It’s been quite the winter training season, so we wanted to bring you a few fun finds in our spring running gear round up to get you excited for the miles ahead.
This month, we tested a mix of products from brands we already love and a few new ones, too. From gear and snacks to hydration, there’s a little something here for everyone.
If there’s a brand you think we need to try, drop us a comment!! Or have you tried one of these, let us know we’re always looking for more feedback on what’s working and what’s not.
Planet Nusa Gear
I tested out the Cheer1 Power Shorts and the For Everyone Long Sleeve top from Planet Nusa, and the materials are nice; the designs are somewhat basic but functional.
Nothing too fancy or innovative, but the clothing is comfortable for workouts and for running errands afterward.
First up, the Cheer1 Power Shorts in black, basic, I know, but I tend to choose the black items in my closet time and time again. They did appear to pass the “squat test” from what I can tell. As a fitness instructor, this is a must, trust me.
I wore them first to teach a cycling class. They have a nice amount of compression, which feels good, not super stretchy, but they are comfortable.
The fabric felt nice and breathable while teaching, but it lacked any silicone strips or dots at the leg openings to keep them from riding up. Not a huge issue, but something I look for when I’m buying workout clothing.
The shorts felt fine for running; however, they lack pockets. There is one open pocket in the back which could fit a gel or a key fob. No side pockets to stash a phone. 
Up next, the For Everyone Long Sleeve. It is loose fitting and in a nice breathable fabric, similar to the shorts.
I really like the color and it was light and comfortable to run in and run around in. Not necessarily warm for winter running.
In fact the silky fabric felt cold on my skin in the low morning temps, but it would be great in spring or fall when you want something light to put on.
It does lack some features I like in my long sleeved tops for running, like thumb holes or a watch window.
I did a gym workout in this top also and it was comfortable and allowed good movement in all directions. My dislike of the top is that it lacks any flattering shape and feels like an unisex top.
The fabric for both items felt a little old school spandex-y. The company uses recycled polyamide and nylon, which I can appreciate, and the shorts do have nice support and are designed to adapt to your shape with wear.
I usually wear a small or medium in bottoms and ordered these shorts in a size medium and the fit was true to size and comfortable. I ordered the top in a size small and it is roomy and comfortable. I am 5’2” and about 125lbs.
- Size: XXS-XXl
- Colors: 3 available
- Pockets: 1 back pocket for keys/gels
- Available from Planetnusa.com for $93
- Size: XXS-XXL
- Colors: 7 available
- Lightweight and breathable material
- Available from Planetnusa.com for $105
-Laura, Gear Tester and RTTF Coach
PonyFlo Alex Active Hat
With a structured brim that helps keep the hat in place, the PonyFlo Alex Active hat is a good choice for runners who often experience windy conditions. It features a long opening at the back, making it a great hat for high ponytails or buns.
At first look and feel, this is a heavier hat than what I usually reach for (think Lululemon Fast and Free Running Hat or Bandit Nylon Run Hat). When I put them on, they don’t feel quite as heavy; instead, they feel like a hat you know will be secure and won’t move. The fabric is breathable, but I can see this brim feeling heavier on a very hot day; for spring and fall, this hat is pretty comfortable.
I do prefer the PonyFlo opening better than the Lululemon ponytail hat. The Alex Active Hat’s opening is slimmer, so my scalp is better protected from the sun while still allowing plenty of flexibility for hairstyles.
The Alex Active Hat sits just above my ears, which may interfere with some over-the-ear headphones or sunglasses, depending on how tight you like your hat.
Even though the website says the velcro is no-tangle, it snagged my hair easily and came undone more easily than something woven through a clasp that tightens and loosens with a pull. Some velcroes also tend to wear out over time, so keep that in mind as well.
- Size: one size fits most, with an adjustable no-tangle velcro closure
- Colors: 20 available
- Built-in sweatband to wick moisture
- UV protections
- Available from Ponyflohats.com for $33
-Mayara, Gear Tester
Nathan Vapor Airess 4.0 8L
The Nathan VaporAiress is a great hydration pack for mid- to long-distance runs, and even ultra-marathons. It’s designed specifically for women, and the range of sizing options ensures that you can find a comfortable fit.
