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How to Fly with Your Bike and 4 Great Bags to Do It

You did it: you committed to your pedal-spinning hobby and bought a bike. Whether it’s a road bike, a mountain bike or something in between, it likely cost a pretty penny. At first, you might coddle it, treat it like a fragile display item instead of a thing used for transportation, ride it delicately, refer to it with a human pronoun. That’ll wear off, and then you’ll want to take it everywhere, including across the country or overseas.

You won’t be alone. Gravel riding, an adventurous type of biking that’s characterized by riding long distances on a mix of paved and unpaved roads, is currently growing faster than any other segment in the bike industry. Pro racing teams, most notably Education First, are even adopting “alternate” race schedules that include contests like the Dirty Kanza, a 200-mile trial on rough Kansas back roads.

Gravel riding and bikepacking (a self-supported blend of distance riding and camping similar to backpacking) lend themselves to travel. But distance isn’t a precursor to adventure by bike; making any lengthy journey, whether it be to roads topped with dirt or pavement, has value in itself. The only obstacle: getting your ride to your final destination, and there’s more than one way to go about it.

Fly with Your Bike

Many airlines like Delta, American Airlines, United and Southwest classify bike bags as regular luggage, with those size and weight restrictions applied, typically 50 pounds and a combined length plus width plus height of 62 inches. If your bag doesn’t meet these requirements, you could end up paying as much as $200 in fees.

Others airlines don’t offer that regular luggage classification (Air France, Lufthansa, Air Canada are a few) and they might have policies that require you to call ahead to let them know you’re flying with a bike. When in doubt, call your airline as soon as you book tickets to find out what the rules are.

Ship Your Bike

There’s an alternative to checking your bike aboard a plane: ship it instead. The costs associated with this method can often be less than the airline fees if you can’t meet the requirements of their checked bag policies, and you can usually get away with using the same hard case or bag that you’d bring on a plane.

You can also contact your local bike shop and see if they’d be willing to mail your bike to your destination or to a bike shop nearby, which could run you roughly $50, depending on the shop. For an additional charge, many shops will take apart and pack your bike into a box, and a receiving shop can have it rebuilt before you arrive. Bike shops always have boxes lying around, so you can save money on buying a bag this way too.

Buying Guide

Bike bags come in two types: hard or soft. Hard cases offer serious protection but they’re heavier, so they might constrain your packing if you’re trying to stay below an airline’s limit. Soft cases are lighter but not as protective. Both types usually have wheels as well as an internal system of padding and organization to make packing easy. The bag you purchase will guide the process, but here are some general things to remember:

Take apart your bike. Not completely, but depending on the bag, you’ll likely need to take off your pedals, wheels and handlebars.

Deflate your tires. Check with your airline for rules here, and leave a little in there to protect the rims. You may also need to deflate your suspension.

Remove the rear derailleur. Affix it inside of the chainstays (the two tubes that extend back from the pedals to the rear axle) with a zip tie or other fastener.

Wrap your chain. Use a rag or something else to prevent an oily mess.

Best Hard Case: SciCon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Case

SciCon’s hard case uses an ABS composite to provide a high level of protection while keeping a low weight (24 pounds).

Affordable Hard Case: Thule Round Trip Transition Bike Travel Case

The Thule Round Trip Transition Bike Travel Case uses a top-loading construction. That sounds inconvenient until you see the included bike stand, which makes taking apart a bike for packing (and reassembling at the destination) a much easier task.

Best Soft Case: Db Equipment Savage Bike Bag

The Savage is a softshell bag with a race car-inspired “roll cage” built-in. It’s made of aluminum and offers protection from all angles as well as anchor points for a series of straps that are used to keep the bike stable and in-place.

Affordable Soft Case: Evoc Bike Travel Bag

Often listed as one of the best soft bags for flying with a bike, Evoc’s Bike Travel Bag is one of the most affordable options but still provides compartmentalized storage and a system of internal straps and padding keep your ride secure and protected.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The 6 Best Purifying Water Bottles for Travel

Up until now, adventure travelers heading to places where water is questionable had few choices: bring a UV-light-equipped sterilizing pen, a hand-pump filter that takes time and energy or chlorine- or iodine-based tablets that purify but take at least 30 minutes to work. Now, water bottle companies have gotten smart and are equipping bottles themselves with these technologies, conveniently combining drinking vessels and purifiers into one neat bundle. It’s time to ditch the single-use plastic water bottle for good.

Before packing for your next trip, search the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. Select whatever country you are visiting for specifics on contamination. For example, hepatitis A is a virus found in contaminated water in many countries in the developing world, but with specific water purifying systems (not just filtering), that virus can be removed. Do you need to protect just from bacteria or also from viruses? Some systems filter to remove protozoa (such as giardia), bacteria (e-coli, salmonella, cholera) and chemicals or pesticides; some systems filter and purify, which then eliminates viruses, like hepatitis A and rotavirus. Remember, many water systems filter out the chunky stuff like pebbles and grit, but not all purify against bacteria and viruses.

