Running gear : The Q&A

[Forestcantrun]

Just that really. Please feel free to add your must haves or great value finds or discounts. There's a wealth of knowledge on this site which I personally hugely appreciate.

My Q: which aftershokz? Do I go straight for the aeropex or is one of the cheaper models just as good.

[Chocolateteabag]

If you wear Hoka's - there are always barely used ones going for £30-40 on eBay
I suspect they are the "returned" pairs from their 30 day wear guarantee being bought & then sold on
If you check the soles for just "light wear" you can get a decent bargain

[Chocolateteabag]

**Obviously - you need to know what size Hoka's work for you so this really only works if you have had a pair already or don't mind a punt

[flowerlass]

Never even heard of them. I suspect like many products like this you are paying for the brand.

But lets set the scene

Listening to mp3s
Listening whilst runnung
Presumably playing through a phone

You are never going to get or notice the accuracy of the audio quality. Buy a cheaper pair and use the money on more important running kit.

[Forestcantrun]

Thank you. Good tip on the Hokas. Probably same for any running shoe that didn't suit someone.
@flowerlass I heard of them on here. They're the only earphone type things allowed in some races. I like to be able to listen to something as I get bored. Theyre a bone conduction one which allows one to hear traffic etc (or bike bells).

[nbee84]

I have the Aftershokz Treks Titanium - an old model but you can still pick them up on various websites. Love them, never got on with over the ear headphones as I have sticky out ears and find that even light pressure on them makes them hurt after a while. Never found in ear ones that would stay in when I exercise as I sweat a lot (yes, even my ears ) I can just pop the Aftershokz on and forget about them. Sound quality is good enough for me, plenty loud enough though the base can feel a bit 'buzzy' if I have them too loud. Like that I can hear traffic, bikes etc whilst I'm out and about. I sometimes cycle on a shared walkers & cyclists route and so many people walking have headphones in and don't hear my cycle bell.

Another must have for me is a lightweight running belt, useful for my phone, keys, tissues & emergency fiver. I find it far more comfortable than an arm strap.

[Forestcantrun]

Thank you for the suggestion of the Aftershokz Titanium. I love them. Definitely a safer option for darker night running than airpods. And also way cheaper than the newer models.

[AuntieStella]

For aftershokz, look out for deals (often in January) - they had a remarkably good one a couple of years ago (nearly 2 for 1 but of course that's only really worth it if you want a spare pair or know someone who would like a present)

I think they're important running kit as they are so much safer than all other types, and are approved for racing.

And until recently they were the only bone-conductors on the market in UK, though I have seen more brands of late on Amazon, and they were cheaper. Perhaps we need more reviews @flowerlass which brand of bone-conductors do you have, how long have you had them and what's the battery life?

[ReviewingTheSituation]

I'd second what @flowelass says. Cheaper headphones and spend the money elsewhere. I have bone conductors which cost about £25, and they do the job perfectly well.

Spend money on decent trainers and bras though (and good socks if you run a lot/run long distances).

Other essentials for me are a decent buff (worn around my head to keep my ears warm) and arm sleeves/warmers (perfect for days like today when it's not yet warm enough for long sleeves, but a bit chilly for short).

[thismeansnothing]

I have aftershokz treks air.

Worth their weight in gold as you can still hear what's going on around you where you can't with an ear bud In. Also lots of races are starting to ban headphones except bone conductors so they are a fab bit of kit to have. I've.had mine 2 years now with no issues.

[Stumpedasatree]

Can I ask a question about the aftershokz please? Do they rest more on your head, or grip around your ears more?

[BogRollBOGOF]

@Stumpedasatree

Can I ask a question about the aftershokz please? Do they rest more on your head, or grip around your ears more?

They rest over the ears a bit like glasses.
Actually they're less annoying than my glasses

[AuntieStella]

They rest over your ears, and the flexible curve of the back keeps them in place without being squeezy IYSWIM.

