This Year's TOP Outdoor - Fitness Gifts

Top rated gifts and gear for your favorite fitness freak (including yourself)!

Bike Loot's November Box

Bike Loot's November Box with a HUGE Mazamabar hazelnut-mocha bar and  cozy hand warmers!

Well, it's November and today the reality check of riding in the great Northeast hit in the form of temps in the 40's. Yes, I would consider that cold. So, a spot of sunshine in my month arrived in the form of my Bike Loot subscription. Opening the box brought a smile to my face as usual. Here are the highlights of the November Bike Loot Box:

Vi Fuel Endurance Gel in Peach Cobbler and The Bee's Knees PB with Honey Spread

First the Delicious Goodies
I think the Bike Loot Dudes understand us cyclists need a few extra food items for the cold weather. In addition to the MASSIVE 3.25 oz Mazamabar High Performance Energy Bar which has a whopping 410 calories about half of which is yummy fat, they have the Vi Fuel and The Bee's Knees Spread. Since I like Peach Cobbler, I'll most likely enjoy the Vi Fuel Pack with its organic peach flavor. We've seen The Bee's Knees Spread in the store and it can be drizzled on fruit, crackers, celery when you're out and need a natural energy boost. No hydrogenated oil or HFCS, knead it a bit before using as the honey and PB can separate.

Sqwincher Fast Pack for electrolyte balancing

Electrolyte Replacement-Sqwincher
I was head of the first aid department for a major food packaging plant and remember using this same product to help employees who were suffering from heat and sun stroke. I'd purchase this stuff by the case and it worked! Guys with cramps, fatigue, etc. would take a packet, add it to water and be on their way. No caffeine and lower in sodium than Gatorade, it's definitely something to keep on your bicycle because it works in real heat stress & dehydration situations.

Paper Shower, the wash and dry cycle

Paper Shower
I thought this was a brilliant idea. I usually carry Fresh Bath in my panniers and trunk but let's get real, unless you can dry yourself off, the cold winter chill will be a great deterrent from utilizing said wet wipes. First use the moist section of Paper Shower and then dry off with the dry towelette. Much better!

Hold Me Hand Warmers
These seem like a smart idea. No rubbing or crushing required. Just open the plastic and the AIR activates the heat reaction. There's two per package so slip one in each cycling glove and be happy. Nothing chemically toxic, these appear easy to use and work best in and enclosed area like your glove or shoe. Another great Bike Loot BOX! It's nice to know that they thought of everything a cyclist would need as the cold winds start to blow this November...and we're still on our bikes.

Autumn Cycling Vacation: BikeLoot Review

This arrived in time for my bicycle touring vacation. BIKELOOT!

I'm taking my vacation a bit later this year. Usually we go away for camping at the cabin the last week in August or so but I've had several conflicting engagements. So since it is later, I decided to do a fall bicycle tour, choosing a different scenic route each day. That's why I was so excited to see my Septenergy BikeLoot box arrive as my vacation began.

What is BikeLoot?
I've covered NatureBox before and BikeLoot is a similar subscription to that service. However, it is more specific to cyclists which makes it an even more personalized gift.  Here's the description of the service from their website:

How Does BikeLoot Work?
BikeLoot Box is a monthly box subscription that has your cycling lifestyle covered. With BikeLoot you will try five to six of the top cycling industry product samples, like gels, bars, hydration, and maintenance, and we send it straight to your door, every month for as low as $9/month.  Just follow these easy steps and you will be discovering what makes you ride month after month.​

The Septenergy BikeLoot Box 
Some things like the Chocolate #9 which I have reviewed here before were familiar but several other items were surprising treats that I would also keep on the bicycle. In fact I used Chocolate #9 for the Rapha Women's 100 this past July.  Here are some of my other Septenergy favorites:

Elete Electrolytes 
These little pouches of pure electrolyte concentrate can turn any 24oz water bottle into a sugar & calorie free power drink. Very easy to use, I added one (you get three) to my Thermal PolarBottle and hit the road. 

