Gear Review: New Accessories for Runners
By Jennifer McLaughlin-Shavey and Diane Rudholm
Whether you want to be more visible on your morning run or are looking for a little extra motivation to take your training to the next level, these accessories are sure to inspire you to get your legs moving and your heart pumping this winter.
Amphipod Full-Visibility Reflective
Stay seen with the comfortable and easy-to-use Amphipod Full-Visibility Reflective.
This vest keeps your winter running bright with its neon color. And, its Meshlight construction will help you (and your skin) breathe easy.
We love the silver panels that give this vest its extreme reflective qualities from any angle. And, the wide front zipper is extra useful for holding important odds and ends like your house key, coffee money, ID or small electronics.
Retail price: $29.95. www.amphipod.com
LED LENSER NEO Headlamp
The brand new NEO headlamp from LED LENSER offers up a fun and comfortable way to light your path and make sure drivers can see you when out on the road.
There are two light sources on the 1.9-ounce headlamp: one wide-beam white light (90 lumens) on the front and a blinking red light on the back.
The NEO is available in five vibrant colors; our tester loved the green model. Powered by by three AAA batteries (included), it comes with a five-year warranty.
Retail price: $25. www.ledlenserusa.com
Nathan Reflex Snap Bands
The Reflex Snap Bands made by Nathan are a fresh take on ’90s-style snap bracelets. These reflective bands are special-made for runners and cyclists who sometimes need to get from point A to point B in low light.
The bands come in pairs and attach easily (and comfortably) to wrists or ankles.
Bonus for bicyclists: Nathan’s Reflex Snap Bands can be used to reign in your pant leg to keep it from catching on your bike chain.
Retail price: $9.99. www.nathansports.com
Suunto Ambit2 R GPS Watch
If you love new running gadgets, this one is for you! We got our first glimpse of the Suunto’s runner-focused Ambit2 R GPS Watch at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show and were intrigued by the possibilities.
The Ambit2 R offers the capabilities of several tech gadgets in one compact accessory. Its GPS, accelerometer and running apps help you track accurate running stats and navigate your way to achieving your goals.
If monitoring your heart-rate is important to your training plan, then you’re in luck! There’s an upgrade
for that.
This watch is available in black or white.
Retail price: $249; $299 with heart-rate monitor. www.suunto.com
THUMP Xtreme Headphone
You don’t have to put away your smart phone or your tunes just because it’s raining during your next run. The THUMP Xtreme Headphone is a waterproof Bluetooth headset that can keep you plugged in, chatting and grooving for up to eight hours.
The sleek wraparound headset rests comfortably on the back of your head without weighing you down or tangling your arms. It also has three easy-to-use buttons that help you control music and calls without having to stop moving or search through your pockets or pack.
Retail price: $149.99. www.thumpu.com
Stay Warm out There!
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody (Men’s)
We can’t get enough of the Atom LT Hoody by Arc’teryx. According to Acr’teryx lore, “Every person at Head Office owns at least one Atom LT; most of the women have two.”
We believe it.
Wearing this hoodie is like snuggling inside a sleeping bag, except you can wear it to work and look phenomenal. Besides being super cozy, this breathable mid-layer holds its own against wind and light precipitation.
It also compresses to pocketsize when you’re not using it, making it a practical addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe.
Retail price: $229. www.arcteryx.com