The front straps have adjustable clips that allow you to tighten or loosen the vest after putting it on. I like that there are 2 straps here (vs other vests that have 3), which are enough to make the vest feel secure.
The pack is fully adjustable with a compression fit. It really doesn’t move during a run!
There are plenty of pockets for storage, including 2 front flask pockets and a back pocket for a hydration bladder with a zipper closure. For additional storage, there are 4 front expandable mesh pockets, a small zipper pocket, and 2 side expandable pockets.
I’ve been using the vest with a hydration bladder in the back and placing my phone and gels in the front pockets. I use the small zipper pocket to store my house key. If I have items I need to stash away during the run (such as gloves or a headband as it warms up) I’ve been using the side pockets. Putting too much in there may impact your arm swing, but I like that I can reach these larger pockets pretty easily.
On the front right of the vest there is a small hook that you can use to hold the straw of your hydration bladder in place- a nice little feature that keeps it from moving around too much.
This is a comfortable and practical vest for long-distance runners. I think that sizing options, 2 front straps, and adjustable fit make this a vest that most runners could wear comfortably. The storage options are just enough for most runners to carry on the road or trails for a few hours.
- Sizing: XXS-XL
- Colors: 1 at the moment Indigo Blue/Light Purple)
- Includes a 2L hydration bladder
- Available from Nathansports.com for $160
-Lisa, Gear Tester and RTTF Coach
DryWater Complete Hydration
As a dietitian, I’m always trying to stay on top of all of the nutrition and hydration products on the market. I was stoked to test out DryWater because of their science-backed approach to hydration
DryWater Complete Daily Hydration uses a trademarked “IsoCell” – basically a combination of different nutrients (including electrolytes, vitamins, and even protein) scientifically shown to improve cellular water retention and fluid absorption (AKA hydration) beyond plain water.
Their products are vegan, gluten free, non-GMO, sugar-free, and free of artificial colors and sweeteners.
According to their website, they are NSF Certified for Sport (basically ensuring that there is nothing sketchy added to the powder), although the boxes I received did not include the NSF seal.
DryWater is marketed for daily hydration, which I agree with.
Given the lack of sugar, I would recommend it during exercise and the high amounts of many of the vitamins included (they’re mostly water-soluble, so drinking too much isn’t the end of the world, as you’ll just pee out whatever your body doesn’t need).
It has a moderate amount of sodium (380 mg) that can add up fast – so unless you are sweating a lot, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend drinking more than one serving a day. I thought it was interesting that DryWater takes such a scientific approach yet remains sugar-free, even though research indicates that sugar can improve hydration.
Overall, I thought DryWater was tasty, and the flavors were interesting (Mixed Berry was my favorite). With no sugar, the hydration mix is sweetened with Stevia, which I don’t mind, but I know it can be very controversial.
The flavors are very strong and sweet. The powder is very large, and when I opened my first packet, I was worried about it clumping, but it mixes really well.
- Size: 12 pack individual sticks
- Flavors: 4 available and a multi-pack
- Available from Amazon.com starting at $27
-Alyssa, Gear Tester
Bubs Candy
If you’re getting a little tired of gels or your usual chews, Bubs Swedish Candy might be a fun option to try.
This popular Swedish gummy candy is now available in the US, with a ton of flavor options to choose from.
Most of the mixes combine sweet, sour, and fruity flavors, so you get a little variety in each bag. You can grab a single flavor or a mixed bag if you want to try a few.
Bubs Swedish Candy is also gluten-free and vegan. And unlike many gummy candies, the texture isn’t overly chewy, which can make it a little easier to eat on the go!
Bubs is free from gelatin, trans fats, corn syrup, and Red 40.
You don’t have to fuel your runs with the typical gels or chews. Find what works best for you and your body.
And before you come after us saying, “but isn’t sugar bad?”, we have an entire article about everything you need to know about sugar from a registered dietician.
- Flavors: 8 different fruity flavors
- Size: .5 lb and 1.2 lb bags
- Gluten Free
- Vegan
- Available from Amazon.com starting at $14
-Coach Amanda
Is there a piece of gear you’ve been dying to know about or an area you’d love to see us focus on? You know the drill: drop a note below, and we’ll be happy to get the team on it if we can!
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