Rip Van Wafels 
These are portable wafer thin, caramel filled Amsterdam Wafels. After a long ride, stop for some coffee and warm the wafel by placing it over the cup rim. No preservatives, artificial flavors or HFCS. Almost like having breakfast to go!

I'd like a little wafel to go with my whipped cream.

Baobab Foods
Hailed as the King of the Superfoods, Baobab,(remember the Little Prince from outer space?) is very nutritious giving you a burst of energy from pure B6 and B12. You get two packets and this would probably make a good recovery drink once you get home. A little chalky but not bad.

Perky Jerky 
Somebody got the memo. Us cyclists LOVE JERKY! Almost like steak to go, this beef treat is marinated in traditional jerky seasonings PLUS Guarana. This .5 oz pouch will give you a bit of a energy-protein boost to get you home.

The Wrap 
BikeLoot is definitely going into my Holiday Guide this year. You can choose where to ship BikeLoot and how long the subscription lasts. If the person lives in an area where riding is restricted to the warmer months, you can choose to ship BikeLoot then. Most of the items are small enough to take with you in your cycling jersey or seat bag. It's really up to you and I think a little cache of cycling specific surprises like this definitely will make your month.  

The Year's Top Outdoor - Fitness Gifts

Gift guide for cyclists, runners, hikers and other outdoorsy folk on your list. The Year's TOP Outdoor & Fitness Gifts!

This is the time of year for giving gifts to those we love.  One of the best things to do is to select a gift that just keeps on giving!  Something that will help the person engage in a healthy lifestyle and some of the best gear is that which allows the person to play while getting fit. Here are some tips and tricks on not only picking the perfect item for the person on your list but making your gift better by personalizing it.

Using a Personal Touch

You may need to be a bit stealthy but you can always ask the person what they've been up to or what plans they may have for the holidays.  They may be planning a ski trip or a cabin stay with family.  Perhaps they like hiking or snowshoeing.  Are they a road warrior who enjoys running or cycling?  Whatever the case you can see where their passions are with a few key questions or observations.

Personalize this Lumbar Pack with Energy Bars & Gels

Gifts within Gifts

This ultralight Mountainsmith Dart TLS Lumbar Pack is perfect for the runner or day hiker on your list.

It comes with it's own water bottle but also has a nice little zippered front pouch.  Fill it with some tasty protein bars or energy gel packs before you wrap it up!

Think outside of the box or bottle on this one.  You can include powered effervescent Vitamin C or electrolyte packs that can be added to the water bottle during the run.

Purchase extra water bottles for this pack so they can keep one cold in the fridge, ready to run in the morning.  As an example, Polar Bottle makes lightweight 12 oz thermal bottles that stay cold and fit this particular lumbar pack perfectly.

Sizing Things Up

Aiden Tweed Cap

Something you may want to stay away from are items that demand you know the person's exact size.  If you do, all well and good but if you are not sure, choose items that span over a range of size differences or are size-less (one size fits most).

A stretchy knit hat may seem like a great idea but many of them can still be too tight for us ladies with lots of hair.

That's why I like this Aiden Tweed Hat from Carve Designs of CA

Trendy yet sophisticated, the Aiden comes in Small/Medium and Medium/Large but has no elastic involved to restrict the head.  You have a better chance of calling the right size with a choice like this. You can also purchase cloth labels from the sewing section or craft store that iron onto the inside of the cap to include the person's name.  How about stitching the person's initials on the garment as a monogram? Sweet huh?

Other Gift Items that Are Size-Forgiving:
A scarf
Ear Muffs
Warm Merino Wool Socks
Knit Gloves
Cardigan Sweaters 
Everybody needs these and it is something that you needn't worry about purchasing in just the right size.

