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Take The Edge Off
Unless you're 19 and in Boot Camp, staying fit is a constant battle. With iPhones, Blackberries, and wireless internet, most of us could work 24/7. We are constantly reminding ourselves that we need time to play. But just as electronic gadgets make working easier, technical gear and performance apparel take the edge off exercise. Here are our picks for new toys guaranteed to elevate your heart rate, and also a few items to make your life a little easier and safer. - Nancy Prichard-Bouchard and Jan Nesset
Coleman Lights Out Bag
For slumber parties, camping trips, and Family Movie Night, the Coleman kid's bags are as essential to a well-rounded childhood as a blankie is to the baby and toddler stages. The new Lights Out Bag is a comfortable rectangle design (most kids HATE mummy bags) and has 2 lbs of fluffy insulation and a durable polyester liner and cover (carry weight is just shy of 4 lbs). The inside pattern is fun and bright (pine trees for boys, leaves for girls) and there's a small Velcro pocket on top for glasses or other essentials. Kid's love the glow-in-the-dark light strip that acts as a beacon after midnight potty runs. $29.99; (800) 835-3278, coleman.com - NPB
HitchSafe
At any trail head, chances are you'd find keys on the front, driver's side tire, or tucked next to the gas cap. The HitchSafe is a great alternative to messy, unpredictable hide-a-keys. The high-impact aluminum alloy box attaches to the hitch receiver on your car, RV or truck and can't be removed unless the combination-lock drawer is opened. Installation is a snap-and you pick your own combination. I keep spare house and car keys in the safe, plus some emergency cash and a credit card. It's especially nice for long runs when carrying a key is cumbersome, or on excursions when people return to the car at staggered intervals. $69.95; (800) 654-1786, hitchsafe.com - NPB
Deuter Race Air Lite Pack, "Bigger" Nuun
The minimalist cyclist who needs a capable pack will enjoy the Race Air Lite, a little pack (350 cu. in) with a 3-liter reservoir and organizational front pocket - at a weight (1 lb. 10 oz.) that does not forbid going big. On rough rides, the pack moves with you while adhering comfortably and airy to the back thanks to the Air Comfort back system. The MicroRip-Nylon pack accommodates a cross-country helmet or pads. $79; (303) 652-3102, deuterusa.com. With every new Deuter hydration pack comes a free tube of bigger Nuun ($12.95 value), a tablet that dissolves to create 32 ounces of sugar-free electrolyte drink. Two flavors, lemon lime and the new orange ginger; (206) 219-9237, nuun.com - JN
Smartshield Self Tanner
Those of us with porcelain skin don't make the transition from winter to summer gracefully. We must slather on sunscreen to avoid painful, unsightly burns, leaving our pale, pasty legs and arms reflecting like glow sticks. But SmartShield's new eco-friendly SPF 15 Self Tanner protects, hydrates and moisturizes skin (with vitamins A, C, E and Aloe Vera) while sneaking in a natural, healthy glow by drawing out the body's natural melatonin. The dye-free lotion spreads evenly and has a nice, fruity aroma. I applied it before a long day of climbing in 95-degree weather. After six hours in the sun, my skin had a nice, light tan and no burn at all. The Self Tanner is oil-free, sweat-proof and waterproof. $11.49 (4.5 oz. tube); (214) 634-3956, smartshield.com - NPB
National Geographic Topo! Explorer
TOPO! Explorer enables outdoor enthusiasts to freely browse a nationwide set of topographic maps and aerial imagery, and purchase map credits to download the exact maps they need. Users can customize and print their maps, connect with a GPS, and the site's community component allows them to share their photos, video and recommendations. TOPO! Explorer ($24.95), TOPO! Explorer Deluxe ($49.95), in stores or at shopNG.com; nationalgeographic.com - JN
Injinji Tsoks
A sock that encases each toe individually? Why? The in-the-sock answer arrives not immediately after putting on a pair of Injinji Tsoks, which takes some doing to put home each toe. Then, a "weird" feeling must be endured, something that I tried to toe wiggle away. But the wiggling goes on past the weird feel, and continues until you understand that your toes are expressing joy. No kidding, your toes feel pampered! I've worn the tsoks while running, mountain biking and casually, and look forward to wearing them again. The Tsoks allow the entire foot to function naturally and freely from the heel to the five toes, eliminating friction, and thus protecting against common foot problems. Styles for men and women, $12; injinji.com - JN
Pearl Izumi Junior Pearl Original Cycling Jersey
Lili Bouchard here. My jersey says "I Love My Bike," but I love my jersey! I'm 8 and in my first mountain bike class. I was afraid I would look funny, but everybody says I have the coolest outfit in the group. My jersey is pink with blue and yellow, but I think there's a blue one for boys who don't like pink. There's a pocket in the back for a candy bar, but don't bring chocolate on hot days. It is cool in hot weather, but I don't get cold on cloudy and windy days. Buy this shirt for your kids. $44.99; (800) 328-8488, pearlizumi.com - Lili Bouchard with NPB
Salomon XT Wings
These amazingly secure and comfortable running shoes have kept with me when I've needed to turn on the speed and be agile long after the trail has turned to steep, uneven terrain. Its Agile Chassis System (ACS) controls side-to-side movement, maximizes comfort and durability and energizes heel-to-toe transition, all of which supports long periods of time on your feet. Lightweight and very runnable, the XT Wings are a pleasure to wear, everywhere. $120; salomonsports.com - JN
Jackson Kayak Day Tripper 12
There's a reason this is called a recreational boat. You'll want to spend all your spare time paddling. The Day Tripper 12 weighs just 52 lbs., which is light for a 12-foot boat (30 inches wide). The sleek, easy-to-maneuver boat is also available in 10-foot and kid's-specific models, plus an "Elite" model with a removable seating system. Cool features include a Day Tray with two cup holders and a built-in tackle box with lid. $775; (931) 728-2628, jacksonkayak.com - NPB
ThermaCELL Patio Lantern
West Nile virus sounds exotic but it could be lurking nearby, even near your backyard deck. Shoo its carrier, the mosquito, and other biting insects with the Patio Lantern, which provides protection from biting insects or ambient lighting, or both simultaneously. A single butane cartridge heats a mat releasing allethrin, an insect repellent that is a synthetic copy of a natural insect repellent found in chrysanthemum flowers that creates a 15-foot x 15-foot bug-free zone. Each mat contains enough repellent for four hours of protection. The ThermaCELL Lantern is silent and odor free, and does not have an open flame or messy wax. $29.99; 1-8-NO-SKEETERS, thermacell.com - JN
Moving Comfort Trail Bermuda Shorts
Short shorts often reveal more than one's athletic prowess. But pedal pushers can be often hot and restrictive. The new Trail Bermuda with its 14.5-inch inseam is designed for the off-road female athlete. They are so comfortable, and look so good. The polyester/spandex shorts are sleek, lightweight, cool, and afford maximum mobility. Plus, the sophisticated design belies their trail worthiness, so you can wear them into the store without scaring the rest of the customers. The pants have three pockets, but they are so well hidden you have to really look to find them! $38; (800) 763-6000, movingcomfort.com - NPBPost a comment
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