If you like to run outside in the winter, you’ve probably noticed how fast daylight can disappear on you. Maneuvering trails and sidewalks in fading light can be treacherous, so why not illuminate your path with a solar-powered baseball cap?
It’s a little more subtle than those I-want-to-be-a-coal-miner flashlight headbands, and the solar cells mean there’s no need to replace batteries. The collectors are in the bill and can be charged in as little as two hours of daylight, and two LED lights shine forth from beneath the bill to unobtrusively illuminate your way. You could even use the cap for reading or doing things around the house if the power went out (hands-free, unlike a flashlight), though, since it’s solar powered, you’d have to make sure to store your hat on a sunny windowsill rather than a dark closet.
There are several versions of the 2C solar light cap, including a mesh “racer” that would be ideal for jogging and other sweat-inducing activities you may pursue after daylight hours. The fast-drying microfiber mesh gives you more ventilation than with a typical baseball cap.
The racer cap is $40 at the company’s store:
Tired of hot spots, blisters, and sweat-drenched toes when you’re running? Perhaps you could tuck a pair of Drymax socks over your feet.
Made using a “Blister Guard” system, the running socks are designed to keep feet dry, not just by “wicking away sweat” (how many times have you heard that description?) but through science: “This system incorporates Friction Free Profilen® fibers (PTFE) throughout the entire foot area of the sock. PTFE has the lowest Coefficient of Friction of any solid material. This scientific approach keeps feet dry and the friction between the skin and sock low. Runners wearing the Hot Weather Running socks will have cooler, drier, more comfortable feet with far less chance of getting blisters.”
In addition to the snazzy science, the running socks also feature top mesh panels and bottom air vents to work with your breathable running shoes to keep your feet cooler, even in hot weather.
Pick them up for $16 from Sock Geek.
If your regular jogging or walking sessions are just too easy, then maybe you can pump up your workout by wearing a weighted vest.
By carrying extra weight around while you exercise, your body will be forced to work harder, and you’ll burn more calories. Wearing the weight around your torso makes for even distribution, and it keeps your hands free. Fitness vests also tend to be less clunky and awkward than wrist and ankle weights.
Numerous manufacturers make these vests, which are available in different weight increments and in men’s and women’s fits. Some are a set weight (i.e. you get a 40-pound vest) and others are adjustable (pouches let you add or remove small weights). Prices start around $40.
If you get a little bruised up playing football, soccer, basketball, or other sports that involve body bumping, then perhaps you can save your flesh some wear and tear by picking up Nike’s Pro Combat shorts, vests, and elbow sleeves.
Possibly the most advanced undergarments you’ll ever don, the Combat clothing features “strategically placed foam” to give you lightweight impact protection. Mesh overlays the foam pads to “enhance breathability and flexibility.” Other features include anti-friction panels, Dri-FIT for wicking sweat away, and flat-seam construction to help reduce irritation caused by chafing. Oh, and important for the soccer moms out there, the garments are machine washable.
Prices run from $25 to $80.
I don’t know about you, but I rarely get cold when I’m skiing or snowboarding down the mountain. You’re zigging, you’re zagging, and you’re jumping, and your body stays toasty. But when you’re at the bottom, waiting in the long lift lines, that’s a different story. That’s when you start thinking, “Gee, if only I had heated liners for my gloves.”
Well, now those thoughts can turn into reality.
These battery-heated glove liners from ActivHeat heat along the sides of all your fingers and your thumb. The liners can be tucked into your existing gloves (no need to get rid of your favorites), ready to warm up your hands at the flick of a switch. Hi, Lo, and Off are your options, so it should be easy to keep your fingers at just the right level of toasty-warmness.
It takes 3 x AA batteries per side to operate the heated liners, so better buy in bulk. While I’d probably use them for skiing, they can be used for any sport that has you outside with numb fingers (winter jogging, bicycling, etc.).
The company has two different models of liners, which run $165 and $220.
If you’re tired of the boring white gym towel the guys at the front desk sold you on Day 1 of your gym membership (workout towels required, and yes we sell them for right here, thank you very much!), how about an upgrade?
These humorous gym towels are made by Etsy seller WordstoSweatBy (great name, don’t you think?) and feature funny little sayings to keep your workout lively.
“The towel is 100% cotton, sized 16 x 24, and has an applique of an original mantra by Whimsical Walney. All towels are packaged in a drawstring organza bag not only to create zero waste packaging but also so that they can easily be given as a gift.”
At $8, they’re not that expensive, and they’ll make a fun conversation starter at the gym (just in case you’re there to meet women/men as well as tone those abs).
Need some a new snowboarding jacket and pants for the coming season? Why not pick something that’s eco-friendly (zippers, lining, fabric, etc. made from recycled materials) as well as cool looking?
The 10k Recycler Series from Lib Tech features a jacket and pants that you can feel good about wearing.
The Bailout Jacket and Crisis Pant come in various colors and patterns and are offer 100% recycled polyester fabric, 10k solvent-free laminate, recycled polyester lining, and recycled zippers, along with several features to make the gear comfortable and practical for the mountain.
More information at Lib Tech.