Aside from a handful of trips into the Colorado mountains, a vast majority of my outside time has been spent close to home this year. That meant a lot of running, and riding our local trails, dog walks, and chilling on the patio. Here’s my twenty favorite pieces of gear that kept me going this year.
POC Will
The POC Will checks all of the boxes for me when it comes to sunglasses. Street style with hidden tech that performs on the trail make these my all occassions go-to sunglasses.
See my full review of the POC Will here.
From $130 | pocsports.com
Under Armour UA True Wireless Flash
These JBL-powered headphones Under Armour are the only buds I’ll wear while running or working out. They sound great, and stay put at all times, including in-between-sets head banging.
$169.95 | underarmour.com
United By Blue Bison Ultralight Jacket
When the temps dip below freezing, this is my jacket. Insulated with 50% salvaged bison fiber, the slim-fitting Bison Ultralight provides just the right amount of warmth. Stack it with your favorite hoodie or flannel or add a lightweight shell on wet days. PFC-free DWR coating, and packs down into its own pocket.
I’m also a huge fan of United By Blue’s Ultimate Bison Sock!
Learn more about BisonShield™ here.
$198 | unitedbyblue.com
California Cowboy High Sierra Shirt
Speaking of flannels! I’m pretty sure there’s not a cooler flannel on the planet. The thermal-lined High Sierra Shirt features water resistant tech, cannabis-friendly stash, and reinforced bottle pockets that make this a ride-friendly option for those who prefer flannel while in the saddle (hand-raised emoji goes here!), camping, or Saturday morning front porch coffee and bluegrass sessions. Ships with koozie and bottle opener.
$148 | californiacowboy.com
Fix-It-Sticks
A friend busted out one of these tools for a mid-ride pivot bolt tightening on my September Crested Butte adventure. I ordered one the instant that I returned to internet service. The clean and unique design allows for extra torque and shop-like performance that most portable multi-tools don’t provide. Available in a wide variety of options. Stash it in a bag or mount under a water bottle cage. The Mountain Kit comes with the most-used trailside tools you might need.
Check out the entire Fix-It-Stick cycling line here.
$56 | fixitsticks.com
North St Pioneer 8 Hip Pack
This little hip pack is just the right size for backyard mountain bike laps. Fits a phone, notebook (see below), bar, and lightweight shell for just-in-case packers and mid-ride shedding of layers. If you don’t ride in a cycling jersey with pockets, this is your pack. Handmade in Portland, OR. Long live fanny packs!
$39.99 stock colors | northstbags.com
$54.99 custom | northstbags.com
Swiftwick Flite XT
I’ve long been a fanboy of Swiftwick socks for riding and running. The Flite XT is Swiftwick’s latest evolution of high tech running socks. It’s the only warm weather running sock I’ll wear. I prefer the ankle compression feel of a five inch cuff while both road and trail running, but the Flite XT is also available in a zero tab version for you no-show sock lovers.
$23.99 | swiftwick.com
Hoka One One Clifton 7
I need all the help I can get when it comes to mitigating pain and making running more enjoyable. I jumped on board the cushioned shoe train with the Clifton 5. The Clifton 7 is the latest edition, providing that neutral, mid-cushion ride that makes the Clifton the only shoe I need for hard surface running.
$130 | hokaoneone.com
Rite in the Rain 3×5 Top Spiral Notebook
Pencil to paper is an important step in the creative process for me. This list was started in one of these Rite in the Rain notebooks. I have one with me at all times. The first time I used a Rite in the Rain was during an absolute downpour during a String Cheese Incident concert at Red Rocks. I’m still using that notebook, and every word I wrote that day is still in tact. Many other size and format notebook options also available.
Psst! Great inexpensive gift idea!
$3.95 | riteintherain.com
Stanley 48oz French Press
Look, you can get as fancy pants and geeky as you want about coffee, but French Press is the only way I need it. As with anything from Stanley, this French Press is burly enough to get tossed around in the back of a truck on the way to that secret backwoods camping spot yet classy enough to sit on the kitchen counter and serve as a daily driver like it does for me. At 48oz, it’s more than enough for my mornings, but should also serve up enough for heavy hitters. Stainless steel, insulated, classic Stanley green.
