At GearJunkie, we test, use, and come to rely on all manner of gear — for every season and all conditions. Take a peek at the products we love this month!
Favorite Gear We Tested in July
Hydro Flask 5L Down Shift Hydration Hip Pack
Tested by: M.T. Elliott, Contributing Editor
This pack stood out to one GearJunkie staffer during a couple of trail rides in Cuyuna, Minnesota, where he was unacclimated to the humidity and went through water fast. The Hydro Flask 5L Down Shift Hydration Hip Pack is insulated to keep 1.5 L of water chilled for 3 hours.
The secret sauce is the brand’s Cold Flow System: a mix of neoprene around the reservoir and reflective lining in the pack to repel heat. The bladder itself is easy to fill and rinse out after use, and the self-sealing bite valve lived up to its design. Like any waist pack, the benefits are keeping your center of gravity on the hips and not trapping sweat on your back.
Having cold water hours after he filled it cooled him down and gave him a mental boost. It’s continued to come in handy on rides around Denver, and he’s convinced himself to bring it on hikes.
Storage-wise, this pack has an organized internal pocket for biking tools and gels, a lined media pocket, and an external stretch pocket for another water bottle. Additionally, its external straps let you secure other items, like a rain shell.
He came to appreciate the storage space as an option on more leisurely rides or switching between bikes. It felt sized right to carry repair essentials and some odds and ends. Granted, a dedicated seat bag can carry essentials, but the packs still proved handy for packing snacks (that’s right, no jersey pockets) and strapping a rain shell onto it.
Tracksmith Run Cannonball Run Shirts, Shorts, and Bra
Tested by: Katie Jedlicka Sieve, Project Manager
One, two, three, cannonball! What’s better than a dip during the hot summer? Tracksmith developed a swim-friendly short and bra that performs like a swimsuit in the water and dries quickly for speed and comfort when you’re logging miles. Gone are the days of needing both a swimsuit and a sports bra.
To avoid chafing while in and out of the water, Tracksmith utilizes a swim fabric with a four-way-stretch knit shell that’s moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and cool to the touch.
The Run Cannonball Run Short has a 2.5-inch inseam and a barely-there feeling. A hidden key pocket on the front right hip has a zipper to secure any small items that might be needed while you’re out.
The Run Cannonball Run Bra offers the same compression and support as all Tracksmith bras. And, to make this bra more versatile, it’s reversible!
Best of all, this isn’t just for the ladies! The collection is offered in both men’s and women’s styles.
Kurgo Surf 'n Turf Dog Life Jacket
Tested by: Jennifer Hansen, Affiliate Marketing
If you’re anything like one of our team members and bring your furry pal on all your adventures, she’d highly recommend investing in a puppy PFD, like the Surf & Turf Dog Life Jacket from Kurgo. Even the strongest canine swimmers can benefit from the added buoyancy. And with a PFD design made especially for dogs, owners can rest assured that their pups will be safe.
The bright red color and reflective accents are helpful for spotting your pup from far away and in the dark. And they’ll help prevent collisions with boats or jet skis. The jacket also features two strategically placed “rescue handles” for quickly pulling your dog out of the water.
This past weekend she took her pup, Lumi, canoeing for the first time, and it turns out she likes to jump ship as soon as they hit the rapids. Luckily, the Surf & Turf stayed secure and kept her afloat in the current and chop. And the handle on the back of the jacket is just what was needed to quickly pull her back on board.
Between getting to swim in the river, getting an extra buoyancy boost, and getting extra pets and attention, it’s safe to say that Lumi had a blast in her Kurgo jacket. Human tested, pup approved.
Leatherman FREE P4 Multitool
Tested By: Jake Ferguson, Marketing Director
Leatherman is the originator and leader in multitools. In 2019, the brand introduced the FREE collection, which is its biggest innovation in decades. What sets the FREE tools apart from other tools is the magnetic locking system, which allows for easy one-handed use.
You can hold the multitool in your palm and push with your thumb to separate the tool to access the pliers. Similarly, the knives and other tools are all accessible from the outside of the multitool and are easy to deploy with one hand.
I’ve been using the FREE P4 for over a year and have come to love the design and features. The FREE P4 packs 21 tools into a small package. I use the knife, scissors, screwdrivers, pliers, and saw most often but do appreciate having the other tools on hand.
