Gifts for Runners
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Give a gift that will help your favorite runner go the distance. We have vetted an array of apparel, shoes, and the best accessories, which are perfect for everyone from new runners to experienced racers. These gifts for runners are sure to please and inspire anyone, whether they are hitting the road or tackling a trail.
HydroPak SkyFlask IT Speed
Keep your liquid cool and bottle sweat free with the HydroPak SkyFlask IT Speed. The SkyFlask IT Speed offers easy handling insulated hydration for long distance athletes and serious runners alike. Designed for the minimalist runner, the SkyFlask is easy to hold with the flexible and adjustable hand strap. It has a leakproof auto-shut off valve, high-flow rate and a SpeedFill cap, so it’s fast and effortless to fill. Its snap cap and bite valve provide efficient drinking with minimal effort, which is especially important on grueling runs and distance efforts. MSRP $30 hydrapak.com
Nathan Sports Pinnacle Belt
The Nathan Sports Pinnacle Belt offers slightly more than just the minimalist storage options for running essentials. This waist pack comes complete with a soft 20 oz flask that provides just the right amount of hydration for an average length run. The low profile pack delivers a bounce free build that is hardly noticeable, even on downhill descents that are fast and precarious. The center back pocket has enough space for the flask, but can also hold a packable jacket, gloves or running hat. This rear pocket has an ingenious design that features two nylon pull straps that can tighten down the pocket load, bringing all packed items closer to the core, eliminating unwanted bounce. Additionally, two side stash pockets can hold smaller items, such as an action camera, keys, cash and running gels, and rounding out the waist pack is a front zippered pocket that secures a smart phone. MSRP $60 nathansports.com
UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0
From high mileage training sessions to race day, the UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0 carries everything you need to finish your run strong. The high performance nylon and spandex band moves with you as you run. The ErgoFit Waist design securely stows everything from soft flasks to a smartphone to gels, while a side zippered pocket securely stores a wallet, keys, and any other important items. The UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0 is light, breathable, bounce resistant and incredibly versatile; all the while providing next to the body comfort that doesn’t compromise your flow of the run. MSRP $32.95 www.amazon.com/ultraspire
Nathan Pinnacle 4 Hydration Vest
For those long runs when you need to conveniently carry water, your smartphone, trail snacks and an extra layer, put on the Nathan Pinnacle 4 Hydration Vest to comfortably carry those running essentials. The 2 – 20 oz. soft flasks come with extended straw tubes so you can sip without removing them from their pockets. The Pinnacle 4 design provides a breathable, compression shirt like fit that doesn’t slosh or bounce and with pockets aplenty – 12 to be exact, the Nathan Pinnacle 4 Hydration Vest carries everything you need without adding needless weight or bulk to your running kit. MSRP $175 nathansports.com
30 South Trail Sunglasses
When you’re outdoors, constantly pushing your body to the limits, your eyes need top performing optics and protection. The 30 South Trail Interchangeable Sunglasses combine performance driven optics into a sleek, protective style for everyday needs, especially if everyday consists of running, working out, and pushing the limits in the outdoors. An interchangeable lens system allows you to replace the Trail’s lenses with others in seconds. 30 South paired these stunning optics with an equally impressive frame made of ultra flexible TR90 material. The frame is super lightweight, non-slip, non-abrasive and hypoallergenic. And with the 30 South’s ballistic-grade shatterproof HDo (High Definition Optics) lenses, you can be sure that they will take the abuse of a branch to the face while on a quick run on the trails or even stand up to a long weekend sufferfest in the mountains. MSRP $89 30south.co
Jaybird Vista 2
The Jaybird Vista 2s are ergonomically designed to fit your ears – comfortable, secure and incredibly lightweight. They have a superior 24 hour battery life with the charging case and an IP68 waterproof rating, so there is no need to worry about sweat or rain. The Vistas are classified as EarthProof, both in capsule construction and the buds themselves, sealing them against dust and mud, allowing them to go anywhere. The Jaybird app allows for personalized sound customization, whether its crisp highs or deep lows. The app also allows you to track the Vistas down, should they go missing. And with wireless case charge capabilities, Active Noise Cancellation, SurroundSense for spatial awareness and safety, the Vistas pack everything you could ever want all in a small, light, and tough design. The Jaybird Vista 2s deliver premium sound in a rugged and durable bundle that is ready to go anywhere and everywhere. MSRP $199.99 jaybirdsport.com
