Running Gear

Recent Running Gear Reviews

Stoked Goods Stoke Lip & Face Balm

A really good option to avoid or deal with chapped lips and face. I like that it's a particularly fat lip balm. Bonus for putting in a paper (can be recycled) container. A bit pricy, and no sunblock. A very good lip balm (fine for face too) for cold, nasty weather that can chap and dry you out.  Five ingredients: cocoa butter, shea butter, cocoanut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. The manufacturer says it's all organic, if you care. It has a fairly thick consistency but still smears on nicely. It smells… Full review

NiteCore NU20

From a brief experience it appears to be as advertised—super light, rugged, and of good quality. It functions effectively. INITIAL IMPRESSION NITECORE NU 20 ULTRALIGHT HEADLAMP This is a brief initial impression of the Nitecore NU 20, as the light arrived just as I was heading out for a night hike. I found the bracket “tab” that covers the switch to be pretty ingenious. The joint between the light and bracket is firm and will maintain the angle set. It's not going to change accidentally. The… Full review

SureFire Minimus

OK headlamp. OK headlamp. Purchased mine in 2011. Two failures over the years. Both had problem with the switch turning on by self. Burnt hole in side of backpack in one instance. Great headlamp for trailwalking, and close work, but not for finding something in distance. Will not buy another, but as long as Surefire continues to warranty, will not throw away. Two RMAs later, cost of ownership is bit steep. In 2019, there are far better choices in headlamps to be had. Full review

Kahtoola MICROspikes

ALL SEASONS. Keep exploring and protect yourself on snow, ice, wet leaves, steep bushwacking... You can look around and price shop. Or just go get the best. I love mine and bought them for the whole family. Noticed it's a mandatory piece of equipment for some on hill employees at some larger resort. I saw them clipped to packs and belts all over the resort. The quick, just in case, footing protection.   Full review

BioLite Headlamp 330

Light, comfortable, and bright rechargeable headlamp. I bought a Biolite headlamp after passing on the Kickstarter. I’m a supporter of Biolite and use their products. I’ve been very happy with the lamp and I plan on buying the rest of the family they own. I had some concern over the recharge-only option, but so far it has not been an issue. The light maintains adequate usage time for general camp use and reading in bed. The three lighting options—beam, LO, and red—give a good range of uses. Full review

Fox Outfitters Firefly

Amazingly bright, low weight, long battery life—these are just some of the highlights of this light. I received my Firefly headlamp today to test and review. Starting with the shipping, it was surprisingly fast. I had recently moved and even with the company shipping to the old address, I had product in hand in under a week. The packaging was very well done and the unit made it here with no issues whatsoever. The product's packaging is appealing to the eye, clean box, specs and information can… Full review

Coast HL40

This is a rugged, basic headlight. It has a battery pack on the back that if you wear a warm hat over will keep the batteries warm and functioning much longer than typical hiking/backpacking headlights. WORKS IN THE COLD! I was leading some night hikes last winter and both my Petzl and Black Diamond headlights were fading out after about 45 minutes in the cold (~20 degrees F). I switched over to lithium batteries from alkaline because lithiums are supposed to be less affected by cold. Didn't do… Full review

Petzl Tikka RXP

DO NOT PURCHASE THIS HEADLAMP. Constant software and charging issues. Customer Service at Petzl constantly offers technical solutions that provide no fixes. NEVER works when you need it to work. Highly recommend NOT purchasing this or any other Petzl product offerings. Would never recommend purchasing a Petzl product. Worst experience I've ever had with any device or Customer Service Department. Full review

Ledlenser MH10

Best head torch I have used, and I have used many over the years. I must have used more than half a dozen head torches over three or more decades. None of them compare with this Ledlenser head torch. Lots of features are similar to others I have used but this torch is brighter and more focusable than any I have owned. It is so bright it is almost like being in daytime for the illuminated area. Last trip I took this torch along with my best older one. After a brief comparison, the older P...l was… Full review