that the bottom part of the top flap overlaps with the top part of the bottom flap.
All in all, this is a pretty good running mask, and the bright yellow adds a safety dimension in terms of visibility.
- Comes in both solid colors and reflective print designs
- Stretch material allows for custom fit for all face shapes
- Quick-drying, stain-resistant, anti-microbial material, 87% polyester and 13% spandex
- Reusable, machine washable
- 50+ UV skin protection
- Great for Running, Jogging, Hiking, Cycling, Yoga & More.
WARNING: This is not a medical-grade mask and is not intended as a replacement for medical-grade personal protective equipment.
Run Safe Mask – $19.99
- Sleek packable design
- Rub free Runnable straps with zero bounce
- Bungee compression for capacity management
- Internal sleeve storage/bladder compartment
- Internal phone pocket
- Hidden tube port for bladder
Cost: $25.00
- Black / Blue Jewel
- Vapor Blue / Lollipop
- Sailor Blue / Tiger Lilly
The Speed Draw Insulated Flask is a great option for those looking for some hydration options this year. Now that races are in full swing, we are finding that most are foregoing traditional aid stations and requiring that runners carry their own aid. While this handhold may not hold up for a full marathon or ultra, it will definitely come in handy for those shorter races.
We have tried out Nathan handhelds before and have found them to be really comfortable on the hands, and like that there is a zipped pocket to keep some small essentials in. There are also some reflective qualities that make this even better for those darker runs we plan on taking this summer. Here are some specs:
- 18oz / 535 mL double-wall insulated and hi-viz reflective SpeedDraw Flask with Race Cap offers quick bursts of fluids and keeps fluids cooler longer
- Ergo flask with a new sweat-channeled, no-slip grip insert for an easier carry
- Integrated 3M™ reflective fabric offers 360-degree reflectivity for visibility in low-light conditions
- Double-wall construction keeps fluids cooler 20% longer than other insulated bottles
- Fully-adjustable hand strap with chafe-free thumb hole enables grip-free running
- Large, expandable, zippered pocket fits most smartphones, plus nutrition, keys, and small essentials
Thank you to Nathan Sports for providing us with samples. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
