Must have GEAR

I have been through lots of shoes, backpacks, socks, compression gear, and headphones in the past few years. I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences with some of my favorite gear. My wife gives me the look every time I mention gear...I have too much gear in her eyes, but as most gear junkies say "you can always find a use for it..right!?" ;) Here are a few items that would benefit your arsenal of gear.

SHOES: Brand=Inov8.....Model=Trailroc 245.

These shoes have become a giant piece of my training! I use these shoes doing CrossFit workouts, Trail runs, and some road runs. Designed to be a trail shoe this shoe has it all. Comfort, very light weight, and great looks. I have ran almost 200 miles in these and they are still looking and most importantly working great. Most recent and longest trek was a trail marathon through mud, snow, and rock. They performed in such a way that I will never buy another brand of shoe! My feet felt as if I never ran the marathon. The trails were steep, slick, and rocky, but this shoe latched on like an expensive all-terrain tire. These are a must have if you cross train and trail run!
http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Index.asp?L=27

PACK/RUCK:

Just bought the 5.11 Rush 24 Multi-Cam pack.It is my favorite and trumps my line of Osprey, and CamelBak packs with it's bullet proof design and features. Now if I'm going out for a few days I will go with the Osprey pack, but for day hikes, Rucks, or daily use this is my new bag! It is light, but incredibly durable! Can fit an awful lot of gear in it too! zippers and compartments everywhere. It has a great look and fits my training days as a gym bag, a hiking pack, a Ruck for GoRuck Challenges, and daily commuter bag. Must have if you do any of these activities and at $150.00 on Amazon I couldn't beat the price!!!

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/Backpacks.html?gclid=CNmRkJCy17YCFQYw4AodQ2QAeQ



SOCKS:

I have tried dozens of brands and keep coming back to Smart Wool socks. You name the activity and I have a Smart Wool sock for it. I have used them at the World's Toughest Mudder, 2 GoRuck Challenges, 2 Tough Mudders, 5 14er climbs, and daily in WODS and runs. PHD RUN ULTRA LIGHT MICRO is my sock of choice for running and WODs so comfortable! If your looking at buying a new pair of socks look no further. Smart Wool is the best sock in my drawers, and whether it's cold or hot they have a sock that will do the job!
http://www.smartwool.com/




COMPRESSION GEAR:

Under Armor does a great job, but I have found a company that is better for cold weather! They are called Mysterioso and they make gear that keeps you warm in even the coldest environments. At the 2012 World's Toughest Mudder I found myself in very cold weather and in water just above freezing! This gear kept my core's heat in and I give it lots of credit for allowing me to stay and fight through the race! products are made from quick drying Polartec fabric that provides warmth without weight. This fabric has a 4-way stretch that won't restrict movement, and provides maximum comfort with its soft, velour-finish fleece interior. The flatlock stitching prevents chafing, while the durable outer layer is wind and abrasion resistant; the inner layer pulls moisture from the skin and keeps you dry whether you sweat or are wet. Must have if you are a cold weather athlete of any kind!
http://www.mysterioso.com/

HEADPHONES:

Beats by Dre is my go to brand on this one! The Power Beats are great for the athlete that runs and WODs. They stay on your ear during intense physical activity and sound great for a workout headphone! They have an extra long cord add on that you can take away if you don't need the added length,  but its there if you do need it. It has a built in Mic, and volume-song skip feature built onto the cord which is nice if you have your phone in a backpack or iPod running case. I have ran over 300 miles with these headphones and they make the long runs very comfortable because you can barely feel them in your ear! Another must have if you are an active person.
http://www.beatsbydre.com/earphones/powerbeats/beats-powerbeats,default,pd.html