2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Running in the Cold?
Need a gift for your favorite runner? Here's the coolest (and most affordable) gear of 2011.
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Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
Need a gift for your favorite runner? Here's the coolest (and most affordable) gear of the year.
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We have a thing for wool--it keeps us warm when it's cold and cool when it's steamy. Of late the Patagonia Merino 2 LIGHTWEIGHT T-SHIRT ($65) is the best wool base we've seen. And with a touch of recycled polyester, this T excels at wicking sweat.
patagonia.com
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We have a thing for wool--it keeps us warm when it's cold and cool when it's steamy. Of late the Patagonia Merino 2 LIGHTWEIGHT T-SHIRT ($65) is the best wool base we've seen. And with a touch of recycled polyester, this T excels at wicking sweat.
patagonia.com
2Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
THE UN-LEASH
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article MY RAD DOG RELEASE N RUN DOG COLLAR ($33ñ$35) comes in handy. The shoelace-thin, superstrong leash retracts into the collar (think a vacuum cleaner cord disappearing with a light pull), so it's easy to let Fido roam. The leash is available in four sizes.
myraddog.com
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article MY RAD DOG RELEASE N RUN DOG COLLAR ($33ñ$35) comes in handy. The shoelace-thin, superstrong leash retracts into the collar (think a vacuum cleaner cord disappearing with a light pull), so it's easy to let Fido roam. The leash is available in four sizes.
myraddog.com
3Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
QUICK CHANGE
The Best Cold-Weather Running Gear A RW+ Members Take on the Altra Lone Peak 8 ($280) ends our search for sunglasses with interchangeable lenses--one for low light and another for blaring sun, for instance--that lock and load faster than we could tie our laces. Plus, the clarity of the polarized lenses kept our eyes fresh so we could stay focused on the road ahead.
oakley.com
The Best Cold-Weather Running Gear A RW+ Members Take on the Altra Lone Peak 8 ($280) ends our search for sunglasses with interchangeable lenses--one for low light and another for blaring sun, for instance--that lock and load faster than we could tie our laces. Plus, the clarity of the polarized lenses kept our eyes fresh so we could stay focused on the road ahead.
oakley.com
4Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
PRETTY SMART
We left a floral footprint wherever we ran (including to the coffee shop) in the Health & Injuries ($42). This long-sleeve beauty is made from a high-performance fabric that wicks sweat; its longer cut meant our bellies didn't get exposed midrun. It's part of a new women's apparel line with lots of flattering-yet-hardworking T's and tanks.
runprettyfar.com
We left a floral footprint wherever we ran (including to the coffee shop) in the Health & Injuries ($42). This long-sleeve beauty is made from a high-performance fabric that wicks sweat; its longer cut meant our bellies didn't get exposed midrun. It's part of a new women's apparel line with lots of flattering-yet-hardworking T's and tanks.
runprettyfar.com
5Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
BARE ESSENTIAL
Don't let winter's frigid, messy weather cool your interest in barefoot-style running. The 6.5-ounce SONIC GLOVE ($125), part of the Merrell Barefoot series, is designed to let you feel the terrain underfoot while staying dry. It boasts a water-repelling soft-shell upper, a Vibram rubber sole, and a mere four millimeters of foam cushioning underfoot.
merrell.com
Don't let winter's frigid, messy weather cool your interest in barefoot-style running. The 6.5-ounce SONIC GLOVE ($125), part of the Merrell Barefoot series, is designed to let you feel the terrain underfoot while staying dry. It boasts a water-repelling soft-shell upper, a Vibram rubber sole, and a mere four millimeters of foam cushioning underfoot.
merrell.com
6Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
GLOVES TO LOVE
RUN BRIGHT TEE VERSALINER gloves ($45), we were ready for bone-chilling runs, even those when temps hovered near 20 degrees. And for even colder outings, we could stash a heat pack in the pocket on the back of each one.
outdoorresearch.com
RUN BRIGHT TEE VERSALINER gloves ($45), we were ready for bone-chilling runs, even those when temps hovered near 20 degrees. And for even colder outings, we could stash a heat pack in the pocket on the back of each one.
outdoorresearch.com
7Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
ICE IS NICE
THE BROOKS INFINITI NOTCH SHORTS ($150) are our legs' newest best friend. While we're moving, two layers of gradient compression help keep blood flowing to and from our muscles. Once we stop, these hardworking pants shift roles, letting us stash ice packs into pockets next to our hammies, quads, and hips. Yes, a moveable ice bath.
