by thinkmarsh | Mar 15, 2019 | product review, safety, ski
I grew up playing in the snow during the long winters of Upstate New York and downhill skiing on the weekends. It is one of the activities I truly love, and miss most since moving in London. With my extreme travel insurance for Ultra X Jordan, winter sports were covered. There was no way I was going to miss a chance to ski this year. I was lucky enough to go skiing in both Italy and Switzerland this year and am already making plans for the next season.
Now that I work with brands, I tend to notice more what people are wearing in the lines at the lift. This year, 99% of the people I saw were wearing helmets. Bike helmets are something I feeling strongly about, and I feel the same about ski and snowboard helmets. Think about how much time, effort, and money you put into your education. Think about how lucky you are to be able to go skiing and not limited in your ability to move. Wearing a helmet won’t 100% protect you from injury or death, but it can reduce the risk of impact and/or injury should you have an accident.
 |
| James giving me his best Blue Steel while putting on Carv 700 and G540 |
James and I tried out the Wed’ze Carv 700 with MIPS (thanks Decathlon!) ski/snowboard helmet during our recent trip to Switzerland. He has had his previous helmet since we lived in the USA and noticed that the polystyrene lining was starting to degrade. The Wed’ze Carv 700 seems to have universal fit, as it fit me and our friend, Jamie, too. All of our heads are different shapes, but the Carv 700 has a ratchet fitting that can adjust the tightness. My helmet is a POC Bug and I have had it since 2010. Although it doesn’t show any signs of wear and tear, it has been checked as hold luggage more times than I can count. I decided it couldn’t hurt to replace my helmet as well. I soon learned there are many helmets of various pricing and styles out there! Hopefully this post will help you decide which ski helmet is best for you.
When you go to purchase a helmet, there are a few features to consider: the fit, the ventilation, how to store it, and when to replace it. Hate to say that the color is the last thing to think about. Let’s break down each point.
Fit: This is the most crucial bit for obvious reasons. I asked Adam Summerfield, the SMITH UK brand manager at UltraSport, for advice on how to find the perfect helmet. Summerfield says:
To get a good fit the first thing you will need to do is measure your head, take a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head about 1cm above your eyebrows and ears. Once you have the measurement you should fit into one of the following sizes S (51cm-55cm), M (55cm-59cm), L (59cm-63cm), XL (63cm-67cm). When choosing your helmet it should feel snug but not tight, if you feel your head is being squeezed it’s too small or if the helmet can move around freely on your head it’s too big. A lot of helmets now come with fit systems which allow you to adjust the helmet to get the perfect size.
Fit is the most important thing to consider (not color, sorry) as if the helmet doesn’t fit properly, your head will not be protected. Also check how your googles will fit on/with the helmet. You will need ventilation to prevent the googles from fogging up and, of course, it needs to be comfortable when you have them on. For example, James felt the Carv 700 pushed his goggles down his nose a little bit compared to his old helmet. His goggles, Wed’ze G540, were also new (and a different design than his old ones) so he might just need to get used to the change. The goggles didn’t fog up though, so that was a good indication that the goggles and helmet were the right fit.
 |
| How goggles attach to the back of Carv 700 |
Does it have MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System)? This is a feature that is now becoming more and more popular in both cycling and snow sport helmets. it works by separating the shell of the helmet and the liner by a low friction layer. In a crash, this allows the helmet to slide relative to the head reducing rotational force on the brain. The SMITH Mission and CARV 700 both have this feature.
 |
| SMITH Mission |
Another safety feature to look for is RECCO(R) search and rescue compatibility if you tend to be an advanced snow sport athlete. Rescuers will send out a signal that is reflected by the sensor in the helmet, such as after an avalanche. Of course, you need to check with the resort you are visiting to see if they use a RECCO(R) compatible system. The Wed’ze Carv 700 has this feature (although thankfully we didn’t have to try it out).
