Some of the biggest gains are made in the off-season. That’s why we decided to pull together a guide to gear that will help you maximize your summer and fall training sessions. From rollerskis to running shoes, apparel to packs and more, find some of our editor’s favorite pieces and keep on banking dryland training hours for the season ahead.
Flylow Nash Shirt | $55 |Â www.flylowgear.com
A technical T-shirt designed for running and biking, Flylowâs Nash Shirt is toned down enough that it easily passes as a casual tee and can be worn around town. Technical fabric wicks moisture away and the loose fit ensures that your arms can swing freely without chafing. Our testerâs favorite attribute? The softness. The womenâs version, called the Jessi Shirt, shares the same features but with a different cut.
Brooks Stealth Singlet | $35 |Â www.brooksrunning.com
The Stealth Singlet was designed to provide unrestricted movement, wick away moisture and afford chafe-free comfort. Testers found the top to be slightly fitted and true to size. The proprietary DriLayer fabric is lightweight and soft. The fairly broad back provides coverage from the sun but is not so tight around the arms and shoulders that it restricts movement.
Ortovox 120 Cool Tec T-Shirt | $80 |Â www.ortovox.com
In its 120 Cool Tec tee, Ortovox blends its traditional merino wool with Tencel, a proprietary fabric made from eucalyptus wood, to create a soft, moisture-wicking performance piece. According to Ortovox, Tencel also has a unique cooling effect and is more durable than other performance fabrics. A small breast pocket offers minimal storage, and Lycra panels placed on the shoulders prevent abrasions.
The North Face Flight RKT Jacket | $160 |Â www.thenorthface.com
North Faceâs ultra-lightweight shell is water-resistant and windproof. Plus, it packs down to the size of your fist. Designed with input from elite ultrarunner Rob Krar, this jacket can be easily stowed and carried during long runs and races, just in case the weather turns ugly. Our testers were amazed by how light the jacket is, noting that, in the right light, you could see through it.
Salomon Agile Skort | $60 |Â www.salomon.com
Consider Salomonâs Agile short the chassis for this skort. Developed using the same fabric as the popular short, the company built this piece with multi-use functionality in mind. By positioning a mesh short beneath a lightweight skirt, Salomon intended for the Agile Skort to perform exceptionally while running but also fit in during post-workout social gatherings.
The North Face Flight RKT Shorts | $70 |Â www.thenorthface.com
Testers found The North Faceâs Flight RKT shorts to be the lightest they tested, with one remarking that they were like âwearing plastic wrap but way more comfortableâand breathable.â The North Face designed these ultra-lightweight shorts with a water-repellent finish, meaning they donât immediately soak through if youâre caught in a brief rainstorm. A mid-rise waist is intended to provide added support, and a small zippered pocket offers storage space for a key or gel.
Brooks Juno Sports Bra | $65 |Â www.brooksrunning.com
The Juno Sports Bra boasts exceptional support through comprehensive customization. Brooks designed this bra with Velcro adjustable straps and a hook-and-loop back closure, which allow women to dial in the perfect fit. As far as fabric is concerned, Brooks incorporated its proprietary DriLayer material with mesh panels to wick moisture and increase ventilation.
Swiftwick Aspire One | $15 |Â www.swiftwick.com
Swiftwick designed its Aspire sock line as a technical piece for running and cycling. The socks fit snuggly, wicking away moisture and providing support to the arch. The Aspire One, our testerâs favorite profile, has a height that reaches just above the top of an average running shoe, a height intended to prevent blisters or chafing on longer outings.
CEP Compression Calf Sleeves 2.0 | $40 |Â www.cepcompression.com
CEP claims that the use of calf compression sleeves âcontains the calf muscle and increases circulation, which helps prevent shin splints, delayed onset muscle soreness and common overuse injuries.â The Calf Sleeve 2.0 delivers this compression in a graduated method, ranging from 20-30mmHg throughout the sleeve. A knit pattern is incorporated into this version and is intended to increase airflow and cool the skin, though testers did find these to be noticeably warmer than going sans sleeves.