AfterShokz Aeropex
Designed with the needs of runners in mind, the AfterShokz Aeropex brings total awareness of surroundings and comfortable listening to your daily run, all without worrying about tangled and catchy wires. Delivering the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and performance, you will want these bone conduction headphones to accompany you during all of your outdoor adventures. The Aeropex was made for the most heart pumping and strenuous pursuits, due in part to their IP67 waterproof rating that delivers the ultimate water and sweat protection during the toughest workouts. They’ve got a full eight hours of playtime ensuring that you can stay ready for both short and extended runs. Included are a silicone carrying case, 2 magnetic connect charging cables and earplugs which can be used in environments where it is safe to block out ambient noise. But all this talk about functionality wouldn’t mean much if the sound quality wasn’t up to par and thanks to AfterShokz’s 8th Generation Bone Conduction Technology, music produced by the Aeropex delivers a powerful bass with clear sound and impressive volume. MSRP $159.95 www.amazon.com/aftershokz
Orange Mud Transition Wrap Extreme
A changing wrap, seat protector, and towel – the ultra versatile Orange Mud Transition Wrap Extreme is ready for any running adventure. The outer layer is made with a super soft microfiber that absorbs moisture and makes for a comfortable seat when you zip up the hood and use it as a seat protector. The middle of the Transition Wrap has a TPU membrane that resists moisture so there is no transfer through to your seat, keeping the car seat completely dry. And when you are ready to change from work clothes to running clothes, just secure the belt around your waist and the towel will stay put. In addition to being useful in nearly any situation, this towel is conveniently packable and comes with its own stuff sack. The Orange Mud Transition Wrap Extreme is a runner’s must have that is the perfect piece of gear to keep stashed in their car. MSRP $49.95 www.amazon.com/orangemud
Nathan Rise Tee
You know you’re bound for adventures and cool runs when you wear the Nathan Rise Tee. A short sleeved performance tee that has a ventilated back panel that acts like a chimney pulling heat away from your body. Made from a heat-busting, sweat-wicking fabric that’s supremely soft and light to wear. Whether you’re in the gym, running at high noon, or exploring a new trail system, the Nathan Rise Tee’s breathability, wicking qualities, and flat lock seams will help you stay happy and running cool. MSRP $49 nathansports.com
Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Tight
Gear up for cool to cold weather runs with the Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Tight. They’ve got a stretchy knit fabric that puts soft brushed Merino next to the skin and a durable synthetic outer for a free moving design that ensures you won’t have to choose between running well and being warm when the weather’s on the chilly side. The fabric is light, stretchy, and breathable to keep you comfortable and free from distractions, while a secure zippered pocket at the rear keeps small essentials comfortable and secure when you are out there tearing up the trails. MSRP $110 smartwool.com
Nathan Essential 7″ Short
Whether you’re going for a fast 3 mile run or 4 hour trail adventure, the Nathan Essential 7″ Shorts can take the heat. With a quick drying, comfort boxer brief liner built-in, you’ll find enhanced moisture transfer as sweat is wicked away from your body, keeping you cool and dry. Lightweight and stretchy materials allow your legs to experience increased airflow and excellent temperature control throughout your run. The Essential 7″ Shorts are built with ample storage options, that will hold a phone and other running essentials, and thanks to the flatlock seams, your skin won’t chafe. MSRP $55 nathansports.com
Buff Original Ecostretch
The Buff Original Ecostretch is a lightweight, soft, stretchy do-it-all performance piece for your kit that can be worn 12+ ways for running out in the cold and Sun protection when exploring the outdoors. The Ecostretch is constructed with a 4-Way, seamless ULTRA STRETCH fabric and 95% recycled REPREVE Performance Microfiber that stays in place even on those high paced outings. Lastly, the built-in UPF 50+ protection safeguards the coverage area from the Sun’s harsh rays out on those Summer runs. MSRP $20 www.amazon.com/buffusa
Sprints Hats
Sprints Hats deliver Sun protection, moisture management, and BIG Pizzazz to keep you comfortable and having fun through the miles. The lightweight and breathable construction features a built-in inner band to wick moisture to keep you feeling dry and comfy as you run. When your runs are lacking a little spicy, pickup a Sprints Hat and show off your new found flair. MSRP $29 www.amazon.com/sprints
Swiftwick Socks