I packed it for a 3-week camping and fishing road trip around Alaska because of its versatile tools and dependability. If you’re looking for fewer tools, check out the FREE P2 and read our full review.
Ten Thousand Interval Shorts
Tested by: Zach Burton, Projects & Partnerships
Designed to be your go-to shorts for a myriad of workouts, these Interval Shorts are made with versatility and mobility in mind. Ten Thousand has created a line of focused fitness apparel that is made with premium materials — and everything that you need, nothing you don’t, the brand says.
One GearJunkie staffer had been using his current gym shorts for longer than he cares to admit and realized it was time to try something new. Enter Ten Thousand and its Interval Shorts. These shorts hit the sweet spot for him with fit, comfort, and steeze.
First, the bottoms are versatile and work great for everything from heavy lifting days to HIIT and shorter trail runs. The shorts have laser-cut vents down each leg for breathability and a no-bunch waist with a cling-free (and water-repelling!) shell that keeps him comfortable during humid summer workouts.
The standard color offerings from most brands—black, blue, or bright red get tiring. Ten Thousand has several unique options, without being over the top. These shorts come in a 5-, 7-, or 9-inch inseam with an optional inner liner, so you can choose based on your own style.
Hyperice Hypervolt GO
Tested by: Zach Burton, Projects & Partnerships
The Hypervolt GO from Hyperice was designed for people who are always on the move. With its small size and lightweight design (1.5 pounds), the Hypervolt GO is as packable as it is versatile. With surprising power available at three speeds and quiet operation, the Hypervolt GO provides relief at home or on the road.
After suffering an injury from overuse in spring 2021, one GearJunkie team member had to take a step back and reevaluate to help his body recover from exercise. His legs have been particularly troublesome, and the Hypervolt GO has made it easy for him to bring recovery nearly anywhere.
He loves how small the footprint is, and it is as quiet as it’s advertised. The GO offers plenty of power for what he needs, and the convenience factor takes it to the next level. When you want to ramp things up a notch, you can throw on the included bullet head.
It’s also super easy for him to throw it in his soccer bag, bring it along on a camping trip, or throw it in the truck for post-trail ride recovery. As a bonus, the Hypervolt GO is TSA-approved for carry-on, so he really has no excuse to avoid recovery.
While the GO has been a recent favorite, he has also tried the Normantec 2.0, Venom Knee, and Vyper 2.0 from Hyperice for more holistic recovery.
Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch
Tested by: Chris Potter, Community Manager
Are you looking for a fitness watch that will help you train smarter? One GearJunkie team member found that and much more in the Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch. With personalized daily workouts, heart rate and GPS monitoring, recovery and sleep-tracking features, and the ability to track 130+ sports — this feature-rich watch is a complete package.
He’s a few months into training with the Vantage M2. So far, it has helped him increase his daily activity level and provided him with valuable insights to improve his sleep and recovery.
Whether you’re an endurance athlete or someone like him who just enjoys running, mountain biking, hiking, and bodyweight training every week — this watch’s widgets will keep you moving toward your best self.
There is a lot to the Vantage M2, but, his favorite feature, by far, is its simple daily activity tracker, measured by percentage. On big days, the percent might be 300-400% of average — leaving him feeling accomplished and wanting to push himself even further. Conversely, the Nightly Recharge feature, which tracks and scores recovery, has motivated him to make rest more of a priority.
There’s no shortage of fitness watches to choose from. But if you’re searching for a durable option to enhance your active, outdoor lifestyle, the Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch truly delivers.
Protekt Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Tested by: Mary Murphy, Editor
Ah, the wonderfully complicated world of sunscreen. Welcome. In our editor’s opinion, sunscreen can be a godsend or a nightmare. She grew up on the ocean and also hiking in the hot sun from a young age. So, she knows a thing or two about the ritual slathering up before you enter any long activity under the sun.
Protekt, founded by Nick Norris and pro surfer Mark Healey, is a newer brand on the market. And the company makes sunscreen that’s tailored to be as safe as possible both for your skin, as well as for the oceans and reefs it no doubt inevitably may leech into.
Protekt’s products (we’ve tested over five) are reef-safe and eco-friendly with zero parabens or chemicals. They are certified organic, and they provide UVA and UVB protection. And we’ve found they have a really great water resistance level.
