Tag: Gear

Hi-vis and reflective gear to keep you safe while running and hiking

Make sure they see you coming with the right gear.

Autumn has lots of selling points — the golden leaves, crisp air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything. But those shorter, darker days can really put a crimp in your outdoor plans. Not only is it hard to see where you’re going, but it’s also hard to be seen. Your early morning run or after-work bike ride calls for extra gear to keep you warm and ensure you’re visible to motorists. Check out some of these excellent products that can help keep you safer as you run, bike, walk your dog, and otherwise stay outdoors through the long, dark fall and winter seasons.

Snowshoes that help you float above the snow in any situation

These snowshoes let you trek through the snow without sinking into it.

Snowshoeing is the most accessible winter sport. It’s just like walking, but on giant feet that keep you suspended over the snow. Snowshoes have a long and proud history. Scandinavian people attached pieces of leather to wood blocks to add stability for snowy walks. Other iterations have been extremely long and narrow, while others were practically round. People have tried just about everything to keep from sinking into the snow.

Nowadays, snowshoes have taken a techier turn with durable, lightweight materials, ice-gripping crampons, and cleats. Find specialized snowshoe designs for everything from walking in the snow to climbing mountains and running. If you want to get out and explore snowy trails this winter, here are some excellent snowshoes to get you started.

Running belts that will hold your phone, water bottle, and more

You can run if you want to, you can leave it all behind — but you don’t have to.

One of the most vexing questions for runners is where to put all their stuff. What if they need to stop for a coffee? They need money. For long runs, they’ll need sustenance like a granola bar or gel packs. And what about the constant need to carry a phone, whether for race selfies or emergency calls? You can only fit so much in the pockets of skin-tight running clothes. And so the running belt was invented.

Please don’t call it a fanny pack. The best running belts fit snugly around your waist, hold all your essentials, and are comfortable enough for you to forget they’re there. Peruse these 10 options that fulfill all those requirements and more.

Tackle rainy trails in these fall hiking boots for the whole family

Don’t let rain scare you off the hiking trails this fall.

When the rain starts falling, thoughts usually turn to jackets and ponchos. But water dripping from above inevitably means mud accumulating below. Wet and muddy terrain can quickly ruin a fall hike. Slipping and falling on trails, walking in drenched and nasty socks — who needs all that? Smart hikers think ahead and prepare by bringing quality hiking boots. Find the best shoes for you with these reliable options. Handle tricky trails and wet weather with these picks that are sure to keep you happy and your socks dry. Because a dry and cozy hiker is a happy hiker. Remember to pack your favorite waterproof rain jacket, too.

Xbox camping gear encourages gamers to explore the outdoors

Even Xbox wants gamers to go outside now.

It’s time to put down the controller and put on your hiking boots. In a surprising move, Xbox has released a collection of branded camping gear. Dedicated gamers can now browse the 14-product line for everything from a camping utility vest to a packable hammock. 

“Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or planning to establish base camp in the living room, get outfitted with our latest collection of comfy and functional gear,” the Xbox website states.

The signature green and black Xbox color scheme decorates each piece in the collection. Mostly comprised of clothing, the camping gear line features shirts, shorts, jackets, hats, a Nalgene bottle, a folding chair, a hammock, and more. Prices range from $79.99 for items like the windbreaker and anorak to $11.99 for an Xbox-themed bandana.

A person wearing a green hat and sitting in a green hammock.
© Xbox.

Designed in collaboration with Dotexe, the collection is interesting if a little baffling. As Polygon writer Ana Diaz joked in a tongue-in-cheek article about the gear, “It’s a really thoughtful gesture from Xbox, given how many times people have replied to my own posts telling me to go touch grass. Now I (and you too) can go and do that!”

Whether you’re preparing for a camping trip or simply want to see what the buzz is about, the products are now available on the Xbox website.

Saints debut custom gear for fans in ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’

The New Orleans Saints released customized hats and shirts for fans to wear in Nintendo’s popular video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

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Many video game fans have embraced stay-at-home orders due to the novel coronavirus by turning to the recently-released “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” exploring deserted islands while gardening and fishing from the comfort of their own homes. Cognizant of that, the New Orleans Saints released several customized apparel options their fans can use to show their loyalty in-game.

It’s a cool move for something of a niche audience, though the game’s popularity can’t be understated. The game itself is breaking sales records, while its platform (the Nintendo Switch) has been sold-out nationwide, leading Nintendo to scramble in an effort to resupply retailers.

Interested fans with a Nintendo membership can now wear jerseys representing Saints superstars like Drew Brees (using the Design ID “GOAT”), Michael Thomas (“CantGuardMike”), and Cameron Jordan (“CamJordan94”), as well as a Saints hat (“Geaux Saints”). So be sure to log on and represent your Saints fandom.

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