We tested six water bottles and their purifying systems in the backcountry to find out which we trusted most, how easy it was to filter, what the drinking experience was like, durability and, well, style points. Here are our favorites.

Purifiers + Filtering Systems

What these do: Guard against bacteria, protozoa, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants. Also, filter out gunk and odor.

Best for: Central and South America, Africa, most of Asia and parts of Europe

Grayl Geopress

The Grayl Geopress is a do-it-all, versatile water purifier and filtration system in one, and the easiest to use and drink from of all the bottles we tested. It both filters and purifies with a cartridge at the bottom of the bottle to remove 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria and protozoan cysts (which can cause infections), as well as filtering particulates, many chemicals, and heavy metals — all of which can make you sick.

Using the water bottle was easy — it works like a French Press where you press down on the inner container so the water from the outer container gets pushed through the purifying and filtering cartridge into a separate internal vessel. This took us eight seconds. Once it takes about 25 seconds (around 350 uses), it’s time for a new filter. We found we had to use our whole body weight to press down the system, but that wasn’t a big issue. In fact, the press system easier to sip from than those that use a filtering straw. The clean water came out tasting slightly better and was less foggy than the original source. We liked the large carrying handle for holding or clipping onto our pack with a carabiner and the grippy bottom.

Volume: 24 ounces
Tech specs: electroadsorption (ion exchange, ultra-powdered activated carbon and silver treated zeolites)
Weight/size: 15.9 ounces; 10.4 inches high with a 3.4-inch diameter

Sawyer Select Filter S2 and S3

The S2 and S3 Sawyer Select Filters are take some getting used to. The soft silicone bottle uses a foam membrane combined with a hollow fiber filter at the top. Squeeze the full bottle for ten seconds to move the water through the system and then you can drink. Filling the bottle, though, took longer than we wanted, as the water has to soak into the foam membrane. From there, the flow of the water from the bottle to mouth was painfully slow, though you could squeeze the water into another vessel fairly easily. Overall, the entire system was cumbersome to both drink and pack, at about a little over a foot long (they recommend not storing it compressed). The S2 system will last for 800 uses and removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa, chemicals, pesticides and general gunk while the S3 system offers 400 uses and removes everything above plus heavy metals.

Volume: 20 ounces
Tech specs: Foam Adsorption Technology (a dense, large foam membrane with activated carbon) combined with a hollow fiber filter
Weight/size: 10 ounces; 14 inches

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Epic Water Filters, The Answer | Nalgene

The best part about the filter from Epic Water Filters is that you can use it with a water bottle you already have, like a Nalgene or a Hydro Flask. You just have to buy the right filter for the water bottle you own. In The Outdoor Answer Kit for Nalgene, you get a filter and straw, plus two lids (one easy-flip sports lid and one locking, dust-cover lid with a button) that fits a wide mouth, 32-ounce Nalgene bottle. Once you fill your water bottle up, place the straw-and-filter lid back on and drink from there. This system did take some muscle to get the water flowing through the filter and straw, unlike the Grayl. The outdoor filter uses nanofibers and electroabsorption to help remove 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria, giardia, cryptosporidium, as well as lead, chlorine, arsenic and other heavy metals or pollutants. Epic Water Filters also has a filter specifically for urban settings with tap water, which filters heavy metals and pollutants, but not viruses and bacteria. The average filter life is three to four months.

Volume: 32 ounces
Tech specs: activated carbon coconut filter

Filter Only

What these do: filter against protozoa and bacteria, but won’t help purify water against viruses.

Best for: outdoors in North America, general tap water in the U.S. and other non-developing countries and any place where the water is safe to drink, but might be smelly or cloudy

Katadyn BeFree

Extremely lightweight (just two ounces), the Katadyn BeFree is made from a collapsible material, so it can be rolled up to a tiny size. And, it’s extremely easy to use. Unscrew, fill with water and then drink the water through the EZ-Clean Membrane hollow fiber filter and sports cap. Drinking water through this filter isn’t as difficult as others because you can squeeze the water bottle to move the water through the filter (or squeeze the water directly into another vessel for cooking and cleaning). The EZ-Clean Membrane filter is effective against microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, and sediment, but does not protect against viruses.

One benefit of this filter is that it is easy to clean. You simply swish the filter in water or shake the bottle to remove any build-up and debris, unlike the LifeStraw and Sawyer, which need the backwashing syringe for cleaning. This system is perfect for for a quick filter before boiling water for camp cooking. Without a carbon filter to help with taste and odor, water from the BeFree was clean and clear, but still tasted slightly off when drinking from a stream or lake.

