These days, when you are out and about, you are likely to carry your phone with you. Depending on how long you’ll be away from the power grid, you may worry about your phone running out of battery, and then you won’t even be able to use it as an emergency flashlight anymore! The ToughTested XIP 3300MAH Sport Utility Powerbank and LED Tube solves those problems. This compact power bank will fully recharge most phones…
This time of year fosters feelings of thankfulness for our health and the presence of loved ones, and we can feel grateful for the abundance of all we have. However there is one area where I will never feel satiated: pockets. Women’s clothing in particular tends to favor seamless aesthetics over functional storage space, leaving me nowhere to put my belongings and nothing to do with my hands. While noble strides are being made on…
In the world of distance running, especially long distances where carrying fuel is critical to success, there are just a few ways for runners to do so. Those options are vests, backpacks and belts, and the selection for any of these choices is fairly robust. However, even with so many options to choose from, there are certain features that every runner looks for, which include fit, function and fashion. As a long distance trail runner,…
When you are outside in the dark, being visible to others is just as important as seeing where you are going. There is a variety of headlamps on the market, most of which have varying brightness and strobe settings, but most of the ones I have used focus on lighting up a small area very bright. Because of this, it feels like I am losing peripheral vision and have to move my head around a lot…
When you think of the word “Buff”, what crosses your mind. For many non-runners out there, they may think about muscles and weightlifting. For others, their minds may go to Duff beer, from Simpsons fame. However, for many of us runners Buff is the multifunctional headband company. Buff sent along some items for review – the Cap Pro Anton (named after Anton Krupicka) and their UV Arm Sleeves. Products: Cap Pro Anton (~$20) Specs (from website): Fastwick Extra…
Over the course of the past few years, I have experimented with different ways to manage hydration on long runs. As many of you know, there are several ways to carry or manage your hydration from hand-helds to belts to vests with pockets and vests with built-in bladders in the back. Each of these ways have their own merits and surely you have your favorite. I found myself bouncing back and forth between a belt…
Subscription boxes are all the rage these days. There are boxes curated for just about any interest or hobby, including running. Fun Run Box is the only box where you can try out the newest running gear and earn a finishers medal! Fun Run Box was started when two runners (one avid, one reluctant), realized that there was something missing in their running lives. They signed up for races, they participated in fun runs; but they wanted…
Inspired by a local overnight relay race’s rules requiring wearing a reflective vest 6pm-7am and also prohibiting above-the-shoulder sound playing devices, this running vest with built in speakers was developed by a group of Oregon runners looking for ways to listen to music while following the race regulations. Impressions: I first heard about the RoadNoise running vest from one of my Hood to Coast teammates in 2011 when she wanted to keep listening to her…
Company: Mobot MOBOT is the world’s first and only foam roller water bottle, delivering hydration and massage in one portable, eco-friendly package. Now your mind, body and conscience can feel good, everywhere you go. The MOBOT is one toteable tool. Foam rollers — usually found in your gym, physical therapists office or relegated to the living room corner — can now go everywhere and anywhere you do in the form of a MOBOT. Product: 40oz “Big Bertha” ($64); 27oz…
It’s been super hot for running these past few weeks. Rachel and Matt were sent some products to stay hydrated. Make sure you stay safe out there! As an active individual, I have come to learn just how important water consumption is. I try to consume at least 100 ounces everyday, refilling my two water bottles over and over again. I noticed over time, however, that my water bottles would get a weird chlorine smell after prolonged…
