View Full Version : Kit/Clothes/Equipment Thread
Hey all :)
Just realised we don't have a thread for discussing this kinda stuff... so am going to kick it off!
Want to try and run home from work :/ but I need a bag to carry the essentials... and now its colder... a running jacket... possibly a running watch thingy (this can wait for Christmas list I think ;))
So:
Running bags: anyone got one?
Running jackets: any tips on what to look for?
Thanks! :D
BB x
LeperousDust
24-10-2011, 14:16
For a watch the forerunner 405 is easily unsurpassed, i also like it because it lends itself to cycling and heart monitors etc... :)
For a bag, i assume you don't need much really? Do you want it with a bladder or without (or with room or a future one?) Would save you carrying liquids (but they are a massive ball-ache to clean out compared to a bottle of water trust me :p). Either way look out for offers. Camelbak are "the name" in bags for this, I use a North Face mule which i'd say is equally as good as a camelbak. Do stray away from the cheapie tesco copies which do the job i agree but generally break early or whatever (my friend has been through 3 whilst i've had my Mule)
This is my experience which is more to do with cycling than running, but other than i probably need to carry more they're pretty much the same i'd say :)
Jackets i tend to just get wet and deal with it, but i'm not normally going anywhere in particular where it matters. Jackets are a pain in the ass i find, if its actually waterproof you will slowly steam sweatily inside, and if it isn't you'll be nice and airy but also probably wet when it rains, it's all a massive compromise that usually ends up with you getting wet one way or another! Maybe someone has found the holy grail of jackets but really has technology actually moved on with any of this equipment much in the last 5-10 years? Or is it just marketing? Or is that me being tight fisted and pessimistic :D
Thanks dude :)
Am looking for a small rucksack - just for the essentials... so keys purse travelcard... I HATE running with excess stuff so don't really need a big one - which is all I can find at the moment :(
Maybe somethings like this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/asics-lightweight-running-backpack/
BB x
LeperousDust
24-10-2011, 19:41
Right in my mind would the material of the backpack itself end up weighing much more than keys travel card and some money :p?
I don't know myself (i usually need a days worth of food with my bags :D) but can't you get arm like straps that take keys, travel card and a credit/debit card (ICE)? Or is that not comfortable?
maybe... but I am a woman so likely to carry more than that on somedays ;)
BB x
I find the best waterproof jacket I have is a breathable football training top. it has velcroed flaps on the (shoulders down to just below my boobs)which have air holes (mesh) underneath so it's waterproof without getting too hot. obviously sportspeople wear them in all weathers. Will see what it's made of. I say mine, it's Matts ;D
I've got a Deuter bag. I've been impressed with the quality of their backpacks. Mine is the 20-500, which is big enough to get an A4 folder in if you need to.
I've got a Deuter bag. I've been impressed with the quality of their backpacks. Mine is the 20-500, which is big enough to get an A4 folder in if you need to.
Yep I've got a little Deuter 10L bag too. Think it's a Speedlite. It's not so comfortable as my Camelbak, but I can actually fit more than my phone and the bladder in it. Before I got the Camelbak, it went on 15+ mile runs with me.
In terms of a watch, I disagree with Alex on the Forerunner 405. I have one and the touch bezel is absolutely horrific in the rain. That alone is enough for me not to recommend it. It's also far too big for my wrist and needs a sweatband under it to make it comfortable. The new range of Garmins are definitely worth a look at. The 110 is the base model and to be honest that will do everything you want (time, pace, distance etc.) and is about £100-£140. You can buy the heatrate strap to use it with too.
The first thing to know about running jackets is that they will not keep you dry. If it's raining, you will get wet. They will just stop you getting soaked through immediately and provide a little wind resistance so you don't get cold. Look for something specifically designed for running, that very light and fits well. A baggy jacket will get annoying. I have an Adidas VLM jacket which is my favourite. The Ronhill jackets are lovely too, but quite expensive unless you can get one in the sale. I also have a couple of jackets which have zip off arms to make a gillet. These are perfect in the winter for when you need a bit more warmth, but when a full jacket is too hot. I get a lot of use out of them. example (http://www.play.com/Sports-Outdoors/Sports/4-/20477426/adidas-Supernova-Women-s-Convertible-Running-Jacket/Product.html?_%24ja=tsid:11518%7Ccat:20477435%7Cpr d:20477435)
I've heard similar things about the Forerunner 405, that the bezel is awful. Apparently the satellite connection speed is very quick though. I went for the 305 as it was cheaper and works in all conditions. Nice big display too. It's a little ugly but not as bulky as it seems in the photos. Getting a sat lock can take a silly amount of time some days but the watch does a great job.
I also swear by Nipguards for a 10k or above. After the marathon my Nipguards had no coating on the top. That could have been my nipples. Ok so you look like you have franken nipples but they help. Vaseline just wore off when I tried it.
Also, vaseline. Everywhere. Even there. A lot.
