Gift guide: run and fitness gear
Running is one of the most universally loved ways to stay in shape and get outdoors, and — showing its popularity — the total search volume for running gifts will likely be in the hundreds of thousands this year.
Running and fitness have seen sustained growth since the outset of the COVID pandemic, with people prioritizing healthy lifestyles. Large retailers such as REI have been investing in the category, showing that there is confidence in the running consumer base. Searches for keywords like “how to pick the best running shoes” are seeing double the volume — or more — year over year. Likewise, women’s-specific queries are doubling or tripling in volume, too. Finally, more runners are hitting the dirt, with a 20 percent growth in search volume for “trail running.” Here are some of our favorites for the upcoming holiday season.
Our favorite fitness gear gifts
ROLL Recovery R1 Percussion
The R1 Percussion was developed using feedback from elite and professional athletes, it uses the force of percussive therapy to improve blood circulation, increase flexibility and accelerate recovery. The R1 boasts a compelling set of features at an accessible price of $129. With its small size compared to other massage guns on the market, it delivers a premium experience with its supremely quiet motor and long-lasting battery wrapped in an attractive package.
MSRP: $129
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Tailwind Nutrition Starter Kit
Our Starter Kit is the perfect way to sample all of our Endurance Fuel and Recovery Mix flavors before committing to a larger bag. The single-serving stick packs are perfect for fueling and recovering wherever your adventure takes you.
MSRP: $29
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Vimazi Z40
The Vimazi Z40 is specially engineered for running between 6:15-7:45 minutes per mile (3:55-4:45 min/km). Optimized for quickness, cushioning, and max energy efficiency at pace. Custom platform enhances stability at speed. For workouts and races in this pace zone, this is the shoe you need to run your best.If some of your training runs are within this zone, the Vimazi Z40 is your shoe. If you race 10ks between 38:50-48:00 or marathons in the 2:45-3:24 range, it’s the perfect shoe. Best for fast long runs, tempo runs, intervals and racing.
MSRP: $175
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Available on Amazon? No
Vimazi Trail Z3
The Vimazi Trail Z3 is designed and engineered for running on trails and rugged surfaces between 10:00-15:00 minutes per mile (6:00-9:30 min/km). With an aggressive tread, external rear stabilizer, stump-ready toe protection, and built-in forefoot control during push-off, the Z3 will take you where you want to go. When you run on trails in this pace zone, the Z3 delivers optimized cushioning and max efficiency for the way you run. Run trails in this pace zone, and you'll always want to grab the Trail Z3. Great for 5-mile trail runs between 50-75 minutes, and amazing on 30-mile runs in the 5-8 hour range.
MSRP: $170
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology is known for its seamless waterproof integration, aimed to redefine the trail running experience, by offering trail runners and hikers a new level of comfort and performance amidst challenging terrains and unpredictable weather conditions.
Unlike conventional waterproofing methods that often result in bulkier and less agile footwear, with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit product technology, the membrane is engineered to directly bond to footwear uppers, rather than being installed as a separate layer later in the construction process. That makes the durable waterproof membrane virtually “invisible” in the construction of the shoe.
The benefits of Invisible Fit technology are that it’s waterproof, windproof, and eliminates wrinkles and folds, which reduces pressure points and creates a true to size forefoot area. Invisible Fit is the lightest weight technology that GORE-TEX makes for running shoes.
MSRP: N/A
Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie
Built for a wide range of active pursuits in cold weather, the Deviator Hoodie is able to retain warmth when it’s crucial yet breathe and shed heat when on the move. That’s thanks to a new insulation technology for Outdoor Research called VerticalX Octa paired with hybrid-mapped fabrics. VerticalX Octa is more effective for active use because it doesn’t require an interior liner fabric and has an open structure, both of which allow it to breathe more effectively, and it pairs well with truly breathable exterior fabrics. It’s also 50 percent lighter in weight than traditional polyester insulation, has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, is superb at wicking moisture and is soft against the skin. A 20D stretch-woven softshell fabric on the front, shoulders, sleeves and hood provides weather resistance. On the back, side panels and under the arms, the Deviator uses a more breathable polyester/spandex grid fleece. All fabric and insulation materials are bluesign approved.
