Running Gear We Love Right Now | March 2023

Intro

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 10-12 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.

The Running Gear We Love Right Now

This is a piece of running gear I never knew I needed. The half bandana ties easily around the neck, blocking any chill in the air, while the Polartec-backed material traps in the heat so well that you don’t need a beanie even as temps dip into the mid-30s. I also enjoy looking like a bandit; it’s a good vibe.

These shorts fit perfectly. The wide waistband is snug but doesn’t dig in and give you a muffin top, yet the pockets are extremely functional and can carry your phone with ease. Even with the phone, there’s plenty of room for nutrition, keys, or tater tots.

This lightweight base layer is designed for high aerobic activities in cold conditions. Ibex’s 81% merino is naturally moisture-wicking, thermoregulating, and breathable while a nylon core provides durability. At only 180gsm, Woolies Tech maintains incredible warmth for its weight without overheating.

This is easily one of my favorite pairs of tights. The material is supportive but soft, and the high waist provides a flattering fit. There are reflective details along the side for improved visibility and, most importantly, the tights aren’t too long for my 5’4” frame.

Sure it’s hard to get jazzed up about a white cotton t-shirt, but this one gets bonus points for helping save the world. Or, at least planting a couple of trees. This relaxed-fit tee is super soft, made from organic cotton, and will surely become a staple in your wardrobe. Plus, there are way more colors than just white.

If I could live in joggers, I probably would. This pair from Rabbit is buttery soft, super lightweight, and has an elastic waistband and external drawstring for the perfect fit. The EZ fabric is one of our go-to favorites, and honestly, we’re not complaining that Rabbit has adapted it for everything from t-shirts to underwear. Seriously.

We’ve tested a lot of jackets here at Believe in the Run. But over the last few weeks, this jacket has catapulted its way to the top of my list as possibly my favorite jacket… ever? It’s not a traditional running jacket, but in colder temps, it works perfectly with the Tech Crew baselayer (see Thomas’s picks). However, where most running jackets stop at running, Ibex goes above and beyond — it’s just the perfect garment for all seasons, from activity to lifestyle and everything in between.

At first glance, it has a similar vibe to the Patagonia Nano Puff or The North Face Thermoball, but it’s quite different when put to use. The key ingredient in the Wool Aire is merino wool (it’s kind of what Ibex is all about). We’ve sung the praises of merino wool every chance we can get, thanks to its miraculous odor-resistant properties and ability to adapt to whatever temperature you’re at. But this is the first time we’ve seen it used in a jacket. And let me tell you, it’s incredible.

Because of its temperature range, I can wear it from 35 degrees with a baselayer to 65 degrees with a t-shirt, and I’m always comfortable — never too hot, never too cold. As such, I never want to take this jacket off. I’ll just sit on the couch sometimes and refuse to take it off. I took a nap in it outside, and it felt like I was in a cozy sleeping bag. I’ve gone disc golfing in it. I think you got my point — it’s perfect for everything.

It also packs down into a light and small package, perfect for travel. I’ll be bringing one jacket with me to Tokyo this week, and you can guess what it is. (Update: I flew to Tokyo in this, and indeed– it was the perfect complement for travel).

Lastly — don’t sleep on the vest version of this. It’s everything the jacket is, just without the sleeves and hood, of course.

I’ve never been a huge “nutrition” type person unless you count me abstaining from ordering a McFlurry with my value meal. But as I’ve been training for the Tokyo Marathon, I’ve been trying to take the advice from our team at the Fuel for the Sole podcast and up my protein levels. Luckily, Gnarly came through at the right time.

I’ve always been wary of buying protein powder because I’ve heard so many horror stories about the cheap stuff that’s on Amazon — protein cut with lots of filler ingredients or made in factories that end up contaminating it with metals and all kinds of other stuff.

Luckily Gnarly has none of that. It’s a whey protein concentrate derived from antibiotic-free, non-rBGH grass-fed cow’s milk, delivering healthy fats, omega-3 acids, and other nutritional essentials supporting muscle synthesis and immune health.

Coincidence that this is the only training cycle I haven’t gotten sick? Maybe not.

I got the chocolate stuff and mix it with my vanilla Icelandic yogurt each morning for breakfast, and it pairs perfectly. Not chalky or weird tasting. In fact, it’s not even noticeable, really. You can even mix it with water if you so desire.

Give it a try at the link below.

When you get a hoodie that fits just right, it becomes part of the daily fit check. Especially if you work in an office with a bunch of runners.

Brooklyn-based Bandit has been raising some eyebrows with its limited-edition drops over the past year or so. I was lucky enough to try out the Oatmeal Hoodie, which has certifiably become a staple in my wardrobe.

It’s a classic hoodie made with 100% combed cotton and is as comfortable as it looks. While not for actual running, it’s the perfect post-run complement. A side slit and loose bottom fit prevent that usual bunching you get from most hoodies, while an internal kangaroo pocket gives you some nice storage options. The embroidered Bandit logo on the chest is just enough to stand out without being a billboard for the brand. All that to say, this has quickly become my favorite hoodie, and something I wear, maybe way too much.

We’re runners, but we’re also joggers. And we also wear joggers. This jogger from Ten Tree has been my go-to casual pant over the last month. Made with organic cotton (and a bit of elastane for some stretch), they provide plenty of flex and room to move, while not totally looking like you’re wearing sweatpants. Oh, and you can plant some more trees — just like you can with every TenTree purchase.

Designed for movement, these joggers can take you straight from the gym to the market. Best of all, they are made from 90% post-consumer recycled polyester. We’re not sure that we’d hit up a Saturday long run in them, but we’d definitely put them on after we’re done in our running gear.