Sports bra FTW :D ;)
Yeah, the 405 does have good satellite connection, better than the older models, but I expect the new models will have just as good connection. My 405 also has battery problems it's just over 2 yrs old now, but when it was about 13 months old (and just out of warranty), the battery lift started decreasing. It won't make a 20 mile training run any more without the battery dying :( Might send it off to Garmin for fixing. It's got to be cheaper than shelling out for a new one!!
I find my t-shirt dictates how much of my nipples get rubbed off. Cotton is awful especially when it gets wet, but my thin textile Rab shirt doesn't rub at all.
LeperousDust
03-11-2011, 04:21
http://gizmodo.com/5855443/the-best-fitness-watch
:)
I'm sure it is the best, but $400!!!!!! After shelling out around that much for a watch purely for running, I can say that there are much cheaper Garmins around which will do everything that you'll need. Would you need all that for cycling, or will a running watch suffice? Mine has something called cadence on it, which I think it something to do with wheel turns. No idea how you get it to work though :/
LeperousDust
03-11-2011, 13:01
Yeah cheaper ones have cadence as well, you need separate a monitor though, it measures your crank turns (ie the speed you pedal, not move). Not telling anyone to buy it, but it does sound like (if it lasted) you'd buy that and use it for any sport forever (it never works out like that buy hey!). The swimming features are very interesting as well. Since i mostly swim and cycle :p
Mine, uh, tells the time and has a light.
LeperousDust
03-11-2011, 15:52
;D
If anyone wears lights when they run I would like to recommend the Fibre Flare. It's a bendy long thing but it's completely omni-directional so you can see it at all angles. I've got one for my bike, but a chap at work has one pinned to his running jumpsuit*
*this is like a stinky sweaty playsuit that you wouldn't want to partake in naughtiness in.
Was thinking about this last night Jonny!
I want to get some Skins stuff - anyone any comments on these?
Shopping list:
Skins Long leggings and Long sleeved top
New Trainers
Hi Vis raincoat
Watch
Marathon book
Water Bottle
Running bag - going to look at Wiggle now... would prefer to be able to try it out though :/
This could be expensive! :p
BB x
Skins - Any reason why you've chosen the specific brand? Most people I know who have Skins, use them for recovery not for running. After a long run/race, they go home, have a shower and stick their skins on for the rest of the day. That said, I have seen people running in them too. For running, I'm not sure that they're worth the money to be honest and at our level I really don't think we'll see any benefit over regular running gear. Personally, I think you're better off going to the running section of Chavs Direct. It'll be a lot cheaper and you're going to need 2-3 sets of running gear so cost will matter. I really like the Nike stuff, especially the leggings. Very comfortable :) Ronhill is my fave brand though.
New Trainers - Find a good running shop and get them fitted
Hi Vis raincoat - Concentrate on comfort, noise (a noisy jacket is SO annoying) and the hi vis element. It won't keep you dry :p
Watch - You don't need the all singing all dancing. A basic garmin with pace, distance, time and maybe a HR monitor (if that's what you want) will be more than enough
Marathon book - I'm already on this :p
Water Bottle - You may be better off getting a bottle belt if it's for the long runs. Not sure about you, but I hate carrying bottles in my hand on a run. Camelbak do some nice comfortable belts
Running bag - Do you want me to post you mine to try? Or you could pick it up on your way to/from the Christmas do in Sheffs? You wanted a slightly bigger one didn't you? I can send you my Camelbak too minus the bladder. It has some room in it, but it's literally enough for a purse/phone.
Hope that helps :)
<3 Reevo :D
Skins/clothings - Wanted skins to try them out... hoping Father Christmas will get me some Sweatshop/Running shop vouchers ;)
So instead took your advice and bought some Karrimoor gear from Chavdirect:
Long sleeve top
Long leggings
water resistance jacket
Each thing was under £15 - which I thought was ok to begin with :)
Bag - Just need a bag now - which one so you have? Looked at Camelbacks and it was £40 would use it without the bladder for running home from work but its exactly what I am after.
I went in Sweatshop at the weekend - its a running shop e.g. a whole freaking shop dedicated to running (so I thought) and not ONE freaking running bag on the shop floor!? Wtf is that about?!
They had a couple out the bag by OMM which I tried on, but the straps were too big as they were a regular size :( liked all the pockets though.
Don't really like the belts... I don't mind a backpack as long as its secure and feels like part of me... belts I find annoying :/ again the bottle can be an easy Chrimbo gift for someone :)
Book - I love you! Thank you <3<3<3<3<3<3 :D
Watch - again *bats eyelids at mum and dad*
Trainers - I have a Sweatshop store at my gym so can do the gait and everything again there. Probably for january sales though?
BB x
Have a look online for Camelbaks. I got mine a lot cheaper than that. There is plenty of room in them without the bladder. You can take it out and use as a normal bag. The ladies fit ones are pretty comfortable :)
Good call on the clothing. By all means get some Skins, but you'll need a few leggings/tops so get some el cheapo stuff too. I have a Karimoor gilet and a couple of their long sleeved tops. Didn't like the leggings though. I'm a bit fussy :p
Might be worth waiting for Jan sales for trainers yeah. If your current ones are OK for now, hold out for that.