Ventilation: Personally, I am always cold and even wear a thin hat under my POC helmet. However, I can removed pieces of the lining if I start to overheat (but I never have). My husband, on the other hand, is always hot and prefers his ventilation fully open. Consider how your body temperature runs and where you are likely to be skiing when you make your selection. The Salomon Sight has a unique climate control system that includes 12 vents with six adjustable zone, an EPS4D internal airflow system, and quick drying fabric to help you regulate your body temperature while enjoying time on the slopes.
 |
| Salomon Sight helmet |
Ear covers: Bern makes a multi-purpose helmet that works for skiing, snowboard, cycling, skateboarding. Our friend, Jamie, has one. This is a good choice if you are limited on space to store things. However, it didn’t have any ear covers, so Jamie’s ears were cold this year at Verbier.
How to store it: Summerfield recommends trying to find somewhere dry and not in direct sunlight as the UV rays can break down the materials of a helmet over time. When travelling, try to avoid checking the helmet in the hold and instead carry the helmet with you (If you are on EasyJet, I am sure you have seen people wear their helmets on board to save checking a bag). Or you can invest in a hard case to protect your helmet when travelling or storing.
When to replace it: The most obvious time would be after a crash but every three to five years is a good idea too. As James has observed, the polystyrene will start to degrade. Storing the helmet in the proper climate (as mentioned above) and carrying it onto the plane (rather than checking) will help extend the life of your helmet too.
Hopefully, these tips will give you a few things to look out for the next time you have to invest in a snow sport helmet. Leave a comment below and let me know what make and model you have and why you choose it.
Thanks to Decathlon for the gifted Carv 700 ski helmet and G540 goggles. All opinions are honest and our own.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 15, 2019 | product review, safety, ski
I grew up playing in the snow during the long winters of Upstate New York and downhill skiing on the weekends. It is one of the activities I truly love, and miss most since moving in London. With my extreme travel insurance for Ultra X Jordan, winter sports were covered. There was no way I was going to miss a chance to ski this year. I was lucky enough to go skiing in both Italy and Switzerland this year and am already making plans for the next season.
Now that I work with brands, I tend to notice more what people are wearing in the lines at the lift. This year, 99% of the people I saw were wearing helmets. Bike helmets are something I feeling strongly about, and I feel the same about ski and snowboard helmets. Think about how much time, effort, and money you put into your education. Think about how lucky you are to be able to go skiing and not limited in your ability to move. Wearing a helmet won’t 100% protect you from injury or death, but it can reduce the risk of impact and/or injury should you have an accident.
|
| James giving me his best Blue Steel while putting on Carv 700 and G540 |
James and I tried out the Wed’ze Carv 700 with MIPS (thanks Decathlon!) ski/snowboard helmet during our recent trip to Switzerland. He has had his previous helmet since we lived in the USA and noticed that the polystyrene lining was starting to degrade. The Wed’ze Carv 700 seems to have universal fit, as it fit me and our friend, Jamie, too. All of our heads are different shapes, but the Carv 700 has a ratchet fitting that can adjust the tightness. My helmet is a POC Bug and I have had it since 2010. Although it doesn’t show any signs of wear and tear, it has been checked as hold luggage more times than I can count. I decided it couldn’t hurt to replace my helmet as well. I soon learned there are many helmets of various pricing and styles out there! Hopefully this post will help you decide which ski helmet is best for you.
When you go to purchase a helmet, there are a few features to consider: the fit, the ventilation, how to store it, and when to replace it. Hate to say that the color is the last thing to think about. Let’s break down each point.
