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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.
Thomas’s Pick #1
A waterproof, breathable jacket is essential for winter running. The Soar All Weather Jacket utilizes tightly woven Italian STORM2 fabric and a chemical water-repellent coating, aka DWR. The jacket has reflective elements, a chest pocket, and hand pockets for added functionality.
Robbe and I always discuss pockets or lack of them on running jackets. Our thought is that you need them. Normally I have to go up a size in Soar products thanks to the European sizing, but I was sent a large, which is a touch big on me. While the jacket is definitely on the pricier side, the quality is rock solid and should last several years.
Meaghan’s Pick #1
I know it’s hard to get really jazzed about socks, but when you get a good one, man, it makes a difference. I got a fresh pair of the Feetures Max cush socks and they’re so soft and comfortable that no matter which shoe you lace up, it just feels better. They also will outlast almost any sock you can buy, so in a way you’re saving money over the long haul.
Robbe’s Pick #1
It’s winter and you’re almost certainly running in darkness for the majority of your training. It sucks, but it’s not as bad as getting clocked by a car that didn’t see you doing your best “shadow dressed in the style of goth” impression. Made in New York City, this Miler Running vest features 360-degree 3M Scotchlite reflectivity implemented on a featherweight breathable mesh imported from Portugal. It also has shoulder attachment points for clip-on lights and three internal gel/key pockets in the rear panel. And while we’re never gonna say reflective vests look cool, we can assure you that Miler has made the only one that comes close.
Buy The Miler Running Safety Vest
Thomas’s Pick #2
If I could only have one pair of winter gloves, these would be it. The gloves are well-insulated and have the fingertips you can actually use with touchscreens. Pull out the Stowable waterproof Cordura® flip mitts (with a space for the thumb!) when the temps drop for additional warmth and protection against the elements. When I head out the door, I like to keep my hands as warm as I can. I’ll start with the mitt out, and as my body heats up on the run, I’ll tuck the mitts away. With other gloves, my hands would be cold until the blood started pumping.
Meaghan’s Pick #1
It’s probably not a shock that I’ve got another favorite piece from Tracksmith. This hooded Merino wool mid-layer has become my go-to for the cold winter days here in Baltimore. The Merino wool is soft and comfortable and the elastic bindings at the cuff openings and bottom hem keep you nice and warm and protected from the elements.
Buy Tracksmith Downeaster Hoodie
Robbe’s Pick #2
I swear I’m not putting this on here because they’re a podcast sponsor. I’ve never been a fan of hydration mixes, mainly because I feel like most of them have never done much for me. Until now. The gratitude I have for LMNT is hard to express. After a hard workout or race, I’ll pound this high-sodium, electrolyte mix and within 15 minutes I feel like I’ve been respawned. My headaches are gone and my energy levels restored. No joke, it’s saved me and the rest of my day over the last few months. Bonus points for being a zero-sugar mix with flavors that actually taste fantastic (my favorite is the raspberry salt, but they also have some great hot drink mixes for the winter). Plus, you’ll get a free sample pack with any purchase at the link below.
Ryan’s Pick #1
I’d once again like to thank Robbe for being the same size as I am, meaning that I get his hand-me-overs. This is one of those times, and the NDO Jacket has become a fast favorite so far in January. The new version of the NDO Jacket is a bit lighter than previous versions, but it blocks wind beautifully and has plenty of pockets (including an inner cell phone pocket in the chest) so I can pack gloves and nutrition without strapping on a vest or a backpack. Oh, and it comes in straight black – my favorite (it also comes in white for all you snow angels out there).
Ryan’s Pick #2
Listen, I don’t think I really need to elaborate on this one. If you know BodyGlide, you know what it’s for. If you don’t know BodyGlide, it does exactly what it sounds like — reduce chafing in this bleak midwinter. I tend to stick with the “body” version, but BodyGlide also has skin, foot, and “for her” formulas.
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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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Best thing with LMNT is that they put out the recipe on the their website so cheap bastards like me don’t need to pay 40 bucks, for just salt, potassium and magnesium…..but agree, this electrolyte is one of the better.