GORUCK's New Weighted Vest Is Slimmed Down and Perfect for Runs
Plus, other new gear in this month’s MH Gear Report.
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Welcome to the MH Gear Report, where Men’s Health gear and tech experts find the coolest new releases in gear, technology, home goods, and more. Plus, some insights into new gear we've been testing lately.
WE’RE THICK IN the dog days of summer right now, and hopefully you’ve been out there enjoying it (when the heat hasn’t been dangerous). Hiking and camping season is in full swing, we’re logging lots of miles in the latest running shoes, and testing cooling tech like fans. There’s still lots more summer to look forward to (hello World Cup), so make sure to take advantage of it now while you can.
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Taking the Lightstrike Pro midsole foam from the beloved Evo SL running shoe, this new hybrid trainer is comfy from the moment you put it on. The mesh upper breathes extremely well and the outsole grip is solid enough for lifts and HIIT work.
Read More: Best Cross-Training Shoes
Shokz is one of our favorite makers of open-ear headphones and earbuds, and the latest update to the clip-style design OpenDots is another winner. While you might be familiar with its OpenRun line, the OpenDots are more suitable for everyday wear, and can also work for your commute while also being secure enough to run in.
Read More: Best Workout Earbuds
A lifesaver, or rather a foot saver. The new Sole Vibe from Chirp brings together heat, massage, and vibration to soothe any runner’s foot aches and pains. I’ve worked it into my morning stretching and ankle routine, as well as after runs, and it’s provided a ton of immediate relief.
Read More: Best Foam Rollers
A cooler, backpack, and lunchbox all mixed into one, this new addition to Yeti’s Daytrip line is a great middle ground for short excursions. Not built for as extreme conditions as the Hopper line, the Daytrip still needs ice packs and features an easy-open and easy-access zipper entry. Think heading to the beach.
The new Withings BodyFit looks to bring the premium features of its Body Scan scale (our best overall smart scale) in a more affordable package while pushing the tech further. It integrates easily into the Health Mate app, and it brings you everything that you want in a smart scale: effective and easy tracking.
Read More: Best Smart Scales
A slimmed-down weighted vest option from GORUCK, this one comes pre-loaded at 20 or 30 pounds (differing from the Rucking Weight Vest that needs to be loaded with plates). And instead of those plates, it’s filled with steel pellets that are comfy, durable, and easy to run, ruck, or train with. The cut is also less constrictive, and doesn’t chaff or ride up (even at faster paces).
Read More: Best Weighted Vests
Nocs has issued a new Field Issue (sorry, not sorry) bino that offers full-size clarity at 8x42 or 10x42 optics. Featuring the standard Nocs ToughWave Armour, these are as durable as binos get. Add in some fun colors and you’ve got your trusty pair for the water, birding, or camping this summer.
Read More: Best Binoculars
Yes, this backpack from Patagonia is made specifically for rock climbers. But its two-way internal organization is also a great option for tidy packing and less rugged trips. Think camping with another person for a single pack option or adventure travel for those who like everything in its place.
Read More: Best Travel Backpacks
It’s hot out, and Coway’s newest fan is full of tech that can keep your space cool. First, it’s adjustable from the height of a tower fan to that of a desk fan. Next, it rotates on a dual-axis oscillation (side-to-side and up and down) to create airflow over 100 feet. Lastly, it’s whisper-quiet and offers voice control so you never need to lift a finger.
When it comes to charging devices outdoors, none have been doing it better lately than Nestout. This update to its 4 Panel Solar Charger sees a USB-C port replace one of the two USB-A ports V1 offered. You get up to 28W of power at up to 24% conversion efficiency, providing enough output to charge two devices simultaneously with up to 5.6A total current.
Read More: Best Camping Gear
Nobull’s Outwork shoe gets a new addition with a more flexible mesh upper (instead of canvas). A padded collar and tongue also add a little more comfort for when you’re not strictly looking to go heavy with lifts.
The fine folks at Taylor Stitch have teamed up with a longtime favorite for the Taylor Stitch x Grateful Dead collection. The two San Francisco icons took a few of Taylor Stitch’s flagship pieces and added the Grateful Dead magic sauce to them, with some great graphics, patches, and distressed accents. These are gonna go quick.
A workout shirt disguised as a short-sleeve button-up, Roark has made it so you can look spruced up on the trail or feel a little more comfortable in the office. Especially with all the colors and graphics available.
The Adidas Terrex Freehiker changed the thought process for lightweight hiking shoes years ago. The new Terrex Freehiker 3 continues that lineage by still utilizing Boost foam (along with Dreamstrike+) for a midsole blend that’s soft yet stable. And for modern hikers, that’s music to our ears.
Read More: Best Hiking Gear
Big enough to fit a pair of size 11 running shoes, full change of clothes, and some extras like a sweatshirt and raincoat, this Supertote from Janji is a great gear hauler for runners. Despite its large size (40 L), it’s got 10 pockets to keep all the smaller stuff organized in that big space. It also includes a changing pad, which is a nice touch for changing shoes after wet or muddy runs. And the zippered top in the main part is great, so a hard turn on your drive doesn't send all of your stuff flying all over.
What does one do with their phone when they don’t quite have the pockets to carry it but are trying to trek around with as little as possible? A sling bag is a great option, and this new Traveler Tech option from Nomadix fits the bill. It’s got a wide opening and fits more than just a phone, but is minimal enough that you can throw it on and still move at a quick pace.
Having a lightweight layer for cool mornings and chilly evenings in the summer is always a smart idea. And Tracksmith’s Linen Popover is an elevated option from a brand that always does elevated basics well.
Shades that are a bit more retro-style are always a winner in my mind. But the Truss from Smith are actually sport-specific and made with a stay-put fit. Toss in Smith’s ChromaPop lens tech and you’ve got a pair of shades that can go just about anywhere.
Read More: Best Men’s Sunglass Brands
Two USA icons link up to produce a quintessential American jacket: the Cruiser. This waxed cotton layer is a tank against summer downpours, and its canvas lining comes in clutch for cool evenings without adding too much bulk. Style-wise, it hits at the hip, which pairs well with mid-rise jeans. The back is embroidered with Ford’s famed Bronco to let people know you have great taste.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
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Weighted Vests to Turbocharge Any Workout
