‘Tis the season of giving, and one of our favorite traditions is rounding up a collection of new and favorite items the UR staff have recently tested, to present gift ideas for you, our readers, or the ultrarunners on your shopping list.
Fuel by the Fire
The category of sports nutrition is both crowded and complicated, with countless products to choose from, some of which are more effective for certain subsets of athletes over others. Precision Fuel & Hydration addresses this by having a wide variety of product options: fluid, gels, chews, solids and supplements. They also offer customized recommendations based on your individual goals, body type and nutritional needs, along with straightforward plans for fuel, hydration and electrolyte replenishment for training and racing. And, get a free 20-minute video call for more in-depth consultation and coaching, if you don’t know where to start. A great place to begin is their Fuel Sample Pack ($55), which includes some of the company’s best-selling fueling products to see what works best for you. The Sample Pack comes with four different gel options, two different chews and a bag of Carb & Electrolyte Mix. All of the products are vegan-friendly, and most feature a mild, citrus-based original flavor that isn’t overwhelming on hot days. It’s an easy way to find a product that works, then stock up on more. Find more at precisionhydration.com.
Often during long adventures or races, we crave food textures outside of the normal gel or block variety. A longstanding favorite has been GU Energy Waffles ($30 for 16-pack, in single flavors or a mixed box), which were rebranded this year, and reformulated with new taste and nutritional profiles. All of them are certified organic, and select varieties are vegan and/or gluten-free. Most of the seven flavor options carry over from the stroopwafel days to the new formulation, and a new and improved taste and texture. Our favorites are Wild Berries, Campfire S’mores, and when we want a 20mg caffeine boost, Caramel Coffee. Each waffle has 21 to 23g of simple and complex carbohydrates to support fast-acting and sustained energy, while electrolytes help offset sweat loss. These are the most versatile sports nutritional products we use, working equally well pre-workout, mid-race or as a recovery snack. Find more at guenergy.com.
Many of us like to consume protein after a long run, and Tailwind Recovery Mix ($3.29 per serving, $26.32 for 8-pack sampler) is one of the tastiest ways to do it. This is another product that has been reformulated this year, with twice the amount of protein and leucine (for protein synthesis), plus added BCAAs and reduced fat compared to the previous version. Each serving replenishes 20g of complete plant-based protein and 40mg of calcium, along with sodium, potassium and magnesium to restore your electrolyte balance. The mix blends with water by shaking in a drink bottle or stirring with a spoon, however, we love mixing them with milk for added protein and calcium. Chocolate is always a favorite, and the new strawberry flavor triggers serious “drinking Nesquik while watching Saturday morning cartoons” vibes. Every flavor comes in single-serving packets to stuff in your gym bag or in a bulk bag for additional servings. Find more at tailwindnutrition.com.
We’re always partial to products with all-natural ingredient profiles, and Skratch Labs Energy Bar Sport Fuel ($2.65 each, $30 for 12-pack) is a great option that combines real ingredients like fruit, nuts, oats, quinoa and nut butter into a versatile portable fuel source. We like using them for lower intensity activities and long trail days, and they are also a great healthy snack option between workout sessions on the same day. Four different flavors provide 9 to 11g of carbs, plus a balanced macronutrient profile, healthy fats and 4-5g of plant-based protein. Their flavor profiles include ideal pairings such as Cherry + Pistachio, Peanut Butter + Chocolate and the newest flavor, Oatmeal + Cinnamon, which includes almond butter and raisins to provide a classic breakfast taste. Because they are made with all-natural ingredients, these bars allow efficient digestion and have no artificial aftertastes. Find more at skratchlabs.com.
One of the most interesting entrants in the portable food category is Patagonia, who apply their same standards of responsible sourcing and ethical production to the food industry. Their Patagonia Provisions Bison Sticks ($48 per 12-pack, $130 for 36-stick variety pack) are a perfect example of how commodities can be produced in a way that is part of a solution rather than the problem. Meat is sourced from Great Plains bison that range freely and consume a fully natural diet of nutrient-dense wild grasses, which is a key component in regenerative organic agriculture that improves the health of the grasslands and larger surrounding ecosystems. The resulting product is a delicious, lean red meat that is free of antibiotics, pesticides and added hormones, has lower saturated fat and calories than grain-fed beef and is an excellent source of protein and iron. Individually packaged 1oz sticks are great for snacking on the trail or at work, and come in original, ranch or jalapeno flavors. Find more at patagonia.com.