Volume: .6 liters, 1 and 3 liter bladders
Tech specs: Hollow fiber filter 0.1 micron
Weight/size: 2 ounces, 10 inches by 3 inches

WaterWell Foldable Squeeze Travel Water Bottle

The Foldable Squeeze Travel Water Bottle filters out 99.9 percent of bacteria, parasites and cysts (not viruses). The filter, which can be replaced, uses a two-stage ultrafiltration system in the straw, which is good for up to 1000 liters of water and is easy to sip through with a good flow of water. Plus, the flexible walls make it easy to squeeze filtered water out into another bottle. With the travel system, you get two squeeze bags for extra carrying capacity and a protective soft outside cover to reduce punctures. The attached cap seems slightly flimsy, and if it breaks, you’ll be stuck with a cap-less water bottle. But, we did like that the water tasted better than competitors’ due to the activated carbon.

Volume: 16.9 ounces
Tech specs: Two-stage ultrafiltration membrane with a hollow fiber filter and granular activated carbon
Weight/size: 2.9 ounces

LifeStraw Flex with Soft Bottle

Flexible bottles are ideal for space saving issues and to easily transport water from one vessel to another. With the LifeStraw Flex, you get a soft bottle and a built-in filter in the straw to filter heavy metals, bacteria, parasites, microplastics and pesticides for 500 gallons of water. The carbon filter helped with better tasting and smelling water, unlike the Katadyn BeFree, which doesn’t have any activated carbon to eliminate odors. Although you are sucking up water through the straw with the built-in filter, it is easier to drink from because it’s simple to squeeze. A warning to users: the mouthpiece is extremely small. Another downside is that once the water level is below the straw’s length, it is really tricky to get any water out, which means of the 22 ounces, you aren’t able to drink that much at all. Since the straw’s almost half as long as the flexible bottle, you aren’t able to squeeze or roll the entire system up like the Katadyn BeFree. On the plus side, you can also use the filter with other vessels, as it can screw onto a regular-sized plastic water bottle, can be used simply as a straw or can work in-line with your hydration bladder.

Volume: 22 ounces
Tech specs: Hollow fiber micro-filtration membrane (0.2 microns) paired with a carbon fiber filter
Weight/size: 3.15 ounces

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

8 Shops That Will Repair Your Outdoor Gear

Well-designed technical apparel and equipment will keep you warm, dry and comfortable on the trail. But accidents happen. Torn mesh on a tent’s door might lead to a swarm of biting insects inside your tent, a tear in a sleeping bag lining will produce a flurry of down feathers, a broken buckle on a waist belt can render a backpack nearly unusable — you get the idea.

Outdoor brands can help in selecting new replacement gear or directing you to the closest retailer, but not so much in terms of repair. While some, like Patagonia, maintain a policy of repair that goes beyond “manufacturer defect” warranties, many others have closed or outsourced those services (and unfortunately, the condoling sympathy of customer service can’t bring a ripped tent wall back to life).

Thankfully, an ecosystem of highly skilled repair shops exists that can address these issues. More and more outdoor enthusiasts are adopting an ethos of repair and reuse, and these shop owners, some of whom have operated for decades, are a well of experience that not only addresses that approach but also champions it. Most of these repair shops are adept at handling any general repairs for equipment like backpacks and tent poles, while in some cases — like resoling a pair of leather hiking boots — specialized knowledge is called for.

Pricing varies. Some shops post prices per project, like replacing a zipper are patching up a tear in a jacket. Others list an hourly rate. Almost all of these shops will offer estimates based on a description of the issue and an emailed photograph of the needed repair. Don’t worry if you think the damage is too extensive or complicated to fix — these folks thrive on the challenge.

An important piece of advice: as more people become aware of and opt for gear repair services, turnaround time can be as much as two to three weeks, or even longer. If you have an upcoming trip (or time-sensitive permits) think and plan ahead to ensure that these craftsmen have plenty of time to repair your gear.

Repair Lair

Minneapolis, MN: Despite being relatively young at just five years old, Repair Lair and its staff rightfully boast that they can fix just about anything. Ask them for examples and they’ll tick off a list of restored items that includes a backpack that was ripped apart by a bear and a tent shredded from the inside out during a first-time camper’s panic attack. The shop, which also includes a section for gear consignment, lives by the motto, “If it’s broke, fix it.”

3304 E Lake St. ⇱ | (612) 729-9095

Rugged Thread

Bend, OR: If it has a broken zipper, Rugged Thread can fix it. Rain jackets, sleeping bags, tents, life vests; even travel trailers and sailboat covers. Broken teeth, missing teeth or worn out coil zippers? Come here for quick, wallet-friendly repairs (cost is case-by-case but can be as low as $20). But zippers are only part of their repair expertise; the Rugged Thread staff patches holes, adds straps and snaps and replaces elastic cords too.

2618 NW Marken St. ⇱ | (541) 306-8727

Rainy Pass Repair Inc.

