Trail Shoes |
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Montrail Streak
Tear up or down anything in these puppies. The Streak is a refreshing addition to the number of trail shoes on the market. The upper is so lightweight you can feel the air circulating through your feet, keeping them cool. Make no mistake: it has durable toe protection for unexpected rocks and roots as well as a supportive structure to keep your feet in place. The sticky sole works perfectly in varied conditions. If you are into speed, this is your go-to shoe of the season. $90. www.montrail.com |
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La Sportiva Imogene
The Imogene can take what the trail dishes out. The orthotic insole provides an ultracomfortable fit, and the narrow heel well keeps your foot secure. It offers maximum arch support, and the mesh upper is cushy and breathable. If this shoe had a middle name, it would be traction! The rubber sole and the reinforced rubber toe prevent slippage just about anywhere. $95. www.sportiva.com |
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Saucony ProGrid Xodus
The Xodus is surprisingly light and has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a die-hard running shoe. The outsole grips scree and clings to sloping rock surfaces extremely well, and the arch construction keeps the foot stable on variable terrain. It feels and fits every bit like a Saucony road shoe that left the asphalt to head on a new adventure. $100. www.saucony.com |
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New Balance 840
Consider the 840 akin to trail running in comfy, hip, lightweight slippers. These featherweight shoes glide over terrain. For runners who like to feel the surface beneath their feet, the 840 allows you to feel the trail without tumbling down it. You can attribute this to the nubby rubber outsole that really sticks to the path. One caveat: stick to short, fast runs and select a beefier model for more-epic runs. $80. www.newbalance.com |
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Adidas Supernova Riot
The Supernova is a light trail shoe, but to our surprise it offers a great amount of stability when running on uneven surfaces. Adidas has taken great care in designing this shoe to fit like a glove and deliver ultimate heel cushioning when running on rough trails. Our testers found that this shoe actually thrusts them forward, making them feel like they could run farther and longer than they thought they could. $95. www.shopadidas.com |
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Brooks Cascadia 3
Green means go, and the Cascadia 3 will let you do just that on the trail. It is one of the better choices for neutral runners who are looking to get out on smooth to technical terrain. We can attest to its breathable mesh upper’s ability to shed water and quickly dry in the event you hit wet conditions. The outer and midsole give a stable and cushy ride and grip to whatever obstacles are underfoot. This is a trail shoe that will go the distance with you. $95. www.brooksrunning.com |
Road Shoes |
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Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 10
Wow best describes the Hurricane. This shoe cradles your foot, providing excellent arch support and cushion. Those runners who have little to no arch of the foot will love the all-around stability and comfort. This shoe is incredibly durable and absorbs the shock of the road like nobody’s business. $130. www.saucony.com |
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Avia Avi-Lite II
A lightweight road shoe perfect for a quick 4 miles or less, the Avi-Lite provides amazing cushion and support for the heel. The breathable mesh on top of the shoe keeps your feet nice and cool. This is a great shoe for minimalist runners who like to feel the road beneath their feet and not be weighed down. $100. www.avia.com |
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New Balance 805
We can’t say enough good things about the 805. It is extremely breathable and lightweight. If you are prone to rolling your ankles, you’ll be protected in this shoe. The stability is sublime, as is the wide toe box and durable sole. The design of the tread and the structure of the bottom of the shoe propel you forward as you run. We love the nontraditional hourglass-shaped shoelaces that never slip or come untied. You’ll be setting the pace in no time. $85. www.newbalance.com |
Running Gear |
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Adidas Adilibria Shield Sunglasses
Yes, they are big; yes, they look a little Hollywood, but, believe it or not . . . they’re great for running—even if it isn’t from the paparazzi. The Adilibria’s light weight keep them in place, and their large lenses give effective coverage and sun protection. $125. www.shopadidas.com |
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Helly Hansen Women’s Sleeveless Tee
Hit the road running in this lightweight tank. The polypropylene material is quick drying and anti-bacterial as well as nonallergenic. Contoured to fit the female form, it feels great when you want the comfort of running in a sports bra but the coverage of a tank. $28. www.hellyhansen.com
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North Face Hydrogen Jacket
Don’t leave home without the Hydrogen Jacket. Weighing in at 2.6 ounces, it’s the perfect backup in the event you need protection but don’t want to carry the bulk. The lightweight, barely there feel of the nylon fabric blocks the wind and repels moisture. A side pocket holds your essentials. Whether you are going for a run, a hike, or a climb, it’s a necessity you won’t want to leave behind. $99. www.thenorthface.com |
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Lululemon Ultra-Short
These versatile running shorts are so comfortable you will want to wear them for everything! Lululemon’s signature fabric combines nylon with spandex to create stretchy, supersoft material that wicks moisture away. The mesh liner goes unnoticed, and the seams are flat to prevent chafing. A built-in pocket will keep your necessities safe. $52. www.lululemon.com |
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CW-X Xtra Support Bra
Here’s a sports bra perfect for whatever activity you can throw at it. The CW-X provides maximum support around the ribs and through the chest so the shoulders aren’t left to carry the weight like other bras are prone to do. For those in the D size range, this bra is a sure fit. $57. www.cw-x.com
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Moving Comfort Alexis Bra
The Alexis bra is our number one pick when it comes to great support and style for the gals out there in the A and B categories. It provides a comfortable fit and shape with quick-drying fabric designed to wick moistureaway from the skin. Our favorite feature is the added cushion in the cups that won’t expose a thing should you find yourself working out in cooler temperatures. $36.