Gadgets Galore
A dependable headlamp is a great commodity year-round, especially in winter months with extended darkness. The Biolite Range 500 ($70) is the brightest model in the company’s new Range series, all of which feature advanced lens design, fast recharging technology, robust IP67 water and dust resistance, an updated two-button user interface that is glove-friendly and a moisture-wicking woven fabric band for increased comfort. The Range 500 burns for 6 hours at max brightness of 500 lumens, and a reserve mode burns at the low setting for 1 hour if you miscalculate your run time. The rechargeable battery fills completely in 80 minutes, and a quick charge of 8 minutes gives you one hour of 500 lumen brightness. Low-profile housing construction and a comfortable band make it easy to keep in place after the sun comes up, but if you want to tuck it away, you’ll barely notice the compact size and 75g (2.6oz) weight. Find more at bioliteenergy.com.
The Suunto Wing 2 ($179) are the latest headphone model by Suunto for runners who prefer to listen to music, podcasts or audio books, while still enabling full awareness of their surroundings with open-ear, bone-conduction technology. Designed with lightweight titanium and silicone, the headphones are secured around the ears with a band around the head. The Wing 2 also has a clear sound quality, minimal vibration and allow for visibility in the dark with LED lights embedded in each earpiece. As winter rolls in and our access to trails is limited due to snowfall, our training time on the road increases, which is where bone-conduction technology is key when it comes to safety. Battery life supports up to 12 hours of continuous listening, with a power bank and USB-C charging to extend use on long runs. Find more at suunto.com.
All eyes are on Courtney Dauwalter at the finish line, and her signature sunglasses from SunGod are the exclamation point of her race kit. The Courtney Camouflage Signature Series Classics ($140) by SunGod are a wayfarer-style frame with 8KO polarized lenses – a material that’s a form of transparent polyamide which is lighter than polycarbonate without compromising on strength or durability. This technology makes the lenses even more shatter-proof and offers up to 70% greater clarity and complete UV protection. The Classics4 are lightweight and provide a comfortable, secure fit, with Pop-Lock Screwless snap hinges that offer an ease of use and durability while on the run. The frames are 100% recycled T90 (plastic waste) and provide a softer feel across the nose and ears. SunGod is a Britain-based eyewear company that is carbon neutral and a Certified B Corporation with a mission to create a community-built brand that’s sustainable. While there are multiple colors to choose from, we’re fans of the limited-edition camouflage pattern which gives the frames a bit of flare and depth. How can we resist when we feel a little bit faster while wearing them? Find more at sungod.co.
The newest running band by Naked is built for more capacity and more adventure. Designed for high alpine long runs, the HC Band ($95) is made with lightweight Naked Exopower mesh. At 7 inches wide and 3.8 ounces, the band is bounce-resistant and is made to hold multiple brands and sizes of soft flasks or Naked’s new 1L reservoir. A breathable, padded back panel helps with comfort while trekking poles are secured in silicone grip loops over the back, but also has a mesh back pocket for extra clothing storage. In the front, two secure internal pockets hold smaller items such as gels, bars, sunglasses, phone or headlamp for easy accessibility. Naked is known for their seamless, breathable design and lightweight capability, and the HC Band falls right in line with additional room (over 5L storage) for gear when adding extra mileage to your long training days. Each HC Band also comes with a 500ml HydraPak soft flask. Find more at nakedsportsinnovations.com.
A critical consideration when extending your adventure time in the outdoors is your ability to replenish water. The HydraPak UltraFlask+ Filter Cap ($43) makes filtration simple and easy and ensures your safety when drinking from natural sources. The 42mm thread size is compatible with all of HydraPak’s soft flasks, as well as those from other companies, and takes up no additional space when added to a flask you are already using. A high flow bite valve is easy to drink from and can squeeze filtered water out at a rate of 1L per minute for rapid refilling of a larger reservoir. The valve auto-seals after each sip to avoid inadvertent dripping and comes with a backflush adapter to restore the flow rate after prolonged use. Most importantly, it is a highly effective backcountry filter, eliminating 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and parasites. It’s the perfect item to help loved ones (or yourself) avoid potentially severe post-run illness. Find more at hydrapak.com.