Fit: This is the most crucial bit for obvious reasons. I asked Adam Summerfield, the SMITH UK brand manager at UltraSport, for advice on how to find the perfect helmet. Summerfield says:
To get a good fit the first thing you will need to do is measure your head, take a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head about 1cm above your eyebrows and ears. Once you have the measurement you should fit into one of the following sizes S (51cm-55cm), M (55cm-59cm), L (59cm-63cm), XL (63cm-67cm). When choosing your helmet it should feel snug but not tight, if you feel your head is being squeezed it’s too small or if the helmet can move around freely on your head it’s too big. A lot of helmets now come with fit systems which allow you to adjust the helmet to get the perfect size.
Fit is the most important thing to consider (not color, sorry) as if the helmet doesn’t fit properly, your head will not be protected. Also check how your googles will fit on/with the helmet. You will need ventilation to prevent the googles from fogging up and, of course, it needs to be comfortable when you have them on. For example, James felt the Carv 700 pushed his goggles down his nose a little bit compared to his old helmet. His goggles,
Wed’ze G540, were also new (and a different design than his old ones) so he might just need to get used to the change. The goggles didn’t fog up though, so that was a good indication that the goggles and helmet were the right fit.
|
| How goggles attach to the back of Carv 700 |
Does it have MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System)? This is a feature that is now becoming more and more popular in both cycling and snow sport helmets. it works by separating the shell of the helmet and the liner by a low friction layer. In a crash, this allows the helmet to slide relative to the head reducing rotational force on the brain. The SMITH Mission and CARV 700 both have this feature.
|
| SMITH Mission |
Another safety feature to look for is RECCO(R) search and rescue compatibility if you tend to be an advanced snow sport athlete. Rescuers will send out a signal that is reflected by the sensor in the helmet, such as after an avalanche. Of course, you need to check with the resort you are visiting to see if they use a RECCO(R) compatible system. The Wed’ze Carv 700 has this feature (although thankfully we didn’t have to try it out).
Ventilation: Personally, I am always cold and even wear a thin hat under my POC helmet. However, I can removed pieces of the lining if I start to overheat (but I never have). My husband, on the other hand, is always hot and prefers his ventilation fully open. Consider how your body temperature runs and where you are likely to be skiing when you make your selection. The Salomon Sight has a unique climate control system that includes 12 vents with six adjustable zone, an EPS4D internal airflow system, and quick drying fabric to help you regulate your body temperature while enjoying time on the slopes.
|
| Salomon Sight helmet |
Ear covers: Bern makes a multi-purpose helmet that works for skiing, snowboard, cycling, skateboarding. Our friend, Jamie, has one. This is a good choice if you are limited on space to store things. However, it didn’t have any ear covers, so Jamie’s ears were cold this year at Verbier.
How to store it: Summerfield recommends trying to find somewhere dry and not in direct sunlight as the UV rays can break down the materials of a helmet over time. When travelling, try to avoid checking the helmet in the hold and instead carry the helmet with you (If you are on EasyJet, I am sure you have seen people wear their helmets on board to save checking a bag). Or you can invest in a hard case to protect your helmet when travelling or storing.
When to replace it: The most obvious time would be after a crash but every three to five years is a good idea too. As James has observed, the polystyrene will start to degrade. Storing the helmet in the proper climate (as mentioned above) and carrying it onto the plane (rather than checking) will help extend the life of your helmet too.
Hopefully, these tips will give you a few things to look out for the next time you have to invest in a snow sport helmet. Leave a comment below and let me know what make and model you have and why you choose it.
Thanks to Decathlon for the gifted Carv 700 ski helmet and G540 goggles. All opinions are honest and our own.
by thinkmarsh | Dec 31, 2018 | product review, recipe
Saving the Earth was a big concern of mine growing up. I wanted to recycle everything and always turned the lights off. ’50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save the Earth’ was a favourite book of mine. Much to my mother’s dismay, I even brought backing recycling from my university to home (a 6 hour drive away. I also brought a lot of laundry).
Reducing my impact on earth and it’s resources has continued to be important thread in my life. I have carried a reusable water bottle since uni and try to cycle or carpool when I can. Living with a Brit, I even got in the habit of hanging our laundry out to dry in the summer time in Michigan (we have no choice now as very few people in the UK have a dryer).
