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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.
Robbe’s Pick #1
I’m always in search of the perfect running short, and while the Patagonia isn’t quite the level of the now-discontinued holy grail of The North Face Better Than Naked, it’s pretty dang close. It’s made of ultra lightweight, stretchy, and quick-drying recycled polyester sourced from plastic ocean waste. They’re not lying– this thing dries in no time at all.
The storage options seem endless, with four envelope gel pockets and a rear zipper. Throw in a comfortable liner and you may have not just a trail short, but a great race day short for any surface or activity– road, trail, hiking, running, or otherwise.
Meaghan’s Pick #2
I don’t think this singlet ever makes it into a drawer. It pretty much goes from a run to the laundry, back out on the run. It’s the perfect lightweight singlet for those really warm days. Which is great for September because apparently summer isn’t ready to leave town. The material is soft but sweat-wicking, and I just love everything about it.
Thomas’s Pick #1
The way the R3 orthopedic foot roller works the tendons on your feet is magical. It’s designed to target specific areas of the foot to stretch the plantar fascia and intrinsic foot muscles to reduce soreness. Rolling out my foot has become a regular part of my routine since I got this puppy and my feet have never felt better.
Thomas & Meaghan’s Pick #2
THOMAS: I haven’t taken these off since I got them. They are ultralight (27 grams) and have Polyamide lenses for crystal clear vision. I have worn them for running, cycling, and on a bus on a psychedelic trip reading murder books, trying to stay hip. IFYKYK. Anyhow, the Vinco Sola live up to the demands you’ll put on them during exercise and protect your vision while you’re out in the elements. They aren’t cheap, but the 2-year warranty should help justify the expense.
MEAGHAN: These are also my favorite. The shields are a whole vibe and I’m here for it. One of the best features is that the rubber ends of the temple arms are fully adjustable and can bend to best fit your face. These things are expensive, but it’s totally worth it.
Robbe’s Pick #2
When I was hiking in Colorado, I wore these pants for three straight days and they did not disappoint. They’re super comfortable and made from sustainably-sourced 70% Blue Ocean Nylon, a durable fabric that withstands all conditions.
The front pockets are mesh with internal phone sleeves, there’s a hidden security pocket, and there’s an integrated EDC pocket on each side. Also features roll-up-and-button bottom cuffs with 3M reflective tape for city cycling. There’s plenty more features, but those are the essentials. Guaranteed these pants will be a staple in my wardrobe this fall.
Ryan’s Pick #1
If Robbe is the king of the Legionnaire, I’ll throw my weight behind the bucket hat. Fractel’s bucket offers just enough brim to block the sun, but isn’t nearly wide enough to make me look like Yosemite Sam on a windy day. It doesn’t have a drawstring to tuck under your chin, though it’s pretty easy to tighten the rear cord for a snug, secure fit.
Ryan’s Pick #2
I picked up a pair of Twilight Shorts ahead of Tracksmith’s Twilight 5000 and I haven’t looked back. The 5-inch inseam offers a bit better coverage, and, in the Baltimore heat, a bit less chafing than shorter 3-inch shorts. Despite the slim cut, there are actually three pockets, which means more than enough space for some nutrition and my apartment keys.
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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.
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
Great gear roundup.
I followed the link to the Tracksmith Strata tank and it looks like this is available for $124 (not $70 as listed in the roundup). Is there a discount code available that drops this down to the lower price? If so, please share!