The Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket ($145) isn’t a wind shell or a waterproof-breathable shell — it’s both. True to the “hybrid” name, the Helium combines waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield fabric and taped seams used throughout most of the jacket with a breathable, water- and wind-resistant, stretchy soft-shell fabric in the side panels and undersides of the sleeves. The result is good protection from any kind of precipitation where it usually hits you — on the front, back and head — with standout breathability where your body produces it: in the torso, underarms and forearms. For any aerobic activity outside, it hits a sweet spot between weather protection and breathability. 8 oz. outdoorresearch.com
Running and workout shoes don’t have to be either oversized or torturously minimalist. The Brooks Ravenna 8 ($110) finds a balance between responsively lightweight and moderately supportive, and is cushioned for runs of any distance and pace. An X-shaped rubber patch in the midfoot delivers a smooth heel-to-toe transition, and blown rubber in the forefoot gives a softer, springier toe-off. Air mesh uppers are breathable, but an adjustable strap that locks into the laces provides structural support in the uppers. At 21 ounces per pair, they’re not the lightest shoes, but people wanting support will forgive that. brooksrunning.com
One of the staples of your fitness routine should be hydration. The CamelBak Chute ($13) is the ideal all-around water bottle — perfect for just about any environment. What really sets it apart is its unique angled spout, providing a high flow of water without the worry of spilling while you’re on the move. The leak-proof cap twists off with just a half turn, and it snaps into the handle so it’s out of the way while you guzzle or refill. There’s also a handy carry loop that makes it easy to attach to a carabiner or your backpack. Another perk: The Chute comes in a National Parks lineup, offering designs from Redwood National Park, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and others. Those models are $20, but $2 from every sale is donated to the National Park Service. camelbak.com
Lorpen Compression Light Calf Sleeves ($30) deliver graduated compression, meaning the amount of stretch in the fabric increases gradually with distance from the heart. Because veins get thinner near the ankle, compression helps to push de-oxygenated blood back to the heart, which, of course, then pumps oxygenated blood back out. Improved blood flow replenishes oxygen to muscles, speeding recovery post-workout, but compression also reduces muscle vibration caused by impact sports like running, noticeably reducing soreness and inflammation. lorpennorthamerica.com
Rethink your belief that wireless headphones are the way to go. Wired models don’t require constant recharging — they won’t quit when you want them working — and aren’t as easy to lose. The Shure SE215m+SPE Sound Isolating Earphones ($119) have Dynamic MicroDrivers that produce a sound that’s crisp, not tinny or heavy on bass. The detachable 50-inch cable, with formable wire and integrated remote and mic connectivity, allows hands-free use (with Apple devices). Bonus: You get a nice fit, thanks to the moldable Kevlar-reinforced over-ear cables. shure.com
The La Sportiva Motion T-shirt ($39) won’t make you smell good while exercising, but at least it won’t broadcast an aromatic history of your past workouts. Polygiene, an odor-fighting antimicrobial silver treatment, inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric; you can actually wear it multiple times between washings. This Bluesign-approved T-shirt will last longer, because bacteria and laundering break down fibers and eventually wear out the fabric. The stretchy, quick-drying synthetic fabric with mesh panels under the arms to enhance breathability and more-durable nylon throughout the torso, plus chafe-free seams, make the Motion T good for any kind of workout. sportiva.com
When you need — or want — the ultimate training watch, go with the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR ($499). This wrist computer offers no less than 80 preloaded sport training modes, including trail running, adventure racing — even open-water swimming — with racing and interval use. The on-wrist heart rate and GPS have few rivals for accuracy. The color touchscreen is quite readable in daylight, and the side buttons are easily manipulated, even with sweaty hands. You can log workouts in Suunto’s MovesCount app and desktop program, and the latter downloads preplanned training calendars and nearby routes. It’s water resistant to 100 meters and — perhaps most impressively — it delivers 12 hours of battery life in training mode. All without being excessively bulky or heavy. 2.6 oz. suunto.com
When you’re ready to elevate your training into the realm of the very serious, get the TRX Duo Trainer ($150). Similar in functionality to gymnast’s rings, this simple pair of straps with handles suspended from an overhead anchor point (often a bar) let you perform a huge range of body-weight exercises — like pull-ups, dips and muscle-ups — in rapid succession for very intense training. The nature of the setup provides a full-body workout, including the core muscles, in virtually every exercise, preparing you for any sport or outdoor activity. trxtraining.com
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i like this page and want some of the items for my scout in HOHOE (Ghana)