When I saw the opportunity to review the Wonderbag,I was intrigued. Firstly, because it can heat the pot for up to eight hours without electricity and secondly because it helps to empower women in third world countries. I was pretty much sold on both of those factors but want d to try it out myself.
|
| Wonderbag in action |
The Wonderbag was developed by Sarah Collins with inspiration from her childhood in South Africa. Frequent blackouts meant her family would use couch cushions to keep meals warm. Years later, Collins invented the Wonderbag. Its foam stuffing allows food brought on a boil by conventional means to continue to cook for for up to 12 hours. The impact of this means women spend less time foraging for firewood and less time cooking over open flames. The smoke from these flames can be toxic and severely impact their heath.
We don’t have room for a slow cooker (or “Crock Pot” as we call it in the USA) because we have a small flat. My husband loves to cook anything that requires only one pot, so he is missing out on a lot of cooking opportunities. We have a few batch cooking staples, such as veggie chili and a chicken dish from Well Fed 2. I figured since I was trying out the Wonderbag, I might as well try out a new recipe and share it with out with you.
 |
| Not sure this is going to fit. |
After looking on the internet for inspiration, I decided on a slow cooked pork with Italian seasoning. We don’t really eat ham or pork and thought it would be a nice change from chicken. I bought the smallest pork roast I could find at the shop and got to work.
 |
| Seasoning and garlic. This will be yummy! |
I made three mistakes when preparing this meal. First, my pork roast was too big for the pot, which meant the lid did not seal all the way. This affected how long the food needed to cook for on the stove top and how involved I needed to be. Second, the only pot that the roast fit in and itself fit in the Wonderbag had a handle on it. This will affect the efficiency the Wonderbag insulation has. I firmly believe that these two errors impacted my cooking experience.
To prepare the pork, I dried it off with a paper towel and then tried to slice the top in several places to create pockets for sliced garlic. My roast was about two kilos and I used three large garlic cloves.
 |
| Roast prepped with seasoning |
My seasoning was one teaspoon of dried basil, oregano and thyme mixed with half teaspoon salt and half teaspoon pepper. I mixed this combo in a small bowl and then rubbed all over the pork. You can use any seasoning combination you like to create flavour you will enjoy.
 |
| Lid ajar means the cooking is less efficient. |
Once seasoned, I put the entire roast into a saucepan with lid and cooked for 20 minutes on medium heat. As I saw the lid was slightly ajar, I decided to cook it for another 20 minutes. The Wonderbag recommends having a meat thermometer handy to see if meat is heated through. This was my third mistake because we don’t have one.
 |
| Tea towels lining the Wonderbag |
After 40 minutes on the stove top, I put the pot in the Wonderbag, which I had lined with a few towels to avoid the inside of the bag from melting. I weighed the lid down with a kilo of salt to hopefully keep the heat in. Then I took the dog out for a walk. Two hours later, I checked the pot and it was still warm so I left it for another hour. After that, I took the meat out and cut it down the middle with a bread knife. The inside was still a bit pink (again, no meat thermometer), so I returned the roast to the pot and cooked for another 20 minutes, holding the lid down for the last ten minutes (the lid still wouldn’t close).
 |
| Nearly cooked all the way through. |
By this point, the inside looked cooked, so I sliced myself a piece and left the rest in the pot with lid on and heat source off. Once I finished my dinner (it was super yummy!), I carved up the rest. Half went into the fridge and half into the freezer. I decanted the juice from the pot into a small Tupperware to use as gravy. There wasn’t much though. My husband used it all for one serving (I didn’t mind as I am not a fan of gravy). If you like gravy, you might want to make some additional gravy.
 |
| It was delicious! |
A week later, we defrosted the frozen pieces. They looked pink when frozen but were grey by the time they were room temperature. Overall I am pleased with how my experiment went given I was missing several keys items (a pot without handle and a meat thermometer). I am definitely going to get a proper pot for using the Wonderbag but am not sure if a meat thermometer will get much use. The Wonderbag will be perfect for making chili and stews this winter, and maybe even mulled for long winter walks and when we host a big dinner party (when we get a bigger flat).