P.S. You're more than welcome :)
Good shout for the sales and trainers. I'll need a new pair probably around April time, so I can stock up in advance :D
Yeah I went for the Karimoor for price and reflective thingys and they were comfy of course :)
BB x
This is coming up on Black Friday....dont know price or reviews but figured you could check it out!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004WIUDGM?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Thanks Kitten!
Not great the reviews so far... think the watch is going to be an investment that I may need to research into before I part with cashola.
Thanks for thinking of me though :)
BB x
No worries, thought it was worth a mention. Will keep an eye out just in case. x
Thank you! Can't believe how much stuff is on there...
BB x
Ok so the other weekend I went to a local running shop and (after much deliberation :rolleyes:) I bought an IronMan running bag :)
Its the right size and has a bladder (should I need it). Used it on weds when I ran home and was comfortable so am happy :)
Cost me £25 instead of £40 :shocked: - which is the price that the chain stores were charging!!
Plus not giving my money to a chain and to a family business instead felt good!
So onto watches... I guess I will have to shop about. As well as the suggestions on here Dave's girlfriend (who does a lot of Tris) suggested:
"Last year I got a garmin which I love and when I pressed buttons underwater during a tri (which im not supposed to do!) they sent me a replacement immediately (although I didnt tell them it was my fault!) My brother likes polar watches mind- he recommended that I get a foot pod one instead of GPS which I did and it seems very accurate. He has had both and prefers the pod as he says sometimes depending on where u run the GPS fails as its satelite based. "
So am v confused now as to what I want. I think Reevo is right to keep it simples....budget I would say would be £150 tops....
I need one with Tom Tom maps too - do they do that? :p
BB x
From link Alex posted ^^^
"Hey!!! This is the one watch to rule them all...at least the ones less than $150, anyway.
All your GPS are belong to Garmin."
LOL! ;D
What's footpod?
I want...speed,distance,time,calories... hmmm what else I need?
BB x
LeperousDust
09-12-2011, 11:56
Tbh right now, i'd wait a little anyways, i've not seen any stonking deals on these watches recently (HotUKDeals wise). Hold out until the Jan sales at least probably i'd suspect. My mate swears by his forerunner but Kate and others disagreed so it's horses for courses obviously.
And lets face it you've done without a super watch for quite a while already i'm sure, so it's not a necessity, but obviously marketing practices tend to make you want to buy equipment (we're all the same :p). I'd hold out for a while longer read some decent reviews, use the watches properly (borrow someone else first!) to get a feel for them?
I gave my opinion based off using it for cycling also not running which apparently it's a 'mare to use the in rain (hello winter!)
Summed up: Put your money down and step away woman and be patient ;D
Yeah ok willl wait for the sales... as said though it will be a Christmas present and I need it because I will now be running outside...
BB x
LeperousDust
09-12-2011, 13:19
You need shoes to run outside, you'd like a watch :p
These kind of items always end up with huge discounts if you can hold on though, I mean i'm preaching to the choir, i'm sure you already know this really. The will to spend money in strong!
//I've just got back from my LBS with some new pedals for myself because i "needed" them ;) =/
I need a bloody watch to tell me exactly how far I ran and in what time!
If I run in the gym, treadmill tells me this shiz already?!
Smartass student! :p
BB x
My mate swears by his forerunner but Kate and others disagreed so it's horses for courses obviously.
No no noooooo.... I just don't like the model of Forerunner I have. If i replaced it, I wouldn't get another 405. That's all :) The touch bezel is utterly rubbish! I'd go with a Forerunner 110. The only real disadvantage of that over my 405 is you have to physically connect it to the computer for data transfer, not just leave it in the same room.. but that's no biggie.
In terms of GPS versus footpod, GPS wins every time for me. You have to calibrate footpods and my strides vary massively with how fast I'm running, where I'm running, whether it's on the road or cross country etc. I'm not interested in my running "cadence" (steps per minute type stuff) and I never run on a treadmill. Also, I'm not sure about how bombproof they are, but I wouldn't want to worry about hanging something off my trainers that could get damaged if I ran through an enormous puddle or stream. It really depends if you want it for treadmill use etc. too though. There are benefits to them... I just don't use them.
I too will be keeping an eye on the Sales... just in case ;)
AHahahahaha I thought a running bladder was something you used if you needed a wee wee!
Sam corrected me ;D
Knipples
10-12-2011, 17:54
AHahahahaha I thought a running bladder was something you used if you needed a wee wee!
Sam corrected me ;D
*raises hand from the same camp* :o
I had a suction cup style image in my head to attach to a foof which then goes to a bag but it confused me because I figured the bag would be higher than the foof and therefore how did it travel up the nozzle to the bag... Perhaps there was some kind of sucky sucky thing.
And then that made me laugh.
And then I thought... hmmm not many women would run well with that.
So I googled it.
I then felt stoopid.
;)
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