www.movingcomfort.com |
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Moving Comfort Endurance Tight
When conditions are less than perfect, the Endurance Tight will give you the added layer you are looking for on cool-weather jogs. The best part: these polyester Lycra tights are made to last. A wide elastic waistband and a dual drawstring hold them up for miles. $50. www.movingcomfort.com |
Travel Gear |
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Patagonia Margot Dress
The Margot is as comfortable as wearing jeans and a T-shirt, with a touch more sass. Made from organic cotton and spandex, it moves with you, providing optimum comfort in nearly any situation. The three-quarter-length sleeves make it perfect for fall, and the cut hits just above the knee. It’s a must-have in the suitcase. $65. www.patagonia.com |
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Orage Sachari Pant
Pack these pants and you’ll cover all your bases. The Sachari can truly be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. With a slim cut and a low-rise waist, these five-pocket capris are universally flattering, while the water-repellent stretch twill makes them supercomfortable. $75. www.orage.com |
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Smith Optics Amelia Sunglasses
Get ready to travel in style. These aviator-inspired shades will keep you looking good on the go. The lenses are slightly curved to optimize clarity, and the metal frames come in four color options. To boot, the shades are backed by Smith’s lifetime warranty. $90; polarized $119. www.smithoptics.com |
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Mission Playground Flirt Skirt
Packing a skirt is essential, and the Flirt will travel well. It packs up nicely without leaving wrinkles behind. The comfortable and stretchy merino wool provides a flattering fit. The hem falls below the knee with an asymmetrical cut, and a cute tie belt accentuates the stylish look. $90. www.missionplayground.com |
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Patagonia Sugar & Spice
Everything nice is packed into these versatile shoes. Wear the soft leather uppers alone for a comfy house shoe or combine with the sturdy latex outsoles for trekking around town. A fastener at the heel secures the upper to the outsole. True to Patagonia form, the Sugar & Spice is made of natural latex and recycled EVA and plastic. $120. www.patagonia.com |
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Eagle Creek Take 2 ORV Trunk 28
This durable roller fits so many purposes it can take whatever kind of packing you require. Although it serves as one suitcase, it can split into two pieces by just unzipping the top from the bottom. Separate your gear by putting the larger, heavier items in the bottom and your clothing in the top for easy access. The detachable gear compartment acts as an overnight bag and features collapsible dividers for optimum organization. $320. www.eaglecreek.com |
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North Face Flyweight Tote
Don’t travel without this bag. The compressible nylon can handle almost anything, and it zips up into its own little pouch (which is then turned into a pocket when in use) for easy packing. Use it as a grocery bag or a beach tote or to bring home treasures. $49. www.thenorthface.com |
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Dakine Diva
Packing your toiletries just got a whole lot easier with the Diva. The main compartment holds full-sized shampoo bottles with a clear plastic liner that prevents leaks from spreading throughout the whole bag. A drop-down panel features four zippered mesh pockets for the rest of the products you just can’t leave home without. $25. www.dakine.com |
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Haiku Ultimate Messenger Bag
This is a great bag for all your essentials, whether you’re going to and from work or flying across the country. There are plenty of storage pockets, including a padded sleeve for your laptop. The washable vinyl readily withstands wear and tear, and the reinforced rubber bottom protects from scuffing and keeps the bag upright when you set it down. The contrasting colors and unique stitching add style to all that function. $99. www.haikubags.com |
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Magellan Maestro 5310
Taking a road trip? Getting directions just got a whole lot easier with the Maestro portable GPS navigation system. Maps and routes are at your fingertips, and an information bar shows how many miles to go until you arrive at your destination. The large 5-inch screen is easy to read and looks pretty snazzy on your dash. It even allows AAA members to access information on restaurants and motels or get roadside assistance. Who could ask for more? $500. www.magellangps.com |
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Sony DVD 810 Handycam Camcorder
Document your next vacation like a pro. The Sony DVD 810 Handycam lets you record right onto a disc, so you can easily pop it into your DVD player. There is also 8 gigabytes of internal memory as well as the option to record onto a removable memory stick. Superior lens quality and touchscreen controls will have you making movies in no time. $450. www.sony.com |
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Canon PowerShot G9
So much more than the average point-and-shoot, the G9 looks like an old-school film camera but has the most updated technology, with manual controls you won’t find on the average compact digital camera. Features include an image stabilizer, 12.1 megapixels that deliver high-quality photographs, and a 3-inch LCD screen. It’s the closest you can come to having a single lens reflex without the bulk but still delivers high-quality images. A 6x optical zoom lens expands photo options and . . . it captures video too! $455. www.amazon.com |
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Mountainsmith Cyber II Camera Bag
This handy padded pouch comes in three sizes and is designed to keep your camera safe. A detachable strap and Velcro belt attachment make it easy to take with you anywhere. An inner pocket keeps your memory cards secure. To top it off, it is made from recycled plastic. If you’re matching this up with the Canon PowerShot G9, the large size will do the trick. $13, $15, and $22. www.mountainsmith.com |