If you have any ideas on what we should cook with the Wonderbag next, please let me know in the comments below.
 |
| Served with a side of sweet potato. |
Thanks to Wonderbag for the complimentary bag to put to the test. All opinions are honest and my own. Please note that this post includes affiliate links which cost the buyer nothing additional but help support the running of this site..
by Mollie Millington | Dec 31, 2018 | product review, recipe
Saving the Earth was a big concern of mine growing up. I wanted to recycle everything and always turned the lights off. ’50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save the Earth’ was a favourite book of mine. Much to my mother’s dismay, I even brought backing recycling from my university to home (a 6 hour drive away. I also brought a lot of laundry).
Reducing my impact on earth and it’s resources has continued to be important thread in my life. I have carried a reusable water bottle since uni and try to cycle or carpool when I can. Living with a Brit, I even got in the habit of hanging our laundry out to dry in the summer time in Michigan (we have no choice now as very few people in the UK have a dryer).
When I saw the opportunity to review the Wonderbag,I was intrigued. Firstly, because it can heat the pot for up to eight hours without electricity and secondly because it helps to empower women in third world countries. I was pretty much sold on both of those factors but want d to try it out myself.
|
| Wonderbag in action |
The Wonderbag was developed by Sarah Collins with inspiration from her childhood in South Africa. Frequent blackouts meant her family would use couch cushions to keep meals warm. Years later, Collins invented the Wonderbag. Its foam stuffing allows food brought on a boil by conventional means to continue to cook for for up to 12 hours. The impact of this means women spend less time foraging for firewood and less time cooking over open flames. The smoke from these flames can be toxic and severely impact their heath.
We don’t have room for a slow cooker (or “Crock Pot” as we call it in the USA) because we have a small flat. My husband loves to cook anything that requires only one pot, so he is missing out on a lot of cooking opportunities. We have a few batch cooking staples, such as veggie chili and a chicken dish from Well Fed 2. I figured since I was trying out the Wonderbag, I might as well try out a new recipe and share it with out with you.
|
| Not sure this is going to fit. |
After looking on the internet for inspiration, I decided on a slow cooked pork with Italian seasoning. We don’t really eat ham or pork and thought it would be a nice change from chicken. I bought the smallest pork roast I could find at the shop and got to work.
|
| Seasoning and garlic. This will be yummy! |
I made three mistakes when preparing this meal. First, my pork roast was too big for the pot, which meant the lid did not seal all the way. This affected how long the food needed to cook for on the stove top and how involved I needed to be. Second, the only pot that the roast fit in and itself fit in the Wonderbag had a handle on it. This will affect the efficiency the Wonderbag insulation has. I firmly believe that these two errors impacted my cooking experience.
To prepare the pork, I dried it off with a paper towel and then tried to slice the top in several places to create pockets for sliced garlic. My roast was about two kilos and I used three large garlic cloves.
|
| Roast prepped with seasoning |
My seasoning was one teaspoon of dried basil, oregano and thyme mixed with half teaspoon salt and half teaspoon pepper. I mixed this combo in a small bowl and then rubbed all over the pork. You can use any seasoning combination you like to create flavour you will enjoy.
|
| Lid ajar means the cooking is less efficient. |
Once seasoned, I put the entire roast into a saucepan with lid and cooked for 20 minutes on medium heat. As I saw the lid was slightly ajar, I decided to cook it for another 20 minutes. The Wonderbag recommends having a meat thermometer handy to see if meat is heated through. This was my third mistake because we don’t have one.
