We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Here’s where to find some of the best gear out there that doesn’t make it into reviews
Because we’ve been wearing it all the time the past few months
Anything from running to hanging out to livin’ the good life
We get a lot of gear to review here at Believe in the Run. Sometimes we get a whole seasonal collection to review, but more often than not, we get a bunch of items meant for different purposes. Some nutrition here, a couple hats there, tack on some casual pants and maybe some socks.
If you’re like us, you probably don’t want to read a review about just one pair of socks, or a backpack, or whatever. But if we’re using something all the time– if it’s become part of our running life– we want you to know. That’s where this monthly roundup comes in.
Each month, we give you a list of items that we really, truly love. Everything on this list is something we keep coming back to again and again. Maybe it’s the fit, maybe it’s the performance, maybe it’s just something we can’t explain. But at the end of the day, we love it, and we hope you do too.
Of course, we’re always looking for new gear to fall in love with, so if you have any recommendations yourself, please leave them in the comments below.
Robbe’s favorite shades
This premium French alpine eyewear brand is making a comeback, as evidenced by its current Strava challenge centered around outdoor sports. Vuarnet sent us the Alpine 01, featuring crystal clear mineral glass lenses and an acetate frame made in Italy and France. The hook behind the ears keeps them in place for certain sports, though the lack of nose grips makes them unsuitable for warm-weather running. But damn, if they aren’t the nicest sunglasses I’ve ever owned.
Ryan went to Mexico and didn’t get burnt
This isn’t actually new to me, but I hadn’t been using it over the winter. Now that it’s spring, though, I’m back on my SPF grind. More specifically, I took Revive & Revel’s Sun Shield with me for a weekend in Mexico and absolutely fell in love with it. It’s designed by runners and for runners, which means it’s waterproof for up to 80 minutes, and the SPF 50 protection is plenty enough to keep me from burning to a crisp. I also like that it’s slightly beige-tinted rather than pasty white, but I wish it came in a larger tube, given the price.
Thomas is a man of refined tastes, of course
I know what I like, and I like what I know, so when the 247 Training Shorts showed up, I realized I liked them very quickly. They might not look all that fancy at a glance, but the material is incredibly light and felt like it disappeared on my legs while I ran. Also, unlike most running shorts, 247 has proven pretty generous with its storage options, tacking a pair of slanted zip pockets on the front with a third zip pocket on the back for smaller essentials like keys.
Ready for Racing
The main star of this singlet is Ciele’s proprietary Coolmatic EXP technology. This features carbon fiber woven into the polyester strands of the garment to give it antimicrobial and cooling properties along with structure that will last throughout the miles. I loved this singlet. It is light, sits perfectly at my hips and down my back, and would be my top choice for a warm 26.2 miles. I also run hot, pun intended, and found not only did this singlet wick sweat, it did not get heavier and sag while I was running.
Who wears short shorts? We do!
There’s nothing like finding a pair of shorts that just work. The Patagonia Multi Trail Short brings together a really light combination of Oceancylce-certified recycled materials for a supremely comfortable short. I don’t typically love a longer brief style liner in a short, but these were light and functional, just like the multiple pockets included. Six and eight-inch options are available. These will be a go-to for spring and summer ahead.
Good shades don’t have to break the bank
It’s beginning to feel like spring (every other day, depending on the hour) in Baltimore, which means more sunshine and sunglasses. I love a good pair of shields, and the Knockaround Campeones have become one of my favorites. They feature Knockterra performance lenses, rubberized adjustable nose grips, and flexible non-slip arms so they stay perfectly in place throughout your run.
Can’t say no to a good sock
Every time we get another pitch for socks and how they’re so great, I think, “Here we go again — it’s a sock, people.” And then I tried Courier. As soon as you touch them, you know they’re luxurious. Featuring graduated compression to keep them up, anatomical fit, and a sunroof fabrication on top of the toes that allows for airflow and promotes toe splay, this may be the peak of performance socks.