No chemicals mean no oxybenzone, octocrylene, diarylmethane, or whatever others you can think of. She especially appreciates the brand’s tinted sunscreen face stick — which is zinc-based but isn’t going to color you like a ghost. And it keeps you protected from the sun, even when in the water.
The only thing she struggles with is the lotion — it is thick, like, it takes two hands to squeeze thick. But, it’s also 20% pure zinc, with no added chemicals. And she also really loves its added oils and moisturizing feel.
So, if you are looking for an environmentally friendly, reef-safe solution for all your moments in the sun, consider Protekt. Specifically, the face sticks (hello, convenience!) and SPF 15-30 lip balm.
Our team loves the Protekt Reef-Safe Sunscreen and even chose it as one of the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Summer of the year.
YETI Crossroads Duffel Bags
Tested By: Jake Ferguson, Marketing Director
YETI is far more than a cooler company at this point. The newest line of Crossroads duffels and luggage expands on its line of bags.
Luggage takes a beating, so to me, it’s a logical move for a brand focused on durability. The duffels come in a 40L version as well as a 60L model. Both are offered in three colors and are available exclusively at YETI.
One GearJunkie team member opted to test both duffels for a camping and fishing adventure around Alaska. While he expected the duffels to be durable, he has been pleasantly surprised at the design and thoughtful features.
First, the foam walls give the duffel some structure so it’s not saggy. This makes packing easier and adds some protection for the items inside.
Some duffels have organizational pockets on the outside or on the inside — the Crossroads duffels have both. He loves the wonderfully shaped pocket(s) on the top lid of the duffel, and all of the mesh pockets inside the pack are great, too.
For more organization, there are divider panels in the main compartment. He has used them to separate shoes, from dirty clothes, from clean clothes. He has also folded them flat to have one big packing space.
Comfy grab handles, a detachable shoulder carrying strap, water-resistant fabric, and zippers, plus some compression straps that can be used inside and outside the duffel round out the design. Overall, it’s very well thought out and executed. And like all things YETI, that quality comes at a premium price.
NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
Tested by: Katie Jedlicka Sieve, Project Manager
It should come as no surprise that at-home gyms are having a moment. But, a daily fitness routine can start to feel a little boring in a one-bedroom apartment or corner of the basement. However, with the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle and its iFit platform, you can enjoy some of the most scenic and epic rides around the world from the comfort of your home.
The Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is a solid addition to any home gym. With an adaptable Flex Frame, this cycle is strong but mimics the movement you would expect in the real world.
The flywheel utilizes Silent Magnetic Resistance technology for an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride. Training sessions feel truly immersive on the 22” Rotating HD Touchscreen, which brings studio sessions and destination rides to life. And if you find yourself taking it easy, the iFit platform can automatically adjust the speed, incline, or resistance of your machine according to the workout.
No matter your fitness goals, the essential piece of every plan is consistency. The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle takes care of the leg work and offers diverse and engaging workouts, all on a quality machine.
Sea to Summit 20L Sling Dry Bag
Tested by: Mary Murphy, Editor
If you spend any time out on the water, for example, in a kayak, canoe, or on a paddleboard, you know a dry bag is a necessity. This new one from Sea to Summit marries a lightweight-but-still-protective dry bag fabric with the carrying convenience of a hands-free bag.
The Sea to Summit Sling Dry Bag has a 70-denier waterproof fabric with a 10,000mm water column rating, a Hypalon durable roll-top closure, and a fancy D-ring attachment point at the buckle. At first, our editor was intrigued (and a bit skeptical) of the sling design — and how the buckle would rest if wearing or carrying the bag over the shoulder. But it works and carries great.
The other thing she loves most about this dry bag — besides the perfect, versatile 20L size and lightweight — is the roll-top closure and buckle configuration. There’s no need to twist or unclip the sling strap after rolling the top closure: The strap is on a swivel ring, so it always orients the right way, and it rests flat against your back.
She wore this sling bag against her bare skin, against a swimsuit, and with a PFD. The strap is long enough to adjust to any scenario, and the bag was comfortable.
Our team loves the Sea to Summit 20L Sling Dry Bag and even chose it as one of the Best Dry Bags of the year.
