New Balance Sport Hydration Belt

www.newbalance.com
For over two years I have been looking for a decently priced running hydration belt. I tried out a friend’s belt and found that the little bottles were hard to unsnap and snap back in while I ran, and that the little pocket held barely anything. Then I tried out a hand-held water bottle and discovered that I preferred to have my hands free. Finally, a few months before running the Hood-to-Coast 200-mile relay, I spotted the Sport Hydration Waist Belt by New Balance. The belt adjusted to my waist and the pocket could hold my phones, keys, ID, and my trail grub—as well as the water bottle, which is positioned diagonally so that you feel nominal interference while running. I used this belt during training and the race, and felt that it performed better than the more expensive versions, and the nylon and polyester material the belt dried quickly from any sweat. I ended up using a different water bottle because the one that comes with it is tough to get open while running, but I would certainly recommend this belt to anyone who is running anything from one mile to 50.
-Jennifer Seabolt

$23

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Hydroflask Growler

www.hydroflask.com, 27 ounces
It’s hard to over-exaggerate our enthusiasm for the continued success of the craft and microbrew scene in the States (and not just because we have a field office in beer-rich Bend, Oregon). The advent of interesting, artisan beers has happily changed America’s rep as the…beer water capitol of the world. And with that recognition, we salute another tradition that’s re-emerged: the Growler. Originally named for the sound of CO2 eeking its way out of the bottle, traditionally heard while walking home with a jug of beer fresh from the tap at your local watering hole, today almost every city with a brew pub offers growler filling. Typically these vessels are made of glass, but our go-to choice is undeniably the 64-ounce HydroFlask Growler. Cast from 18/8 stainless steel, the double-wall vacuum insulation technology will keep cold contents cold for about 20 hours—which is enough time to fill it up with your favorite brew, go an overnighter or day hike/trial run/climbing spree, and then have cold, delicious beer waiting when you get back. The 2.19-inch-wide mouth assures easy access, and a lifetime warranty means this’ll be our go-to growler for as long as our liver holds out. Of course the growler can also be used to store other cold liquids and hot stuff like coffee, hot chocolate, or soup. It’s a bit too heavy (especially when full) to haul into the deep backcountry, but it definitely qualifies as a go-to reservoir for car camping and picnics.
Available with screw-off or flip-top lids

$49

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Stanley Limited-Edition 100th Anniversary Vacuum Bottle

Next year Stanley turns 100—an anniversary so massive that the products has successfully expanded from its tried-and-true origins to becoming a hipster-certified in brand, which ain’t bad for a company that invented the vacuum-insulated bottles back in 19013. But we at Gearzilla have been longtime fans, so we’re particularly excited for the release of the limited-edition 100^th Anniversary Vacuum Bottle, coming this fall. The new commemorative bottles will carry a 100^th-anniversary badge mounted on a brushed-green finish that traces back to the 1944 model. The legendary vacuum seal keeps hot liquids hot and cold fluids cool for up to 24 hours, and the insulated lip doubles as a cup.The bottles, available in 1.1- and 1.4-quart sizes, will be at REI stores and sold online for a limited time, from this November until December 2013. Miss it, and you may have to wait to their 200^th anniversary…
More great stuff is also slated for release from Stanely in spring 2013—stay tuned for reports.

$38 (1.1 liters)

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The New Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Introduces an Innovative Hydration Solution for Runners

Runners will find staying hydrated a lot easier as of spring 2013, thanks to Salomon’s new Sense Hydro S-Lab Set. This innovative hydration system involves a short sleeve of soft fabric (that’s both breathable and wicking) that slips over the hand like a cross between a wrist guard and a fingerless glove. A thin elastic strap at the wrist secures a soft flask in your palm. Another thin elastic cord loops around the mouth of the water bottle so it’s nestled snugly into your palm, without requiring any effort from you. The water bottle does not bounce while you run, and you no longer have to employ a vice grip (or…any kind of grip) on your water bottle while clocking the miles. Salomon athletes are testing them out right now in all variety of conditions. They’ll be sold by the pair, and will come in small, medium, and large sizes; each comes with a PVC-free 250-ml bottle, but the Hydro S-Lab can accommodate any Salomon soft flasks from 150 to 1,000 mls.

$40

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Honey Stinger Waffles

www.honeystinger.com
On-the-road energy snacks can taste like cardboard. And while we love energy gels, sometimes we all crave something a bit more substantial and less…gooey. Based on the Old World classic, the stroopwafel (a cookie made of two thin waffles sandwiched around a thin layer of caramel), the cookie part Honey Stinger Waffle is baked with organic ingredients, and high-energy honey waits in the center. Tasty flavors include both vanilla and strawberry. The company (based in Steamboat Springs, founded by Bill Gamber, the man behind Big Agnes) makes energy bars, gels, and chews for bikers, hikers, and time-challenged parents. The individually-wrapped cookies provide a healthy, 160-calory organic treat. Lance Armstrong is part-owner of the company and swears by the product. Perhaps that’s the source of his super-human energy (take note U.S. Anti-Doping Agency).

$1.39

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