Hiding on these urban streets
My other pick for this spring roundup comes from 247 as well, because like I said, I know what I like. This hooded jacket, though, earns its place in my heart not because it disappears on the run but because it makes me look like I could disappear into the woods. Alright, I mean I’m probably not blending in with a whole lot on the Baltimore streets anyway, but 247’s throwback, 90s-inspired cut is great, offering just enough motion and breathability for me to survive whatever the hell you want to call spring weather in our hometown.
You know what they say about April winds or something
The Gorewear Concurve Windbreaker is a perfect outer layer for that “in like a lion” bit of March or really anytime temps call for more than just a long sleeve. It’s made of a soft, quiet fabric that almost disappears on the run, and the anti-cling interior feels great next to the skin.
Heads Up
At this price, should expect perfection and Ciele delivers nothing less. This might be the best racing-designed hat I’ve ever tried. Outside of the same Coolmatic EXP materials featured in their Elite racing singlet and shorts, Ciele also features the HOLLOWphorm EVA brim. It is a non-solid brim that features hexagon-shaped vents that make the hat even lighter and breathable. Many hats collect moisture and sweat in the brim and then drip that down into your face, but I found that to not be an issue with this hat because of the neat brim design. This hat will absolutely be adorning my head for all summer races.
Gotta have space for all my stuff
I can’t say that I’ve ever been the biggest flip belt or SPIbelt guy, but I’m coming around on the Endorphin Running Belt. It’s easy to adjust and stays in place, yet it has a ton of storage for my phone and my keys while I’m out on the run. The Endorphin Belt also has a pair of loops for gels or other nutrition to slot into, which makes them way easier to access than if I had to simply trust them in the pocket with all of my other gear.
Socks, socks, and more socks
It’s no secret that I live for a great sock. This Le Bent sock has a luxurious, thick feel thanks to its bamboo rayon and merino wool blend. It provides cushion, ventilation, and a proprietary non-slip and blister-free design! I’d personally save this sock for cooler weather — it would be my first pick for a chilly spring morning run.
It’s still pants szn in Colorado
I’m all about the legs this month, apparently. When not on the run, I have been wearing the Rabbit High Country Pants. They are a versatile midweight pair of pants. I appreciate the subtle but numerous pocket selection, sporty fit, and endless application from wearing on work days to crewing your “best friend” in their ultra. I found the waist to be a little on the big side but not enough to size down.
What trail run is complete without a vest?
This updated vest from Salomon is the perfect platform for training and racing alike. It’s lightweight and sleek enough to sport on race day and accommodating enough to load it down with extra helpings of Trader Joe’s sour candy for big adventures. My favorite feature, however, is the rear stash pocket, perfect for quickly stashing and deploying a wind shell on the run without having to reach over your shoulder or take off your pack — necessary for keeping the body temp regulated on those variable spring days. Salomon’s dialed fit and proven materials round out this technical hydration masterpiece.
Have something to say? Leave a Comment
As the founder of Believe in the Run, Thomas’s goal is to help runners pick the shoes and gear that will make their running experience the best that it can be.
More from Thomas
Meaghan signed up for her first marathon three weeks before the race, because it was $10 more than the half she planned to run. She learned everything in running the hard way. Now a USATF & UESCA certified run coach, she loves encouraging friends to go for big goals as she continues to chase faster times. She enjoys a hot cup of coffee, a cold martini, and making bagels for friends and family.
More from Meaghan
Robbe is the senior editor of Believe in the Run. He loves going on weird routes through Baltimore, finding trash on the ground, and running with the Faster Bastards. At home in the city, but country at heart. Loves his two boys more than anything. Has the weakest ankles in the game.
More from Robbe
Ryan is kind of like Robbe’s Igor behind the scenes. He helps to compile and clean up everyone’s reviews, and finds time to get in a few miles of his own. When he’s not running or editing, Ryan writes and reviews for Android Authority, spending time with the latest tech and complaining when things don’t work quite right. If he’s not doing any of that, maybe you’ll find him nose-deep in a crossword puzzle or trying to catch up on an endless backlog of shows to stream.
More from Ryan
Read Article
