Whether you’re training for your first 5K or have lost track of the number of bibs you have, great summer running gear and accessories can make the difference between a strong run and a miserable experience, or even a dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish). So you’ve got your running sneakers, now what?
From clothes to smartwatches, recovery day gear to water bottles, we’ve cut through the clutter to present you with the best summer running gear on the market. Intervals and splits, loops and hills, here we come.
Summer Running Gear That’ll Help You Go the Distance
Fourlaps Bolt Short 5”Courtesy Image
1. Fourlaps Bolt Short 5”
New for Spring/Summer ’21, these shorts are designed to move with you and keep you cool thanks to moisture-wicking technology and laser-cut ventilation holes. Made with four-way stretch fabric, you’ll also appreciate the zippered pocket in the back to stow your essentials when you head out. With 88 percent RE-UP recyclable materials, you can feel good about your purchase for the health of our planet, too.
You came, you saw, you conquered those hills. And now you need a freaking water break. This first hydration system of its kind is a mix of honey with sodium to supercharge your H2O. It speeds up the absorption of key nutrients your body craves. Flavors include Strawberry Lemonade, Pomegranate Passion Fruit, Mango Melon, Black Cherry, Tangerine, and Berry.
If you’re serious about running (or any kind of training, for that matter), you’re serious about sleep. This award-winning 360 Smart Bed with proprietary SleepIQ technology digitally senses your movements throughout the night and adjusts automatically to keep you comfortable. Tech-wise, the algorithm measures sleep time, quality, heart rate and breathing rate, providing your horizontal lair with maximum comfort for your personal needs. Hot sleepers, in particular, will dig the temperature-balancing sleep surface and the smart 3D fabric that’s said to be up to 50 percent more breathable.
Moshi Mythro Air SS21 Bluetooth EarbudsCourtesy Image
4. Moshi Mythro Air SS21 Bluetooth Earbuds
The newest version of these earbuds have standout specs like improved noise isolation, charge time, and Bluetooth range. As someone who’s lost one too many earbuds mid-sprint or on woodsy trails, you’ll appreciate the magnetic clip to help keep the accessory secure. Another noteworthy feature: eight-hour playback. We can hear the marathoners’ hallelujah chorus from here.
Beyond the two superb limited-edition colors, slate and charcoal, there are many more reasons to love these armless sunglasses. For one thing, they stay securely in place and are practically impossible to break. The lack of arms on the glasses also helps relieve discomfort on the side of your head. Other perks you’ll appreciate include nose pads to reduce fogging and side visors to get rid of peripheral glare. They’re so comfortable and attractive they may very well become your go-to pair off the track. The frames are also sustainable, with each pair of Ombraz sunglasses being over 1,384 times carbon-negative. What’s more, 20 mangrove trees are planted through the Ombraz Shade Project for every pair sold.
Columbia M FKT II Windbreaker JacketCourtesy Image
6. Columbia M FKT II Windbreaker Jacket
Beat your best with this high-quality, lightweight jacket that fits snugly for total range of motion. Ideal for trail runners, this windbreaker provides advanced water-and-stain repellency, a zippered security pocket, and reflective details for added visibility.
Durable, collapsible, and visually pleasing, this bottle features a tether attachment so you can sling this 20-ounce bottle onto your backpack or duffel. The twist cap makes it easy to use on a challenging run, and we’ll never argue with dishwasher-safe water bottles. The cap is BPA-free and doesn’t contain phthalates, leads, or glues.
No shame in sporting a headband while you run, especially if this past year convinced you to give up that whole haircut thing. Launched in the spring, this ultra-light headband is crafted from high-performance knitted fabric boasting stellar moisture-wicking properties to keep sweat off your face.
This spring ‘21 innovation has been a long time coming. Offering a tight fit courtesy of a smart design and an intuitive adjustment system, this hydration vest won’t interfere with your run, and the soft mesh absorbs and keeps moisture at bay while you crank out those steps. There’s also the option for plenty of storage with front and back compartments; two soft flasks are included.
These compression shorts will make runs more enjoyable. There’s a T-shirt/towel loop in the back, zipper pocket for valuables, and it’s made of a sweat-wicking blend of polyester and lycra. Protect the family jewels with excellent groin support and soft crotch cup, while you benefit from increased blood flow thanks to the compression fabric.
Breezy and fast-drying, this tank is your go-to for hot, humid runs. It’s part of the brand’s Chennai Collection. The print is designed by Chennai-based textile artist Kashmira Baheti and depicts the vibrancy of the surrounding jungle.
If you’re a recovery fiend, you’ll love giving your days off a boost with this cold therapy training tool that holds up to 105 gallons of water and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In addition to helping with muscle recovery and reducing inflammation, you may just find you get a mental boost from a dip in this vertical tub, too. If you’re looking for something at a lower price point, check out these cold therapy wraps.
Looking to improve your ancient treadmill situation or splurge on your first? This tread offers live and on-demand iFIT interactive workouts on a 22″ HD touchscreen. It also has high-tech bells and whistles like automatically adjusting your speed and incline during workouts to match your trainer’s. Bonus: There are Bluetooth capabilities for connecting to headphones as well as heart-rate wearables so you can track your workout’s intensity.
DOGPOUND X Lasso Performance Compression Socks 2.0Courtesy Image
14. DOGPOUND X Lasso Performance Compression Socks 2.0
This recent collaboration has resulted in compression socks like no other with medically backed ankle support and gradient compression to keep your runs at their prime. There’s good reason trainers, orthopedists, and physical therapists love these socks—and once you try a pair from the only socks that provide patented joint support, you’ll understand why. Go ahead, treat yourself to the four-pack for $90.
Lightweight, uber-comfy, and complete with two zippered security pockets, these shorts are part of Stitch Fix’s recently launched 01.Algo expansion capsule, which includes seven new Stitch Fix-exclusive activewear silhouettes. Existing clients can go here to place their order, and new clients can sign up here. Request the 01.Algo in your next Fix (that’s their lingo for customized box of apparel), and get ready to crush your next interval training run.
Fitbit’s latest smartwatch doesn’t disappoint health data junkies—and runners looking to optimize their craft will certainly be no exception. The Sense tracks heart rate, sleep, and activity levels, using the three to give you a daily Stress Management Score for a bigger picture of your health. Runners in particular will prize the built-in GPS to see pace and distance on the watch, and a map of your workout post-run. Another handy integration is Bluetooth pairing so you can listen, store, and play music offline with Deezer and Pandora, and control Spotify.
If you want to go all-out on a sports watch, good luck beating this veritable beast of a device that’s 37 percent thinner and 36 percent lighter than the Suunto 9 Baro. The Peak provides blood oxygen level measurements to help you gauge acclimation levels at higher altitudes, has automatic backlight intensity adjustment that shifts with the conditions, and the watch display reveals your weekly training metrics so you can keep working on those improvements. The GPS watch with weather insights, on-watch navigation capabilities, wrist heart rate, barometer, and more is available in both standard ($569) and titanium models ($699).
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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