Good Gear (2024 Edition)
Holiday gift guide meets things that I own (2024 Edition)
Every year brings new hobbies, outdoor activities, and perhaps most importantly for a sports tech geek like me, new gear. I have a real disease where I’m unable to pass by a single outdoor gear sale without seeing what’s available, even if I don’t need anything (my wife and I call it “mothing” around a store). Despite this affliction, I was taking stock earlier this year and found that a lot of the gear I use most, and that continues to serve me best, is often many years old at this point, with a long life still ahead of it.
With the holidays coming up, I thought it might be a good time to share a list of equipment and apparel that I use frequently, and would recommend to others as “good gear.” Unfortunately many items are no longer available for purchase (like an Apple Watch Series 6, lol), but I have done my best to track down and link the modern version of any item on this list. I obviously make no money from any of these links, but it could still be worth trying the code WHATIFYOUGAVETHISTOMEFORFREEJUSTTHISONETIME2024 at checkout just to see what happens.
On the gear!
Cold
Touring Skis | Black Crows Navis Freebird (2022)
These are great, all-around skis. They are not the lightest pair of touring skis, nor the best for powder, but they might be the most versatile.I’ve worn them all over the resort and backcountry without issue, and Black Crows popularity boom means you might be able to snag a used demo pair for cheap!
Resort Skis | Atomic Bent Chetler 100 (2020)
These are by far the most fun pair of skis I’ve had for resort days, and the 2020 models have an awesome Ent-like graphic on them. No complaints!
Base Layer | Smartwool Intraknit Max (2023)
I’d jump up one size in this base layer if possible (I went from M → L), but this Christmas gift is now my go-to for any long days skiing or snowshoeing. Wool is a magical material when it comes to warmth and smell prevention.
Ski Goggles | Smith 4D Mag (2021)
Being able to swap goggle lenses without feeling like you’re breaking your frame to pop out the lens itself very refreshing.
Light Shell | Patagonia Houdini (2021)
I think this might be my most-used piece of outdoor gear. Despite the fact that it now retains odors and needs to be washed after every use, it’s such a versatile outer layer that I take on almost every trip and expedition.
Hot
Trail Runners | North Face Vectiv Enduris 3 (2023)
I had a bright orange pair of these bad boys that served me well, though only for one year. They’re extremely responsive and a joy to run in, but I am hoping the outsole on my replacement pair lasts a little longer this go-around.
Road Runners | Saucony Endorphin 3 Speed Runshield (2024)
I accidentally got the weather-proof, Robert-Frost-quote-laden version of the Endorphin 3 Speed shoes, and I love them! I wear them for every type of workout at this point (though partly because I don’t own other runners).
Running Pack | Black Diamond Distance 8 (2024)
I got this bag on a mega sale due to some issues they had with PFAs being used in the construction of older models. They’ve since fixed this for future models, but I think you can get old versions 1/2-off online still.
Lightweight Pack | Mammut Lithium 15 (2022)
I’ve used this bag for touring, trail running, hiking, commuting, and shopping. It’s the perfect small backpack, but is often difficult to find in North America.
Shorts | Norrona Senja Flex 9” (2024)
Disclaimer: I don’t think these shorts are worth full price. I purchased them nearly 50% off at Broken Arrow Skyrace, and I for $109 at full retail, I wouldn’t get these unless you need top of the line shorts or have cash to burn. Would buy again on sale in a heartbeat though— they are incredible.
T-Shirt | Mons Royale Zephyr Merino Tencel (2023)
This New Zealand brand makes incredible wool shirts. Give them a try!
On Wheels
Bike Jersey | Rapha Pro Training Jersey (2021)
I recently crashed while gravel riding and destroyed a Boulder clubhouse Pro Training Jersey from Rapha. However, I’ve got one more left, and I think it’s my favorite bike jersey of all time. Recommend sizing up (I did M → L).
Road Bike | Giant Defy Advanced 1 (2018)
I’ve had this road bike for over 6 years now, and it’s probably ridden 10,000 road miles and 5,000 Zwift miles. I don’t think you’ll be able to get this exact model bike anymore, so maybe this is more of an advocacy for getting a robust (i.e. not top-of-the-line) road bike and riding it forever without fear.
Bike Trainer | Wahoo Kickr (2020)
I actually think I would purchase a different trainer today (like the Kickr CORE), but this is a great piece of sports equipment. I think the most impressive part is that we’ve used it in multiple apartments with downstairs neighbors and have received no noise/vibration complaints.
Commuter Bike | Unknown Single-speed (Unknown)
If you live in a flat enough city, I highly recommend getting a single-speed or fixie for your daily commuter! It’s easier to maintain, and a breath of fresh air from more traditional biking.
Other Things
Workout Headphones | Aftershockz Aeropex (2019)
If I had to recommend a single piece of gear from this list, this would be it. These are now known as the Open Run, and have not only made road riding with headphones possible, but the loop form factor also lets them include a battery large enough to last for hours during cold runs and rides.
10/10 would recommend
Bike Rack | Kuat Sherpa 2.0 (2023)
Having a hitch-mounted bike rack instead of a roof rack has been a revelation. This rack is sleek, easy to use, and can support road/mountain bikes without issue (I would NOT recommend putting heavy E-bikes on it).
Roof Rack | Thule WingBar Evo (Aluminum) (2021)
This is a good roof rack.
Smart Watch | Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
I don’t know that I will be purchasing another Apple Watch in the near future, but I really think it’s an underrated piece of outdoor gear, especially with some of the more recent updates. Apple is putting a huge focus on outdoor activities, and once they finally upgrade their battery life, I think they’ll have an extremely compelling offering to compete with other flagship watches.