Our editorial team has been busy testing a wide range of gear from Santa’s workshop to bring you these special gift ideas for your favorite ultrarunner this holiday season.
In Part 1 we showed you a lot of the shoes and apparel we’ll be testing in the year ahead. This time we’re looking at hydration vests and accessories and one emerging new category that has grown exponentially over the past year.
Our URM team was on the scene at The Running Event, an industry showcase in Austin, TX. Here is a preview of the items that caught our eye which you’ll be reading more about in 2020. This installment is focused on shoes and apparel, and our next one will be hydration vests and accessories.
Petzl’s new compact, reactive lighting headlamp features improved lighting technology, easier operation and increased comfort compared to previous models.
For music fans of a certain age and disposition, it’s impossible to run past the legendary Folsom State Prison and not hear the distinctive voice of the “Man in Black,” whose performances inside of this place are legendary.
The Italian company founded in the Dolomites has historically been known for its climbing shoes, but recently they have entered the trail running shoe market. The Spin Ultra is designed for moderate- to ultra-distance running, with more cushioning than previous SCARPA models, but without a significant tradeoff in weight.
Salomon’s new X Alpine Pro shoe is made with high mountain environments in mind, specifically the hard rocks or loose scree of being above the tree line.
An update to Garmin’s premium multisport GPS watch that features enhanced battery life as well as extensive new training and physiological metrics, safety features, and music playback.
The key design difference of the EVO Speedgoat is the new upper, using the Kevlar-infused Matryx textile and lightweight stretch vamp, which is flexible, drains well and is much better at accommodating your foot when moving on technical terrain.
A lightweight, fully waterproof and windproof shell that stuffs into its chest pocket for easy storage. Fit is slim through the torso, and well-proportioned at the waist and arms. The incorporated hood is especially useful for versatile protection without getting in the way.
If you’ve enjoyed Trail Glove shoes in the past, you’ll love the Trail Glove 5. It provides the same sock-like fit and excellent ground feel, but has some key construction updates that improve its comfort and performance.
In the past, the MT has been equally comfortable on the road or trail, but updates to the new version shift it more squarely into the trail category. Two key trail-specific updates are additional cushioning in the midsole, and a redesigned upper with increased durability and drainage capacity.
A frameless, large capacity pack designed for fast packing or light overnight excursions, the Flight 30 has a great deal of adjustability and customization of fit, and excellent cargo available within arm’s reach during activity.
As days get longer and brighter, it’s important to protect your eyes from harmful glare and other elements. This spring we’ve been using three models that combine classic styling with the necessary protection you need.
Like bunnies and wildflowers, spring brings a fresh crop of socks each year. We’ve spent the past several weeks testing this season’s batch in a mixture of muddy, cool and hot conditions.
The EVO Rehi is an outstanding shoe that tweaks the HOKA model to provide one of the fastest road or track shoes you’ll find on the shelf.
Two gender-specific, generously cut shorts to help you transition from legging weather to warm, summer days.
This season’s batch were tested in extremely wet and muddy winter conditions throughout California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and high desert terrain in Arizona.
A great all-purpose trail shoe for moving fast and light on all manner of trails. Their spec weight is among the lowest you’ll find in trail shoes, but there’s enough traction, comfort, and durability to use as a minimalist trainer or an outstanding race shoe for distances up to about 50k.
A multi-purpose hydration pack designed for adventure running, mountain biking or moving fast through mountain terrain. It combines excellent cargo capacity with comfortable, durable construction and expansive front cargo access.
A rigid yet mobile and adjustable contraption that can be used for stretching most of the major muscle groups in your body, with primary effectiveness in the core muscles of your trunk, spine and hamstrings.
Two thin but exceptionally warm gloves with high merino content designed for aerobic activity.
Modifications to the Timp 1.5 include a softer and more flexible midsole EVA compound, the inclusion of 4-Point Gaiter Trap attachments, and a slightly adjusted heel fit for increased snugness. The mesh uppers have also been upgraded and are supposedly more durable than the previous edition.
Our gear team spent the last three days of November in Austin, Texas exploring The Running Event (TRE). Our favorite part is getting a sneak peek at all the cool gear we’ll be checking out next year. This second installment is specific to gear, apparel and nutrition.
Our gear team spent the last three days of November in Austin, Texas exploring The Running Event (TRE). Our favorite part is getting a sneak peek at all the cool gear we’ll be checking out next year. This first installment is specific to shoes, and Part 2 will cover gear, apparel and nutrition.
Cold weather top and bottom garments for men and women, both created with lightweight construction, efficient ventilation, and strong thermoregulatory elements.
A two-way satellite tracking and communication device that is small and lightweight enough to conveniently carry on your long adventures.
A men’s hooded long sleeve shirt that has excellent insulation, moisture wicking, and odor resistance. Clever design elements include extra long cuffs with thumb holes, and a watch slot on the right sleeve.
This season’s batch of shoes were tested in Coastal California’s rolling trails and steep wilderness areas, as well as throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Colorado Rockies, wet Pacific Northwest forests and technical New England terrain.
Cool weather and muddy trails can be a runner’s heaven, but they require a bit more toughness from your socks. We’ve been testing the following styles, any of which are well suited for your autumn trail adventures.