Seattle, WA: As a Gore-Tex fabric repair specialist since 1986, Rainy Pass Repair can fix anything that needs some thread-and-needle TLC. In handling well-used technical shells, its team will maintain the waterproof/breathable benefits of the original material (and be mindful of final appearances too). Don’t live in Seattle? That’s okay — Rainy Pass created a straightforward form for mail-in jobs.

4415 Stone Way N ⇱ | (888) 747-7867

TentPole Technologies

Vancouver, WA: Sooner or later, tent poles give out. Fiberglass poles crack, aluminum poles crimp and shock cords fray. Armed with your tent’s model name and number, TentPole Technologies can rebuild, repair or replace the poles and get your shelter standing again. With 35 years of experience working with major tent pole manufacturers, it has a direct line to get the parts you need (if the staff doesn’t already have them in their Washington shop).

12607 NE 95th St. ⇱ | (360) 260-9527

Boulder Mountain Repair

Boulder, CO: Backpacks can elicit a deep sense of faithfulness. Some owners can’t bear to replace one that’s accompanied them on dozens of trips. But sometimes, scrapes and stains that are mementos from adventures past can transform into shredded panels and worn-out straps. Boulder Mountain Repair can repair those problems and add modern features to old packs like hydration sleeves and custom pockets.

2200 Central Ave F ⇱ | (303) 499-3634

Mountain Soles & Outdoor Threads

Portland, OR: Water plays a central role in Mountain Soles’s repair services. In the winter, they provide brand-authorized repairs for Atlas and Tubbs snowshoes and give new life to cross country ski boots. When the snow melts and fills whitewater rivers, the shop can replace worn-out gaskets on paddling dry tops and dry suits. Mountain Soles also does general repairs on apparel and equipment and operates with a mail-in service to service those who don’t live in town.

(503) 236-0785

Dave Page, Cobbler

Seattle, WA: With an international reputation for quality work, Dave Page, Cobbler can resole or repair boots for hiking, mountaineering, climbing, telemark skiing and more. The boots are returned meeting or exceeding original factory specifications — Page is an authorized repair agent for Scarpa, Salomon, Lowa and more, and REI lists his name on its website as its only recommendation for footwear repair services.

3509 Evanston Ave N ⇱ | (206) 632-8686

Specialty Outdoors

Spokane, WA: With more than 20 years of experience, Specialty Outdoors can handle most gear repairs. Before addressing the broad scope of repair, its founder, Penny Schwyn, formerly sewed for Mountainsmith. Now, she’s authorized by The North Face, Helly Hansen and Trew Gear to repair their products (but works with any brand’s products). And if you’re wondering about modifying your equipment by adding custom elements like a waterproof pocket, hydration tube port or pit zips, give her shop a call.

(509) 448-0346

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

How to Run Faster: Start With One of These Six Apps

It’s early spring, and that means the start of a summer race training block is imminent. Let’s say you’ve successfully finished a few halves or even a full — but have you raced them? You know what it takes each week to log upwards of twenty to forty miles, and have carved out the appropriate time to make sure you’re in good physical shape for race day. The logical next step is to learn how to run faster. One way to get quicker is to start running with faster people, join a local track club and challenge yourself weekly with a new pace group. If joining a club isn’t in the cards for you, apps can help you hit those quicker pace times. It can be intimidating for any runner — from the greenest to the fastest member of the local track club — to take next steps beyond “run more,” so here are six easy-to-use training apps and some tips and tricks to help you get faster.

Initially, you’ll want something that tracks and logs the following: mileage (daily, weekly, monthly), duration, per-mile splits and GPS. You can expect these basic features from most free apps. Some other in-app features that are useful include elevation gain, calorie counters and a degree of programmability so you can map out different routes and workouts depending on what type of run you want to do on any given day.

Where to Start When You’re Just Getting Started

Believe it or not, the free basic versions of certain fitness apps are the way to go. The majority of them have a timer, a lap clock and pace, which is precisely what you need. Try Pacer, Runkeeper and Runtastic. All three are available for Android or iOS and track every mile logged, so you have a baseline of how many miles you’re running each week and how fast those miles are. Knowing your pace per mile, and how that changes over long and short runs, is key to starting speedwork. Runkeeper and Runtastic also track your running shoe mileage, so you know when your shoes have worn out, and it’s time to upgrade to a new pair.

If you feel like you’re not yet in serious running shape, building your endurance and aerobic base is crucial. Once you’re in the routine of logging 15 to 20 miles each week, it’s easy to swap out a 5K easy day for a day of speedwork. These apps have bright, easy-to-use interfaces that keep track of the miles you’re logging. Aside from tracking your training distances, these apps help you stay motivated, showing the progress you are making in terms of distance and time and sending motivational push messages. Additionally, the majority of these apps also offer upgrades which include smart coaches and training plans that cater to a variety of race distances — but you don’t need these to start to learn how to run faster.

