The search for easy on-the-go hydration ends here!     
 
"Disclaimer: I received a Single Barrel Hydraquiver from OrangeMud  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"
 
I have been on the hunt for something else to use for hydration for runs besides my camelbak. I only use that for 14 miles and up; it’s kind of heavy and clunky.  I’m someone who runs with my phone in my hand the whole way. Crazy I know.  So, if I am hand carrying a water bottle for those 5-13 mile runs, now both hands are full and I feel weighted down.

I got the chance to check out the Hydraquiver Single Barrel pack from OrangeMud.  It is a hydration pack that sits up high in the middle of your back. You just reach behind your head and grab the bottle.    There is absolutely no bouncing!

Product specs

• Weight without bottle 7.2 oz/with bottle 10z
• Made of breathable nylon
• Secure storage pocket with zipper
• BPA free 25 oz bottle included

I received orange (my favorite) but it comes in 4 different colors. I love that there is a zipper pocket for my car/house key.  The straps take a little playing around to get the right fit.  I found that I needed to tuck them in so the extra fabric wasn’t flying in my face.  One other possible issue to look out for is chafing. I live in Arizona where it is hot and sweaty and we’re already wearing tank tops on a regular basis. I didn’t experience any major issues, but if you are prone to chafing and wear a tank, the straps could dig in and rub.

Another plus is that the bottle BPA free and it doesn’t get yucky in between runs.  So far I’ve only used water in there, not nuun or something like that, so maybe it would get a funky scent in between runs once something different is in there.

I can’t tell you how much I loved having my hands free.   The only downside (and it’s a minor one) is that if your hands are sweaty, the bottle can get a little slippery. I dropped it on more than one occasion.

Before I got the pack, I was certain that it was going to be awkward putting the bottle back in the holder, I imagined that I would go to drop it in the holder and it would fall to the ground. That never happened. Even though you technically can’t see what you’re doing, it is super easy to land it in the holder while you’re moving.
 
Summary:

Pros –
Lightweight
Hands free
Bounce free
Easy access
Storage pouch
BPA free 25 oz bottle
 

Cons –
Need to adjust straps every time
Possible chafing issues with straps
Bottle can be slippery with sweaty hands

I totally recommend this! Retail price is $84.95 and there is also a double barrel version for longer runs. OrangeMud is a very respectable brand with high quality products.  They believe in living an active, outdoor lifestyle. Give them a follow! They offer 10% off when you join their mailing list as well.

Facebook – OrangeMud
Instagram – @TheOrangeMud
Twitter - @orangemud
Website: orangemud

Who doesn’t need a good pair of sunglasses for summer?

"Disclaimer: I received a pair of xx2i Bermuda polarized sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to review xx2i USA Sport Polarized glasses. I still love them to this day, wear them for every long run, race, etc. when it is sunny. You can read the review here.  Since I enjoy them so much, I was excited to receive a casual pair, not intended for running.  I got the Bermuda glasses, in a tortoise shell frame with polarized blue lenses.

Just like last time, they came in great packaging - a hard case with lots of cushioning and a spot for the lenses to fit in and be protected. They also came with a soft pouch to carry them in, as well as a strap.

It had a good solid fit. No problems slipping while I was out walking.  I enjoy the crisp clear vivid view that I get. They go with pretty much anything. I wore them with workout clothes to walk the dog, etc. and running around town, going to work, etc.  Pretty classic styling.

As I said before, These are casual glasses, not really meant for running. There isn’t any venting to prevent fogging   Some other perks: Lifetime Warranty!  For someone sunglass-challenged like me, this is a really important plus.  I loose and break glasses all the time. You just have to pay a small shipping fee. They also let you try them for an entire year – 365 days – and if you don’t like them you can get a full refund. Say what???

These particular glasses are not even for sale yet! Us BibRave Pros got to try them before they hit the market. PS - we are still looking for more BibRave Pros to try and review races and products. Apply here!

XX2i is offering a killer 50% discount on their site right now with code “xx2iRocks”.  Now is a great time to stock up for summer! Head over to xx2i.com to start shopping!!

Want some other opinions before you commit? Tune into #bibchat this Tuesday, April 26 at 8pm Central for a discussion.

"Disclaimer: I received a pair of Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Headphones to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

I love finding cool new products, gadgets and gear to make running and training easier.

I heard about these new Trekz Titanium headphones that sit just outside your ear, not inside them, and conduct sound through your bones and was like “whoa!”  I need to check these out!

The box comes with a carrying case, charger and earplugs.  Those are in case you need to block out more sound (like on an airplane). But part of the beauty of these headphones is that you get to hear your rockin’ music but still hear the ambient noise around you – birds singing, cars approaching, etc. Safe!

The totally unique aspect of these headphones is the use of bone conduction technology.  The sound is just as great as if they were sitting inside your ears, honestly.  But your ears are left open to hear approaching cars, etc.

Setup was easy – synching the headphones to Bluetooth was a piece of cake. It is a little different feeling to have them sitting outside your ear, but it wasn’t distracting.  Initially the back of it was hitting me in the back.  When I have my hair in a pony tail, if I let the back of the headphones rest on the top of my ponytail, that solved that problem.  The sound is good and clear. You may have to play around with the fit a bit, they provide little fit bands to help it fit tighter if they are too loose.

I wore my headphones for Rock n Roll Dallas half marathon.  They stayed put well, they have a snug fit. I think I had one brief spot where I lost my connection temporarily, but that was it.

Took them out for a 10 mile training run in the heat.  Even sweat didn’t make them slip.  These have a nice battery life, too. I ran a half marathon, 2 10 mile runs, and several shorter runs before I finally had to charge it for the first time. It says you can count on 6 + hours of battery life. Charging was easy peasy.

As you can see, I definitely put these to the test on many different runs, and even at the gym when I was lifting weights. 

I would definitely recommend these as a great wireless option. The Aftershokz Trekz Headphones retail for $129.99, and come in 3 colors. Discount Alert!  You can save 20% with BIBRAVE20!

Aftershokz is also partnering with the United Relay - a nonstop running relay across the country on 3 different routes.  It's a super cool event, check it out and sign up for a stage near you if you can! I am hoping to run one or two near me. You could also win a meet and greet with Alicia Keys in New York! See all the details here.  Good luck!

I'm happy to be participating in the Try Out Thursdays linkup from SD Mom. Check out what everyone else is reviewing here!