But I found the Trekz were slightly wider and that little bit heavier, so I used to rest the back on my pony tail.

If you go to a Runners Need, they have demo pairs, so you can try them on.

[Forestcantrun]

@ReviewingTheSituation I never really understood the sleeves until now I'm in that not very warm but initially cold weather (it's my first Autumn running). Now they seem genius. I could easily fit them in my pocket when I warm up.
@Stumpedasatree they sit on the face side of your ear basically. I find them very comfortable. I've not tried them with a headband on yet though but I think they should be OK.

[ReviewingTheSituation]

Yep - sleeves are the best! Perfect for when you only need one layer, but long sleeves are too long.
Also good for wet weather, as long sleeves in the rain are pretty miserable when they get wet, but because the sleeves are skin tight they are much easier to wear.

You can fold/push them down if you don't want to take them off. Or I sometimes take them off and just tuck them into the waist band of my shorts/leggings (classy!)

Mine are long enough to be able to tuck my hands into too (they have a thumb hole, and are designed to be longer than wrist length), meaning I can get away without gloves for much longer.

[ReviewingTheSituation]

.... long sleeves are too warm, not too long!!

[StillWeRise]

ok, here's a pretty niche one-
sometimes I run home from work- when I do this I need to carry 2 phones and sometimes a lanyard as well- can anyone recommend a belt that has that capacity?

[Chocolateteabag]

@StillWeRise look for "trail" things - they have more pockets for gels and water etc

I have Decathlon trail shorts which fit an iPhone 12 in the front or back pocket

this is the belt only version

Or try a gilet/backpack - you can then get a bit more in

[AuntieStella]

Try something like this

for two phones. I'm not sure if I have the same one - I do have a similar one and it would take two phones and a bit of other stuff. The phrases you are looking for if searching as 'two pocket' and 'expandable'

Either that or get tights with good pickets (try Decathlon) for one phone, and a belt (pretty much ant belt) for the other

[TheWholeWorld]

I have a flip belt - there's cheaper versions available but this one has very sturdy material. I've had it six years and it still looks new.

I can fit my phone, a big bunch of keys, a lanyard and other bits and bobs in it. It does make you look a bit lumpy but it does the job. If I had two phones I could fit them both in without an issue.

[BogRollBOGOF]

I love my sleeves. It's a shame they're not more popular and easy to buy. They're very good for races when you don't want umpteen layers at your waist.
Sometimes the mostly covered arm but bare shoulder is the right coverage anyway.

[AuntieStella]

I live my flip belt - probably one of my best buys ever.

If I were to carry two phones, I'd put one in the flip belt (the one with running trackers, Spotify, etc) and wear my spibelt knock off for the other and any other Stuff.

But I agree that you could fit two in a flipbelt - I'm just not sure how comfortably they'd sit

Sleeves are fantastic in spring and autumn -can't think how I did without them! I have boring black ones from Decathlon. I've seen one US site (the magnificent but expensive InkNBurn) that does ones to match other items in their collection, and some cycling shops have brights (butbagain expensive)

I think there's a definite gap in the market

[TheWholeWorld]

My holy grail product is a Patagonia Houdini jacket - it's an incredibly thin jacket but it's a rock solid windproof. It's water resistant rather than waterproof but I wear it for 90% of runs in cold & rainy weather and take it everywhere I might need a bit of wind protection - it's great on hikes. I reckon cost per wear I'm in the fractions of a penny by now and it still looks good as new.

[StillWeRise]

thanks for the recommendations- I never even thought of searching for '2 pockets'

[Needtostopfretting]

Salamon adv 5 or 12 skin is the best vest for carrying hydration soft flasks and every other bit of gear imaginable. Used mostly on trail runs but I often use on the road. Can put keys, phones, first aid kit, food, gels, tissues, everything in the pockets and sits really close so no bouncing.

[Magpie1976]

I get very cold, painful ears running. Any recommendations for something to stop the wind chill and listen to music comfortably?