110playharder.com
THE BROOKS INFINITI NOTCH SHORTS ($150) are our legs' newest best friend. While we're moving, two layers of gradient compression help keep blood flowing to and from our muscles. Once we stop, these hardworking pants shift roles, letting us stash ice packs into pockets next to our hammies, quads, and hips. Yes, a moveable ice bath.
110playharder.com
8Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
ALL-IN-WONDER
A Part of Hearst Digital Media ($30) is the runner's version of a Russian nesting doll. It's a massage stick nestled inside a low-density foam roller, which is stashed inside a high-density foam roller. These tools gave us plenty of self-massage options on our tight IT bands, clenched calves, and thrashed quads without turning the living room into a physical therapist's office.
nordictrack.com
A Part of Hearst Digital Media ($30) is the runner's version of a Russian nesting doll. It's a massage stick nestled inside a low-density foam roller, which is stashed inside a high-density foam roller. These tools gave us plenty of self-massage options on our tight IT bands, clenched calves, and thrashed quads without turning the living room into a physical therapist's office.
nordictrack.com
9Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
The Best New Shoes You Can Buy Now
We've loved running skirts for years, and (as we said earlier) we swear by wool for its temperature-modulating properties. Now our two loves connect in the The 8 Best Running Jackets for Surviving Winter ($70). Its sassy style reminds us of a kilt, making it fun to wear with compression socks. And the shorts underneath stay in place thanks to elastic grippers.
icebreaker.com
We've loved running skirts for years, and (as we said earlier) we swear by wool for its temperature-modulating properties. Now our two loves connect in the The 8 Best Running Jackets for Surviving Winter ($70). Its sassy style reminds us of a kilt, making it fun to wear with compression socks. And the shorts underneath stay in place thanks to elastic grippers.
icebreaker.com
10Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
CAP IT OFF
Ask most women and they'll say they hate having to stash a key in their shorts when they run. It's uncomfortable, unsightly, and worrisome (the key might jump out and get lost). The SPEEDY RUN HAT ($32) offers a clever solution--a discreet zippered side pocket. We also loved how the lightweight, wicking fabric conformed to our noggins.
lululemon.com
Ask most women and they'll say they hate having to stash a key in their shorts when they run. It's uncomfortable, unsightly, and worrisome (the key might jump out and get lost). The SPEEDY RUN HAT ($32) offers a clever solution--a discreet zippered side pocket. We also loved how the lightweight, wicking fabric conformed to our noggins.
lululemon.com
11Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
STORM CHASER
Rain? Snow? Typhoon? Bring 'em on when you're running with At last! The ($129). Featherlight at 4.2 ounces, it repels the elements while letting your sweat escape through small holes on the upper back and the side of the torso where runners tend to overheat. The well-thought-out design is comfortable, too.
thenorthface.com
Rain? Snow? Typhoon? Bring 'em on when you're running with At last! The ($129). Featherlight at 4.2 ounces, it repels the elements while letting your sweat escape through small holes on the upper back and the side of the torso where runners tend to overheat. The well-thought-out design is comfortable, too.
thenorthface.com
12Media Platforms Design Team
2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide
RUN BRIGHT TEE
THE WOOL TRUTH: Cyber Monday Shokz OpenRun Pro Deal 2024 ($45) have a mesh inner boxer brief underneath a superlight nylon-mesh outer short. And while designed for wearing in 40-to 65-degree temperatures, these shorts are airy enough to work in stuffy gyms. You can also stash gels in the holster-style pockets on long runs.
brooksrunning.com
THE WOOL TRUTH: Cyber Monday Shokz OpenRun Pro Deal 2024 ($45) have a mesh inner boxer brief underneath a superlight nylon-mesh outer short. And while designed for wearing in 40-to 65-degree temperatures, these shorts are airy enough to work in stuffy gyms. You can also stash gels in the holster-style pockets on long runs.
brooksrunning.com
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