Wow.. hard to believe we are close to just a few weeks out from Christmas! I love this time of year so much.. hope you do too!
I know the blog has been a bit quiet for a while, much like my running and training! But, I am slowly and quietly getting back to it after a long hiatus.. and wow, my body is feeling it!
Anyway, this year I thought I would do something a little different, and put together a gift guide for this holiday season. I'm sharing some of my favorite things, but new and old, in case you were looking for some ideas on what to get that hard to shop for loved one!
Sorry.. couldn't resist! Anyway... check out these cool gifts, and if you have any questions or comments, let me know!
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| https://www.all-ett.com/ |
Ok first up is the Allett Slim Wallet. Like my shoes, I appreciate any opportunity to go more minimalist whenever possible, so how about a zero drop wallet!
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| check out the cool little pen on the right! |
I have been carrying the Mule Sport Wallet for a few months now, and I love it. Now, to be fair, in order to go from a fat wallet, to something more minimal, you do have to limit how much crap you carry in your wallet! So, in some ways, the Allett helped me get here by minimizing the options for storage, but also they've created a design that is really sleek, and comfortable.
And yeah.. I've used the little hidden pen a few times already, so it's super handy. On top of a great slim design, the Allett wallets are equipped with RFID security and come in either leather or a nylon version. Check them out at https://www.all-ett.com/ !
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| https://www.bioliteenergy.com/ |
Next up, is a fantastic little headlamp from BioLite. Check out their site for some really cool energy-related products. A friend of mine uses the solar-powered LED lighting system in his cabin, and it works great!
On my last few ventures into the dark, I've been using this BioLite Headlamp 330. I love it because it is really lightweight (2.4 oz, 69g) and really soft and comfortable to wear.
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| https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/headlamp-330?variant=12623824289891 |
Although very small and lightweight, this headlamp is really versatile and powerful. In addition to high/low (spot and flood with dimming) and strobe settings, the lamp also offers a red flood as well. At the low 100 Lumens setting, the headlamp will run 40 hours on a rechargeable charge (900mAh, 3.4wh Li-On). Perfect stocking stuffer!!
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| https://www.wind-blox.com/ |
It's that time of year when it is just a tad bit chillier out there, but I know that doesn't slow down a lot of folks, even my bike riding friends. So here is a cool stocking stuffer to keep them a little warmer, and a little safer!
Wind Blox Focus is a really cool product.. one of those things that make you say.. "why didn't I think of that?" Well, they did, and it's pretty sweet.
They fit all helmet straps easily, and not only do they provide warmth and wind protection (I hate cold wind in my ears), they are also designed to block out 80% of the wind noise, allowing riders to hear what is going on around them, which is fantastic! Check them out at https://www.wind-blox.com/ !
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| Chafe-Pro Press Release |
Wait dude... time out. I don't have a boat?! Well, yeah ok, neither do I, but the Chafe-Pro Static Rope Edge Protector (STREP) is one of those products I didn't know existed, and has a wide range of uses!
So while yes, these rope covers were designed for some heavy-duty nautical applications, they are also fantastic for protecting important ropes or straps in a variety of situations.
They can provide great protection in those critical applications such as rock climbing and rappelling. OR.. in my case, a fantastic addition to my hammock straps to provide better grip, prolong the life of the hammock straps, and to be more friendly to the poor trees that are subjected to holding me up for an afternoon siesta!
Check these out at https://chafepro.com/strep-static-rope-edge-protector/.
Now back to some of my all-time favorites. Carson Footwear is still my distance/trail running shoe of choice, and I absolutely love them.
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| Carson Footwear Stingers with the 12/12 Sole |
I've been running in these for 4 years now, and will continue to do so for as long as I can run! My favorite is the 12/12 sole, and the Stinger colors above. I generally get 700-1000 miles per pair, so this is the gift that keeps on giving! Visit https://www.carsonfootwear.com/ and use "barefootjg" for 10% off!
Can't go wrong with any shoes or sandals from Xero Shoes... I've been reviewing and running in their stuff from the very beginning... including trimming and lacing your own sandals! They have come a long way since then.. check out all of the great stuff they have (and take advantage of the current sale!) by clicking HERE.
For the best in thermo nuclear protection for my eyeballs, I love my Switch sunglasses. Perfect for trail running as they offer great wind, sun, and sharp branch protection! And you can quickly swap out various lenses for the conditions. I love the Rose Amber for snow running!
Sometimes you don't want to give things, but rather "experiences". I'm all for minimalizing stuff, and going this route. For the ultimate trail running experience in Colorado, take a look at the fantastic races offered by the Human Potential Running Series. If you've been following, you know how much I love their races.
I wrote a piece 4 years ago almost to the day 5 years ago, talking about what HPRS was doing, and what I loved about the community. That still holds true today, and even more so as they have continued to grow, but without losing what makes them real. Check that out HERE, and you can see all the great experiences they offer HERE
Again, you can click on the Reviews tab above and see the different sandals I've reviewed, including the most recent review of the 2019 models by clicking HERE.
Otherwise, to see the latest and greatest gift ideas they have going on through 12/31, check them out HERE.
Ok... if you are looking for stocking stuffers, Prevail Botanicals is the way to go! Prevail is an amazing CBD salve that works incredibly well. It's saved my legs on a number of occasions, both during a race, and as a post-run relief, or just about anytime you need some relief!
I know there seems to be a plethora of CBD based products out there, but you have to be careful and do your due diligence. Many don't have the listed concentrations of CBD (or none at all!) and have suspect ingredients. Prevail Botanicals provides a super high-quality product, with natural ingredients, and it works! Not just for runners either. My dad has been using Prevail to help my aging mom with her scoliosis and nerve damage pain in her back and neck. She gets great relief from Prevail, and as an added bonus, my dad's arthritic finger joints enjoy relief after massaging it into her back! Anyway, check Prevail out HERE, and use code "GALLUP20" for 20% off your order!!
Another company that I've been with since start... They make some of the best hydration packs and trail running accessories out there. I've been running with Orange Mud gear for more than 5 years now, ever since my first review of the Hydraquiver Single Barrel.
I still get comments on runs and races about my "jet pack" VP2 Vest... perfect for ultra-distance races or just a hike in the hills. Check Orange Mud out by clicking HERE, and use code "barefootinclined" for 10% off!
Ok.. last but certainly not least, this last recommendation is for those of you local to Colorado Springs and Lutz, Florida. As a family, we've learned that we all do much better when we avoid gluten, dairy, and other common allergens in the foods we eat. So when we first met Elizabeth at a farmers market and learned what she was doing with allergen-free baking, we were really excited! And yes.. she is the sweetest :-)
Check them out at https://sweetelizabethsorganics.com/ or on Facebook!
Ok! Hope that provided some ideas for the gift-giving season. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments, either below, via email, or on the Barefoot Inclined Facebook Page!
Thank you, and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a beautiful New Year... 2020 here we come!
Peace,
Jeff
barefootinclined@gmail.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Allett Wallet, Windblox, and Chafe-Pro for free from Deep Creek Public Relations in consideration for a gear review. Additionally, I am proud to be a Xero Shoes affiliate and may receive compensation for referring the Xero Shoes brand.
