Pre-Summer 2015 Running Clothes & Gear

I love running clothes and gear!  As the temperatures start to rise, I thought I’d share my favorites for the summer.*  I haven’t bought any items lately, so these are from past seasons and may not be available now.  But for most of them, I was able to find what seemed to be a comparable version on the manufacturer’s website.  As I find more good stuff, I’ll blog about it.

Singlets

If I lived in a different neighborhood and did a sit-up every now and then, maybe I could convince myself to run shirtless in the summer.  But since I don’t, I look for very light-weight tanks.

Nike Dri-Fit.  Without question, this is my favorite running tank for the summer.  I own 5 of these tops.  The fabric is so light and form fitting that it feels like it’s barely there.  The shirt pictured is from last season or maybe the one before.  (~$40).

Saucony Hydralite.  I have two tops from Saucony that are light-weight and great for the summer.  The one pictured above is probably my favorite.  It wicks away the sweat, covers everything, and fits well.  (I’m 5’7 and the bottom hits me right at the waist).  The item pictured is old but from looking on the website, I think it’s probably similar to this singlet.  (~$30).

New Balance Ice.  I run in New Balance shoes and thought I would give some of their apparel a try.  I don’t completely love this top because it’s long on me and cuts low in the front and back.  But, I really like the fabric.  It’s very light weight and great for warm weather running.  The current version is here.  (~$38).

Shorts

These days, when it comes to shorts, I’m looking for pockets (preferably zippered) large enough to hold a Metro card, some cash, and a house key.

Nike 3″ Embossed Tempo Short.  I discovered these shorts last year when I was looking for shorts to wear for races where I might want to skip bag check.  These shorts have a nice zippered back pocket for credit-card sized items and a separate key pocket on the hip.  They’re so great, I bought 4 pairs.  They’re a little baggy but I don’t mind that in an everyday short.  (~$40).

Lululemon Fast Track Short.  I discovered these shorts on my first trip to Lululemon a year or so ago.  I bought one pair and I liked them so much, I went back to get another pair.  But at the price, I couldn’t justify a third pair.  (I got race entry fees to pay!)  These shorts are great because they have a separate pocket for a key and a zippered hip pocket for cards.  It looks like this is the current version but without zippers on the pockets.  These shorts are short and tight, though, and not for the self-conscious.  (~$58).

Brooks.  Finally, I like to race in these Brooks shorty-shorts.  The compression is light so they’re very comfortable and the legs have grippers so they don’t ride up much.  There’s a non-zippered pocket in the back that makes me nervous about wearing them everyday but for races I’m usually just carrying my huge car key so I don’t worry about losing it.  (~$36).

Hats, Socks, and Other Gear

Beyond the basics, summer running can be more comfortable with some good extras.

Nike Visor.  I have a lot of hair so I prefer a visor so the heat can escape up top.  I also have a tiny head so I like an adjustable lid.  This visor is my favorite.  I own a ridiculous number of them.  (~$22).

Balega Socks.  The moving comfort socks are so comfortable that I wear them year-round.  It’s my go-to sock.  (Hahaha – I just wrote that I have a go-to sock.)  (~$12).

Feetures No Show Socks. I will wear a lighter sock on super hot days or for races.  I like like these.  They fit like a glove.  (~$12).

Smith Optics Parallel Max w/Replacement Lenses.  This is one of two pairs of sunglasses.  I have a set of clear lenses for this pair that I wear on morning runs.  They block bugs flying into my eyes.  (I’ve had two runs where I’ve lost a contact lens trying to fish a dead bug out of my eye).  Here is the current version.  (~$129).

Oakley Commit w/Replacement Lenses.  (Not pictured).  I also have a pair of these.  They fit my face a little better than the Smiths’  but I don’t have the clear lenses for them yet.  (~$150).

Camelbak Dart.  I rarely run with a Camelback but I do have one similar to this model.  My issues with them is that they tend to move around a little.  I tend to scar anywhere I chafe so I have to really want the fluid to wear it.  But, this one was very comfortable.    ($?).

Amphipod Jett-Lite Thermal.  This is my favorite handheld to run with.  For long runs, it’s nice to have the sleeve between my knuckles and the plastic as a cushion against chaffing.  But it only has enough room to carry something very small- like a key and maybe a couple of gels.  Current models are here.  (~$26).

Nathan.  I like this Nathan handheld because it has a pocket large enough to carry cards, cash, my house key, and gels.  (Or, just my phone if I really jam it in there).  But since my knuckles rest against the plastic, it’s not my favorite for very long runs.  It looks like this is the new model.  ($?).

* I’m not fast enough to be sponsored.  (Yet!).  I paid for all of these items out of pocket.