$65 | stanley1913.com
Outdoor Research Trail Mix Hoodie
This full-zip fleece hoodie from Outdoor Research has been clutch for everything from cool mornings around the house to cold nights at camp. The athletic fit makes the Trail Mix a stellar cold weather mid layer for cycling, running, or snowboarding, while not being too techy for everyday use. Pair it with a lightweight shell for the ultimate travel or hike combo.
$99 | outdoorresearch.com
Gregory Resin 26
I think I’ve found the ultimate everyday pack in the Gregory Resin 26. This pack is super comfortable, has plenty of room for the essentials of a long weekend trip while not being too bulky for the office commute (whether that’s by pedal or motor). The liner, backpanel airmesh, and exterior are all made from recycled fabrics.
$99.95 | gregorypacks.com
Tailwind Nutrition Rebuild Recovery Mix
Recovery has become increasingly important to me as I approach the half-century mark. That post-exercise process includes a lot of stretching, marijuana-based salves, and rehydrating. I added Tailwind’s Rebuild mix to my post-lunch-run routine while summer still had its filthy, hot grip on Front Range Colorado, and it’s now a must-have in my pantry at all times.
Also available in caffeinated flavors.
$38.99 | tailwindnutrition.com
Giro ARC Short and Liner
The soft, lightweight, and low key ARC Short was my go-to for all types of riding this summer. Paired up with Giro’s liner, this combo makes for the perfect all-around setup for dirt, commute, or road riding.
$110 | giro.com
BioLite HeadLamp 200
Winter means running in the dark. The super lightweight, low profile, 200-lumen HeadLamp 200 is perfect for night running our local 200-stair incline that includes a 3/4 mile singletrack trail descent. I also throw this light on for nighttime dog walks around the neighborhood. Safety first, friends!
If you need more light, check out BioLite’s brand new HeadLamp 750!
$44.95 | bioliteenergy.com
Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit
I battled a nagging case of plantar fasciitis for a good portion of the year, trying just about every reasonable diy remedy to keep the pain at bay, including stretches, muscle salves, and a lengthy time off from all running. I added this insole kit to the mix, and they provided noticeable relief during a time when I was spending a significant amount of time on my feet, loaded down with camera gear. The kit comes with two full insoles and a half insole. A removable heel cup can be quickly swapped between insoles, allowing it to be used across hiking boots, running shoes, and everyday footwear.
See my full review of the Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit.
$85 | treadlabs.com
GoPro Hero 9 Black
I usually try to stay semi up-to-date, and within a couple of models of the latest when it comes to cameras. Before upgrading to the new Hero 9, I was carrying a Hero 5. The latest iteration of GoPro’s HyperSmooth alone is enough to justify updating to the Hero 9. Add in an integrated mount, improved battery runtime, removable lens cover, and a load of available mods and mounts, and this is the most capable action camera on the market.
Watch a mountain bike hyperlapse captured during my first ride with the GoPro Hero 9.
From $349 | gopro.com
Fugoo Sport 2.0 Bluetooth Speaker
This little waterproof Bluetooth speaker has pumped out more tunes than just about any other speakers or headphones I own. It provides a nice, rich sound, goes with me everywhere from camp sites to SUP sessions, and is in constant use around the house. And this year it’s been cranked up for more front porch livestreams than I can count.
$89.99 | fugoo.com
ENO Lounger DL Chair
I wish this chair would have spent more time around campfires, at the beach, and on soccer sidelines this year, but I still spent a good amount at home outside time in this lightweight, super comfortable chair from ENO.
I’m also a longtime fan of ENO’s hammocks, and use their SoloPod Hammock Stand on my back porch in the summer and basement in the winter.
$124.95 | eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
Champion Systems Adjustable Face Mask
Would it even be a 2020 gear roundup without a face mask? I tried a lot of different masks early this year, but custom apparel brand Champion System’s face mask is the only one I’ve worn since they became available in May. It hits the mark better than any other mask I’ve tried, for both active and everyday use. The lightweight double-layer fabric breaths well while riding or running. The adjustable elastic bands provide just the right amount of tension to keep the mask in place while easily sliding it on and off my face while riding or running. Includes a filter pocket (filters sold separately) for extra protection. Available in a variety of prints.
$17.99 | champ-sys.com
Stay safe and healthy!
All photos courtesy of associated brand