|
| Tea towels lining the Wonderbag |
After 40 minutes on the stove top, I put the pot in the Wonderbag, which I had lined with a few towels to avoid the inside of the bag from melting. I weighed the lid down with a kilo of salt to hopefully keep the heat in. Then I took the dog out for a walk. Two hours later, I checked the pot and it was still warm so I left it for another hour. After that, I took the meat out and cut it down the middle with a bread knife. The inside was still a bit pink (again, no meat thermometer), so I returned the roast to the pot and cooked for another 20 minutes, holding the lid down for the last ten minutes (the lid still wouldn’t close).
|
| Nearly cooked all the way through. |
By this point, the inside looked cooked, so I sliced myself a piece and left the rest in the pot with lid on and heat source off. Once I finished my dinner (it was super yummy!), I carved up the rest. Half went into the fridge and half into the freezer. I decanted the juice from the pot into a small Tupperware to use as gravy. There wasn’t much though. My husband used it all for one serving (I didn’t mind as I am not a fan of gravy). If you like gravy, you might want to make some additional gravy.
|
| It was delicious! |
A week later, we defrosted the frozen pieces. They looked pink when frozen but were grey by the time they were room temperature. Overall I am pleased with how my experiment went given I was missing several keys items (a pot without handle and a meat thermometer). I am definitely going to get a proper pot for using the Wonderbag but am not sure if a meat thermometer will get much use. The Wonderbag will be perfect for making chili and stews this winter, and maybe even mulled for long winter walks and when we host a big dinner party (when we get a bigger flat).
If you have any ideas on what we should cook with the Wonderbag next, please let me know in the comments below.
|
| Served with a side of sweet potato. |
Thanks to Wonderbag for the complimentary bag to put to the test. All opinions are honest and my own. Please note that this post includes affiliate links which cost the buyer nothing additional but help support the running of this site..
by thinkmarsh | Dec 17, 2018 | gift guide, product review, running, travel
I am so excited I found some time to share with you some of my favorite kit from this year. A few pieces (marked with *) I was gifted to try out, while others I discovered on my own. This year, the items selected fall into travel, active, and/or eco-friendly categories. Hope you discover a few new things to put under your Christmas tree.
Hydroflask True Pint* – This item falls into the eco-friendly category. The True Pint holds beer, coffee and even soup. Fantastic vacuum insulation means your drink stays the temp it needs to and so do you hands. Great for camping and festivals.
Venus Gillette Precision Bikini Trimmer*-This small battery-operated electric razor keeps your bikini line tidy from all angles. It includes a 5mm plastic comb to ensure uniform hair length too. I think it would work on trimming hair on the back of your neck too but my husband won’t let me try it out on him. The perfect size for your travel bag.
B-twin hydration bladder cleaner*- Lots of runners and cyclists have water bladders but don’t take the time to clean them properly after use. This is a great gift because it isn’t something the athlete in your life would buy for themselves, but they will definitely use it.
Salomon Agile 6*– A great little backpack to hold a lightweight jacket, book, sunscreen, and whatever else you will need for a day exploring a new city. It includes two 500ml soft flasks in case you decide to run instead of walk. This bag’s capacity is only seven liters so your kids can use it too.
SKINS Compression calf tights*– Wear these calf tights on the plane or under your trousers if your legs ache from too much walking on your holiday. You can also wear them when out on a run or for recovery. I wore mine during my five day desert ultra back in October. There is a large range of colors available.
Rite in the Rain notebook -This is a travel essential for keeping track of what happens each day you are away from home. It doesn’t matter if it gets wet, which makes it all the better for outdoor adventures. I brought one with me when I climbed Kilimanjaro and to Jordan because I knew there wouldn’t be electricity or wifi. I had to go old school with a pen and paper. My preferred nnotebook style is A5 with a spiral spine but there are many to choose from.