Pacer

The free version of this app keeps track of your walks, runs, hikes and rides once it’s looped up to the GPS on your phone. It’ll work with your tracker to monitor your calories, activity time and total mileage based on your steps. You don’t need a fitness tracker to log everything, just wear this during your runs to check back on your distance and average pace. The other benefit of this free app is that you can hop on the treadmill with it. While you can likely keep an eye on your stats on the treadmill, if it’s one you’re not familiar with, open up the app and click into ‘Workouts’ at the top of the screen (next to Home and GPS). The option for a Treadmill session is at the top. Click start session and then hit the settings button in the top right corner of your screen to have a voice let you know your time, distance and pace every 1, 5, 10 or 15 minutes, or every quarter, half or a full mile. It’s an easy way to stay on target when you can’t get outside, but need an app to recognize that you’re still running. You can upgrade to the $30-a-year version, and you’ll get a smart AI coach, video workouts, training plans and GPS audio cues all designed to help you hit new personal bests.

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Runkeeper

Runkeeper has a very similar design but opens up immediately to your GPS location instead of your step counter. Change the activity from running to cycling or walking, then get moving. In Runkeeper, it’s easy to create an interval workout that the voiceover will guide you through. Open up the app, and hit workout in the bottom right corner (above Audio Stats and the bright orange Start button), hit Custom. Name your workout (say, “lake lap sprints”), then click the plus button to add your steps. If you’re working with a coach, you can ask them for a workout, or use something like Training Peaks to type out your own. A simple exercise is one minute at a fast pace followed by one minute at a slow effort. You can enter that under the workout details and then hit repeat three or four or five times to increase the duration of the workout. Make sure to toggle to include the five minute warm-up and five-minute cool-down (although we recommend at least a 10-minute warm-up). You can also buy a training plan through Asics for $40 a year or $10 a month with a seven-day free trial period to get access to programs created for you. There are 5K, 10K, half and full marathon, five and 10-mile plans.

Runtastic

The user interface in Runtastic is very similar to Runkeeper — it opens up showing your GPS location. Duration is most prominent on the screen, so keeping track of time is easy, without having to look at your phone. Open up the app, and hit the settings button (next to the green Start button). Hit Voice Coach and select how often you’d like to hear from the voice — whether that’s every seven minutes or every mile, the voice will also tell you duration, distance, heart rate, and pace of your last mile, so that you can stay on target with a certain speed. The free version of Runtastic will pump out distance, average pace, calories and total time, but if you want more stats, you’ll need to upgrade to the $36-a-year plan. Beyond training plans, you’ll also gain access to pre-mapped routes in your area, so you never have to think about where to run again as well as the ability to auto pause (an important one if you live in a city or else you have to press pause every time you hit a stop light).

Human

If motivation is a real hurdle for you, take a look at Human. More of a fitness/movement tracker than a running app, Human’s best feature is its simple, persistent nudges and reminders daily to get moving. It also compares users in the same area, so you’ve got a baked-in peer set against whom you can compete.

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Running Fast Means Mixing It Up

One great feature that Pacer, Runtastic, Runkeeper and even Human offer is mapping where you’re running (or walking/cycling). Far too often runners can get stuck in a ‘route rut’ where they hammer the same four-mile loop every time out. While having your routines down is excellent for getting you out the door, these runs can feel boring when you don’t mix things up. If you want to get in a similar distance to what your typical weekly long run is, use the above apps to discover a new route that takes you for the same distance in a different part of town. Mixing up your directions not only benefits your mind by stimulating you with new sights, but it also keeps things fresh for your legs as there are variations (a grassy hill versus your favorite staircase, for instance) that force your body and mind to react a little differently.

Ready for the Next Level? Time to Add Intervals

If you’ve got baselines for speed and distances already down, it’s time to think about speedwork and improving your times. Initially, this entails knowing what you’re capable of and what’s achievable. Be honest with yourself. No matter how fast you ran that first 5K, you’re not going to win Boston this year. But, maybe you can shave a minute off your next short-distance race. Your goals should be small enough that they’re manageable and achievable, and you can build from there. The best way to improve is to increase your mileage and incorporate interval workouts.

One big misconception about speed work is that it has to happen on a track. While tracks are great, not everyone has access to them. You can look up interval workouts or focus on time instead of distance goals. Trail runner Camille Herron recommends plugging a workout into your app (which Runkeeper lets you do) before you go: a 90-second fast run at a speed that’s the same as your fastest 5K (say your time was 27:56, your mile time is 9:00) — then rest for 90 seconds by jogging or walking, and repeat that circuit 10 to 12 times.

