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Back to School
Transitional Fitness Tools
Summer's over and we're ready for school. We made the most of our vacation - leaping off docks into ice cold lakes, paddling lazy rivers, hiking the high country in our quest for the perfect peak. Some of us are trading our backpacks for book bags - and suitcases for briefcases - but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Here are some family-friendly fitness tools that will cushion the transition from summer to winter, and help make this September the best ever.
K-Swiss Run One miSOUL Tech Shoes
These kicks make the transition from summer vacation and school effortless. With two insole options, the Run One miSOUL TECH offer superb stability, cushioning and support. The modular insole system includes a cushion 1.0 miSOUL for the rigorous demands of training. The second insole is a super-light race-worthy pad, with EVA heel wrap for extra support. You can also use your own orthotics insole, in case you need greater customization. We found this shoe to be great for overpronators, and liked the stiff TPU mid-foot shank that enhances heel-to-toe ride transition. Also helping forefoot propulsion is a carbon fiber spring plate. $125; kswiss.com
ZOIC Opulent Shorts
One of the joys of living in the electronic era is listing to music while bike riding. I've ridden with my iPod in a backpack but the wires are always getting tangled. The ZOIC bike shorts let me control my music - nearly by the seat of my pants! The handy controls are built into the three zip-leg pockets. There's a MP3 cord loop for line control, too. The shorts have a removable liner that can be worn with or without the shell. Or wear the shell as stand-alone shorts. The inseam is 11.5 inches and the waistband is elasticized in the back. There are also easily adjustable Velcro tabs on the side for a customized fit. Great feature: no scratchy tags and hidden back zip pocket. $120, zoic.com
Armpocket
It's always tough bringing along a mobile phone when you're heading out for a run. This nifty new arm pack is waterproof and sweat proof and provides plenty of storage. The smaller models hold 10 cubic inches of doodads - space for an iPod, iPhone or Blackberry. And a touch-screen protective plastic cover lets you control your electronics with the quick touch of your finger. (Sport 20 shown, $29.95), armpocket.com
Deuter Ascent 80 DUFFEL
On-the-go students will love this streamlined rolling duffel that's ideal for sports gear, books or an overnight kit. The athletic Ascent 80 is built to withstand abuse - from trekking though Costa Rica to toting climbing gear on a weekend climbing trip. The free-standing bags have a telescoping handle, roomy cargo compartment and two grab handles. I like the zip-away divider in the main cargo compartment, so on a weekend trip, clean clothes stay on one side, and sweaty sport clothes go in the other. The 9-pound, 4-ounce bag has 4,900-cubic inch capacity. $299; deuterusa.com
Lole Calm Dress
I traveled for a month this summer and the Calm dress saved the day (and night) on many occasions. The Calm is the perfect toss-in-a-backpack dress for those days when your play time runs late. The Stretch French Terry - 95% cotton, 5% elastine shift - is fashionable and functional. The drawstring neck is sporty and sexy but cinches up for extra coverage. The front pockets are perfect for a map or money, and the 35-inch length is perfect for sports bars and coffee shops. $70; lolewomen.com
Arc'teryx Strato Jacket
All students (and former students) need a weather-worthy coat. For lockers, dorm rooms and playing hooky, the Strato Jacket doubles as a single layer for cool fall weather, and then under a shell for cold blustery days on the slopes. I like the jacket's relaxed fit - it slips nicely over a sweater, but isn't bulky. This is the jacket I stuff in my pack when I'm climbing in October and know I might need a little extra something for the final belay ledge. The textured Polartec Thermal Pro Cobble fleece has 64% recycled content, which also adds to that warm, fuzzy feeling. $175, arcteryx.com
Petzl E+Lite headlamp
Kids love cool gadgets - and whether you're a co-ed, middle schooler, or student of the world, the E+Lite is the perfect back-to-school gift. This walnut-sized headlamp tucks away into a book bag, backpack or brief case. In an emergency - a school bus that is delayed until after dark, a forgotten bike light, or the need to cram for a test after lights-out - the E+Lite packs a powerful glow. My daughters keep one in their school bag. They've used it on field trips to a local cave, slumber parties, and unauthorized reading of Harry Potter after bedtime. In the case of an emergency, the light has a flashing function (either red or white) and a long-range whistle. $29.95, petzl.comPost a comment
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