Swiftwick Socks are designed to keep you comfortable and even stylish on all of your trail and road runs. The Swiftwick Visions provide a medium cushioning that provides all-day comfort while moderate compression gently hugs and supports the contours of your feet for comfort in long miles. High-performance fibers wick moisture to keep your feet breathing and comfortable while the creative designs keep your style on point. Swiftwick offers a variety of styles and variations to choose from and each of them have proven worthy time and again to keep feet cozy when logging miles. MSRP Varies swiftwick.com
Under Armour Flow Velociti SE Running Shoes
The Under Armour Flow Velociti SE Running Shoes was built to go the distance. Delivering soft underfoot comfort, responsive cushioning, and a lightweight feel, it’s got everything you need to crush your fast run days, and even connects to UA MapMyRun to help coach you, giving you real-time, personalized tips to help make running feel easier. The UA Flow Velociti mixes the speed of a racing shoe with the comfort of a distance runner. The all-in-one cushioning and sole system is totally rubberless and delivers a light, close to the ground feeling to keep turnover quick and transitions snappy. Employing a light, stretchy knit upper that expands where it is needed, yet remains secure, the UA Flow Velociti SE really disappears on the foot delivering a fast, smooth, and light ride. MSRP $130 underarmour.com
Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Low
Designed for the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate but you want to run anyway, the Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Low comes with a weather-resistant eVent bootie to shield your feet from the rain and snow. Even though the eVent bootie blocks water, it doesn’t prevent air from moving through the shoe while you sweat. Instead, it works with the shoe’s breathable mesh uppers to ensure your feet can breathe on hotter runs. Altra also continued its design for wet trails into the MaxTrac outsole, shaping the lugs to dig in and hold onto slick, inconsistent surfaces so a little mud doesn’t force you to slow down your pace. Ready to tackle changing terrain through all types of conditions, the Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Low Shoe is one grippy and protective shoe. MSRP $160 www.altrarunning.com
LifeHandle Hands-Free Comfort Leash System
Training a rambunctious pup to be a well mannered runner can be tiring, but the LifeHandle Hands-Free Comfort Leash makes it easier. It has an elastic shock absorber for greater flexibility, a lined handle for comfort and a bottom handle for sure control. Attaching the Hands-Free Comfort Leash to the LifeHandle sling delivers the most comfortable way to run, as it distributes your dog’s pull force across your core, instead of your shoulder or hip, all while keeping both hands free. As the pup zigzags over trails, the bungee leash keeps us from being jolted, while also giving the spirited pup the feedback he needs to return to our side. The Leash is built with breathable air mesh webbing and has four points of reflective fabric for low-light visibility for early morning runs with your dog. MSRP $64.98 mylifehandle.com
Chamois Butt’r
Chafing is probably the most effective way to ruin a good run, but Chamois Butt’r GoStik will soothe your feet and lube your legs. It provides better lubrication and a higher melting point than other solid anti-chafe products so it won’t rub off or sweat away and stays where you put it for longer. The Chamois Butt’r GoStik is a runner’s best friend when it comes to preventing uncomfortable chafing and skin irritation in high friction areas. MSRP Starting at $2.99 www.rei.com/chamoisbuttr
Gnarly Fuel2o
Whether you’re training for a marathon or about to take on an ultra, reach for Gnarly Fuel2o as a way to stay on top of your game. Sipping Fuel2o provides steady, small doses of fuel that pass right through the gut and replaces the electrolytes lost when sweating, supplying 250 mg of sodium per serving, as well as the electrolytes chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium. In addition it helps you recover by delivering HMB, a metabolite of the branched chain amino acid leucine, which helps to minimize muscle protein breakdown resulting in a faster turnaround between training sessions and races. The composition of Gnarly’s Fuel2o agrees with what the stomach is made to absorb, entering your system quickly, without taxing the digestive tract. Fuel2o mixes incredibly easy and tastes remarkably light and refreshing when you’re pushing the limits of your body. MSRP $9.50 gognarly.com
Mad Rituals Rest + Relief CBD Muscle Balms
For after the run recuperation add Mad Rituals Rest + Relief CBD Muscle Balms to self massages to help release muscle tension, improve circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system and promote recovery. The cooling and warming sensation from the essential oils paired with powerful broad-spectrum CBD soothes sore muscles, relieves strains and eases tension. Use the self massage guide that’s included or go freestyle based on what your body needs. Each tin of Mad Rituals Rest + Relief CBD Muscle Balms contains 200mg of broad-spectrum CBD. MSRP $65 madritual.com