Cozy & Warm Wears
With recovery as a year-round priority for ultrarunners, we’re always looking for ideal post-race slides. Norda released their 008 recovery slide ($145) back in June, and with a dual-density foam footbed, a Vibram Ecostep soleplate made from recycled rubber compounds and the foam comfort strap, we’ve been wearing them on all of our recovery days, and then some. Norda’s high-quality materials and premium construction are worth the higher price point as these slides offer beefier arch support as well as a grippier tread. What we really appreciate about the 008 is the ability to feel like the body gets a break and the feet are fully nurtured every time we step into these slides. Four colorways are available inspired by Norda’s connection to natural textures, terrain and light. They also recommend ordering up a half size. Find more at nordarun.com.
Versatile cold-weather apparel is a valuable commodity in the winter, and Rabbit’s High Country Flannel Lined shirt ($100) provides lightweight thermal insulation that is equally suitable for cold-weather trail running or just relaxing around the house. Dual-layer construction pairs a rugged, brushed outer flannel fabric made from cotton and recycled polyester with a soft waffle knit liner. This interior lining is made with 20% tencel to enhance moisture-wicking, odor control and drying time after it gets sweaty. The High Country has a semi-relaxed fit that allows freedom of movement when worn as a sole layer, but can also be layered easily under a hard shell for more frigid conditions. The plaid color palette on this shirt includes vivid seasonal hues with brass-colored metal buttons adding a rustic accent to complete the cozy vibes. Find more at runinrabbit.com.
Women’s recovery wear for post-long run is always something we’re keeping an eye out for, especially when it’s more than a puffy jacket and flannel pants. FP Movement’s Hot Shot Crossover ($145) set is a pair of relaxed fit, ankle-length pants that are easy to throw on after a long run but maintain a comfort level that doesn’t constrict swollen muscles and adds a bit of style with flared hems. The pants feature an elastic waistband, side pockets and thin jersey fabric, which keeps them breathable, allowing for a quick cool down. The other half of the set is a cropped muscle tee that matches the pants and is also comfy post-workout. The women’s brand, FP Movement, is the activewear category of the brand Free People, a women’s-only brand of Bohemian-style clothing, and is rooted in community, individuality and wellness. We’re fans of feeling the satisfaction that comes from finishing a long run and looking good enough to run errands or meet up with friends. Find more at freepeople.com.
Gorewear is one of the premier names in protective activewear, and their new Concurve Windstopper Insulated Hooded jacket ($280) utilizes dual-layer construction to create a totally windproof, highly breathable and water-resistant outer layer that is dynamically responsive to different intensities of activity. The external barrier is a next-generation, eco-friendly ePE membrane with DWR finish, while the interior PrimaLoft Active Evolve insulation is known for its exceptional breathability, moisture management and stretch capabilities. As your intensity level increases, the air permeability increases from the inside out to allow more air circulation within the insulation, which minimizes the risk of overheating while still maintaining protection from wind intrusion. During lower intensity outings like hiking, the insulation and membrane trap more air close to the body, resulting in comfortable thermoregulation in a wide range of conditions. This jacket technology is also available in non-hooded or vest versions. Find more at gorewear.com.
It's officially winter, and we’re always looking for the next addition to our puffy jacket collection to keep us warm. Cotopaxi’s new Fuego Max Down Hooded jacket ($350) is a combination of lightweight, yet dense, full coverage for harsh winter days. First introduced in 2016, the Fuego jacket became recognized for its fun colors and versatile functionality. The newest version, released in September, includes 100% recycled fabric that is soft and smooth, has added length for extra coverage, more room for layering and a modern silhouette. There is a C0 DWR finish on the outside and responsibly sourced 800-fill down on the inside, with zipped pockets to keep hands warm as well as a smaller zipped pocket on the chest to store cards, cash or other smaller items. Smooth elastic edging around the hood keeps a secure fit, while a generous amount of down in the hood offers superior insulation from the elements. During colder months, we stash a puffy jacket in the car when heading to the trailhead and immediately put it on after finishing a run to avoid a plummeting core temperature. The Fuego has been keeping us toasty as winter weather continues to drop near freezing, and we love the fun new colorways that Cotopaxi is known for. Find more at cotopaxi.com.