And if that’s too much for you, or you want to hit the road untethered to anything but your shoes and your thoughts, that’s possible, too. While out on your run, speed up every time you see someone walking a dog on the path ahead of you. Keep your effort up until you pass the pooch and then ease into a recovery pace, speed back up as the next dog comes into sight and repeat with each puppy you see. The same game can be played with telephone poles, parking meters, cacti, whatever is easiest to spot and comes up frequently during your run.

iSmoothRun

Interval workouts — where you alternate running fast for a set number of minutes, followed by a recovery walk or jog for another fixed number of minutes — should be difficult (but not impossible) for you, and it can take a few attempts to calibrate this effort. iSmoothRun (for iOS only — sorry Android users) offers programmable interval features, so there’s no guesswork on interval distances or times. On top of very customizable interval workout options and rest periods, iSmooth also offers auto pause; so if you’re stuck at a crosswalk or red light the app knows to pause itself until you’re moving again. Another feature that allows this app to stand out is Ghost Run, which will enable users to compete against their previous runs. Nail a PR three months ago? Ghost Run logs the routes, splits and effort for all runs, allowing you to challenge yourself against your best runs to see how much progress you’ve made.

Ghost Run is useful for breaking through a plateau. Too often runners will think that they’ve found their maximum speed just because they haven’t seen any improvements in times for a while. Chasing your PR’s (personal records) with Ghost Run can help jumpstart your times by reminding you visually and immediately what’s possible.

RunCoach

Another great app for iOS and Android is RunCoach, a freemium app that costs $19.99/month for everything. It’s the gold standard for running. Even with its basic version, you’re getting an algorithmically-powered training app that looks at your distance, pace, workouts and more to provide consistent workout routines designed to challenge you and improve your fitness. The subscription version puts users in touch with actual coaches. For what it’s worth: RunCoach boasts that seven percent of users improve their race times.

RunCoach is beneficial for the runner looking to hit a specific goal — whether that’s a one mile PR or a Boston qualifying marathon time. While the app won’t physically get you out the door and running faster, it will offer you a bevy of tools and interactions with running coaches who can help you develop a personalized workout plan aimed at giving you the best chance of hitting that QT (qualifying time), or sub-6:00 mile and anything in between.

Everything You Need to Run in the Rain

April showers bring May flowers, which is ideal for your #seenonmyrun Instagram posts, but unpleasurable for long runs. If you’re running an early summer or late spring race, your training block is in full swing, which means you’ll have to brave whatever elements the weather gods decide to throw for the next 90 days. To make sure you’re adequately prepared for some dampening effects we have eight pieces of essential gear that’ll keep you warm as you slog through the mileage. Whether you’re sneaking in a quick speed workout on the track or bumping up your weekly mileage on a Sunday, these pieces will help you stay mentally on track.

Lululemon Lightspeed Running Hat

This lightweight hat keeps snow, rain, sleet and any other precipitation out of your eyes so you can knock out your long run on days where the weather is less than ideal, plus it comes in six colors. In any snowstorm, you’re going to want a hat to keep the water out of your eyes so you can check your mileage at every street corner.

Under Armour Hovr CGR Mid Connected

The Michelin rubber outsole on these Cold Gear Reactor sneakers from Under Armour is the same as the rubber found in your tires, so that you won’t slip over grates or ice. The storm technology fabric on the upper won’t wet out, yet is still breathable as the weather starts to warm up.

Tracksmith NDO Mittens

The merino wool in these mittens will stay warm even when wet. On a recent nine-miler, I wore these through snowy conditions meaning the exterior layer wet out, but the merino wool lining kept my hands warm despite the falling temperatures. The magnetic fasteners on the cuffs are a nice touch, so they stick together when you’re not using them.

Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket

The Storm Racer Jacket was built for trail running, meaning it’s lightweight, breathable and waterproof. There aren’t any pockets on the jacket, which can prove problematic. However, it’s hard to find an exterior layer that can fend of weather like this one. I never feel clammy or sweaty inside, aside from the actual sweating that happens during a workout.

Smartwool PhD Pro Endurance Print Crew Socks

These socks were designed by Rob Krar, an ultrarunner, meaning they’ll support your feet over hundreds of miles. The indestructawool fabric will hold up and stay warm even when damp. Mesh venting on the top of the foot lets toes breathe, so the inside of your shoe doesn’t become a sauna.

Nite Ize RunOff Wallet

If you’re running alone, it’s always good to have a form of money — credit, debit or cash — on you, in addition to your keys, an ID and possibly your health insurance card. The Nite Ize RunOff wallet is compact enough to stuff in a pocket, but will also clip to your waist belt and will keep everything dry. It’s rated to IP67, meaning it’ll keep your belongings in the clear for up to 30 minutes.

The North Face Flight Winter Pant

If you like to run in shorts, but want to avoid them getting soaked, throw on these pants. The FlashDry fabric wicks away sweat from the inside, plus it’s treated with DWR to repel raindrops.

