2020 Summer Adventure Gear Guide
After what seemed like a never-ending winter, I am so glad that summer is finally here! It is my favorite time of year because there is so much potential for active, outdoor adventures. And a new season means it is also time to swap out the gear and try something different. From earphones that offer real-time voice coaching while I run to light as air shoes, this is the active gear my family is loving this summer:
Performance Earphones from Soul Electronics
Soul Electronics has released an earphone is really blowing my mind. The Run Free Pro Bio earphones are the first of their kind to use artificial intelligence to monitor your running form and provide real-time voice coaching on the trail.
These earphones use patented technology to track bio-mechanical data while you run and then suggest ways to minimize the risk of injury and enhance your form and performance based on what is collected. When your virtual coach isn’t speaking the headphones provide an awesome sound experience for whatever music or podcast you’re playing.
I also liked how long the charge on these Bluetooth headphones lasts: up to 11 hours of playtime and then just two hours to fully recharge. They also come with a number of interchangeable ear locks to fit any ear size and that stay put no matter how intense your workout.
Ready to Run: On Cloud
Recently my husband TJ and I discovered On Cloud gear and we are absolutely loving it for running. We’ve been having some crazy weather in Colorado this season with more rain and snow than usual, so I really like the Cloud Waterproof Shoe ($149), which is available for men and women.
The company calls this the “world’s lightest fully cushioned shoe made waterproof” and the product actually lives up to this description. The shoe keeps your feet dry in even the toughest trail conditions but still feels like you are wearing nothing. This is because the shoes also feature On Cloud’s patented CloudTec® technology, which is engineered to provide a soft landing followed by an explosive take-off for each stride you take. It really does feel like you are running on clouds or at least air! I do recommend you grab a half size larger than usual if purchasing these shoes, as they tend to run small.
I am also loving On’s Hoodie this season. It is super comfy with a flattering fit that is still engineered to perform. The Hoodie comes in men’s and women’s styles and has a super soft touch feel but is made with technical material helps balance temps for optimum comfort.
It is great for early morning runs when the temps are still cool or just to put on after a workout. The men’s and women’s versions are similar, but were definitely designed for different body types. The women’s version is longer in the back with a slight flare and can work paired with jeans or leggings and boots for a night out. The men’s version is shorter and equally relaxed stylish.
Be Buff
I have loved Buff products for years now and this summer is all about their UV Arm Sleeves. I just think this is the coolest invention. The concept is that you can slide them on for early morning runs or bike rides to keep you warm when wearing just a t-shirt, but if you need the UPF 40+ sun protection they provide you can also keep them on all day.
They also have reflective elements to make you more visible in low-light conditions and are made from a super breathable polyester material that wicks away moisture. The four-way stretch offers light compression but is also really comfortable next to your skin. I also like how well the sleeve stays in place even when I’m working out hard, thanks to a silicone grip and streamlined fit. They are also easy to pull off and easily slide into my pocket or backpack when I get to hot or want to get a little arm color.
Another Buff product I’m digging this season is the Pack Trek Cap. It is foldable and super breathable and comfortable to wear on the hiking or running trail. Made with four-way stretch it keeps my head cool while delivering moisture-wicking performance and UPF 40+ protection.
Sunski Mattina Sunglasses
All the other sunglasses got pushed to the back of my closest after I discovered Sunski’s new Mattina frame this season. These glasses are not only classy and elegant but also super functional.
“We wanted to create a fearless take on feminine style, so the Mattinas are inspired by envisioning what Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn would wear on a hike,” said Sindre Klepp, Sunski’s Head of Design.
And they did a great job at that. The brand’s first ever pair of cat eye shaped sunnies are trendy and stylish but also polarized for optimal visual quality. And they are made from super lightweight recycled plastic that makes them comfortable and on point, whether I’m on a trail run, driving to the beach or lunching at a chic restaurant with my friends.
Stay Digitally Fueled: ChargHub Go+
Whether it’s my phone or the iPad my son is watching kid’s videos on, I’m always running out of power on my devices. So a wireless powerbank and charging cables are something I always toss into my bag. This season I’m digging the newest launch from Limitless Innovations called the ChargeHub Go+.
With a design slim enough to slip into my purse or even a big pocket, I love the cable-free wireless charging capacity — I just stick my phone on top of the CharHubGo+ and it does its thing. The 5000 mAh Power Bank is strong enough to keep most devices charged while I’m on-the-go. It also comes with a USB charging port to charge an extra device and two built in charge cables.
