What We're Getting Dirty With

Published June 8, 2020 01:37PM

It’s getting hot out there! Here’s the gear that’s helping me stay cool. Here are the tanks, tees and gear that I’ve loved this week. While you’re here, be sure to check out a couple of our most recent articles by Yassine Diboun and Joe Gray, outstanding runners who are bravely speaking out against racism in trail running.

Osprey Packs Duro Handheld Hydration Bottle

Hand-held water bottles can feel clunky, but this handle and flask system is light and easy to carry no matter the distance. The hand holster can be used with either hand, and the flask holds 250 ML of water. The holster is tight enough to be comfortable, and light enough to be breathable on hot summer runs. A quick release strap helps keep the flask in place while adjusting on the go. This is a great option for runs that don’t quite require a vest, but when you will need to wet your whistle.

Black Diamond Sprint Short

These shorts have all the snack storage a trail blazer could need. Five utility pockets help keep nutrition and small gear close at hand without weighing you down. The DWR water repellent fabric sheds moisture stretches well and moves with you for a weightless, cool feel. A moisture wicking brief keeps things cool for the long haul. This shorts are a great pick for summer long runs that require a little extra carrying capacity.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Tank Top

Patagonia’s capilene cool trail tank helps you stay fresh on hot summer runs. Durable, anti-odor technology helps fight the funk when things get sweaty, and the athletic fit is comfortable without being overly clingy. Capilene material is soft and durable, and stands up for many, many washes. The material feels and fits like cotton, but wicks sweat away without weighing you down. This tank top has become one of my go-to trail basics for hot summer days.

Skratch Labs Recovery Mix

While we can never verify a product’s true ability to aid in recovery – we can say this stuff is truly delicious (the first ingredient is cane sugar). Skratch’s Sport Recovery Drink Mix is a 4 to 1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein, that’s designed to bring your blood sugar up fast. Skratch says this causes the hormone insulin to spike, which helps the sugar, electrolytes, fat, and protein get to muscles fast post workout. This is not a fun treat after an easy hike, but a specifically designed post workout shake. The horchata flavor is our fave after hot summer workouts.

Dry Max Hyper Thin Mini Crew Socks

These socks are down for rough and tumble adventures in the snow, heat and mud. A seamless toe helps prevent blistering (especially on the downhills) and dual layer fabric helps wick away moisture and prevent friction inside the shoe. A mesh arts provides delicate support while keeping the foot’s midsection cool and dry. Breathable stripes across the top keep things fresh while an ant-slip block on the heel locks the sock in place when you’re zigzagging down the trail.

Rituals by Syney Zester

I’ve long been a fan of Sydney Zester’s poetry, and her latest book takes the ideas expressed in her first collection of poetry and expands them into beautiful calls to action through running and empathy. Zester dives unflinchingly into complicated issues with a clarity that’s as refreshing as it is convicting. Rituals expands what endurance sports are by advocating that they can, and should be a vehicle for radical societal transformation that begins in every athlete.