Adidas Tivid Tee

Under your jacket, you’re going to want a breathable tee or long sleeve, depending on the wind and temperature conditions. This Adidas tee with Climalite technology works to keep you dry from the inside out.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The 10 Best Travel Running Shoes of 2019

There are two types of packers in the world: those that throw everything they own into a suitcase, and those that carefully stuff each packing cube with the order demanded by a drill sergeant. And let’s be honest, the art of perfect packing involves planning, especially when you’re trying to pack light. In the winter this can be slightly tricky, but in the summer, it’s more than doable.

One of the stickiest aspects of packing light is the question of “How do I leave enough room to pack an extra pair of sneakers so I can keep training and working out while I’m traveling?” Luckily, the fitness industry has come a long way from the bulky, over-supportive styles of running shoes past. Now it’s easy to find sneakers that look good, feel great and keep your feet happy all day long. Whether you’re running around Lady Bird Lake or walking around the Louvre, these ten styles bring performance and style to the table.

Nike Epic React Flyknit 2

These lightweight, yet plush Nike running sneakers are a smart choice for runners looking to log up to 10 miles. They work double duty when you’re flying out to a race and need a pair of shoes that will keep your legs feeling good before your shakeout run — and all day at the expo.

Hoka One One Hupana Wool

From the first time we laid eyes on the Hoka One One Hupana Wool runners we couldn’t help but think of the Allbirds Wool Runners, which are great weekend sneakers; we don’t want to run in them for fear of ruining the exterior, plus there’s no support in the sidewalls — but they can handle full days on your feet. The Hupana is a great sneaker for someone looking for a bit of support and they are easy to scrunch down so there’s plenty of added space for the extra wine bottle or rolled up map you’re bringing home in your suitcase.

New Balance Fresh Foam Lazr V2 HypoKnit

At just $100, the second version of the Fresh Foam Lazr is a steal. These shoes are under 10-ounces, and the sleek upper, made from Hydroknit, is tighter around certain parts of your feet where you might need added support (like under the toes and along the interior and exterior of the shoe for over- or under-pronators). A pillow-like tongue ties it all together.

Under Armour SpeedForm Slingshot 2

The Under Armour SpeedForm is another pair of runners that are affordable and good-looking. Offered in grey or black, these minimalist sneakers are ideal for a Cherry Blossom 5K and the whirlwind city tour that happens after the run. The knit fabric will stretch if your feet swell, so you don’t have to worry about all the time you spend standing.

APL TechLoom Pro

These single-color sneakers work for shorter distances, yet are also simple enough to match every outfit you pack — there are 27 different colors. And did I mention they’re lightweight? We also love these low profile sneakers for gym days as well.

Adidas Pureboost Go Shoes

It’s hard to find all black sneakers with a matching black sole, but these Adidas Pureboost Go shoes fit the bill. With Boost foam underfoot and a stretchy upper, these sneakers can handle anything city exploring throws at you. At 10.3 ounces, these are a bit heavier than others on this list, but there’s a reason the Adidas Ultraboost style sells out so quickly — the responsive and soft foam helps return energy to your body so your feet won’t be as tired at the end of the day as opposed to a day spent in flip flops or boots.

Puma Hybrid NX Shoes

The breathable sock-like upper in Puma’s Hybrid sneakers features plenty of support thanks to an external heel cup (labeled with Puma) and two types of foam underfoot. The blended shoe comes in five different colors. While the heel cup won’t fold down, the rest of the sneaker will collapse and squish together so a pair could fit in your briefcase, if needed.

Reebok Fast Flexweave

Imagine all the technology in the Reebok Floatride run, just at a lower price, with a denser (read: more comfortable and firm) midsole. At only $100 (or less) this gym and running shoe is the ideal blend of performance and stretch that’s built to last, no matter how many gyms you visit.

Asics HyperGel-Kenzen

These Asics sneakers have no laces, but don’t let that dissuade you from taking them out for a quick jaunt. The sock-like construction is tight around your feet, so buy half a size up so there’s some space for your toes to breathe.

Nike Free RN 5.0 2019

The minimalist look and feel of the Nike Free is a cornerstone of what makes these lightweight sneakers instantly recognizable. The updated 2019 version is 26 percent more flexible than previous versions, and the upper is 100 percent different. We like to imagine what shoes would look like if we were going to space — this would be it.

The Best New Running Shoes Out This Month March

With spring races just around the corner and more hours of sunshine in each day, it’s time to take your treadmill miles to the road. Each month there are a seemingly large number of new sneakers released, whether they’re updates to old versions or brand new models — and it can be hard to figure out which ones are worth buying. We’ve sifted through the noise for you; Here are all the running sneakers we’re excited about that launched this month.

Inov-8 Roclite 275

This light and speedy sneaker is ideal for rocky trails. Despite weighing just 9-ounces, the mesh upper and grippy, lugged outsole are heavy duty and won’t fall apart after 50 miles.

