Stuff I Liked In May
Electrolytes that taste like candy, the Speedgoat 2 (really), a roller bag version of a backpack I hated, and more. Plus whether I'd pay money for them or not.
I’m not trying to lean too hard into being a gear reviewer, but if I’m being honest with myself, I’m kind of a gear reviewer. And people seem to like my recommendations, which is great because I love feeling helpful and also love attention. I’m also adding a lil note for each item: The price and Would I Pay For This. I’m pretty open about getting everything for free, and most of the clothes and gear I test is astronomically out of my price range were I to pay good American dollars.
As always, no one is paying me for this and I don’t do affiliate links for myself. Just good old fashioned opinions.
STUFF I TESTED AND LIKED RECENTLY
This electrolyte powder tastes like SweetTarts and actually helps me drink water.
The name is kind of dopey but the taste actually startled me when it was good. It has fiber, collagen, and electrolytes. TBD whether or not it helps debloat me, but it sure is helping me drink water, and as far as I can see, there’s nothing too bad in the ingredients. MSRP: $19 / 16 servings
Would I Pay For This: Absolutely. I thought it would be more expensive
This sweater is slouchy and comfortable and looks good dressed up or down
Paka makes some of my favorite looks-nice-feels-comfortable sweaters, and I just got the original Hoodie in a nice dusty pink color. I wear it all the time and it’s extra soft after a few washing. I’ve heard some sketchy things about Paka’s business practice, but it was from a competitor so I’m not sure what to believe. They make a nice-fitting sweater though. MSRP: $149
Would I Pay For This: Unfortunately no. I can’t justify $100+ for a sweater
The backpack was awful but the roller bag version is the best
I’ve written a lot about travel bags recently (fun sentence) and every time I mention Cotopaxi’s Allpa 42 backpack nearly severing my arms from my body, an editor takes the teeth off my rage. I maintain that the pack was like carrying 10 cinderblocks on my back attached with razor wire, bu the Allpa 42 Roller Bag is the best. I love the three separate interior compartments and outer pocket, and my packing cubes fit perfectly. I am a wretched packer and this has helped me stay organized. I do wish it had four wheels though. MSRP: $350
Would I Pay For This: Absolutely not. I’d find a clearance suitcase at Marshalls
Hoka’s rereleased iconic 2017 model 2 Speedgoat
I was surprised to see an email from my Hoka rep asking if I wanted to try the Speedgoat 2, considering I just wrote up tester notes on the Speedgoat 6. But Hoka is indeed rereleasing the 2 because apparently it was an iconic year for the shoe and runners were clamoring for it. So it’s back, with the original last, colorways, upper, materials, and unisex sizing. And man this shoe rocks. Holy cow. The wrap is secure and the foot plant is stable, the lugs are toothy, and it’s supremely comfortable and confidence-inspiring on all sorts of angles and surfaces. Keep it forever, please. I like it so much more than the recent models. MSRP: $160
Would I Pay For This: Yes and I’d buy multiple pairs in fear they’re going to disappear again
I tested chafe sticks (lol) and this one is the smoothest and lasts longest
My thighs rub together when I walk, hike, run, and breathe. Until I finally tried chafe sticks, I was limited to spandex shorts in an attempt to protect the skin on my inner legs. After testing 12 different sticks for multiple outlets, Squirrel’s Nut Butter had the best name, the best logo, and is the easiest to use. Smoother than Body Glide but doesn’t liquify like Chamois Buttr sticks, it has expanded my running shorts options and lasts more than two hours before reapplying. MSRP: $14
Would I Pay For This: Yeah def, one stick will last all season
A dense protein bar that reminds me of 90’s Powerbars in a good way
Gabby turned me onto these, and I’m so stoked. I have a hard time fueling and always end up bonking, and I love how dense and chewy these are. They taste like a blend between a candy bar and an old-school Powerbar. I have the 12-pack for PB+J and Cookie Dough flavors. Both 10/10. If you’re into whole foods and ingredients you can pronounce, look elsewhere. But if you’re just trying to stop fueling with Gushers and Goldfish, might I suggest Legion? MSRP: $50 / 12 pack
Would I Pay for This: No, back to Gushers and Goldfish
I’m bad at fueling, so I’m trying liquid calories during long outings
I tried high-carb powders on this bike trip and thought it might be a solution other than soda to keep me going. I have been known to projectile vomit at aid stations trying to eat, and Skratch Labs was kind enough to answer my plea with their Superfuel High-Carb mix. The lemon-lime flavor is mild enough that it doesn’t hurt my stomach, and one bottle is up to 400 calories. MSRP: $42 / 8 servings
Would I Pay for This: Maybe. If I had long efforts for the season and felt it was necessary.
Bose made me feel cool when they emailed me
I test a lot of headphones and don’t have many complaints, but Bose are a whole other level. Was so happy to see them email me, like waiting to be noticed by a popular kid. And I was also stoked to test their iconic QuietComfort over-ear headphones. Can confirm excellent sound quality, good battery life, comfortable for long wear, killer noise cancelling. MSRP: $350
Would I Pay for This: Probably not, but I would ask for them for my birthday.
The most comfortable AND portable camp chair
I am often a fan of REI’s house-branded gear, and their Flexlite Camp Dreamer is divine. The same style as smaller collapsible chairs, which makes it lighter than single-piece folding chairs. Unlike the smaller chairs though, this has a high back for more support. It’s also $70 cheaper than an almost-identical Helinox chair. MSRP: $100
Would I Pay for This: Not while $20 Coleman chairs exist
My all-time favorite / most flattering running shorts
Oiselle is women-owned, designed, and operated, and it shows in the fit and styling of their clothes. The Pocket Joggers have five pockets and a 5.25” inseam, and an incredibly comfortable waistband that doesn’t pinch or sag. No chafing here, and the material is so soft. MSRP: $72
Would I Pay For This: No, but I’d be sad about it while wearing TJ Maxx dupes