Smith Overtake bike helmet*- With their MIPS system and Koroyd(R) honeycomb insulation, this will protect your brain during a collision, which is the point of a helmet (think about how much money and time you have invested in your brain!). There is still maximum ventilation and excellent aerodynamics in the design. Nothing is compromised.
Wonderbag slow cooker*- This portable slow cooker was developed to help women in developing countries cook without tending a fire. It saves them time as not as much fire wood needs to be collected. It is also better for their health because they are not inhaling smoke while tending a fire. I think it is perfect for camping, tailgating, and hosting dinner parties as it retains heat for up to 8 hours. Full review will be up later this week.
Bamboo straws from Bare Vida – Plastic straws are a hot topic right now, so why not start carrying your own reusable straw? I have one made from bamboo and another from stainless steel. I keep one in my lunch box and one in my purse so I am always prepared for my next beverage.
Sarah Marie Design Studio sweatshirt – At the start of 2018, I really embraced Track Tuesdays with Advent Running. I felt stronger and faster. Therefore, the ‘Well Rounded’ sweatshirt is perfect for me (as is the Kinda wanna run… holiday one). Size small please 🙂
Margaret Dabbs foot cleansing wipes and foot hygiene creme*- I was sent some lovely foot wipes and lotions to help my feet prepare and recover from my desert ultra. These are a nice treat for those who spend a lot of time on their feet but aren’t necessarily into pedicures. The wipes are perfect for travelling to climates where you will want to wear sandals or flip flops too.
On Cloud lightweight running hat– A lightweight and ventilated cap to help keep your head cool and dry in sunshine or in the rain. The perfect stocking stuffer for just about anyone.
Icebreaker merino wool base layers– As my regular readers know, I live in merino socks year-round and have a heavy rotation of tops for the winter. Both the 150 Zone long sleeve crewe top and BODYFITZONE (TM)150 Zone leggings are designed to help you regulate your body temperature so you are not too hot or too cold no matter what you are doing. Icebreaker garments are also biodegradable when buried in a landfill, making them a eco-friendly gift choice.
Black Diamond Creek 22L rucksack– A super stylish way to carry everything you need for work and the gym while day commuting. It has a waterproof shell and holds a 15″ laptop. Lots of internal organization options too so you can easily find what you need.
Stolen Goat gym towel with sharks on it. I found this over on VeloVixen and love it! Santa Jaws, anyone?
Leki Hot Shots ski poles– How crazy is this? These ski poles hold your favourite drink inside the pole, up to 200ml. They even have their own funnel to help you pour. Please remember to drink responsibly when participating in sport.
What is on your Christmas list this year? Let me know in the comments below and I will put in a good word for you with Santa.
Thanks to Hydroflask, Venus, Decathlon, Salomon, Skins Compression, Smith, Wonderbag, and Margaret Dabbs for gifting me the items above. All opinions are honest and my own. This post also includes affiliate links, which costs the buyer nothing but helps run this website.
by Mollie Millington | Dec 17, 2018 | gift guide, product review, running, travel
I am so excited I found some time to share with you some of my favorite kit from this year. A few pieces (marked with *) I was gifted to try out, while others I discovered on my own. This year, the items selected fall into travel, active, and/or eco-friendly categories. Hope you discover a few new things to put under your Christmas tree.
Hydroflask True Pint* – This item falls into the eco-friendly category. The True Pint holds beer, coffee and even soup. Fantastic vacuum insulation means your drink stays the temp it needs to and so do you hands. Great for camping and festivals.
Venus Gillette Precision Bikini Trimmer*-This small battery-operated electric razor keeps your bikini line tidy from all angles. It includes a 5mm plastic comb to ensure uniform hair length too. I think it would work on trimming hair on the back of your neck too but my husband won’t let me try it out on him. The perfect size for your travel bag.
B-twin hydration bladder cleaner*- Lots of runners and cyclists have water bladders but don’t take the time to clean them properly after use. This is a great gift because it isn’t something the athlete in your life would buy for themselves, but they will definitely use it.