S/Lab Ultra 2

The S/Lab Ultra is for those on the high mileage side of trail running. At $180, it’s not an entry-level shoe, but runners in the know will recognize and put value in the name Françoise D’haene, an ultrarunner who collaborated on the design. He wore these during his record-breaking run of California’s John Muir Trail last October. Salomon’s newest trail runners will handle 50-mile trail races in stride, plus the improved fit means there’s ample room for foot swell.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 3

The newest sneaker from Mizuno is built for those who need stability on their runs. For those familiar with the Mizuno family of shoes, the midsole is the same as the Wave Enigma, Wave Rider and Wave Prophecy. For those who haven’t tried it, the foam is soft and cushioned, so you have a plush feel as soon as you step in.

Adidas Running x Game of Thrones

These unisex shoes, inspired by the television series Game of Thrones, come in six limited edition styles and colors. Expect the same great performance features the Ultraboost is known for like a cushioned feel and a grippy Continental outsole.

Skechers Go Run Razor 3 Hyper

In honor of the Los Angeles marathon (on March 24), Skechers, a title sponsor, released a new colorway of the speedy Gorun Razor. We tested a version of this sneaker and awarded it as one of the Best New Running Shoes of 2018, so we expect this version, which has only had a color update, will also help us pick up the pace and log some speedy meters.

Asics MetaRide

After a brief 20-minute treadmill run in the Asics MetaRide, we can vouch that the rocker technology makes for a seriously different feel. Heel strikers will get the most energy return as they hit the ground with their heel and feel the shoe roll forward (picture a rocking chair moving back and forth), which helps eliminate some energy output on your part.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

6 Cycling Brands You Need to Know Now

Few sports mesh style and function as much as cycling. Just as a quality sweat-wicking t-shirt takes running from exercise to activity, close-fitting jerseys and chamois-cushioned bibs make riding 40-plus miles on a bicycle not an act of self-flogging but a joy-invoking pursuit. Clothing matters in cycling perhaps more than it does in other sports, and riders today are privileged to exist in an era in which a high level of performance isn’t aspirational but baseline.

That leaves apparel makers to freely address the look of their clothing as much as anything else, which in turn has allowed for an ecosystem of brands large and small to pop up, all proffering unique takes on bike style. Admit it or don’t: what you wear on a bike matters, not just for comfort but also for style. No, you don’t have to shave your legs, but you do have to embrace the look of a cyclist. Here are some lesser-known brands to help you do so.

Black Sheep Cycling

Cycling can take itself too seriously. Not Black Sheep though, a young cycling brand from Brisbane, Australia with a mounting global following. The company prizes individuality over conformity through a collection that pairs high-quality materials and manufacturing with eclectic patterns (polka dots are commonly featured). “Fuck the stereotypes, just do your own thing,” Black Sheep says (with a grin and a wink).

Essentials Navy Dot Jersey $140

Ornot

Ornot’s founding principle was to offer cyclists a choice — “you could be a rolling billboard, Ornot,” it proposes. Its branding is kept to a strict minimum — a small logo on the thigh or arm, if one exists at all — but its apparel is identifiable through its geometric blocks and distinct color palette. As with every brand on this list, that style is anchored firmly by quality which, in Ornot’s case, is built into the product in the USA.

Work Jersey $96

Velocio

As a New England-born cycling brand, Velocio has no choice but to focus on performance. Perfect-weather cycling days are few in the region, so it creates clothing to handle anything. The brand is endorsed by pro cyclist Ted King, who wears it to train through Vermont’s sub-zero winters. The brand’s products are subtle, colorful, modest in design and first-rate in both construction fit.

Signature Bib Short $229

Ashmei

The overall aesthetic of UK-based Ashmei is refined, minimalist and tonal. Embrace it or not, style is rooted deeply in the sport, but Ashmei’s understated approach will appeal to those desiring to avoid too much flair. Beneath their good looks, Ashmei’s products are fantastically high-performance, built from the ground up with the finest materials and construction methods. All of these characteristics extend to Ashmei’s running and triathlon gear too.

Windjacket $190

Velobici

Velobici was founded in 2010 by Chris Puttnam, who gave himself one strict parameter for the brand to adhere to: everything had to be produced in his home country, England. After geography, Velobici emphasizes a balance between style and performance both on-bike and off. In addition to every piece cyclists need — jerseys, bibs, jackets, gilets, baselayers, socks, caps — the company produces a collection of casual knitwear, t-shirts and more. All are made with premium materials so they can handle riding yearlong.

Alfie Gilet ~$249

Alba Optics

Running’s recent creative reawakening has produced a crowd of performance apparel brands as well as a handful of companies that are thinking originally about accessories. Primary among those is District Vision, which engrains mindfulness into items like sunglasses and socks. Cycling finds its analog to that in Alba Optics, an Italian company that offers a simplified and stylish yet performance-anchored collection of cycling sunglasses that serves as an alternative to big brands like Oakley or Smith.

Stratos Glasses ~$180

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.