Here we are – a quarter through 2022 already! We have tried out a variety of gear this year and wanted to highlight a few of our favorite items. This isn’t to say that we haven’t reviewed a ton of other great gear since January, and there are items on here we just hated not mentioning. We encourage you to read all our reviews of apparel, shoes, and beyond. These are just the items we have found ourselves going back to the most thus far! Read on for the Best Gear of 2022 so far.
Winter Kit: SAYSKY
Saysky has had a few amazing seasonal releases thus far, but their cold weather gear really has been a game changer for me.
“Overall, I am super impressed with our maiden voyage in SAYSKY gear. Their items are definitely an investment, but they are some of the most structurally sound and constructed items we have tried out. We have zero doubts that both the Hooded Pace Fleece and Blaze Pants will last us for many runs and many years to come. And at that time, when we haven’t needed to purchase new stuff over and over again, that investment really makes sense.”
Spring Kit: Roark Run Amok Season 4
“These two items from Roark and their Run Amok Collection were our first connection with this company. We had been ancillarily aware of them, but this was our first review of their items. I am a huge fan of items that can cross over between running wear and more leisure items, and I truly think Roark may be one of those companies that I become obsessed with. Their short work quite well in the running sphere and the jacket is absolutely going to be a statement piece both on the trails and, potentially even more so, as an everyday jacket here in the PNW. Can’t wait to try out more and you should too.”
Shoes: Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2
“I said it in my initial review and I will mention it again with the UA Flow Velociti Wind 2 – I LOVE THESE SHOES. UA claims that this line is designed to give “effortless speed” and I honestly tend to agree. I feel both light AND supported in these shoes and they have become my go-to when racing (and even when training as well).”
Jacket: Craft Glide Hood Jacket
“As it is designed for cross-country skiing in cold conditions, the elastic 3L wind and waterproof fabric has kept be both warm and dry (as we have had both downpours and sunny – yet chilly – days during our review period). When I needed a little more warmth, utilizing the elastic to tighten the bottom (conveniently located within the pockets!) came in very handy.
Overall, as you can probably tell, we have been in LOVE with this jacket. It has become an everyday staple over this past winter month, and I expect it to be around for years to come as the seasons turn, during those chilly runs, on our trips to the Coast, and anywhere a little extra warmth is needed.”
Accessories: Tifosi
“It is impossible to overstate just how functional Tifosi glasses appear to be. As I mentioned initially, they have pairs to meet whatever outdoor (and indoor) need you desire. Their brown lenses, my first venture into this color, are definitely unique and provide a huge change in the visuals you see. I have lucked out with a few non-cloudy, full sun (and dang cold) winter days and these were quite amazing – and still took some getting used to. I absolutely know that these will be even more handy in the summer.”
Refueling: Gnarly
“The protein blend in Gnarly is made from pea protein isolate, chia seed protein and cranberry seed protein. There is a little bit of added sugar as this is designed to be a meal replacement product, and the taste is downright great. To me, having a completely sugar-free protein option is great, but if it tastes terrible (i.e. chalky) then it’s probably not even worth the trouble. I mean, who wants to stomach what they can’t stand?! Honestly the combo of function and taste really have me a Gnarly convert now.”
What have been your favorites?