Salomon Agile 6*– A great little backpack to hold a lightweight jacket, book, sunscreen, and whatever else you will need for a day exploring a new city. It includes two 500ml soft flasks in case you decide to run instead of walk. This bag’s capacity is only seven liters so your kids can use it too.
SKINS Compression calf tights*– Wear these calf tights on the plane or under your trousers if your legs ache from too much walking on your holiday. You can also wear them when out on a run or for recovery. I wore mine during my five day desert ultra back in October. There is a large range of colors available.
Rite in the Rain notebook -This is a travel essential for keeping track of what happens each day you are away from home. It doesn’t matter if it gets wet, which makes it all the better for outdoor adventures. I brought one with me when I climbed Kilimanjaro and to Jordan because I knew there wouldn’t be electricity or wifi. I had to go old school with a pen and paper. My preferred nnotebook style is A5 with a spiral spine but there are many to choose from.
Smith Overtake bike helmet*- With their MIPS system and Koroyd(R) honeycomb insulation, this will protect your brain during a collision, which is the point of a helmet (think about how much money and time you have invested in your brain!). There is still maximum ventilation and excellent aerodynamics in the design. Nothing is compromised.
Wonderbag slow cooker*- This portable slow cooker was developed to help women in developing countries cook without tending a fire. It saves them time as not as much fire wood needs to be collected. It is also better for their health because they are not inhaling smoke while tending a fire. I think it is perfect for camping, tailgating, and hosting dinner parties as it retains heat for up to 8 hours. Full review will be up later this week.
Bamboo straws from Bare Vida – Plastic straws are a hot topic right now, so why not start carrying your own reusable straw? I have one made from bamboo and another from stainless steel. I keep one in my lunch box and one in my purse so I am always prepared for my next beverage.
Sarah Marie Design Studio sweatshirt – At the start of 2018, I really embraced Track Tuesdays with Advent Running. I felt stronger and faster. Therefore, the ‘Well Rounded’ sweatshirt is perfect for me (as is the Kinda wanna run… holiday one). Size small please 🙂
Margaret Dabbs foot cleansing wipes and foot hygiene creme*- I was sent some lovely foot wipes and lotions to help my feet prepare and recover from my desert ultra. These are a nice treat for those who spend a lot of time on their feet but aren’t necessarily into pedicures. The wipes are perfect for travelling to climates where you will want to wear sandals or flip flops too.
On Cloud lightweight running hat– A lightweight and ventilated cap to help keep your head cool and dry in sunshine or in the rain. The perfect stocking stuffer for just about anyone.
Icebreaker merino wool base layers– As my regular readers know, I live in merino socks year-round and have a heavy rotation of tops for the winter. Both the 150 Zone long sleeve crewe top and BODYFITZONE (TM)150 Zone leggings are designed to help you regulate your body temperature so you are not too hot or too cold no matter what you are doing. Icebreaker garments are also biodegradable when buried in a landfill, making them a eco-friendly gift choice.
Black Diamond Creek 22L rucksack– A super stylish way to carry everything you need for work and the gym while day commuting. It has a waterproof shell and holds a 15″ laptop. Lots of internal organization options too so you can easily find what you need.
Stolen Goat gym towel with sharks on it. I found this over on VeloVixen and love it! Santa Jaws, anyone?
Leki Hot Shots ski poles– How crazy is this? These ski poles hold your favourite drink inside the pole, up to 200ml. They even have their own funnel to help you pour. Please remember to drink responsibly when participating in sport.
What is on your Christmas list this year? Let me know in the comments below and I will put in a good word for you with Santa.
Thanks to Hydroflask, Venus, Decathlon, Salomon, Skins Compression, Smith, Wonderbag, and Margaret Dabbs for gifting me the items above. All opinions are honest and my own. This post also includes affiliate links, which costs the buyer nothing but helps run this website.
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