Powering Up-Slimming Down

Turn on the Juice

A Power Blender like VitaMix is the ultimate health gift

Although I'm mostly featuring outdoor gifts, don't forget what goes on in the kitchen.  If you know the person on your list is in to juicing or loves smoothies, why not get them a power blender?  There are many on the market today but the one I use both juices, blends AND cooks all in the same container.  My VitaMix 5200 Power Blender is like having three machines plus a food processor all in one but I use it most to make my morning smoothies. If your health-nut happens to be a spouse, guess what?  You get to use it too!  Really it is so versatile and perfect for people on the go who want to prepare delicious whole foods in an instant.

Help Them Cut the Fat

Another kitchen item everyone would appreciate is a non-toxic, non-stick fry pan.  These are the new "green" non-stick pans that do not have any of the petroleum bi-products associated with Teflon coatings.

These can really make a difference in cutting down the amount of fat you cook with which eventually ends up on your hips.  I like Mauviel's M'stone anthracite coated non-stick cookware.

 

Mauviel M'stone "natural" non-stick cookware via GaveThat.com

Anthracite is a very hard, crystalline form of coal and when combined with anodized aluminum, conducts heat very evenly. Use it to make veggie omelets with little or no added oil or do an easy saute of vegetables and pasta for a one pan meal.  These are so easy to clean and will be a welcome addition to any health minded chef on your list.

Gear to Help Keep Them Safe

Anyone on your list like to jog or bicycle?  Just the thought of them sharing the road with motor vehicles can make you cringe but there are a lot of gifts you can choose that can help make a difference on how visible they are on the road.

Road ID Supernova LED Lights

As the days are getting shorter, the need for lights is going to be even more important.  I use these very bright Supernova LED blinkies from Road ID.  You can choose the wrist band, shoe or bicycle attachment. I've been able to thread the wrist model through the rear vents of most of my cycling helmets for extra visibility.  They work great, are very tough and water resistant.

Another great gift for safety would include having proper medical and contact information the person could wear when they head out cycling, running or walking.  Road ID has that covered too with their FIXX ID Tags and ID Bracelets that go down to sizes for children.  You can give the ones you love Road ID Gift Cards to they can personalize and order their own tags & wristbands right online.  This is the one gift that could literally save their life by including any health conditions or medications the person may be taking. There is also space for several contact numbers on the Road ID which is important to family and friends they wish to have notified first.

Supernova Light threaded in my helmet's vents.

Knowing the person's past times and interests will help you pick just the right gift but these are a few ideas that can have the most impact on the health and well being of your favorite weekend warrior.

Technical gear comes and goes but  this year why not give gifts that show both thought and concern for the person's long term wellness and safety?  Believe me, they will appreciate the thought and time you took to look out for them.

Lastly, I would include a Purificup Portable Water Filtration System. It's great for any outdoor fanatic who wants, fresh, pure water at their fingertips. Perfect for travel, backpacking, skiing, camping, cycling, etc.

So what do YOU hope to give or get this year?

 

  

Gifts for Cyclists + Polar Bottle Giveaway

Someone on your Christmas list ride a bike?  Maybe you'd like to give that someone a nudge in joining you on the road?  These gifts are tried and true treasures for anyone who spends time on a bicycle.  They will help keep them warm, safe and happy on the road with colder weather on the way.  The Polar Bottle Holiday Giveaway is now CLOSED.  Help clean the environment of disposable water bottles, one bottle at a time.

We have a WINNER!  Ben of Naperville, IL has won our LTD Edition Santa Bear Polar Bottle Holiday Giveaway.  Here's Ben with his prized Polar Bottle and thank you to all our entrants.

The season's HOT GIFT pick?  Smartwool Training Gloves, $40.00: Ideal for cold weather training. The silicone palm grippers help you grip ski poles, tie shoe laces and keep your hands safe on that snowy bike commute. Features contoured seaming for a bulk-free fit. Unisex Fit, 45% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, 16% Elastic

LTD Edition Santa Bear Polar Bottle - Thermal 24 oz

Team Rudy!  Rudy Project's Full Zip, Long Sleeved Racing Jersey

Smartwool Training Gloves

Gore Bike Wear Signature Cap - Unisex

The Pouch works on the front handlebars or seat rails.