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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 this past month
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.
Also, yes, we’re late this month, but hopefully our content from TRE at the start of December makes up for it.
Thomas’s Pick #1
I like to keep patterns and flashy colors out of my apparel, but I’ll make a few exceptions.
During a conversation on The Drop, I mentioned I wasn’t into the Janji look (i.e. big, bold patterns). They heard what I said and sent over the Trail Tight in “Midnight,” a color somewhere between dark navy and black. The tights look good with only a few design accents.
They also have a whopping seven total pockets. The deep side pockets can easily accommodate the largest phone sizes (with case), nutrition, and 500ml soft flasks for ample carrying capacity on longer excursions. A pass-through pocket in the back is perfect for storing a jacket or extra long-sleeve layer when you heat up. The tights felt great in the low 30º F morning runs, so I guess Janji has won me over. I’ll be getting lots of miles in these tights over the winter.
Meaghan’s Pick #1
This is one of the softest, loveliest crews I’ve ever owned. The brushed fleece interior feels like a blanket. You can pair this with a pair of tights, jeans, or matching joggers (which I also have and love). I went with a size small which feels a little oversized, just how I like it. If you want this to fit more snugly, I would size down. I opted for an X-small in the joggers.
Buy The Free Fly Bamboo Fleece Crew
Robbe’s Pick #1
My first watch was a Timex Ironman (the grey/orange/black one), and something about the hue of Indiglo in a Timex sets my nostalgic heart on fire. It was the cell phone flashlight a decade early. This collab with James Brand brings the original version of the Ironman back in beautiful form, and it’s a statement piece for those who know. I especially love the custom nylon strap with stitched-in James Brand labeling. I wore this the entire week of The Running Event and got a ton of compliments on it, all of which were deserved. That alone was worth the price tag.
Buy The James Brand x Timex Ironman
Thomas’s Pick #2
I like socks. If you’re running in crappy socks, you are missing out. Unless you are a savage and don’t trim your toenails, a good pair of socks should last a while. The Paka socks are made from Alpaca fibers. Why Alpaca over traditional Merino Wool? “Alpaca fleece is warmer than Merino Wool, wicks moisture off of your body at an 85% greater rate than Merino Wool, is the most eco-friendly natural fiber, is softer than cashmere, and is antimicrobial.” The best part is the Paka socks feel great on your feet.
Robbe’s Pick #2
The Black Hole Duffel 55L is my number one bag for everything. From weekend trips to “throw everything in for a trail run,” it goes with me everywhere. And it just got a major overhaul for 2024. It’s now made of 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing (all weather- and abrasion-resistant), and the big change — instead of a shiny vinyl appearance, it now features a matte look made of recycled TPU-film laminate. It also comes in a variety of new colorways, from bright hues to muted tones
Ryan’s Pick #1
We were all thinking it, but I had to be the one to say it. The Brighton Base Layer is the bomb dot com, and always has been. I’ve been rotating through a few Brightons as the temps drop, and the Merino knit means I don’t have to rush to the washing machine after every run. If it’s a windy day, you might want a layer on top, though, as the knit doesn’t really stop the breeze.
Ryan’s Pick #2
Alright, so even though it’s not quite winter yet, it’s definitely glove season. I can usually get away with a single long-sleeve layer, but I need something to keep my fingers warm, and the Rabbit Tech Gloves fit the bill. They’re a step above the Cali-based brand’s EZ gloves, so they’re a little warmer and feature a water-repellent coating for the misty winter mornings.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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100% agree re the Brighton. I have three. They are awesome.
The gloves are interesting for sure. I’m in Seattle, where it’s really hard to dress for those days when it’s 34 and raining. Infinium by Gore Tex is good but not waterproof. Everything waterproof is a ski glove or too hot. I have yet to find a perfect glove… I might have to toss yet another forty bucks at this solution.
Any discount codes for Tracksmith?
Sorry, no discount codes other than what they offer on their site for email signup