Fun Finds
When author and UltraRunning Magazine columnist Jared Beasley set out to write a book about Gary Cantrell, odds are that he never knew what to expect. The mystery behind Gary, or “Laz,” as he’s known, has been full of rumors and myth. Until now. Beasley’s new book, The Endurance Artist, ($21.95) brings readers inside the world and the mind of the most notorious race director in the history of ultrarunning. With the creation of races such as the Barkley Marathons, Big’s Backyard, Strolling Jim, Vol State and Last Annual Heart of the South, one might wonder how this Alabama native comes up with his concepts for putting on a “race.” Beasley spent years attending races, volunteering at Big’s Backyard and walking with Laz during his transcon attempts. Readers will be captivated by Laz’s his heartwarming stories, history of wild adventures in the woods at Frozen Head State Park and much more. Find it at your local bookstore or barnesandnoble.com.
Skida is known for their colorful patterns and quality running hats, but they recently expanded their line of head gear to include winter beanies. The Classic Cuffed Knit Beanie ($30) is made from a high-quality acrylic knit with a 3” folded cuff. Designed in Vermont and made in the USA, these simple, yet quality crafted beanies are ideal for winter running with their coverage and adjustable cuff length. With seven colors to choose from, Skida offers a great gift for any winter runner or outdoor adventurer. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, the Cashmere Wheelock Knit Beanie ($96) is made from 100% cashmere in Nepal and offers a soft, supple feel without compromising warmth. The higher price point is definitely worth the value of the Wheelock’s finely-knit feel. Find more at skida.com.
For a runner who travels a lot for business, or who likes to fly to race destinations, 2XU Flight Compression socks ($35) are a thoughtful accessory to maintain healthy circulation and decrease your risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis in transit. This is a full-length sock made from 12% brushed cotton blended with compressive nylon and Lycra for softness, and graduated compression between 15-20mmHG that has been shown to reduce swelling. They have anatomic right/left lasts for a precise fit, although you’ll have to pay attention to 2XU sizing because it’s unconventional compared to most socks. Comfort elements, including a seamless toe cage, vented toe panel and 2.5mm cushioning underfoot, make these socks easy to wear for long periods of time. If you’re spending a lot of money on travel arrangements for an “A” race, it’s worth investing a little bit more to avoid complications before or afterward. Find more at us.2xu.com.
Most hydration vests have pockets large enough to carry a smartphone, but many of us use Ziploc bags to prevent them from getting soaked with sweat or rainfall. That’s where Janji Multipocket Zip Pouch ($28) comes in. The small pouch is built to solve this issue, and it also secures other small essentials like keys or gels. The exterior fabric is PU-coated nylon with taped seams that are sweatproof and water repellent; it can’t be submerged, but sheds moderate to heavy precipitation. Zip pouches come in two sizes (medium or large) to account for different phone dimensions, and both sizes are identically constructed with two separate compartments: a larger zipped section, and an external mesh pocket. An integrated 5” cord leash and key clip prevent accidental dropping when taking the pouch out or putting it away. These products were designed to perfectly fit the side pockets of Janji shorts, tights and vests, but they are easily compatible with a wide range of apparel and hydration vests from other brands. For more, visit janji.com.
Mountain views are awe-inspiring from a distance, so when we discovered this small Oregon business that creates mountain silhouettes in glassware, it caught our eye. North Drinkware offers a variety of glasses that replicate peaks, mountain ranges and lakes from all over the world. With a range of styles, including glass tumblers ($59/$119), pint glasses ($59) and plastic outdoor sets ($56), North Drinkware helps mountain and trail lovers bring the inspiration of the outdoors just about anywhere. With your favorite mountain and your favorite cold drink in hand, there’s always a reason to plan the next adventure. Find more at northdrinkware.com.