MSRP: $229
Deviator Pro and Deviator Gloves
The Deviator Glove program offers breathability and dexterity more akin to a lightweight glove, but they use key technology to add serious warmth. On the back of hand, they use X-Reflex technology, which combines three layers of heat reflective material with two layers of synthetic insulation, a design that reflects heat from the wearer back into the glove while still allowing breathability. This design is paired with breathable stretch fabrics. The Deviator Pro also uses another key technology called Y-Warm, which offers warmth that’s similar or even superior to high-performing Aerogel, but — because it’s a fabric and flexes easily — can be integrated much more effectively in gloves. Also, critically, Y-warm is highly breathable unlike Aerogel, which doesn’t breathe at all, so it allows breathability for moisture to escape. The Deviator Pro Gloves use Y-Warm on the palms and palm side of the fingers.
MSRP: $119, $69
Jogology Socks
One unique design, one sustainable moisture-management yarn, all the bells and whistles you need top perform at your best – Jogology is a sock made by runners, for runners. Our socks provide comfort, performance and value all in equal measures. They’re designed to help you go the distance, whatever that may be for you. With three cushion levels to chose from, they are the pefect sock for any active friend or family member!
MSRP: $16
Available on Amazon? No
Rossignol Active Versatile Jacket
Training or exploring. Rossignol's Active Light Versatile Jacket is made for active layering. A lightweight feel and plenty of stretch let you move naturally, while windproof fabric offers just right warmth as you stride. Laser-cut venting and lightweight mesh lining add breathability, while secure hand and chest pockets add versatility. A long cuff creates a smooth seal with gloves, and high collar seals out wind and cold.
Classic Fit - A flattering, tailored cut inspired by sport ski style
Blocks Wind - Windproof R-Wind fabric blocks the wind and keeps out the chill
Four-Way Stretch - Performance fabric with the highest level of stretch to move with your body for increased comfort, mobility and a natural range of motion
Packable - Packs down small for convenient storage on the go
MSRP: $130
Available on Amazon? No
SCARPA Spin ST
Featuring an aggressive lug profile with Vibram? Traction Lug Technology, the Spin ST is your go-to choice for all types of soft terrain. Ideally suited for muddy or snowy trails, obstacle course racing and orienteering, this shoe minimizes cushioning in favor of maximum traction. The upper features an extended ankle collar to keep the elements out, along with EXO construction for lateral stability plus extra toe protection. All these features come together to provide the perfect solution when you need ultimate traction for soft ground.
MSRP: $179
Available on Amazon? No
PackTowl Personal Towel
The Personal Towel is PackTowl's best-selling camp and travel towel. Sustainably made of 50% recycled fabric, the Personal takes up minimal space in your backpack, luggage or car and delivers maximum absorbency and quick-drying performance. Capable of absorbing 4x its weight in water and drying 70% faster than comparable cotton towels while taking up a fraction of the space, the Personal is perfect for camping, travel, the gym, the yoga studio and around the house. Machine washable, and with Polygiene® odor control, the Personal is always fresh and ready for your life on-the-go.
MSRP: $15.95 - $52.95
Available on Amazon? Yes
Royal Robbins Backcountry Pro Winter Legging
Outstanding softness, performance stretch, without friction or restriction: these warm leggings are made for active winter adventure. The recycled polyester knit is fleece inside, and the wide high-waisted band comfortably holds fit. Done for the day? Throw on a tunic and head into town.
MSRP: $95
Available on Amazon? No
RECCO Backpack Reflector
The RECCO Backpack Rescue Reflector has been specially designed for the application on carrying straps of backpacks and is primarily intended for use in the summer to be located by the SAR Recco Detector Helicopter in the event of a missing person situation.
MSRP: $25
Available on Amazon? No
