Ultimate List of My Favorite Running Gear for All Conditions
"There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear."
–Bill Bowerman
After decades of running through scorching heat, snowstorms, mud, and challenging races like marathons and triathlons, I’ve learned that the right gear makes all the difference.
In this article, I'll share my top picks for running gear that keeps me comfortable, energized, and ready for any challenge.
My Running Gear
Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts (5” or 7”)
These are designed for high-performance with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, and are made through Patagonia’s industry-leading sustainable practices. Patagonia emphasizes eco-friendly production, using recycled materials and fewer toxins while ensuring the shorts are Fair Trade Certified sewn.
My favorite part: It has 5 pockets, one of them being a zipper one for keys.
Senso Bluetooth Headphones
In a perfect world, I would be using wired, EMF-free headphones but I just can’t do that when I run. It’s not comfortable. Instead, I use these Bluetooth ones which have an IPX-7 waterproof rating, ear hooks, up to 8 hours of battery life on a quick charge, and noise suppression technology, they offer comfort, and durability; all backed by a 1-year warranty.
My favorite part: Their durability. The cost-to-use time is off the charts.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
This GPS-running smartwatch has advanced training features, music storage (including Spotify), performance monitoring, and evaluations of your training status. It also has up to 7 days of battery life, safety tracking with incident detection, and customizable workout plans..
My favorite part: Being able to listen to music without my phone on a run. Also, it has an airplane mode which I use 99% of the time I am not running to decrease EMF radiation.
Thermowave Winter Clothing
Thermowave clothing is a game changer for winter runs, using a cozy wool blend that keeps you warm without the itch. It's lightweight, breathable, and feels amazing against your skin, so you can focus on your run instead of shivering in the cold. And it’s eco-friendly and made with 100%-Mulessing-free Merino wool and it doesn’t itch.
My favorite part: It’s incredibly soft, warm, and light. Perfect for runs.
Re-Lyte Eletrolyte Mix
It’s a clean, balanced electrolyte mix made with natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners or fillers. it topped my list of the best electrolyte sources, coming slightly ahead of LMNT and IQMix.
My favorite part: It uses ancient sea salts (Redmond’s brand) while most other brands use refined salt.
Strava
Strava is a fitness tracking app that connects athletes by recording activities like running, cycling, and swimming, while offering in-depth performance analytics. It also features social elements where users can share achievements, join challenges, and compete with others.
My favorite part: The analytics. It goes deep, compares your runs to previous runs, and monitors trends and workload.
Polar H10 HR Strap
I rely on the Polar H10 for my Zone 2 runs because it’s extremely accurate and lightweight, and it easily syncs to my phone and watch. This is also the strap I use to measure my HRV.
My favorite part: The strap is comfortable, stays put, and doesn’t miss a beat, even on long or intense runs.
ROAD iD
This engraved emergency shoe ID tag provides identification and contact information in case of an emergency. Made from durable, medical-grade stainless steel, it's customizable with personal and medical details.
My favorite part: It's lightweight, waterproof, and stays securely attached to your shoes, so you hardly notice it's there.
Rechargeable Running Lights
I used to run with a headlamp in the darker months, but it always felt unstable and slipped once the sweat started coming. This Weste Biking chest-mounted running light is a game changer—it offers a 90° adjustable beam angle that illuminates the ground perfectly without bouncing around, and it sits comfortably on my chest, right near my center of gravity. Plus, it’s rechargeable, has a long battery life and it’s brighter than most headlamps at 500 lumens.
My favorite part: It’s rechargeable, making it lighter than my old battery-powered headlamps, and the red rear light keeps me visible to cars.
Honey Stinger Gels
Honey Stinger gels provide a natural energy boost with USDA organic honey, plus electrolytes like potassium and salt for quick, clean fuel on long runs. They’re designed to keep you energized and hydrated without any unnecessary additives.
My favorite part: They give a good kick without artificial sweeteners or additives, making them a healthier choice than most other gels.
Brooks Ghost Shoes
Normally I hate recommendations for non-minimalist shoes because everyone’s foot is so unique, so bear with me and take this with a grain of salt. I was using the Brooks Ghost shoes for years but in an effort to reduce the drop in my shoe, Ive switched to Brooks Glycern (10mm drop). They’re far from minimalist but they’re durable and get me through both road and trail runs. Plus, Brooks is focused on sustainable practices and responsible sourcing of materials.
My favorite part: Their durability. I tend to use them past the 300-mile mark.
